Dharamshala Dalhousie

Route: Chandigarh – Dharamshala – Local Sightseeing – Naddi View point McLeodganj

Arrive in Dharamshala via a scenic mountain drive through Kangra Valley. Spend a gentle afternoon exploring HPCA International stadium, the Dharamshala War memorial surrounded by deodar forests, stroll through Kotwali Bazaar soaking in the Tibetan handicraft culture, and capture the sunset from Naddi Viewpoint – a quiet spot with panoramic mountain views. Later, head to McLeodganj for an overnight stay.

Accommodation: Boutique Mountain Retreat or Luxury Hotel.

Experiences:-

• Visit the Stadium surrounded by the Himalayan range.

• War memorial surrounded by deodar forests.

• Sunset photography at Naddi Viewpoint.

• Evening tea/coffee at a rooftop café overlooking the valley.

Food:-

• Local dhabas for authentic Himachali thali (Siddu, Chha Gosht, Rajma).

• Rooftop cafés in McLeodganj for Tibetan momos and thukpa.

• Herbal teas and green tea tasting at Palampur Tea Factory.

• Tibet Kitchen – momos, thukpa & authentic Tibetan comfort meals.

Shopping:-

• Kotwali Bazaar: Himachali caps, shawls, pickles, spices.

• Tibetan handicraft stores: carpets, wood & brass artefacts.

Optional Excursions:-

Shakti Peeth Shri Chamunda Devi Temple – 24 km from Dharamshala - Chargeable.

Route: McLeodganj – Dalai lama Monastry – Bhagsu – St Jhon Chruch

Begin your day with a gentle stroll in McLeodganj’s quaint streets, exploring vibrant cafés, Tibetan handicraft shops, and the serene Tibetan Monastery. Pause at Bhagsu Nag Temple and Bhagsu Waterfall for moments of reflection amid lush greenery. Later visit -  St. John in the Wilderness Church. End the day with a Mall Rd walk, soaking in the mountain breeze and serene vistas.

Accommodation: Boutique Mountain Retreat or Luxury Hillside Hotel.

Experiences:-

• Meandering through McLeodganj’s cobbled lanes with Himalayan vistas.

• Whispered stories in Tibetan monasteries and temple courtyards.

• Relaxing riverside moments by the Bhagsu stream.

• St. John in the Wilderness is a Protestant church dedicated to John the Baptist.

• Evening tea sessions at café terraces overlooking pine-scented valleys.

Food:-

• Jimmy’s Italian Kitchen – wood-fired pizzas and continental delights.

• Nick’s Italian Kitchen & Café – cosy European vibes with strong coffee.

• Tibet Kitchen – momos, thukpa & authentic Tibetan comfort meals.

Little Activities:-

• Leisurely walks along pine forest trails.

• Riverside photography and spontaneous snowball fights in winter.

• Café hopping and sampling Himalayan chocolates and teas.

Shopping:-

• Tibetan Market – prayer flags, singing bowls, thangkas.

• Local handicrafts stores – woollen shawls, scarves, silver jewellery.

• Bhagsu village shops – herbal teas, spices, handmade trinkets.

Optional Excursions:-

• Triund Mini-Trek – gentle 2–3 hr trek for panoramic sunset or sunrise views.

• Tea Gardens – peaceful walks surrounded by rolling greenery.

Route: McLeod Ganj – Nurpur – Kajjiar – Kajjiar Lake – Kajjia Nag Temple – Dalhousie – Panchpula Waterfall – Mall Rd.

After breakfast, drive to Dalhousie, stopping at Noorpur Fort to explore its 11th-century ruins. evening with a slow village walk, a cosy corner in your stay, or a little café hops under fairy lights. Proceed to Khajjiar, a picture-perfect plateau surrounded by dense forests and a sparkling lake, enjoy horse rides, or simply lie down on the grass, soaking in mountain serenity. Visit Kajjiar Lake & Kajjiar Nag Temple. Continue to Dalhousie, checking into a cosy heritage hotel with sprawling views of the Himalayas. Spend the evening exploring Panchpula Waterfall, a charming spot with cascading streams and colonial-era trails. Stroll evening on Mall Rd. and overnight stay.

Accommodation: Heritage Hotel or Boutique Hill Resort.

Experiences:-

• Scenic walks around Khajjiar Lake.

• Family photoshoot in “mini Switzerland” meadows.

• Mall Rd Exploration.

• Nurpur Fort Exploration.

Food:-

• Lunch by the lake or at local eateries in Khajjiar.

• Whistling Pines Café – sandwiches, sizzlers, and coffees with mountain views.

