History of Little Tibet in India:
Winter Capital of Indian State Himachal Pradesh Dharmshala and Mcleodganj are the majestic places; holding its spiritual leadership in the soul of Himalaya. A versatile place is famous for holding Tibetan culture and Dharmaguru of Lord Buddha “14th Dalai Lama”. It is situated in the womb of Dhauladhar range (Chain of Himalayan Mountains). This travel blog is written in the context of how a traveller can plan his “5 Days Trip to Mcleodganj, Dalhousie and Khajjiar” and cover all the most beautiful places.
Mcleodganj:
Mcleodganj means “Neighbor”. The history of Mcleodganj starts from 1958 when Tibet raises its voice against the Communist Party of China. Tenzin Gyatso 14th Dalai Lama and thousands of Tibetan leave their belonging country and come to India; where the Indian Government provides safe houses, shelter and land in Dharmshala (Himachal Pradesh). They form the Government of Tibet in Exile in 1960 against China. Mcleodganj Becomes official home to several Tibetan refugees and Monasteries. Tibetan History will keep hurting them until their freedom. Tibetan uses Mcleodganj as the Administrative Capital of Tibet in India.
Dalhousie:
As far as the history of Dalhousie is concerned; in the year 1854 “Sir Donald McLeod” of the British Empire suggested that this place be named after the famous Viceroy of India – “Lord Dalhousie”. Earlier in 1861, Dalhousie was recognized as a part of the Gurdaspur district, but now it became a division of Himachal Pradesh in the year 1966.
Khajjiar:
Khajjiar is a hill station in Chamba district, Himachal Pradesh, India. It is located 24 km away from Dalhousie. It is an integral part of the Kalatop Khajjiar Sanctuary. The nearest town and for Khajjiar in Dalhousie and it takes less than 1 hour to reach via cab, bus or bike. The history of Khajjiar is linked to the rulers of Chamba. In the 6th-century AD, the Chamba valley was ruled by the Rajputs and they made it their capital city. In the medieval period of Indian history, it was ruled by the Mughal Empire; which further taken over by the British Empire.
Why to Visit Mcleodganj, Dalhousie and Khajjiar:
Dharmashala and Mcleodganj are known for its Heart Touching Offbeat Location, Honest People and Peaceful Culture, Green Lush High Rise Trees, Tea Estate in the Valley, Holy Temple of Dalai Lama, Waterfall in the Womb of Dhauladhar Range, Naddi Point, Kangra Fort, River Rafting, Wildlife century, Triund Track, Monastery, Tibetan Market, Mall Road, Tibetan Caffe, Library, High Mountains, Resorts and Wooden Cottage Stay, Real Tibet within India. Spiritual Place is known as Buddha’s Second Home.
Dalhousie and Khajjiar are known for Snow points, high ranges Mountains, Waterfall, Wildlife Sanctuary, Lakes which defines the true beauty of nature. One of the most beautiful hill stations in Himachal and is also home to numerous historical events. It is certainly an abode of beauty, grandeur and adventure. The hill station “Khajjiar” attracts and enthrals tourists from all over the country, also known for its adventure activities and panoramic view. This travel blog is written in the context of how a traveller can plan his “5 Days Trip to Mcleodganj, Dalhousie and Khajjiar” and cover all the most beautiful places.
Location of Mcleodganj, Dalhousie and Khajjiar:
Mcleodganj is a town in Dharmshala, situated 470 km away from the capital of India, New Delhi; 240 km from Chandigarh which is the nearest Metropolitan cities.
One of the most beautiful and pristine hill stations of India, is 110 km from Mcleodganj, and just 86 km from Pathankot. It is a very popular hill station in summer and perfect place of vacation.
The distance of Khajjiar is only 22 km from Dalhousie. Khajjiar is the most exotic and scenic beautiful place and officially proclaimed the mini-Switzerland of India.
Best Time to Travel:
November to February are the offseason, where you will find less crowd, heavy snow and cold. Temperatures lies in between 3°C to -10°C.
Most of the families and Couples plan their trip to Dalhousie and Khajjiar in the month of March-July. Temperature lies between 10° to 25°C.
How to Reach:
Via Air: Kangra Airport has direct flight connectivity from New Delhi and Mumbai.
Via Train: Nearest Railway Station is Pathankot which connects rest of India. Then via Taxi from Pathankot in just 2000 INR. If you are coming from the train it takes 3 hours to reach Dharmshala.
Via Road: Volvo Buses are from Panjab- Delhi- Kashmir and local bus service for HP’s districts as well. You can plan a road trip with a bike, car or your own vehicle.
Places to Visit in Mcleodganj, Dalhousie and Khajjiar:
Places to Visit in Dharamshala & Mcleodganj:
Holy Dalai Lama Temple:
Holy Temple was built in 1988 with the help of many NGOs across the world. Surrounding and vibes around the temple is very positive and relaxing. Every wall and stairs speaks in itself the painful history of Tibetan and their People. Holy temple is situated at the top of Dharamshala. Place is very calm, peaceful, divine and serene. Temple has its own library and book shop.
