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A bowl of nature’s finest ingredients, whisked together with great care. With a dash of history, hint of spirituality and a sprinkling of culture on top... Carve yourself a slice of Dalhousie’s delicious pie. Every bite will introduce you to a new experience. It is the perfect amount… read more
Nestled in the Chamba district of Himachal Pradesh, Dalhousie is one of the most famous spots to visit on India’s hill-station circuit. Set at altitude of 1970 metres, this picturesque town sprawls across the five hills of Terah, Bakrota, Bangor, Potreyn and Kathalagh, surrounded by dense pine forests and overlooking a stunning view of the snow-capped Pir Panjal Mountains. The quaint old town has retained its Colonial heritage in architecture, monuments, bungalows and general atmosphere. This is wonderfully juxtaposed by the modern development of the town, the indigenous history of the region and its pristine preserved natural eco-systems.
If that wasn’t enough to awaken the travel bug in you, Dalhousie is also a year-round destination making it so much easier to plan a trip that suits your convenience. Of course, being a Himalayan hill-station, familiarising yourself with the weather conditions is necessary for you to determine the best time to visit Dalhousie.
Read on, for a seasonal breakdown with all the information you need.
Peak Season — Spend days exploring or adventuring and nights under starry skies. Yes, the best season to visit Dalhousie is between March and June, when the hill-station is bathed by the warmth of the summer sun.
Shoulder Season — July to September
Low Season — October to February
|
Travel Season |
Min / Max Temperatures |
Season |
|
March - June |
18-29°C |
Cool, ideal |
|
July - September |
11–23°C |
Light to moderate rainfall |
|
October - February |
4-14°C |
Cold |
Temperature - The snow begins to melt with temperatures on the rise. Still, it never exceeds 30 degrees or drops much below 18, making it a great time to visit.
Weather - Summers get hotter as the season progresses. Mornings and nights can get quite cool and windy, but the daytime is just right for being out and about. By May, early signs of the monsoon appear, bringing about one-off showers and a floral splendour to the region.
Significance - This is the ideal season to get away from scorching city summers and indulge in an adventure filled holiday in the mountain tops. This is when tourism peaks, with seasonal activities like rafting, trekking, paragliding, nature walks, sightseeing and more, in full flow.
Why you should visit - Pick a summer tour to explore Dalhousie and its surrounding regions with complete accessibility and comfort. Some of the top things to do include visiting the beautiful Panchpula stream, having a picnic at the Subhash Baoli spring or taking the intrepid Sach Pass trail. The clear summer skies act as the perfect canvas for those who enjoy photography.
Things to know before the visit - Expect hotels and attractions to be packed with tourists as this is the most popular time to visit Dalhousie. Avoid any on ground hassles by making advanced bookings.
Tips — By April, the snow starts to melt, and warm days truly begin. Carry a cap and sunscreen for sun protection. A sturdy pair of walking shoes and simple jacket should be enough for daily wear.
Temperature - Temperatures during the rainy season usually sit between 18 to 23 degrees during the day and 13 to 19 degrees at night, thus Dalhousie remains a popular monsoon getaway.
Weather - Dalhousie experiences a milder monsoon than many other parts of the country, with a low fre-quency of heavy showers. The air remains cool no matter day or night, while strong winds can appear from time to time.
Significance - Not many places can compete with Dalhousie as a highly rated monsoon destination. The rains wash away any residual summer heat and breathe new life into the abundant natural surrounds. Additionally, the harvest celebration called Minjar Fair is held in July-August and the Manimahesh Yatra takes place in August-September.
Why you should visit - Monsoons in Dalhousie offer the perfect setting for a romantic, adventurous or cultural experience. The wettest months provide some activities like visiting Khajjiar, the picturesque town popularly called the “Switzerland of India” or witnessing the captivating Satdhara Falls in gushing glory, alongside daily recreation like boating, horse riding and hiking.
Things to know before the visit - Dalhousie isn’t prone to floods or landslides, unlike other mountainous regions, so you don’t have to worry much about the climatic conditions and safety. Most parts of the region remain accessible.
Tips — A rain proof jacket and good pair of shoes would be enough to see you through a monsoon trip of Dalhousie. It is naturally a season that brings out insects, so do carry mosquito and bug repellent.
Temperature - Given its location, Dalhousie naturally has cold winters, with temperatures plummeting to zero on some nights. Days are usually between 11 to 13 degrees, comfortable enough to be in the out-doors.
Weather - The winter sun balances out the cold weather during the day, but its protection goes away as the night progresses. Snowfall is a common occurrence, further adding to the charm of the destination.
