Dharamshala, McLeodganj & Dalhousie

Overview

A five-day circuit from Pathankot through Kangra and Chamba, with no long Delhi drive at either end. Dharamshala opens the tour with the Dalai Lama Temple, Nechung Monastery and St John's Church, followed by a full day above McLeodganj — Bhagsunath Temple and the Bhagsu Waterfall, the Namgyalma Stupa and the Norbulingka Institute, with the Triund trek as an option for anyone with a full day and the legs for it. The road then climbs to Dalhousie, founded by Lord Dalhousie in the second half of the 1800s, for Satdhara Falls, the Chamunda Devi Temple and Kalatop Sanctuary, and a day out to the meadows at Khajjiar and Chamera Lake, extending to Chamba for the Rang Mahal and the Bhuri Singh Museum.

Day-by-day Itinerary

1. 1

   Pathankot – Dharamshala Local

   On arrival, you will be picked up from Pathankot railway station or bus stand and driven to the hotel. Check in and take some rest, then visit the Dalai Lama Temple, Nechung Monastery, St John's Church, the local market and the Mall Road. Overnight stay at the hotel.

2. 2

   Dharamshala – McLeodganj

   After breakfast, set out on a full-day trip visiting the Bhagsunath Temple and the Bhagsu Waterfall, the Namgyalma Stupa and the Norbulingka Institute. Anyone wanting a full day's walk can instead take the trek up to Triund, a climb of about nine kilometres. Overnight stay at the hotel.

3. 3

   Dharamshala – Dalhousie (120 km · 3–4 hrs)

   After breakfast, check out from the hotel and drive to Dalhousie. On arrival, check in at the hotel, take some rest and then head out to see the town. Dalhousie was founded by Lord Dalhousie in the second half of the 1800s and named after him. It is dotted with attractions such as Satdhara Falls, the Chamunda Devi Temple and Kalatop Sanctuary. The evening is at leisure. Overnight stay at the hotel.

4. 4

   Dalhousie – Khajjiar – Chamera Lake – Dalhousie (120 km · 3–4 hrs)

   After breakfast, drive out to Khajjiar and Chamera Lake, both known for lush landscape, floral meadows and quiet. The day takes in the Khajjiar meadow and lake, and continues to Chamba for the Chaugan, which gives a magnificent view over the hill town, the Rang Mahal — one of the largest monuments in the region, built in a mix of Mughal and British architecture — and the Bhuri Singh Museum, named after Chamba's former king, which holds a collection of miniature paintings and wooden carvings. Anyone keen on adventure can also try zorbing. Return to Dalhousie, visiting Satdhara Falls, the Chamunda Devi Temple, Kalatop Sanctuary, Subhash Bawli and St John's Church. Overnight stay at the hotel.

5. 5

   Dalhousie – Pathankot Departure (90 km · 3 hrs)

   After breakfast, check out from the hotel and drive back to Pathankot bus stand with sweet memories.

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