Date: March 26-29, 2015
Venue: Dalhousie and Khajjiar, Himachal Pradesh
Dalhousie
Recently, we drove to Dalhousie from Delhi, breaking the journey at Chandigarh. It took us about 13 hours each way. On the way up, we followed the route recommended by Google maps. This route bypassed all the cities (Pathankot – Ludhiana – Ambala etc.) but involved about 6 hours of hill driving on patchy roads in Himachal. The sight of the snow capped Dhauladhar ranges kept our spirits up. Nonetheless, the journey was exhausting. Hence, on the way back, we stuck to the conventional route via Pathankot. The return took us about the same time (13 hours) but involved only 4 hours of hill driving on way better roads.
We took a stopover in Chandigarh on our way to Dalhousie.
Instead of the typical NH1 route we took another route suggested by Google maps. Though the road wasn’t great, the route had state highways with lush green fields on sides.
We had online prior bookings with the Himachal Pradesh Tourism Department (“HPTDC”) accommodation at Hotel Manimahesh in Dalhousie. However, since this was off peak season, accommodation was also available on the spot. The rooms here are spacious and the staff very hospitable. The chef served tasty food, customised to our requirements, at very reasonable charges.
The ManiMahesh by HPTDC at Dalhousie
Dalhousie is a place for those who are looking for freshness, peace and a break away from the noise, pollution and hum drum of the city. This is not recommended for people who look for discos, malls and multiplexes. In fact, with a few British era churches thrown in, Dalhousie exudes an old-world charm and it seems that the town is yet to catch up with modern times.
St. Francis Church at Subhash Chowk, Dalhousie
There are not too many sight seeing activities and we spent our time walking up to the local markets at Gandhi Chowk and Subhash Chowk, clicking the churches and pottering in the Tibetan Market.
We spotted this board on our walk from Subhash Chowk to Gandhi Chowk. Exactly our sentiments.
We also drove down to Panchpula and trekked up for about 1.5 km to visit a Kali temple. There is a stunning waterfall on this route. Although this is an interesting activity, given the narrow pathway on the hill, it may not be fun for the faint hearted.
The stunning waterfall en route to Kali Temple at Panchpulla we trekked up to. The trekking was breathtaking in every sense of the word.
Khajjiar
From Dalhouise we drove to Khajjiar which is about 25 kms higher. On route, we were pleasantly surprised to come across snow at various spots on the Dhauladhar range. This was perhaps the last trace of winter on these mountains and we found tourists making the most of it by posing with snowballs for their coolest FB pic!
On the way to Khajjiar from Dalhousie we spotted snow at various places
Once in Khajjiar, we were taken aback by this stunning valley, surrounded by pine forests, with a saucer shaped lake in the middle.
Khajjiar is breathtakingly beautiful, and with the random cattle and sheep grazing on the meadow, it is an illustration straight out of an Enid Blyton book. No wonder, it is called ‘Mini Switzerland’.
Here too we had a booking at the HPTDC accommodation Hotel Devdar. This was a log cabin and like most other HPTDC properties, the rooms were excellent and the window opened to the pine forests and the Dhauladhar range.
Hotel Devdar by HPTDC at Khajjiar. Located right in front of the meadow, Hotel Devdar has the best possible location in Khajjiar
Their intercom system has broken down for some months and for room service we had to call on the designated staff’s mobile number. We actually found this cute and in line with the quaint charm that Khajjiar, as a British era hill station, exudes. However, IT has found its way up here as well and the dining room of the hotel had a free WIFI connection for the guests. A couple of other hotels have also, but these did not look enticing.
Hotel Devdar by HPTDC. A log cabin with window opening right to the meadow and mountains. Right for a perfect relaxing vacation.
By way of activities, we walked around the lake and the thick pine forests, had tea at one of the stalls in the meadow and visited the Khajji Nag temple. This is a 12th century temple dedicated to the Khajji Naag. In fact, Khajjiar is eponymous to this deity. Local drums and trumpets are played during the morning and evening aarati here and the melodious notes can be heard from far.
Khajji Nag Temple, Khajjiar
It rained on one of the days that we spent in Khajjiar and the mist covered meadow seemed surreal.
There are various hill stations in Himachal and we have visited many of them. However, the picturesque and still not touristy Khajjiar was a completely new experience. If there is a heaven on earth, it would probably look like this.
Hi,
Khajjar is really most beautiful place for travelers.I love the way you explained everything and this inspired me to visit this place with freinds.
Regards
How is it to travel Dalhousie nd khajjar in may end or will Jaipur be better at that time? Also is three days nd 2 nyts enough? Can you suggest a daily break up for the trip
Hi Sweety. Dalhopusie and Khajjiar are better options in these months as compared to Jaipur. Yes 3 days and 2 nights are enough. Try to spend more time in Khajjiar than Dalhousie. Khajjiar is way more beautiful than Dalhousie. You can spend one day in Dalhousie doing the church, tibetan market etc. Don’t forget to have gol gappas at the main market. They are awesome in Dalhousie. Then next 2 Days you can spend in Khajjiar enjoying the vast meadows, visit the Khajji Nag temple and generally soaking the nature. There ‘s a sanctuary too that we did not do because of rain. You may try that on your way back on third day.
Hi,
Any driving tips? I have not driven too much in the hills. Would be great if you suggest.
Hi
Driving to Dalhousie and Khajjiar is just like driving to any other hill station. It’s neither exceptionally steep nor exceptionally difficult. If you are confident driving on hills there is no extra tips required. When we went, there was snow on sides of the road between Dalhousie and Khajjiar.
Dalhousie is on my travel list. After reading your experience, I am thinking about the same road trip to Dalhousie and Khajjiar. Thanks for sharing. Total how many days you guys traveled to reach there and back?
Thanks for liking our blog. We completed this whole trip in 3-4 days.
Nice blog. Khajjiar is the beautiful place. I never go there yet I am planning a trip for Khajjiar with friends and this information is going to be very useful to me. Thanks for sharing.
Your journey sounds amazing! If I ever make it out there, I’ll be sure to keep these places in mind
I’m big fan of road trip! I see that you had fun guys!
Interesting post! Will definitely plan a visit there and probably contact you for info.
Meaning to go to Dalhousie and Khajjar for a while now. Can you give me an idea about trip cost for about 2 people for 5 days or so? Ex delhi?
It is tough for us to say but if you stay at HPTDC properties, including everything it should cost you around 20-22 K or so.
Hello Delhi Fundos! Thank you for your experience. I love hiking though I was doing this only in Europe 🙂 (Polish mountains, Czech Switzerland, Slovak caves or Balıkesir and Cappadocia in Turkey) If I ever go to India, I’ll keep your advice in mind 😉
Btw. 13 hours one way by car??? Wow, that must have been tiring 🙂
You are right. It was extremely tiring. Not going to attempt this feat ever again.