Significance - Between October to February, Dalhousie becomes a sight to behold, surrounded by snow-capped mountains, warmly lit town streets and gorgeous panoramas all around. It is also the shoulder season for tourism which means you can enjoy the many attractions at their least crowded.
Why you should visit - There are plenty of special winter activities such as watching a sunset at Khajjiar Lake, sightseeing and shopping, wilderness walks like Garam Sadak, hikes, treks and other explorations into nature and most importantly — the chance to play in snow!
Things to know before the visit - Weather is the most challenging factor during this season, so be prepared and pack for the cold. Snowfall is common in and around Dalhousie, once peak cold sets in.
Tips - Make a list of items to carry so that you don’t forget any essentials. For the winters, be sure to take enough woollens and protective gloves, caps and other gear. Snow or trekking boots are ideal. If you wish to see snowfall, try and get there December onwards.
Begin your journey to Dalhousie with Thomas Cook Dalhousie Holiday packages. Pick from a host of tours and deals for your preferred time of the year, so that you get to experience the best the season has to offer.
Khajjiar is a picturesque hill station situated 22 kms from Dalhousie and 24 kms from Chamba. Perched at an altitude of 6,500 feet above sea level, this enchanting glade is a rare amalgamation of three eco-systems: lake, pasture and forest.
Owing to this topographical resemblance to Switzerland, it has officially been bestowed with the status of ‘Mini Switzerland’ by the Vice Counselor and Head of Chancery of Switzerland in India, Mr. Willy T. Blazer, on 7th July 1992. He also put up a sign board which displays the distance between Khajjiar and Swiss Capital-Bern and took a stone from Khajjiar to be mounted in the stone collage around the Swiss Parliament to constantly remind people of Khajjiar as the 'Mini Switzerland'.
Khajjiar is a vast saucer shaped green meadow on a flat plateau foothill of the Dauladhar mountains with a serene lake in the middle and embraced by the lush pine and deodhar trees with a view of the snow-capped kailash mountains from a distance. With a tranquil vibe and stunning landscape, it is a perfect tourist spot for nature enthusiasts and adventure seekers.
Khajjiar lake is a serene tranquil natural splendor at an elevated height of 1,920 meters surrounded by emerald green luxuriant hills and cedar trees with the towering mountain ranges visible in the background on a sunny day. The clear transparent water glimmers under the brilliant radiance emanating from the sun.
A naturally blessed beautiful meadow, it offers a lot of recreational activities for tourists. Indulge in the innumerable activities offered here such as paragliding, zorbing, horse-riding etc. Pose for pictures in the local attire including traditional jewellery and holding a basket with furry rabbits in it. The locals provide the opportunity for such picture perfect moments for a fee. Make sure to bargain! Khajjiar has a spectacular 9-hole golf course snuggled between the lush greenery and mesmerizing landscape.
https://www.google.co.in/maps/place/Khajjiar,+Himachal+Pradesh+176314/@32.5503598,76.0455439,14z/data=!3m1!4b1!4m5!3m4!1s0x391c966a723433b5:0xb281d8e676ebd3dc!8m2!3d32.555795!4d76.0655834
Apart from the meadow, there are various places that can be explored in Khajjiar:
1.Kalatop Wildlife Sanctuary – Positioned between Dalhousie and Khajjiar, Kalatop Wildlife Sanctuary is spread over 30 sq km at an altitiude of 2,500 meters above sea level. A favourite tourist spot for hiking and nature walks, it offers a stunning and pristine views of the rich and dense grassland which is home to a diverse range of flora and fauna, freshwater streams flowing into river Ravi and snow crested mountains of Pir Panjal. The wildlife sanctuary comprises of coniferous, rhododendron, cedar, pine and oak trees and one can spot barking goral, Himalayan black bear, wild cats, serows, langur, jackal, pheasants, deers, squirrels and leopards. The clear trails, riveting views of the hill and less explored trek, it is an ideal spot for trekking and nature walks with the highest point being the 4 km walk from from Lakkarmandi to Kalatop.
2.Trekking – The best way to explore Khajjiar is through trekking as it serves as the commencing point for treks to Chamba, Dalhousie and Kalatop Hill. The 14km route takes you through a slightly challenging path but the scenic beauty of lush landscapes of dense cedar forest interspersed with rivulets makes the trek worthwhile. Other mesmerizing trek route is a 4km hike from Lakkarmandi to Kalatop. A 4 km trek 6 km from Khajjiar to Dainkund is an excellent well-defined trek and perfectly suitable for beginners and children.
