Khajjiar Tourism And Travel Guide

Located 24 km from Dalhousie, Khajjiar is a small hill station in the Chamba district of Himachal Pradesh. Situated at an altitude of 6500 ft above sea level, Khajjiar is blessed with enchanting landscapes, lush meadows, towering peaks and dense forests of deodar, pine and cedar trees. Popularly known as the ‘mini Switzerland of India,’ the hill station bears strong resemblance to the European beauty. Tourism in Khajjiar is an interesting mix of flavours which should definitely not be missed. Here is a snippet of travel guide of Khajjiar.

Owing to its altitude, Khajjiar is accessible only by road.

By Air:

The nearest airport to Khajjiar is Dalhousie, located 120 km away. From the airport, taxis are available for a trip to Khajjiar.

By Rail: 

The closest station to Khajjiar is Pathankot, located at a distance of 118 km. Pathankot is well connected to most neighbouring cities. From the station, tourists can hire taxis to reach Khajjiar.

By Road:

Private and state buses connect Khajjiar to neighbouring cities like Dalhousie, Shimla etc. It boasts of a good network of roads.

Getting by in Khajjiar:

The best way to explore the little town of Khajjiar is by foot. As a small place, walking allows you to know Khajjiar more intimately.

Summer (April to June):

Summer is the ideal time to visit Khajjiar. Climate is warm and pleasant, perfect for sightseeing and adventure activities. It is the time to soak in the real beauty of Khajjiar. Planning trip months ahead is recommended as hotels get filled very quickly due to high demand.

Monsoon (July to September):

Unlike many hill stations, Khajjiar can be visited during monsoons as rains do not pose any major threat. The rains add a lot of freshness and greenery all around and one feels rejuvenated. Tourists can indulge in activities like horse riding, boating, paragliding etc.

Winter (October to March):

Khajjiar gets extremely cold during winter, which is not a surprise, given its altitude. It experiences heavy snowfall and there is whiteness all around. Those who love snow and wish to experience snowfall can plan a trip to Khajjiar but it is not the ideal season for exploring the beauty of the town.

Trekking:

Khajjiar is a lucrative trekking destination with some brilliant mountain trails where one can trek. Trekking under the clear blue sky, taking in the fresh mountain air and enjoying the magical landscape makes trekking a memorable experience. It is advisable to take guides along to prevent any mishaps.

Jungle Safari at Kalatop Wildlife Sanctuary:

Kalatop Wildlife Sanctuary is located between Khajjiar and Dalhousie. Blessed with exotic flora and fauna and wild animals, Kalatop makes a must visit tourist destination while in Khajjiar. It makes a perfect destination for jungle safaris. You can also bide your time trekking or going for leisurely nature walks.

Strolling on the banks of Khajjiar Lake:

The Khajjiar Lake is a crystal clear lake set in the midst of lush green meadow surrounded by towering cedar trees. Strolling along the banks of the lake can help sooth frayed minds. Because of its jaw-dropping beauty, Khajjiar Lake has been the site of many Bollywood shoots.

Paying Homage at Khajji Nag Temple:

Located very close to the Khajjiar Lake is the Khajji Nag Temple. It has a mixture of Hindu and Muslim architectural styles, dating way back to the 12th Century. Housing the idols of Lord Shiva and Hidimba, the temple is one of the oldest and most revered temples of Himachal Pradesh.

After a long day’s trek up the hills, nothing can be more heart-warming than a bowl of steaming hot soup or noodles to sign off a perfect day. There aren’t too many fine-dining options but what we have are some cosy and warm cafes and street stalls that serve delicious dishes that warm the soul. Apart from these eateries there are in-house restaurants of hotels that offer multi-cuisine dishes. Prem Restaurant, Royal Treat Restaurant and Alps Restaurant are some popular places to eat in Khajjiar.

HP State Handicrafts Centre and Tibetan Handicrafts Centre are some of the best places for shopping in Khajjiar. You will come across some excellent quality woollens, carpets, jewellery, rugs, hangings, shawls and antiques. It is the best place to shop for yourself and to pick up souvenirs to take back home.