Dalhousie Tour Packages and Travel Guide: Khajjiar and the Quiet Hills of Himachal

Our Dalhousie tour packages take you to one of the most peaceful hill stations in India. Dalhousie spreads over five hills of pine and cedar forest, with old churches, colonial walks and views of the snow peaks. Close by is Khajjiar, the green meadow known as the Mini Switzerland of India. This guide tells you what to see, when to go, how to get there and which tour suits you best.

Shamrock Journeys is a trusted Himachal tour operator. Since 2002 we have planned private Dalhousie tours for families, couples and groups, with your own car, driver and local guide.

Why Visit Dalhousie

Dalhousie was founded by the British in 1854 and named after Lord Dalhousie, then Governor-General of India. It has kept its quiet, old-world feel. That is why Dalhousie tour packages are loved by couples, families and anyone who wants rest more than crowds.

• Peace and fresh air: forest walks with views of the Dhauladhar and Pir Panjal ranges.
• Khajjiar: a wide meadow and small lake ringed by tall cedar trees.
• Colonial heritage: old stone churches, the Mall and quiet bungalows.
• Snow in winter: Dalhousie and Dainkund often see snow from December to February.

Top Places to Visit in Dalhousie

All our Dalhousie tour packages include these places.

Khajjiar

About 24 km from Dalhousie, Khajjiar is a saucer-shaped meadow with a small lake and a golden-domed temple. It was named the Mini Switzerland of India in 1992. Enjoy pony rides, short walks and paragliding in season. A Dalhousie Khajjiar tour package is the most popular trip in the area.

Dainkund Peak

The highest point near Dalhousie, with the small Pholani Devi temple and wide views of the snow peaks and the plains. The short walk to the top is easy for most visitors.

Kalatop Wildlife Sanctuary

A forest of tall cedar and pine on the road to Khajjiar, good for quiet walks and birdwatching.

St John’s Church and Gandhi Chowk

St John’s Church, with its stained glass windows, stands at Gandhi Chowk, the main square. The Mall leads from here to Subhash Chowk, past old shops and Tibetan stalls.

Panchpula and Satdhara

Panchpula is a spot of streams and small bridges below the town. Satdhara is a spring of seven streams on the way.

Subhash Baoli

A peaceful spring and viewpoint where the freedom fighter Subhas Chandra Bose is said to have stayed to rest and recover.

Chamba

About 50 km away, the old royal town of Chamba sits on the Ravi River. See the Lakshmi Narayan temples, the Bhuri Singh Museum and the famous embroidered Chamba Rumal. A Chamba day trip is easy to add to any Dalhousie tour.

Our Dalhousie Tour Packages

Every tour is private and can be changed to suit your dates and budget. These are our most popular Dalhousie tour packages:

• 4-day Dalhousie with Amritsar tour: two nights in Dalhousie with Khajjiar, and the Golden Temple in Amritsar.
• 6-day Dharamshala, Dalhousie and Amritsar tour: two nights in Dalhousie, two in Dharamshala and Amritsar.
• 7-day Himalayas to the Golden Temple tour: two nights in Dalhousie, three in Dharamshala and Amritsar.
• 8-day Himachal with Amritsar and Katra tour: Amritsar, Dharamshala, two nights in Dalhousie and Vaishno Devi at Katra.

We also plan short stays: a Dalhousie 2 nights 3 days package covers Dalhousie and Khajjiar, and a Dalhousie 3 nights 4 days package adds Dainkund and Chamba.

Dharamshala Dalhousie Tour Packages

Most guests join Dalhousie with Dharamshala, about four hours away. A Dharamshala Dalhousie tour package brings together the Tibetan culture of McLeod Ganj and the quiet forests of Dalhousie. See our Dharamshala tour packages.

Dalhousie Tour with Amritsar

Amritsar is about five hours from Dalhousie, with direct flights from Delhi, Mumbai and other cities. That makes a Dalhousie Amritsar tour easy to plan; our 4-day tour is the shortest way to see both. See the Golden Temple and the Wagah Border ceremony. Read our Amritsar guide.

Dalhousie Holiday Packages for Every Traveller

• Dalhousie honeymoon packages: quiet hotels with forest views, candlelight dinners and a romantic day at Khajjiar. See all our honeymoon tours.
• Dalhousie family tour packages: pony rides at Khajjiar, easy walks, snow play in winter and family rooms.
• Nature and photography tours: forest trails, sunrise at Dainkund and clear mountain views.
• Group tours: tempo travellers, group hotels and fixed costs for friends and offices.

Best Time to Visit Dalhousie

Dalhousie tour packages run all year, but some months are better than others.

• March to June: the best time to visit Dalhousie, with pleasant days and green meadows.
• July to September: the monsoon. The hills are green but rain can close roads.
• October and November: clear skies and the best mountain views.
• December to February: cold, with snow in Dalhousie, Dainkund and Khajjiar.

How to Reach Dalhousie

All our Dalhousie tour packages include pick-up from the airport, the railway station or your hotel.

• By air: Kangra (Gaggal) airport near Dharamshala and Amritsar airport are the nearest, about four and five hours away.
• By train: Pathankot is the nearest railway station, about 80 km away, a drive of about two and a half hours.
• By road: about 120 km from Dharamshala and 190 km from Amritsar. A Dalhousie tour package from Delhi usually includes an overnight train or Volvo bus to Pathankot, or a flight to Amritsar.

Where to Stay in Dalhousie

Stay near Gandhi Chowk or the Mall to walk to shops and churches, or choose a resort in the forest for peace and views. Khajjiar also has a few quiet stays near the meadow. Our Dalhousie tour packages offer a choice of luxury, deluxe and standard hotels.

Things to Do in Dalhousie

• Walk the Mall from Gandhi Chowk to Subhash Chowk.
• Ride a pony or try zorbing at Khajjiar.
• Watch the sunrise from Dainkund Peak.
• Look for birds in the Kalatop forest.
• Buy a Chamba Rumal, Chamba slippers or Tibetan woollens.

Frequently Asked Questions

How many days are enough for Dalhousie?

Two days are enough for Dalhousie and Khajjiar. Add a day for Dainkund and Chamba.

How far is Khajjiar from Dalhousie?

About 24 km, a drive of about an hour through the forest.

Does it snow in Dalhousie?

Yes. Snow usually falls between December and February.

Are Dalhousie tour packages good for families?

Yes. Dalhousie is safe and calm, with short drives and easy walks for children.

How much do Dalhousie tour packages cost?

The price of Dalhousie tour packages depends on the number of days, the hotels and the season. Tell us your plans and we will send a clear quotation.

Extend Your Journey

Many guests add more places to their Dalhousie tour packages:

• Dharamshala: McLeod Ganj and Tibetan culture.
• Shimla: the Queen of Hills.
• Manali: snow and adventure.
• Amritsar: the Golden Temple.

See all our Himachal tour packages or read our Himachal travel guide. We are one of the best tour operators for North India, and we also plan the best North India tours, from the Himalayas to Rajasthan and the Taj Mahal.

Plan Your India Holiday with Shamrock Journeys

Shamrock Journeys is a trusted India tour operator and holiday planner. Since 2002 we have designed private India tour packages, family tour packages, honeymoon tours and cultural tours for travellers from around the world.

Recognised and trusted: Recognised by the Ministry of Tourism, Government of India. Member of PATA, TAAI, IATO and ADTOI.

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