A Ultimate Plan For Your 5-day Trip To Himachal Pradesh

By Author: Manpreet Singh
Total Articles: 9
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One of the most popular tourist destinations in India, Himachal Pradesh is the perfect place for your next vacation. As temperatures are rising, this north Indian state offers not only pleasant weather but also nature’s bounties that would make your holiday serene and beautiful. From snow-capped peaks, mesmerising streams and lakes to an abundance of adventure activities and offbeat destinations, a trip to Himachal Pradesh has got it all.

The state is full of small hill towns each with its unique culture and experience. Dharamshala, Dalhousie, and Khajjiar are three such towns that promise a great holiday experience. Here is how you can plan your 5-day trip to Himachal Pradesh-

Day 1&2

About Dharamshala:
Popularly known as the 'Little Lhasa of India’, Dharamshala is one of the most popular destinations in Himachal Pradesh. The place is believed to be the holy residence of the exiled Tibetan monk Dalai Lama and is, therefore, spiritually and culturally significant. Snow-capped peaks, quaint old monasteries, and thick deodar trees are the highlight of the town.

Reaching Dharamshala
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... From major cities like Delhi and Chandigarh, Dharamshala is only 491 km and 250 km respectively. If you are travelling from Delhi, the route would take you via Chandigarh, Kiratpur, and Bilaspur and would take around 12-13 hours on road.

Places to see in Dharamshala:

• Dal Lake
Dal Lake is one of the most famous tourist spots not only in Dharamshala but also in the entire of Himachal Pradesh. A stunning pond located on the McLeod Ganj Naddi Road, Dal Lake offers panoramic views of the hills and is a famous spot for boat riding, trekking, and fishing. You can also offer prayers at the Shiva mandir located on the bank of the lake.

• Bhagsu Falls, McLeod Ganj
Connecting McLeod Ganj and Dharamshala, Bhagsu Falls is a magnificent waterfall providing an ideal spot for a serene day picnic. The surrounding greenery makes it a natural retreat while the availability of activities like hiking and rock climbing adds an edge of adventure. From the top, the view gives you a breath-taking scene of the entire town.

• Namgyal Monastery, McLeod Ganj
A significant cultural spot in Dharamshala, Namgyal Monastery is the largest Tibetan Temple located outside Tibet. It was the place where the Tibetan spiritual leader Dalai Lama had his abode and, therefore, witnesses both travellers and locals meditating and chanting prayers. The Monastery sees a flock of tourists from all over the world due to its importance.

Day 3

Dharamshala to Dalhousie
The Distance between Dharamshala and Dalhousie is 117 km. It takes about 3 hrs 40 mins in a car to reach Dalhousie from Dharamshala.

About Dalhousie:
One of the least commercialized parts of Himachal Pradesh, Dalhousie is known for its pleasant weather, the stunning PirPanjal range, lush greenery, and a thriving local culture. With the best of nature and adventure, Dalhousie is an ideal destination for travellers looking for a memorable holiday experience.

Local sightseeing:

• St. John’s Church
Start your day at one of the oldest churches in Dalhousie, St. John’s church. This beautiful protestant church reflects Victorian-style architecture and hosts a rich collection of books, rare photographs, historical artefacts, and paintings. It is a popular destination in Dalhousie not only for its religious/spiritual qualities but also because of its aesthetical beauty and historical significance.

• Dainkund Peak
Dainkund peak is one of the highest peaks in Dalhousie. It overlooks the mesmerizing Dhauladhar and PirPanjal ranges and offers a panoramic view of the surrounding valleys and nature. An ideal place for adventure enthusiasts, Dainkund peak has numerous options for trekking and camping for an exhilarating experience. The base of the camp is just 30 minutes from Gandhi chowk, and from the base, the journey to the mesmerizing peak begins.

Day 4

• Bhuri Singh Museum
One of the offbeat destinations in Dalhousie, the Bhuri Singh museum is a significant historical and cultural sight founded in 1908. The museum was initially started to preserve the heritage of Chamba and is now home to a rich collection of more than 8500 antiquities and art objects including carved doors, copper plates, miniature paintings, and frescoes. If you are a curious traveller who loves to know more about the place they’re visiting, then the Bhuri Singh Museum is a must-visit.

Shopping in Dalhousie:

• Tibetan Handicrafts market
A trip to Dalhousie isn’t complete without shopping. The Tibetan Handicrafts market is one of the oldest and most popular shopping spots in Dalhousie. Home to the finest traditional artefacts, the market has a great collection of exquisite carpets, wall hangings, jewellery, bags, shawls, and scarves. Whether it is a small memento to remember the trip by or an expensive keepsake to reflecting the local culture, Tibetan Handicrafts centre has got it all.

• Bhuttico
Established in the year 1944, Bhuttico is one of the oldest and most renowned shopping places in Dalhousie. The centre specialises in Kullu shawls made of authentic raw materials like lambswool, angora, and a pashmina. Apart from this, it is also home to a variety of embroidered shawls. Initially founded by a group of women, the shopping centre has now grown into a popular shopping place but retains its local and cultural roots. Even though the prices here are fixed, the quality is extraordinary.

Day 5

Dalhousie to Khajjiar
Distance between Dalhousie and Khajjiar is around 20km. Travelling between these two beautiful destinations would take just 1 hr in the car.

About Khajjiar:
Popularly called the “mini-Switzerland of India”, Khajjiar lives up to the name in every way. With the best of nature and adventure, Khajjiar is the perfect destination to spend some quality time away from the hustle-bustle of city life.

Places to see in Khajjiar:

• Kalatop Wildlife Sanctuary
The perfect gateway to Himachal’s exotic flora and fauna, Kalatop Wildlife sanctuary is the perfect place for travellers who love nature and wildlife. Be sure to look out for leopard, bear, langur and jackal, and an abundance of great bird species like Black Headed Jay, the Black Bird, and Eurasian Jay. Apart from this, the crystal clear streams and the surrounding greenery, and scenic views of snow-capped hills, add to the charm of the Kalatop wildlife sanctuary.

• Panchpula
The stunning waterfall and lush green trees of Deodar and Pine paint a mesmerizing picture of Panchpula. The destination got its name from the intermingling of five water streams (called paanch in Hindi). It is a great place to spend some quality time basking in nature. Given its undisturbed beauty and serene environment, Panchpula is a haven for trekking enthusiasts.

• Khajjiar lake
Khajjiar lake is the most popular tourist destination in Khajjiar. Located at an elevation of 1920 metres, the stunning lake nestled in lush green deodar forests and is an ideal spot for day picnics. In the vicinity of the lake is a vast landscape that hosts adventure activities like zorbing, paragliding, and horse-riding, offering a blend of thrill and serenity. With this, your amazing trip to Himachal ends. Bid adieu to Khajjiar and with it the beautiful state of Himachal Pradesh.

Conclusion

With this 5-day plan for a trip to Himachal Pradesh, you’ll have the best of nature, adventure, and tranquillity. So, with these diverse and beautiful destinations- from the thrill of trekking Dainkund peak to the serenity of Dal Lake, plan your holiday today.

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