Dalhousie, at around 2,000 metres in Chamba district, was established by the British in 1854 as a sanatorium and named after Lord Dalhousie, then Governor-General. It spreads across five hills, Kathlog, Potreyn, Tehra, Bakrota and Balun, linked by quiet roads through deodar and pine.
It is a slower, less crowded hill station than Shimla or Manali. The things to do in Dalhousie are walks between its old squares and churches, a climb to Dainkund Peak, and trips to Khajjiar's meadow and the temple town of Chamba. Rabindranath Tagore and Subhas Chandra Bose both spent time here, and places around town remember them.
Two days covers Dalhousie and Khajjiar; a third day adds Chamba. Pathankot, about 80 km away, is the nearest railway station.
For how to get there, when to go and where to stay, see our Dalhousie travel guide.
Quick answer: best things to do in Dalhousie
- Walk between Gandhi Chowk and Subhash Chowk
- See St John's Church and St Francis Church
- Visit Subhash Baoli and Panchpula
- Climb Dainkund Peak for views of the Pir Panjal
- Walk the Kalatop Wildlife Sanctuary trail
- Spend a day at Khajjiar's meadow and lake
- Visit Chamba's Laxmi Narayan temples and Bhuri Singh Museum
- Walk Bakrota's upper circular road
Going by road? See our guide to road trips in Himachal Pradesh.
Comparing hill stations? See our guide to hill stations in Himachal Pradesh.
In Dalhousie
Walk between Gandhi Chowk and Subhash Chowk
Gandhi Chowk and Subhash Chowk are the two main squares of Dalhousie, linked by a flat mall road lined with shops, cafés and views. Tibetan stalls near Gandhi Chowk sell woollens and handicrafts. The walk takes about half an hour and is best in the evening.
- Time needed
- 1–2 hours
- Best time
- Evening
- Good for
- Everyone
See the old churches
St John's Church near Gandhi Chowk, built in 1863, is the oldest church in Dalhousie, with stained glass and a quiet interior. St Francis Church at Subhash Chowk dates from 1894. Both are good examples of the town's colonial architecture.
- Time needed
- 45 minutes
Visit Subhash Baoli and Panchpula
Subhash Baoli is a spring in a forested spot where Subhas Chandra Bose is said to have spent time in 1937 while recovering his health. Panchpula, about 3 km away, is a spot where streams meet under small bridges, with a memorial to freedom fighter Sardar Ajit Singh, uncle of Bhagat Singh.
- Time needed
- 2 hours
- Good for
- Families, history lovers
Walk Bakrota's upper road
The Upper Bakrota circular road is one of the quietest walks in town, shaded by deodars with views over the valleys. It is ideal for an early morning walk.
- Best time
- Early morning
- Good for
- Walkers, couples
Peaks and forests
Climb Dainkund Peak
Dainkund Peak, at about 2,750 metres and roughly 10 km from Dalhousie, is the highest point around town. A short walk from the road leads to the Pohlani Mata temple on the summit, with wide views of the Pir Panjal and Dhauladhar ranges and the Chenab and Ravi valleys. The wind through the trees here is sometimes called the singing hill.
- Time needed
- 2–3 hours
- Best time
- Clear mornings
- Good for
- Everyone
Walk the Kalatop trail
The Kalatop Khajjiar Wildlife Sanctuary protects dense deodar and blue pine forest between Dalhousie and Khajjiar. A walk of a few kilometres from Lakkar Mandi to the forest rest house at Kalatop is peaceful and good for birdwatching; you may also see langurs. Vehicle entry into the sanctuary is controlled.
- Time needed
- Half a day
- Good for
- Walkers, birdwatchers
Spend a day in Khajjiar
Khajjiar, about 24 km from Dalhousie, is a saucer-shaped meadow ringed by deodars with a small lake and the Khajji Nag Temple. It is often called the mini Switzerland of India, a label linked to a Swiss envoy's visit in 1992. Horse rides, zorbing and paragliding are offered around the meadow.
Weekends bring crowds and many touts; weekdays and early mornings are more peaceful.
- Time needed
- Half a day to full day
- Good for
- Families, couples
See snow in winter
Dalhousie and especially Dainkund and Khajjiar often get snow between December and February. Roads can become slippery or blocked, so check conditions and carry chains if you are driving.
- Best time
- December to February
Day trip to Chamba
Visit the Laxmi Narayan temples
Chamba, about 50 km from Dalhousie on the Ravi, was the capital of one of the oldest princely states in the Himalaya. Its Laxmi Narayan temple complex, with shikhara temples dating back over a thousand years, is the town's most important site.
- Time needed
- 1 hour
See the Bhuri Singh Museum and the Chaugan
The Bhuri Singh Museum has a fine collection of Pahari miniature paintings, carved fountain stones and Chamba rumals, embroidered handkerchiefs that are a local art form. The Chaugan, a large open ground at the centre of town, hosts the Minjar fair in summer.
- Time needed
- 1.5 hours
- Good for
- Art and history lovers
Stop at Chamera Lake
Chamera Lake, the reservoir of a hydroelectric dam on the Ravi, lies between Dalhousie and Chamba and has boating facilities. It is a pleasant stop on the drive.
Things to do in Dalhousie by type of traveller
Families: Khajjiar's meadow, Panchpula, the squares and a snow day in winter keep children happy.
Couples: Early walks on Bakrota, sunset at Dainkund and a quiet weekday at Khajjiar.
Culture lovers: A day in Chamba for the temples, museum and rumal embroidery.
What to do in Dalhousie with one day
Start with a walk from Gandhi Chowk to Subhash Chowk, visiting St John's Church. Drive to Dainkund Peak in the late morning, then continue through Kalatop to Khajjiar for the afternoon. Return to Dalhousie for an evening on the mall.
Practical tips for Dalhousie
- Pathankot, about 80 km away, is the nearest railway station; Pathankot and Gaggal have the nearest airports.
- Dalhousie is hilly but its main roads are fairly level; wear comfortable walking shoes.
- Agree on prices for horse rides and activities in Khajjiar before starting.
- Carry warm clothes; winter nights are cold and snow is common.
Plan the rest of your Dalhousie trip
Dalhousie things to do: FAQs
What are the best things to do in Dalhousie?
Walk between Gandhi Chowk and Subhash Chowk, see St John's Church, visit Subhash Baoli and Panchpula, climb Dainkund Peak, walk in Kalatop, spend a day at Khajjiar and visit Chamba.
How far is Khajjiar from Dalhousie?
About 24 km, roughly an hour by road through the Kalatop forest.
How many days are enough for Dalhousie?
Two days covers Dalhousie and Khajjiar; add a third for Chamba.
Does it snow in Dalhousie?
Yes, usually between December and February. Dainkund and Khajjiar often get more snow than the town.
Things to do near Dalhousie
- Khajjiar: the meadow and lake, 24 km away
- Things to do in Dharamshala: McLeod Ganj and Triund, about four hours away
- Things to do in Amritsar: the Golden Temple, about four to five hours away
More things to do in Himachal Pradesh
Published by the Kudozz Club editorial team · Last updated · How we research our guides
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