'''Dalhousie''' is a hill resort town in the Chamba District of Himachal Pradesh in India at 32.53__ N 75.98__ E.

Understand

Dalhousie is 2,039 m above sea level, with an average elevation of 1,954 m (6,410 ft), spread over 13 km. Lord Dalhousie founded the town because its fresh and peaceful atmosphere and healthy surroundings enchanted him. The English visited this place for their summer vacations. The bungalows here are all made in the English style. Situated in the Dhauladhar mountain range on five mountains, Dalhousie has thick forests of pine and deodar trees. Many picnic spots can be found here.

Dalhousie is a quiet hill station with little night life, best suited for people who want to de-stress, who like the quiet, serene atmosphere, and for honeymooners, ideal for long walks picnics and treks. It is not recommended for people who want discos, malls and multiplexes. While there is plenty to do, see and experience, Dalhousie exuberates an old-world charm and it seems like it hasn't quite caught up with the rest of the world yet.

Dalhousie is one hill station which is increasingly becoming popular among home and foreign tourists. Nestled on the spur at the western end of Dhauladhar, Dalhousie was founded in 1854 by the British Viceroy Lord Dalhousie, It is an absolute delight for trekkers and nature lovers.

Beside its breath taking landscapes and lush green forests of pine, cedar and deodar the un-spoiled and raw natural beauty attracts the most.Set on five hills and facing the Pir Panjal range, one can view the earth & sky kissing on the horizon. Fold after fold of mountains, snow-capped and pristine, can be viewed from the jagged Pangi Valley. If your heart beats for Kashmir, head here, for this is the only part of Himachal Pradesh that juts into Kashmir. The place is remarkably crime free.

'''Weather''': It is usually warm in the morning and afternoon in June?July, gets cold early in the evening, and is quite cold at night: pack woollens and jackets; T-shirts can be worn in the daytime while the sun is out. The weather gets quite cold when it rains.

In winter, the temperature can drop to freezing point when heavy woolens are required. The summer temperature are mild and light woolens / cottons are recommended.

Get in

The trip to Dalhousie is a long one if you are heading from Delhi. It usually involves taking an overnight train to Pathankot (about 10 hr) and then a 2?3 hr drive from Pathankot to Dalhousie.

Among the many ways to Dalhousie, the three more frequently used ones are:

  • Delhi -> Pathankot -> Dalhousie
  • Delhi -> Chandigarh -> Dalhousie
  • Delhi -> Amritsar -> Dalhousie
  • There are frequent bus services from Dalhousie to Pathankot, Chamba, Delhi, Dehradun, Dharamsala, etc. There is a daily bus at 7.00 pm for New Delhi.

    Pathankot is 75 km from Dalhousie. There are regular trains from Pathankot for various places of India, as far as Mumbai, Pune, and Kerala.

    The nearest airports are:

  • Pathankot at 75 km, with one flight from Delhi to Pathankot and back. However, in case of fog, it gets cancelled.
  • Jammu, at 180 km. There are regular flights from Jammu to Delhi and many other destinations.
  • Taxi charges for Pathankot?Dalhousie are about Rs. 800. In February 2008, for a single-day return trip from Pathankot, eight of us paid Rs. 2,125 for a Qualis vehicle (an SUV). This included toll, permit, parking fee, driver bata fuel, tax, etc.

    Get around

    The main mode of transport is a car or motorcycle; it can get very cold in the evening so a car is recommended. Pony rides are available in G.P.O. and Khajjiar, but this is mostly a recreational activity rather than a functional one. The ponies are called ''khachhars'' (mules), crosses between horses and donkeys: don't expect thoroughbred horses! Walking around Dalhousie is a good option, but to see Khajjiar and Chamba you will have to use some kind of transport. Taxis to these destinations are easily available from the main market.