Tea Garden:
Lush Green Valley is surrounded by Black and Green tea of Chinese Variety “Camellia Sienese” across the region. Region is completely outstanding with Greenery and Dark Blue roads in between.
Namgyal Monastery and Stupa:
You can call the Home of the 14th Dalai Lama Tibetan Spiritual Leader. Many Monks are working and practising here to Protect and save Tibetan tradition and culture in Namgyal Monastery. They have Namgyal Institute of Tibetology, where they taught Texts of Sutra and Tantra, Buddhist Philosophy and Ritual Chanting. Shanti Stupa (Symbol of Peace) represent Tibetan ideology.
Triund Track:
It can be the lifetime achievement trekking for the beginner in one chain of Himalaya Mountains in Dhualadhar Ranges. The place is astonishing, pictorials, breathtaking, glorious and blissful. Trekking will also work as a mirror and tell you about your Body Strength.
The Tibet Museum:
A place where you can have complete guidelines to find out who are you and what is your existence in this Planet. Soul of Tibet and Buddhist. This numerous place hold library, historic books, tradition of Tibet painful history and Darkside of communist china.
Tibet Market:
Most unique design of Art and collection in the entire region. Handmade woollen cloths, caps, sweaters, shoes and interior item which you will like most. As most of the people in this region from Tibet, you will feel like Tibet and that’s damn true. All traditional designed items are Tibetan inspired hence it looks awesome. Here price seem overrated but it worth it. Due to offbeat terrain.
Lahesh Cave:
An Offbeat location for Avid Traveler and Nature Lover who want to explore some tough terrain without any Tension. This Track is for Adventurous People only due to High Mountain Sickness and Speedy wind. Normal People track till Triund but when you cross the limit you always Get something unbelievable and Extra mile result as this Lahesh Cave Track is what you can’t imagine.
Bhagsunag Waterfall and Naddi Sunset Point:
6 km from Mcleodganj a beautiful village surroundings with lush green trees and serene. Bhagsu Nag Temple (Lord Shiva) known as second home of Lord Shiva in the Himalayan Mountains. You can take a shower from the beautiful waterfall in the Summertime. But, water is cold enough to stop your nervous system in the month of October and December.
War Memorial and Dharmshala Cricket Stadium:
In the memory of brave Hero of Kangra Valley who fought for India in Indo-china war, 1947,1965,1971,1999 and UN peace operations. Many heroes lost their lives to save the motherland. Pine Forest of Dharmshala give Brave and Painful Feeling.
With the adjacent walk of 10 minutes, you will reach the world’s highest Cricket Stadium in the Valley known as Dharamshala.
Dalhousie:
Tinsel Town covered from Large Green lush Deodar Trees and Snow. Old school church feeling in the town feels stunning. Completely Away from hassle of the city in the womb of Himalaya. Popular for Boarding school and snow point. Large area covered by Military Cantonment and Deodar tree. Bakrota Hill, Panchpula waterfall, St. John Church, Chamunda Devi temple, Ganji Pahari and Café Dalhousie are prime location to enjoy holidays.
Beautiful Destinations are;
- Dainkund Peak – The Tale Of Three Rivers
- Kalatop Wildlife Reserve – Home Of The Wild
- St. Francis Catholic Church – A Paradigm Of Art And Architecture
- Panchpula – The Lifeline Of Dalhousie
- Ganji Pahari – The Stunning Panoramas
- Satdhara Falls – The Water That Heals
- Rang Mahal – The Fusion Of Mughal & British Influences
- Chamera Lake – Scenic Beauty Plus Water Conservation
- Mall Road – Glorious Vistas Of The Pir Panjal
- Sach Pass – The Trekker’s Paradise
- Tibetan Market – Handicrafts And Souvenirs
- Bakrota Hills – Sightseeing
- Subhash Baoli – Picnic
- St.John’s Church – Religious place
- Chamunda Devi Temple – Idol of Chamunda Devi
- Rock Garden – Ideal place for nature lovers
- Garam Sadak – Take A Stroll
- Dalhousie Community Garden – Take A Walk
- Norwood Paramdham – Watch The Sunset
Khajjiar:
Mini Switzerland in India. It is full of beautiful place which has tiny small Lake and wooden traditional architecture home near lake give sculpture of Swiss Alps. This place deserves every penny you invest in your holiday. This place is the perfect destination for honeymoon, vacation for a family, couples, and for a group of friends.
