Dalhousie two day itinerary should be able to cover most of this small but beautiful town. Dalhousie is one of the pristine hill towns of Himachal Pradesh. It is located in Chamba district at an elevation of more than 6400 feet above sea level. It treats its visitors with breathtaking views of the majestic snow-capped Pir Panjal mountain range, Sach Pass and Pangi Valley
Dalhousie is a treasure trove of ancient Hindu temples, British architecture, traditional handicrafts, art and culture. It is situated on five different hills amidst fragrant pines, rhododendrons and oak trees. It is for this reason that your Dalhousie two day itinerary should be able to help you maximize travel in this wondrous town.
Being in this beautiful region and not being able to explore it fully will be a pity. Hence, plan and stick to an itinerary that assists you in making the most out of your trip. Usually, a trip to Dalhousie is made as complementary to a Chamba trip overall. If you’re in this beautiful region for sightseeing, 2 days are enough for covering Dalhousie and two days should be kept for Chamba.
A quick look at the Dalhousie Two Day Itinerary
Known for its pleasant climate and alluring valleys, Dalhousie is one of the must-visit places in Himachal Pradesh. It’s an ideal place for travellers, explorers and adventure enthusiasts who love to go into the wild and experience an adrenaline rush. From adventurous activities to some light strolling, from locally made stuff to Tibetan handicrafts, each corner of Dalhousie has something unique to offer you.
In case you’re in Himachal from an insider’s exploration point of view, make sure to cover Chamba in detail along with places like Spiti Valley and Dharamshala- McleodGanj.
Before I dwell on the intricacies of Dalhousie as a region, here’s a brief overview of the Dalhousie two day itinerary that will highlight the essential aspects of your trip.
| Places that should be covered on Day 1
Khajjiar and Chamba Town in general |
| Places that should be covered on Day 2
Dainkund, Chamera Lake and St. Francis Church |
| Ideal starting time for exploring all the places
Start not later than 8:30 AM |
| Things that can be skipped
Since your Dalhousie two day itinerary spans roughly a 48 hour time duration, you can skip the trekking and camping in the region. |
| Time-saving tip
Start early morning |
| Money-saving tip
Live in Government-run accommodation or homestays |
| Cost for the entire 2-day trip
6000 to 8,000 INR (This cost will increase further if you fly from New Delhi to Pathankot) |
Ideal Dalhousie Two Day Itinerary for spending 48 hours optimally
The ideal Dalhousie two day itinerary should be planned in a way so as to cover the following five places within 48 hours. Here is what I would recommend.
Day 1: Explore India’s Mini Switzerland ‘Khajjiar’ and Chamba on the 1st day of Dalhousie two day visit
Day 1 should begin with a great breakfast. If you have booked a hostel, they will provide you with breakfast without any extra charges. Hostels are a great choice for solo travellers in the region. They are safe, comfortable and within budget. Go stops Dalhousie is a wonderful hostel if you are travelling solo in the region. I would definitely suggest you stay here.
Hire a cab or take a bike on rent and move towards Khajjiar. Spend quality time there. Many adventure sports activities are available in Khajiar. You can do zorbing, Horse riding, Paragliding, etc.
You can try a number of adventure sports in Khajjiar. In addition to horse riding, and zorbing, you could go paragliding around the area. It’s truly an unforgettable experience. However, make sure that the organisers you opt for are safe and trusted.
If you don’t want to indulge in any adventurous activity, feel free to simply enjoy the alluring beauty of the place. Listen to the local melodies there.
After lunch, move towards Chamba town. It takes almost an hour to reach Chamba from Dalhousie. In Chamba town, visit:
- Chamunda Devi temple
- Laxmi Narayan Temple which was built in the 10th century
- Bhuri Singh Museum.
You can relax and enjoy the ambience of the town, by simply strolling at Chamba Chowgan or move to a nearby village to explore more.
After spending a good time in Chamba Town, return to your place of stay in the evening and enjoy stargazing.
Day 2: On 2nd day of your Dalhousie Trip, Visit Dainkund, Chamera Lake and St. Francis Church
Start your second day by witnessing the astonishing sunrise view from the Dainkund Peak. Visit Pohlani Mata Temple there and enjoy the fresh and fragrant air along with the 360-degree view.
You can also camp there if you wish to take a quick nap till the afternoon. To me, a quick nap or rest at a beautiful peak is very soothing.
