How To Reach Dalhousie

Founded by Lord Dalhousie in 1854, the serene town of Dalhousie is located 2000 metres above sea level in the Chamba district of Himachal Pradesh. The fresh and serene atmosphere and the lack of the hustle bustle of city life make Dalhousie your ideal de-stress weekend getaway. Already wondering how to reach Dalhousie? Read on and plan your trip soon. 

Dalhousie doesn’t have an airport. The closest airport to Dalhousie is Pathankot airport (75 kms) and Gaggal Airport (135 kms). Although there are regular flights scheduled from New Delhi and Chandigarh, many a times they get cancelled due to bad weather. In case you plan to fly to Pathankot or Gaggal, you can take a pre-paid taxi or a bus to reach Dalhousie or opt for the more scenic and reliable route by train.

The rail route is the most convenient way to reach Dalhousie. The nearest railhead, Pathankot Chakki Bank is 71 kms away from Dalhousie and is well connected to other cities with frequent trains. Many superfast and deluxe express trains run from Delhi, Jammu, Ambala, Bhatinda, Ahmedabad, Jodhpur, etc. You could take an overnight train and reach Dalhousie in the morning. Furthermore, Delhi, the second closest railhead to Dalhousie, is well connected to all parts of India. The scenic train route should make this a memorable journey. 

The highways to Dalhousie are smooth and well maintained. With picturesque scenery along the route, a road trip to Dalhousie will definitely be an experience of a lifetime. You could chose to backpack with a group of friends and take a bus, or drive down yourself to this peaceful town. With excellent roads in Punjab and Haryana except for the stretch from Karnal to Ambala, the ride should be liberating and a treat for your eyes. We suggest avoiding the traditional NH1 Route through Ludhiana. The unfinished passes in this industrial town often brings the traffic to a near halt. Government as well as private buses ply to Dalhousie daily from New Delhi and Chandigarh. Tourists can also get local buses from Pathankot to Dalhousie and nearby towns.

Once you have reached Dalhousie, you can choose to either go around the city by a two wheeler or a small hatchback. The roads here are steep, narrow and hence unsuitable for SUVs. You could even enjoy a walk down the bustling lanes near the GPO in the evening and soak in the colourful exuberance of the town.

While in Dalhousie, do not forget to visit the Kalatop Wildlife Reserve. Walk through the Khajjiar valley, popularly known as the ‘Mini Switzerland of India’, and enjoy the sunset at the Khajjiar Lake. Trek to Ganji Pahari or the Dainkund peak and soak in the beauty of the three rivers, Ravi, Chenab and Beas meandering through the valley below. Visit the Panch Pulla and enjoy the landscapes around and try the local cuisine here. Take a dip in the Satdhara falls believed to have healing properties and follow it up with a visit to the ancient St. John’s church. The best way to end the day of course is to have a belly-filling meal at Café Dalhousie.