Beautiful Destinations are;
- Kalatop Wildlife Sanctuary – Former Gaming Reserves Of Chamba Rulers
- Khajjiar Lake – Mini Switzerland Of India
- Kailash Villages – Home To Quaint And Scenic Villages
- Panch Pandav Tree – Known For Interesting Mythological Tales
- Khajji Nag Temple – Most Vintage Temple Of Himachal Pradesh
- Dainkund Peak – The Highest Snow-Capped Peak
- Panchpula, Chatryara – Blankets The Marvels Of Mother Nature
- Subhash Baoli, Dalhousie – Land Of Scenic Views
Bir-Billing:
If you want to be a bird and endlessly fly in the Sky then this is what we found for you dear folks. Asia’s highest Paragliding point where you can turn your fear into Adventure. A joyful place for avid traveller who are looking something extreme and unique. Just 60 km east from Dharmshala Bir Billing a different geographic location in the height of 5000 ft holding hard rocky tall mountains and lush meadow. Place is popular for Paragliding spot competition across Asia. Baijnath temple, Sherab Ling Monastery, Chokling Monastery, Tea Garden, Tracking Camping near Bir river and Toy Train experience, Bangor Waterfall, Spiritual Temple are some mesmerising places, you will like most in the valley. This travel blog is written in the context of how a traveller can plan his “5 Days Trip to Mcleodganj, Dalhousie and Khajjiar in 2020” and cover all the most beautiful places.
Palampur:
Just 35 km from Dharamshala, a tiny place known as the cleanest and purest Hill Station of Himachal Pradesh covering green lush tree and tea garden. True Himachali Village, Numerous Lifestyle, Culture, Traditions, Adventurous Sports and Trekking, Ecological Park, Paragliding, Tashijang Monastery, Riverside Tracking, Picnic Spot, Tea Factory and Garden, Toy train, Churches and much more to travel across hill station in Dhualadhar Ranges. This travel blog is written in the context of how a traveller can plan his “5 Days Trip to Mcleodganj, Dalhousie and Khajjiar in 2020” and cover all the most beautiful places.
Chamba:
It is 130 km west from Dharmshala, located in 3200 ft. which holds the big freshwater lake; recognize as a temple city and shikhara style. Chamba is widely surrounded by Ravi river in the west. This beautiful place represents Rang Mahal, Bhuri Singh Museum, Panch Pandav Temple, Apple Garden, Chandi Mata temple, and Bagori Village, which you should not miss.
Tibetan Caffe which can’t be missed in Mcleodganj:
- Café Tibet Café
- Tibet Kitchen
- Illiterati books& café
- Woeser Bakery
Where to Stay:
Where to Stay in Mcleodganj & Dharmshala:
- Norbu House
- Kamal Residency
- Fortune Park Moksha
- Hyatt Regency Resort- Royal Stay
- Hotel Imperial 9- Royal Stay
- Hotel President Inn- Royal Stay
- Fortune Park Moksha- Roya; Stay
- Hotel Sapphire Mcleodganj- Royal Stay
- Bella Heights
- Great Himalayan Adventure Resort – With tents, cottages, and rooms
- Royal Palace Resort
- Asia Health Resorts & Spa – For those who’re into absolute indulgence
- Spring Valley Resort
- Gagan Resorts – for budget travellers
- Nishaad Resorts – Perfect for both families and honeymooners
Where to Stay in Dalhousie & Khajjiar:
- Snow Valley resort
- Atithis Resort
- Grand View
- Aamod Resorts
- MGM 1 Resort
- Alps Resort
- Sunny view Cottages
- JK Clarks Exotica
Traveller’s Takeaway:
While planning 5 Days Trip to Mcleodganj, Dalhousie and Khajjiar, make sure you cover all of the best places. You will experience the best time in your life. Dalhousie and Khajjiara have pristine beauty of nature and a beautiful hill station, which comprises of lush greenery and lofty mountains.
Both Dharamshala and Dalhousie are amazing places to visit in Himachal Pradesh; known for their scenic beauty and pleasing weather. Best time to plan your vacation is between April to June. If you want to experience snow then plan your trip from December to February. Mini Switzerland i.e., Khajjiar is just 22 km away from Dalhousie. The trip is not expensive at all but of course it will depend on the kind of accommodation. This travel blog is written in the context of how a traveller can plan his “5 Days Trip to Mcleodganj, Dalhousie and Khajjiar in 2020” and cover all the most beautiful places.
Let us know in the comments section below. Don’t forget to share this with your traveller friends!! Let’s connect with Your Travelling Story and live life for life.
Also Read: Best Places in Europe
WOW, EXCELLENT AND INFORMATION.
Thank you for your kind words!!
No mention of road conditions and mode of transport used for the three places travel
Dear Sir,
Thanks for your nice informative article.
I am keen to spend about tendays in Dalhousie, Khajjar and Dharamshala.
I plan to reach D’shala by AI fly from Chandigarh.
I am senior citizen in good health and travelling alone.
My wife is staying back as she is planning to spend time with her friends.
I would request you to suggest places of stay with basic hygienic place at reasonable cost.
I am planning to travel in May after 10 th.
Also let me know if there is any. Problem of covid infection in public cases.Then I will postpone it to a later date after 3 or 4 months.
With Kind Regards,
B.Shivaraman