5 Top Things To Do In Dalhousie

Dalhousie is situated at 6000-9000 feet above sea level. The best time to visit is in the summer, and the peak tourist season is from May to September. Dalhousie is best suited to people who want to de-stress in a quiet, serene atmosphere, and for honeymooners. It is an ideal place for long walks, picnics and treks. Dalhousie exudes a quaint old-world charm with its winding scrubby paths and neat fruit orchards. Here are the top 5 things to do when you are in Dalhousie.

There are plenty of options for sightseeing in Dalhousie. For some stunning views you can take a walk to Panchpulla - a scenic spot with water flowing under the five small bridges. You can also visit the small fresh water spring known as Satdhara. Water from this stream is believed to have curing powers. A short distance away is the Jhandri Ghat Palace. Set amidst tall pine forests, the palace has now been converted into a hotel. North of Gandhi Chowk, going up a steep hill path for about 5 kms is the weavers settlement where they produce fine Tibetan carpets. You can get good mountain views from the Bakrota Round.

Dalhousie with its picturesque mountains, cascading waterfalls and gorgeous landscapes makes for a memorable holiday experience. Trekking is one of the main outdoor things to do in Dalhousie. A popular trekking route is the Khajjiar - Chamba stretch. Khajjiar is 22 kms away from Dalhousie and the route follows a scenic climb to Kalatop (13 kms away). The route takes about 5 hours depending on your speed. Another popular walk is the Ganji Pahadi (bald mountain) walk.

Shopping in Dalhousie is all about buying handicrafts at the Tibetan Market which is located at Gandhi Chowk and picking up knick-knacks, electronics and toys. You can also make a beeline for the Tibetan Handicraft Centre. It has great carpets and other handicrafts. But don't forget to ask a local whether the centre is open to visitors at the time of your visit.

The skies above Dalhousie are crystal clear on most nights of the year and if you step out at night, you'll find yourself standing under a blanket of dancing silver pinpricks. Dalhousie really is all about the simpler pleasures of life.

Visit an ancient temple, go on a solitary stroll, check out the local Pahari art at the Bhuri Singh Museum, pack a hamper and picnic in the crisp cool air of Khajjiar with its quaint lake and breathtaking vistas, gaze up at the stars, visit the Kalatop Wildlife Reserve or sip on some hot tea while taking in the serenity of the hills around you.. Dalhousie is far removed from the madness of urban living. And with its old world atmosphere, enables you to really unplug from the stresses of the rat race. The weather is energizing, the people are welcoming, and the atmosphere is quiet and undisturbed. Definitely a place one can come alone to do some soul searching.