    See

  • '''Khajjiar''' - A stunning valley with a spring in the middle, while being quite beautiful, it gets littered with trash in the peak season of July when a massive number of tourists come. Known as the 'Switzerland of India' for the meadowy look.
  • '''Dainkund Walk''' - A gentle, sloping walk near an Air Force base in Dalhousie, leading to a Hindu temple.
  • '''Alah Water Tank''' - The main water tank in the area, holding 100,000 gallons.
  • '''Upper Bakrota''' - The highest area in Dalhousie, it has a number of estates, a residential school, and an Army barracks at the top. The area is circled by a road called Bakrota Walk, on the way to Khajjiar which ends at Alah Water Tank. It was the preferred destination of the landed gentry of Punjab during the Raj, now populated by similar residents from the new India. Some of the houses are worth seeing, but are mostly on private gated estates.
  • '''Kala Tope Rest House''' - It's on the way to Khajjiar at the toll barrier for Kala Tope, a road to the left of the barrier leads to the government rest house, a nice quiet spot and a great place for a picnic. The 3-km route through dense pine forests from Lakkadmandi to Kala Tope is simply exhilarating. No cars are allowed on this 3-km route.
  • '''Ganji Pahadi Walk''' - It is called Ganji Pahadi (''ganji'' means bald, ''pahadi'' means hill) because there are no trees on the summit of the hill and it looks like it's got a bald patch at the top. You can ask a local how to get there. It is a long walk of at least an hour, but quite pleasant.
  • '''Subhash Chowk''' - This is the spot (''chowk'' means intersection) where the road from the bus stand makes a cross road between two roads to G.P.O. and the one coming in from the bus stand. It is also a fairly active market, second to G.P.O.
  • '''Church''' - It is right next to the post office and police post in G.P.O.
  • '''Chamba''' - It is a major district town a little distance away from Dalhousie and is the seat of the former princely State of Chamba. It has a number of attractions including a major museum, restaurants, etc.
  • Kalatop wild life reserve. Kalatop Sanctuary was recognized as a game sanctuary on July 1, 1949. It lies between Dalhousie and Chamba at the northwestern extremity Daula Dhar. Dalhousie-Chamba Road runs through the sanctuary, which contains about 15 villages. In 1982-1983, there was a total of 1766 people living inside the sanctuary. This reserve covers an area of 3069 hectares. Its altitude varies from 1185 meters to 2768 meters (3910 ft-9134 ft.) The terrain is steep and typical of the Outer Himalayas. It is drained by several tributaries of the Ravi River which lies just to the north. There is a lake at Khajjiar. The temperature varies from -10__C to 35__C. The mean precipitation is 2648 mm, one-fourth of which falls as snow. Khajjiar, Kalatop, Dain Kund, Lakarmandi, and Bara Pathar are the tourist attractions that fall in this sanctuary. From Gandhi Chowk, a steep, uphill walk will take you to the scenic Bakrota Circle. After walking about 2 kilometers, the road to this sanctuary starts near the Municipal Water Resivoir. Kalatop is at an altitude of 2440 meters, and it is 8.5 kilometers from the GPO. From Lakarmandi, a jeepable road through the dense forest leads to the Kalatop Forest Resthouse. This is a perfect spot for a weekend retreat. The panoramic views of Pir Panjal Range and countryside are breathtaking.</see>

    Ask the locals for more detailed directions and advice about these places. Dain Kund, Upper Bakrota, and Ganji Pahadi are the lesser-known but quite long and enjoyable walks. Pack a picnic basket: there are a lot of open, empty spots where one can sit and enjoy a meal and a good view.

    Do

    Dalhousie is known for its great valleys and high mountain ranges. Places like Panchpula are known for trekking. There are waterfalls, places to trek, or to sit down, relax, and experience nature. It is 5 km from G.P.O. Dalhousie Chowk. Going there is easy by bus, taxi, etc., but going on foot is a marvellous experience. This Place Registered its Name in History. As here Lies the Memorial of Amar Ajit Singh (Uncle of Shaheed Bhagat Singh)

  • Go to the Tibetan market and have a look around just for fun.
  • Enjoy long walks; carry an umbrella if its cloudy.
  • Picnics are the thing to do in Dalhousie.
  • Have a barbeque if your hotel has the facilities to do so.
  • Star-gaze: the sky is exceptionally clear in Dalhousie at night (bring your binoculars/telescope).
  • Enjoy a ride on the ponies in Khajjiar.
  • Trek: it's a fantastic place to trek.
  • Go see the sites: ask the locals, there are a lot of places not covered in this wiki.
  • Trekking, Hiking & Outdoor Camping

  • Dalhousie Adventure. ubash Chownk. 9816463388. ttp://www.dalhousieadventure.com. For trekking, camping and hiking in and around Dalhousie

    Buy

    There are dozens of shops in the main market. The Tibetan market is run by Tibetans and has all kinds of knicknacks, electronics and toys (mostly from China). D.C. Khannah local general store has everything from paint to everyday things; ask a local for directions.