Return to Dalhousie and have lunch. Visit Chamera lake and spend some there. Boating is a good option at the lake. Enjoy some light snacks that are readily available.
From Chamera, visit the St. Francis church. You can stroll through the local markets as the Church is situated nearby the Subhash Chowk.
End day 2 as well as your trip by taking some rest at your place of stay. Don’t forget to reserve your return bus ticket in advance.
5 Sublime Places I covered in my Dalhousie Two Day Itinerary
The high mountain ranges amidst the terrain have given Dalhousie a sheltered position and helped in preserving its centuries-old relics and numerous inscriptions. Far away from the chaos of the city, there are numerous hidden places to explore in Dalhousie.
Some of the must-visit places in Dalhousie as suggested by an ideal Dalhousie two day itinerary are as follows.
| 1. Khajjiar |
| 2. Chamba Town |
| 3. Dainkund |
| 4. Chamera Lake |
| 5. St. Francis Church |
Find below a brief description of some of the finest places in and around Dalhousie. Your intention should be to cover all of them. Ensure a spot for them in your Dalhousie two day itinerary.
1. Khajjiar – the ‘Mini Switzerland of India’
Famously known as the ‘Mini Switzerland of India,’ Khajjiar is a popular hill station, located at a distance of about 22 kilometres from Dalhousie. It takes almost 30 minutes to 1 hour to reach here by bus or car.
Khajjiar is situated at a height of 6500 feet and bestowed with natural beauty and pleasant climate. It is covered with dense deodar forests from all sides. This treats the eyes of every visitor to a pleasant sight. It has a rare combination of three ecosystems – lake, pasture and forest.
From paragliding to horseback riding and zorbing, there are plenty of recreational activities in this scenic hill town. Not that keen on an adventure? Fret not, you can simply relax amid nature and soak in the spectacular vistas of surroundings from the lake.
2. Chamba Town – History Revisited
Chamba is the only town in north India to preserve a well-documented history from circa 500 A.D. The temples erected by Rajas (kings) of Chamba more than a thousand years ago continue to be worshipped even today. It is 54 kilometres from Dalhousie and is famous among travellers. There are several historic places to visit and explore here.
3. Chamera Lake- One of the most beautiful water bodies
Chamera lake is situated at a distance of 35 km from Dalhousie. It is mystical in nature and is one of the most beautiful artificial lakes in Himachal Pradesh. The Chamera lake is set amid picturesque valleys with lush green trees.
It is a famous travel destination due to its perfect year-round climate. Water sports like pedal boating, motor boating etc are organised by Himachal Pradesh tourism here on an annual basis.
Spend time strolling on the lakeside listening to the melodies of nature and thinking deeply about life.
4. Dainkund Peak – the highest peak in Dalhousie
Situated at an altitude of 2775 meters, Dainkund is the highest peak in Dalhousie. A picturesque mountain peak with a 360-degree view from the top gives a breathtaking scenic glimpse of the Dhauladhar and Pir Panjal mountain ranges. Also, three to five rivers of Punjab glittering in the sunshine as they disperse somewhere in plains.
The mighty Pir Panjal Mountain Ranges as seen around sunset. Watching the snow-capped mountain peaks turn golden is almost like a miracle. Do visit the Dainkund Peak for wonderful views of the mountain ranges around sunrise and sundown.
Besides this, Dainkund peak is the perfect spot to witness sunrise and sunset in a very mystical way. The play of clouds in lush green down-hills is really pleasing here. It is a place where nature is fully blessed with a lot of things. Tiny hamlets, lofty mountains, and peaceful meadows are like pure heaven. It gives you a chance to explore Dalhousie in all its purity.
Dainkund peak should certainly be a part of your Dalhousie two day itinerary. Explore it by all means.
5. St. Francis Church – Perfect architecture in the perfect setting
Built in 1894, St. Francis Church is located at the Subhash Chowk. Dalhousie’s St. Francis Church was built in accordance with a famous Church of England.
The architectural style of the church bears the old British type of architecture. The St. Francis Church in Dalhousie is a major travel attraction. The magnificent stone works and the glass designs please the art lovers and the general visitors alike.
How much does a 2 day Dalhousie Trip Cost?
