2 Days in Dalhousie for a Budget Trip

Dalhousie is a charming hill station with old-world charm, pine-covered hills, and stunning views. I’ve spent many weekends here, and it’s perfect for those who want a peaceful getaway without spending too much. The colonial-era buildings, quiet walks, and crisp mountain air make it a great escape from city life.

Himachal Pradesh, himachal-pradesh
2 Days
Budget
Custom Trip

Trip Highlights

Walking through the quiet trails of Dainkund Peak for panoramic views
Exploring the colonial-era St. John’s Church, one of the oldest in the region
Enjoying a budget-friendly meal at a local dhaba with stunning valley views
Watching the sunset from Panchpula, a serene spot with small waterfalls

Best Time to Visit

AprilMaySeptemberOctober

Share Your Adventure

Spread the word about this amazing trip!

Day 1

Day 1 in Dalhousie

Kick off your Dalhousie trip with its most iconic spots, from panoramic viewpoints to colonial-era charm, wrapped in cool mountain air.

Activities

Panchpula Walk & Waterfall Visit
Panchpula Walk & Waterfall Visit

Start your morning with a gentle walk to Panchpula, a scenic spot where five streams meet. The short trek leads to a small waterfall and a memorial for freedom fighter Sardar Ajit Singh. The pine-scented air and the sound of water make it a refreshing start.

Panchpula, Dalhousie8:00 AM - 9:30 AM (best light and fewer crowds)Free (unless hiring a local guide for ~₹200)
Tips:
  • Wear sturdy shoes—paths can be slippery near the waterfall
  • Carry water; no shops nearby
Explore Subhash Baoli & Gandhi Chowk
Explore Subhash Baoli & Gandhi Chowk

Head to Subhash Baoli, a peaceful natural spring where Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose reportedly meditated. Then stroll through Gandhi Chowk, the heart of Dalhousie, lined with old-world bakeries and handicraft shops. Don’t miss the 19th-century St. John’s Church nearby.

Subhash Baoli Road, near Gandhi Chowk10:30 AM - 12:30 PMFree
Tips:
  • Try the hot chocolate at Kwality Bakery near Gandhi Chowk
  • Church opens at 10 AM—check for Sunday service timings
Dainkund Peak Sunset

Wrap up the day at Dainkund Peak, the highest point in Dalhousie. The 360-degree views of the Dhauladhar ranges are stunning, especially at golden hour. Locals call it the 'Singing Hill' for the sound of wind through the valleys.

Dainkund Peak, 10 km from Dalhousie town4:30 PM - 6:30 PM (sunset around 6 PM in summer)Shared taxi ~₹300-400 roundtrip
Tips:
  • Carry a jacket—it gets windy
  • Leave by 4 PM to secure a good sunset spot

Must Try Foods

Siddu (steamed wheat bun with ghee)
Himachali Dham (festive thali)
Chana Madra (yogurt-based chickpea curry)

Transportation

Nearest Railway Station
Pathankot Railway Station (80 km, ~3 hours by taxi)
Nearest Bus Stop
Dalhousie Bus Stand (frequent HRTC buses from Pathankot/Chamba)
Metro Station
Not available
Cab Availability
Easy to hire shared or private cabs near Gandhi Chowk; negotiate rates before boarding

No destinations found for this itinerary

Day 2

Day 2 in Dalhousie

A mix of scenic walks, colonial charm, and local flavors to round off your Dalhousie trip.

Activities

Morning Walk at Khajjiar

Start your day with a short drive to Khajjiar, often called 'Mini Switzerland of India'. The lush green meadows, a small lake, and dense deodar forests make it perfect for a peaceful stroll. Don’t miss the Khajji Nag Temple, a small but significant shrine nearby.

Khajjiar, about 22 km from Dalhousie8:00 AM - 11:00 AM (best light and fewer crowds)Free (unless you opt for horse riding or zorbing, which cost around ₹200-500)
Tips:
  • Carry a light jacket—it can get chilly even in summer.
  • Try the local corn-on-the-cob from small stalls near the lake.
Explore St. John’s Church and Bakrota Hills
Explore St. John’s Church and Bakrota Hills

Head back to Dalhousie and visit St. John’s Church, one of the oldest in town, with beautiful stained glass and colonial architecture. Afterward, take a short walk through Bakrota Hills for panoramic views of the surrounding valleys. The quiet trails here are less touristy and perfect for some solitude.

Near Gandhi Chowk, Dalhousie12:00 PM - 2:00 PM (before lunch)Free
Tips:
  • The church is closed on Sundays for tourists.
  • Wear comfortable shoes—the Bakrota walk has some steep sections.

Must Try Foods

Siddu (steamed wheat bun with ghee)
Chana Madra (yogurt-based chickpea curry)
Tibetan Thukpa (noodle soup)

Transportation

Nearest Railway Station
Pathankot Railway Station (80 km, ~3 hours by cab)
Nearest Bus Stop
Dalhousie Bus Stand (frequent buses to Khajjiar and Chamba)
Metro Station
Not available
Cab Availability
Cabs are easily available for local sightseeing; negotiate rates upfront (approx ₹1500-2000 for full-day hire). Shared taxis to Khajjiar cost around ₹100-150 per person.

Travel Tips

Pack warm clothes—even in summer, evenings can get chilly
Hire a shared taxi for sightseeing to save money instead of private cabs
Try the local siddu (steamed bread) at small eateries—it’s delicious and cheap
Start early to avoid crowds at popular spots like Khajjiar

Related Trips

Explore related trips for this destination

Other Popular Destinations

Explore itineraries for other amazing destinations

Itineraries by Destination