  • '''G.P.O.''' - The main market is popularly called G.P.O. because of the post office.
  • '''Tibetan Market''' - A market run by Tibetans, it has all kinds of knick-knacks, electronics and toys (mostly from China).
  • '''Tibetan Handicraft Centre''' - It is 3 km from G.P.O. on the way to Khajjiar. On the left is a slip road leading to this centre. It has great carpets and other handicrafts. You will have to ask a local whether the centre is open to visitors at the time of your visit.
  • Eat

    There are quite a few restaurants; the better ones are usually in the hotels themselves. Kwality restaurant is one of the oldest, is located at G.P.O, is not the most sophisticated place, but is usually full and serves great dosa and Indian food. There are lots of small eating places at G.P.O. and Khajjiar.

  • Nepoli Restaurant. andhi Chowk.

  • Kwality Restaurant. andhi Chowk. nly in summer. A large selection of Indian and Chinese cuisine. Like most small town restaurants, the cuisines mingle a little.

  • Shere Punjab. andhi Chowk" phone=".

  • Dawat Restaurant. otel Mount View. ear the bus stand.

    Drink

    There is a liquor store at G.P.O. and bars in the hotels, but no pubs as such.

  • Hotel ManiMahesh, Bus Stand
  • Vatika Restaurant (4 km back, on the way)
  • Sleep

    There are various hotels available. Please book your room in advance in July; it also helps to enquire about the condition and facilities available in the hotel. Guest houses and some houses are available on rent. The houses are more expensive but better maintained and more luxurious. Hotels differ in pricing: the more expensive ones have better views and more services offered; one can have a look around to find the type of accommodation needed.

  • Hotel Monal. all Road, G.P.O Dalhousie . 91 9816463388, +91-01899-242362. ttp://www.hotelmonal.com. s 400-1,600. nfo@hotelmonal.com. Centrally located,on the most peaceful and beautiful side of Dalhousie, with all the modern amenities, personal balcony for complete privacy. Also recommended by world-renowned travelogues.

  • Hotel Mount View. 91 9418010822. ww.mountviewdalhousie.com. nfo@mountviewindia.com. ww.Mountviewindia.com. Terraces overlooking Pir Panjal Ranges, Bathri Valley and the Dalhousie Cantt, landscaped gardens. Restaurant Davat, terrace eatery. Conference hall for 200 people. Bar, health club, games room.

  • Sagrika Resort. n the Mall at Court Road. 91-9418040660,+91- 1899-240489. agrikaresort@hotmail.com" +91-9418040660 fax="+91 1899-240660. s1200-1500. uper-deluxe room. Centrally located. The main market is at the doorsteps. Well-furnished, wall-to-wall carpeted rooms with EPBX, hot and cold running water, color TV, room service. Refreshing garden.

  • Teddy's Lodge. ork Cottage , Upper Bakrota ask for Teddy Singh. pper bakrota , near allah water tank half a km walk up to upper bakrota from the water tank. ttp://www.teddyslodge.com. eddysahib@hotmail.com.

  • Snow Valley Resorts. he Mall Road . 919816003027 . nfo@snowvalleyresorts.in. ttp://www.snowvalleyresorts.in. night packages from 6000/7500 rp (low/high season). Each room has views over the plain and Himlayas, private Bay windows with Indian Sittings, 32 " LCD TV's , Wooden Flooring and rather up to date amneties

    Trek Routs

    by Dalhousie Adventure : http://www.dalhousieadventure.com

    '''Trek 1'''

    TREK TO GANGI PAHARI (MOUNTAIN) THROUGH THE PANJPULLA STREAM. CAMP AT GANGI PAHARI

    Approximately 4/5 hour walk. A soft trekking rout starting from Panjpulla waterfall. This trek flags off from the foothill of the Gangi Phari (mountain) through the off track often used by the villager to come down. The trek is around 4-5 K.M on a terrain that is usually not rough or un-conventional.