Considering the two-way journey (New Delhi-Dalhousie-New Delhi), accommodation, meals and local travel by bus/cab, an estimated amount for 2 days backpacking trip should not be more than 6000 to 7000 INR.
| The overall amount spent during your Dalhousie two day trip can be even lesser if you cut down on shopping. Also, try to book a hostel or a guest house run by the Government of India. |
In case you’re unable to book the Government-run Guest House, you can opt for any of the following two budget accommodations. Make sure to book your stay in advance to avoid last-minute changes.
This is a decent place to stay for both families as well as backpackers. The hygiene of the place is quite good and so is the service. Wifi provided here is free of cost and there’s a common seating area for guests. The average price of staying here for one night begins at 750 INR.
A wonderful place to stay for travellers including families. The staff is decent and the variety of rooms offered is good. The average price of staying here for one night begins at 1100 INR.
3 Ways to Reach Dalhousie for a 2-Day Trip
Most people reach Dalhousie by bus since direct buses run between New Delhi (the Indian capital) and Chamba. However, in all, there are three ways to reach here.
| By Air
The nearest airport is at Pathankot. It lies at a distance 83 kilometres from Dalhousie. A single flight of Air India departs daily from New Delhi. |
| By Train
The nearest railway station is also at Pathankot. From New Delhi, it takes 9-10 hours to reach Pathankot. Travelling by sleeper class will cost you about 285 INR, AC -3 Tier will cost you about 765 INR, AC -2 Tier will cost you 1100 INR, and AC – 1st Class will cost you 1860 INR. The travel time from New Delhi to Pathankot is about 9 hours by train. |
| By Bus
Dalhousie is connected to all major cities with a good road network. It takes almost 2-3 hours from Pathankot to reach Dalhousie by bus. HRTC is the most preferred and trusted means of transport. Direct bus to Dalhousie is boarded from ISBT Kashmiri Gate, New Delhi. An ordinary bus of Himachal Road Transport Corporation (HRTC) will cost you 650 INR, whereas an AC Volvo will cost you 1425 INR. The average travel time is 14 hours. |
4 Essential Tips for Saving Money on your Dalhousie Two Day Trip
Plan your Dalhousie two day itinerary in such a way that it helps you stick to your budget. Overspending on travel aspects that don’t need extra spending is being plain foolish. Instead, plan methodically and keep the following tips in mind at all times.
- Stay Local Try to implement my ‘The Local’ formula- Travel Local, Eat Local, Stay Local. Believe me, this will help you save a lot of money.
- Choose a Homestay Don’t waste your money on hotels. Rather, try to book any homestay, guest house or hostel. Most of them will provide you with free breakfast and free wifi.
- Try the traditional cuisine instead of visiting fancy restaurants, try the traditional cuisine which is available at most of the local eateries. Don’t miss the Madraa of Chamba, a famous Chamba dish.
- Shopping on a budget For shopping lovers, Gandhi Chowk Shopping market is the best place for you. Here, you can find some famous and traditional stuff at flexible rates.
Dalhousie makes for a great getaway for solo travellers, families, friends, as well as couples. It’s a treasure trove of ancient Hindu temples, British architecture, traditional handicrafts, art and culture. When in Himachal Pradesh, you must visit this region.
Ensuring safety on your Dalhousie 2 day visit
Dalhousie is extremely safe for solo and women backpackers. The hospitality of the native people is unmatched. They are very helpful and respectful towards both travellers as well as nature.
Some Important contact numbers are as follows –
- Police Station Dalhousie- 01899-242126
- Ambulance- 108
Dalhousie is a great weekend site to relax and detox your body emotionally and physiologically. Plan a good Dalhousie two day itinerary soon and venture into the hills.
To lead a minimalistic lifestyle and reduce waste, try being as organic as possible. A number of streams in the Himalayas are absolutely clean and safe to drink water from. However, before doing so, ask a local about the cleanliness of the water.
Stay Responsible on your 2 days Dalhousie visit
During your trip to Dalhousie, try to indulge in local things and stay as environment-friendly as possible. Drink water from natural water streams rather than plastic water bottles, try the local cuisine to connect with the flavours of the region and speak with the native people to know more about the place.
Always remember, we don’t create nature. Nature has created us. So let it be that way. Don’t bring or spread plastic or polythene bags to the hills. Try to maintain the sanctity of the mountain regions by preserving the ecosystem.
Happy wayfaring 🙂