• Grand View Restaurant – Himachali, North Indian & continental meals.

Activities:-

• Family Picnic on Kajjiar Meadows or by Lake lakeside.

• Horse riding or zorbing adventure, Optional Paragliding.

Shopping:-

• Dalhousie Main Market – woollens, souvenirs, wooden handicrafts.

• Khajjiar local vendors – handmade trinkets, miniature Himachali paintings.

Route: Dalhousie – Gandhi Chowk – St Francis Church – Chamera Lake – Chamera Dam – Kalatop Wildlife Sanctuary

Spend the day exploring Dalhousie’s quaint lanes, Gandhi Chowk, and colonial-era buildings, followed by St Francis Church Historic Catholic church in tranquil surroundings with dioramas depicting the Stations of the Cross. Later, start a scenic drive to Chamera Lake, an artificial lake built on the River Ravi as part of the Chamera Hydroelectric Project, where you can enjoy family boating. Spot a Chamera Dam. In the afternoon, drive to Kalatop Wildlife Sanctuary for a leisurely afternoon, where you can enjoy the flora and fauna and relax in the meadow. In the evening, return to Dalhousie for an overnight stay.

Experiences & Activities:-

• Leisure walk at Gandhi Chowk’s charming lanes and colonial spots.

• Boating at Chamera Lake – calm waters, perfect for couple photos.

• Scenic viewpoint stop at Chamera Dam for panoramic valley shots.

• Nature walk at Kalatop Sanctuary – dense cedar forests, birdwatching & peaceful meadows.

• Optional: Short forest trail inside Kalatop for a quiet, romantic nature moment.

Food:-

• Try Tiffins at Gandhi Chowk for light Himachali snacks.

• Enjoy a cosy lunch at Café Dalhousie or Mongas Café with mountain views.

• Taste local flavours like Siddu, Madra, and hot Himalayan soups—perfect for chilly weather.

Shopping Suggestions:-

Gandhi Chowk Market:

• Handmade woollens (shawls, caps, gloves).

• Himachali souvenirs & handicrafts.

• Local jams, pickles, and honey from the Himachal hills.

• Tibetan artefacts, prayer flags, handcrafted jewellery.

Optional Excursions:-

Dainikund Peak Trek. – Start from Lakkad Mandi, it's a trek of about 2 kilometers to the peak. The path is relatively easy with steps and benches at intervals, making it accessible for most people.

Route: Dalhousie – Pathankot – Jalandhar - Chandigarh

After an early breakfast, check out from your hotel in Dalhousie and begin the scenic descent from the Dhauladhar ranges. The drive starts with winding hill roads lined with deodar forests and colonial-era cottages before gradually entering the plains of Punjab. Enjoy cool mountain air in the morning and wide open highways as you approach Pathankot.

Pass through Pathankot, a major gateway between Himachal and Punjab, and continue on smooth national highways via Jalandhar, surrounded by vibrant Punjabi countryside, green fields, and bustling towns. Make comfortable refreshment and lunch stops en route before arriving in Chandigarh by evening. Drop off at Chandigarh airport/railway station or hotel as per departure schedule, marking the end of a relaxed and memorable family holiday.

Highlights:-

• Last glimpses of pine & deodar forests while descending from Dalhousie.

• Scenic transition from cool hills to fertile Punjab plains.

• Smooth highway drive ideal for family travel.

• Cultural shift from Himachali landscapes to Punjabi countryside.

• Comfortable meal & refreshment halts en route.

• Arrival in India’s best-planned city – Chandigarh.

Food:-

• Dalhousie (Breakfast): Hotel buffet – parathas, eggs, fresh mountain tea.

• Pathankot: Highway dhabas – aloo paratha with butter, lassi, tea.
  

Jalandhar (Lunch Stop):

• Haveli / Lucky Dhaba – authentic Punjabi thali, dal makhani, butter naan.

• Local eateries – rajma chawal, chole bhature.
  

On arrival at Chandigarh (if time permits):

• Indian Coffee House – dosa, cutlets, filter coffee.

• Sector 17 cafés – light snacks & beverages.

Activities:-

• Morning photography during the Dalhousie downhill drive.

• Short comfort breaks at clean highway plazas.

• Enjoy Punjabi music & countryside views during the drive.

• An optional brief stop at roadside souvenir shops in Punjab.

• Relaxed drop-off at Chandigarh airport/railway station.

Shopping:-

Dalhousie (Morning):

Tibetan Market – woollens, caps, prayer flags, handmade souvenirs.

Punjab Highway Stops:

Punjabi juttis, phulkari dupattas, local snacks & sweets.