    The view from the mountain top is simply breathtaking. With the entire valley stretched in front of you & plenty of open space to roam around you will feel as if you have grown wings and can fly. And that not all after the sun sets down a dark night under the cosmos will present a offer an once in a lifetime opportunity to lay down and wondered what lies beyond

    '''Trek 2'''

    TREK FROM THE KALATOP WILD LIFE RESERVE FOREST THROUGH THE FOOTHILLS OF THE DHAULA DHAR MOUNTAIN RANGE TO KHIJJAR.

    Your pair of sturdy trekking shoes will be tested on this day of trek, as we further descend into the Kalatop wildlife reserve into the slopes of the Dhaula Dhar mountain range. Steep ascent and descent on rocky and narrow trails, through an area that is home to the Himalayan Black Bear, Himalayan Black Marten, Leopard, Deer, Barking Goral, Squirrel, Serow, Jackal, Langur which are often spotted roaming carelessly in the reserve. The vegetation inside the sanctuary consists of blue pine, deodar and oak forests. The forest also has dense undergrowth. After crossing from various ridges we reach Khijjar.

    Khijjar is located at an altitude of 1920 meters (6400 ft). This saucer-like, green meadow, with a small glacial lake in the centre, and surrounded by a dense forest of deodar trees and mountains will be our camp site with a small cultural programme to end the evening.

    '''Trek 3'''

    TREK FROM KHIJJAR TO JOT THROUGH THE DAINKKUND VALLEY

    Approximately 6-7 hours walk. A good day of walking along the upper ridges of the Dhaula Dhar, at about 3000m with a background of the Pir Pinjal and Panji Range ranges. While crossing through Dainkund to our south is an expansive view of the Ranjit Sagar Lake opening out in to the plains. Beyond lays the plains of Punjab, with the rivers Ravi, Chenab and Beas flowing through. On a clear night once can also see the lights of Amritsar and through binoculars one can spot the lights of Lahore as well. The walk is lush green and the path manageable. Continuing through Gujjar territory, we trek further along the ridge before descending to a sheltered summer settlement of rough stone huts in the Nauri valley.

    Now heading into the realms of the Gaddi shepherd we start to traverse some of the more difficult nomad trails through the most spectacular landscape. A beautiful grazing meadow set below the stark peaks of the Dhaula Dhar range of mountains. After a comparative smooth trek of 5-6 K.M we will reach Jot.

    Chowari Jot (pass) is located almost in the midst of Chamba and Chowari, this Pass (Jot) provides you with the beauty of Kainthli Dhar full of deoder and kail trees. Touching a height of almost 8000ft it snows heavily in the winter and has a pleasant season in the winter. A well-earned evening to relax around the campsite or explore the surrounding ridges and valleys.

    '''Trek 4'''

    TREK TO KALATOP, WILDLIFE RESERVE, THROUGH THE PANJPULLA STREAM AND GANGI PAHARI (MOUNTAIN). CAMP AT VILLAGE KALABAN.

    Approximately 5/6 hour walk. A hiking over 2500 feet through the Panjpulla waterfall stream and crossing the foothill of the Gangi Pahari (Mountain). We trek further along the Mountain ridge and come across a beautiful grazing meadow set below the stark peaks of the Gangi Pahari range of mountains. Following remote trails and crossing numerous ridges we reach Bara Pathar, temple of the local deity _gBhuvani Devi_h amidst the forest thick forests of Deodar (Cedar) trees and alpine hills. We shall break for lunch and rest before resuming the trek. After 90 minutes of trekking we shall reach Lakar Mandi. There is a hamlet of Dhogria tribals. Dhogria are hardworking Muslims and have common decedents from Gujjars, but have a bit different lifestyle. From here, one trek leads to Kalatop Wild life reserve. This is a pleasant, plain walk.

    Kalatop is at an altitude of 2440 meters. This reserve covers an area of 3069 hectares. Its altitude varies from 1185 meters to 2768 meters (3910 ft-9134 ft.) The terrain is steep and typical of the Outer Himalayas. It is drained by several tributaries of the Ravi River which lies just to the north. The temperature varies from -10__C to 35__C. An area that is home to leopard and Himalayan black bear. The night camp will be in a small Himalayan village known as Kalaban. Dinner will be served and the evening bonfire will mark the end of today_fs adventure.