3.Golden Devi Temple – Also known as the Khajji Naga temple, the name derives from the golden dome and spire on top of the temple. Built in the 12th century on the banks of Khajjiar lake, it is a shrine dedicated to the Lord of serpents and has several snake idols in the temple. It is a perfect amalgam of Hindu and Mughal architecture with a reflection of pahadi style and intricate carvings on the wooden pillars depicting the defeat of Kauravas by Pandavas in the Mahabharat epic. It houses the idols of Lord Shiva, Hidimba and images of Pandavas made out of wood.
Also, not to be missed are the Dainkund peak, Khajjiar villages, Panchpula, a grand and majestic 85 feet statue of Lord Shiva and shopping at the Tibetan handicrafts center.
The best time to visit Khajjiar is March to June and September – October when the weather is pleasant. It is ideal for trekking and visiting the kalatop wildlife sanctuary as its at its plushest phase. During monsoon it is not advisable to go trekking as it receives heavy rainfall and in winters the temperatures drop considerably and can be shut during heavy snowfall.
A family holiday for a scenic and glorious sightseeing, trekking and sport activities.
Air: The nearest airport is Kangra Airport, Gaggal. From there it is at a distance of 134 km from Khajjiar and can be reached by a cab.
Train: The nearest station is Pathankhot station. From there the distance is 142km and a cab can be hired to Khajjiar.
Road: Several private and state buses run from Dalhousie and Chamba to Khajjiar. A cab can also be hired.
Khajjiar is a picturesque hill station situated 22 kms from Dalhousie and 24 kms from Chamba. Perched at an altitude of 6,500 feet above sea level, this enchanting glade is a rare amalgamation of three eco-systems: lake, pasture and forest.
Owing to this topographical resemblance to Switzerland, it has officially been bestowed with the status of ‘Mini Switzerland’ by the Vice Counselor and Head of Chancery of Switzerland in India, Mr. Willy T. Blazer, on 7th July 1992. He also put up a sign board which displays the distance between Khajjiar and Swiss Capital-Bern and took a stone from Khajjiar to be mounted in the stone collage around the Swiss Parliament to constantly remind people of Khajjiar as the 'Mini Switzerland'.
Khajjiar is a vast saucer shaped green meadow on a flat plateau foothill of the Dauladhar mountains with a serene lake in the middle and embraced by the lush pine and deodhar trees with a view of the snow-capped kailash mountains from a distance. With a tranquil vibe and stunning landscape, it is a perfect tourist spot for nature enthusiasts and adventure seekers.
Khajjiar lake is a serene tranquil natural splendor at an elevated height of 1,920 meters surrounded by emerald green luxuriant hills and cedar trees with the towering mountain ranges visible in the background on a sunny day. The clear transparent water glimmers under the brilliant radiance emanating from the sun.
A naturally blessed beautiful meadow, it offers a lot of recreational activities for tourists. Indulge in the innumerable activities offered here such as paragliding, zorbing, horse-riding etc. Pose for pictures in the local attire including traditional jewellery and holding a basket with furry rabbits in it. The locals provide the opportunity for such picture perfect moments for a fee. Make sure to bargain! Khajjiar has a spectacular 9-hole golf course snuggled between the lush greenery and mesmerizing landscape.
https://www.google.co.in/maps/place/Khajjiar,+Himachal+Pradesh+176314/@32.5503598,76.0455439,14z/data=!3m1!4b1!4m5!3m4!1s0x391c966a723433b5:0xb281d8e676ebd3dc!8m2!3d32.555795!4d76.0655834
Apart from the meadow, there are various places that can be explored in Khajjiar:
1.Kalatop Wildlife Sanctuary – Positioned between Dalhousie and Khajjiar, Kalatop Wildlife Sanctuary is spread over 30 sq km at an altitiude of 2,500 meters above sea level. A favourite tourist spot for hiking and nature walks, it offers a stunning and pristine views of the rich and dense grassland which is home to a diverse range of flora and fauna, freshwater streams flowing into river Ravi and snow crested mountains of Pir Panjal. The wildlife sanctuary comprises of coniferous, rhododendron, cedar, pine and oak trees and one can spot barking goral, Himalayan black bear, wild cats, serows, langur, jackal, pheasants, deers, squirrels and leopards. The clear trails, riveting views of the hill and less explored trek, it is an ideal spot for trekking and nature walks with the highest point being the 4 km walk from from Lakkarmandi to Kalatop.
2.Trekking – The best way to explore Khajjiar is through trekking as it serves as the commencing point for treks to Chamba, Dalhousie and Kalatop Hill. The 14km route takes you through a slightly challenging path but the scenic beauty of lush landscapes of dense cedar forest interspersed with rivulets makes the trek worthwhile. Other mesmerizing trek route is a 4km hike from Lakkarmandi to Kalatop. A 4 km trek 6 km from Khajjiar to Dainkund is an excellent well-defined trek and perfectly suitable for beginners and children.
3.Golden Devi Temple – Also known as the Khajji Naga temple, the name derives from the golden dome and spire on top of the temple. Built in the 12th century on the banks of Khajjiar lake, it is a shrine dedicated to the Lord of serpents and has several snake idols in the temple. It is a perfect amalgam of Hindu and Mughal architecture with a reflection of pahadi style and intricate carvings on the wooden pillars depicting the defeat of Kauravas by Pandavas in the Mahabharat epic. It houses the idols of Lord Shiva, Hidimba and images of Pandavas made out of wood.
Also, not to be missed are the Dainkund peak, Khajjiar villages, Panchpula, a grand and majestic 85 feet statue of Lord Shiva and shopping at the Tibetan handicrafts center.
The best time to visit Khajjiar is March to June and September – October when the weather is pleasant. It is ideal for trekking and visiting the kalatop wildlife sanctuary as its at its plushest phase. During monsoon it is not advisable to go trekking as it receives heavy rainfall and in winters the temperatures drop considerably and can be shut during heavy snowfall.
A family holiday for a scenic and glorious sightseeing, trekking and sport activities.
Air: The nearest airport is Kangra Airport, Gaggal. From there it is at a distance of 134 km from Khajjiar and can be reached by a cab.
Train: The nearest station is Pathankhot station. From there the distance is 142km and a cab can be hired to Khajjiar.
Road: Several private and state buses run from Dalhousie and Chamba to Khajjiar. A cab can also be hired.
Being up in the mountains, Dalhousie doesn’t have its own airport, but one can fly to nearby airports such as Pathankot Airport and Gaggal Airport. Pathankot Airport is located 75 km away in the neighbouring state of Punjab and services a single flight from New Delhi only. Most tourists making their way to Dalhousie prefer flying into Gaggal Airport which is 140 km away. Despite the distance, it is the more connected airport with more frequent flights coming in from New Delhi. For those arriving from other big cities like Mumbai, Chennai, Hyderabad, Kolkata and Kochi would have one-stop flights that halt in New Delhi.
Other air routes one could pick are flying into Jammu Airport, which has flights from Delhi, Lucknow, Bathinda, Dehradun, Mumbai and Gwalior amongst others. However, the distance to Dalhousie then increases to 180 km. Or one could fly into Amritsar Airport from where it’s a five-hour drive to Dalhousie. The carriers that service these airports include Air India, Alliance Air, GoAir, IndiGo, Spice Jet and Vistara.
You’ll find adequate ground transport options once you land at any of these airports, with taxi and bus stands located right outside the terminals.
Travelling to Dalhousie by road can be a tremendous experience, with stunning views for company, enjoyed at your own pace and in your own private space. Tourists usually make this road-trip from New Delhi, covering 565 km over 11 hours via the NH1. Having said that, there are roads coming in from other places like Amritsar and Shimla. Across Haryana and Punjab, the roads are considered to be in great shape so there’s nothing to worry about there. However, for the final stretch that is Pathankot onwards, expect a more arduous uphill drive in tricky terrain.
Hired private vehicles - with or without drivers - as well as taxis can be taken for the road journey to Dalhousie from most major North Indian cities like Delhi, Chandigarh and Amritsar. The other option is to take a bus service at your preferred budget. State bus services such as Himachal Road Transport Corporation (HPTC) and Haryana Road Transport Corporation (HRTC) are popular affordable choices. While many private operators offer luxury seater and sleeper coaches, suitable for longer journeys.
If you’re looking for a more affordable yet scenic approach to Dalhousie, rely on the timeless services of the Indian Railways. The nearest station is called Pathankot Railway Station which is directly connected to most major parts of the country including Delhi, Jammu, Ahmedabad and Jodhpur, with express, mail and super-fast trains. After that, it’s an approximately 3-hour drive to Dalhousie that you can take via hired cars, taxis or bus services located right outside the station. Booking yourself an overnight train ride ensures you reach the station early next morning.
The only other railway station you can arrive at nearby is in Delhi, from where you’ll have to make car, taxi or bus arrangements.
Also check out the best time to visit Dalhousie and plan your journey accordingly.
