Overview
Dharamshala to Khajjiar is about 121–127 km by road, usually around 4 hours by taxi, crossing from the Kangra valley into Chamba district. Khajjiar is the deodar-ringed meadow near Dalhousie, often called India's 'mini Switzerland', at about 1,920 m. It's a popular next stop for travellers moving on from McLeod Ganj, and a long but rewarding day trip if you start early. Most people combine it with a night in Dalhousie, about 22 km from Khajjiar, rather than driving back the same day. We pick you up from Dharamshala or McLeod Ganj and can drop you in Khajjiar, Dalhousie or Chamba.
Usual route: West through the Kangra valley and the hill roads into Chamba district
Included
- Fuel and driver allowance
- Tolls and state entry taxes
- Pickup anywhere in Dharamshala
- Short refreshment stops
Not included
- ×Parking at sightseeing stops
- ×Detours beyond the agreed route (quoted upfront)
- ×Night allowance on trips that need one (quoted upfront)
The climb from Dharamshala to Khajjiar
How high you go, and the stops along the way. Useful if anyone in your group gets motion sick or feels the altitude.
Start
1,457 m
Dharamshala
Total climb
+463 m
over ~124 km
Finish
1,920 m
Khajjiar
- Dharamshala
- Kangra valley towns
- Dalhousie area
- Kalatop–Khajjiar sanctuary
- Khajjiar meadow and Khajji Nag temple
- Khajjiar
Illustrative profile. Start, finish altitudes are approximate; stops are shown in order, not to scale.
Dharamshala to Khajjiar taxi fare and cab rates
Starting prices for a one-way trip (~124 km), per vehicle, with fuel, driver, tolls and HP entry tax included. Your exact price is confirmed in writing on WhatsApp before you book; it can vary with dates, vehicle model and extra stops. All Himachal taxi fares
₹5,700
starting · one way
₹7,200
starting · one way
₹7,950
starting · one way
₹12,900
starting · one way
Your quote
Dharamshala → Khajjiar
Sedan · one way · ~124 km
- FuelIncluded
- Driver & driver allowanceIncluded
- Highway tollsIncluded
- Himachal state entry taxIncluded
- Pickup anywhere in DharamshalaIncluded
Total you pay
starting price
₹5,700
Only ever extra: parking at sightseeing stops you choose (paid at cost), and detours you add on the day (quoted before you go).
Driving tips for this route
- 1Leave by 7–8 am for a day trip; the return in the dark on hill roads is best avoided.
- 2It's more comfortable as a one-way transfer with a night in Khajjiar or Dalhousie.
- 3Pickups from McLeod Ganj add 20–30 minutes for the descent.
- 4The last part of the drive is through forest on narrower roads; larger vehicles are slower here.
- 5In winter, snow can close the Khajjiar road for a while; we check the evening before.
Worthwhile stops on the way
Dharamshala
Pickup
Kangra valley towns
Tea and breakfast stops as you leave the Dharamshala area.
Dalhousie area
Hill town about 22 km before Khajjiar; a good overnight.
Kalatop–Khajjiar sanctuary
Deodar forest on the approach to the meadow.
Khajjiar meadow and Khajji Nag temple
The meadow, small lake and wooden temple.
Khajjiar
Drop at your hotel
One way with a night in Dalhousie, or a long day trip?
As a day trip, this means about eight hours in the car for two or three hours at Khajjiar. That's possible with a 7 am start, but it's a lot of driving for one day. Most travellers instead book one way to Khajjiar, stay a night or two in Dalhousie, and continue from there to Pathankot, Amritsar or back to Dharamshala later.
If you're on a longer Himachal trip, keep the same car and driver for the whole loop. The driver stays with you in Dalhousie and handles the forest roads to Khajjiar and Chamba.
What to do at Khajjiar
Walk around the meadow, visit the wooden Khajji Nag temple at its edge, and sit under the deodars. There are horse rides and zorbing in season, and a forest trail of about 11 km from Kalatop to Khajjiar for walkers. Chamba town, with its stone temples and the Chaugan, is a further drive beyond Khajjiar if you want to make a loop of it.
- Arrive before midday to find parking on weekends.
- Agree activity prices before starting.
- Carry a warm layer; Khajjiar is cooler than Dharamshala's lower town.
Staying in Dalhousie before or after Khajjiar
Dalhousie, about 22 km from Khajjiar, is the natural base for this part of Himachal. It's a quiet colonial-era hill town spread over several hills, with walks between Gandhi Chowk and Subhash Chowk, old churches, and views of the snow ranges on clear days. Staying a night or two there turns the long drive from Dharamshala into a relaxed trip, with Khajjiar as an easy half-day outing.
From Dalhousie, the onward options are simple: down to Pathankot for trains (about 80 km), on to Amritsar for the Golden Temple and flights (about 200 km), or back towards Dharamshala. We can plan all of these as one trip with the same car.
Weather & road conditions
When to go to Khajjiar
| J | F | M | A | M | J | J | A | S | O | N | D |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January: Snow likely, roads can close | February: Snow likely, roads can close | March: Best time | April: Best time | May: Best time | June: Best time | July: Monsoon, landslide risk | August: Monsoon, landslide risk | September: Best time | October: Best time | November: Best time | December: Snow likely, roads can close |
- Best time
- Snow likely, roads can close
- Monsoon, landslide risk
- Fine, check weather
Pickup options
- • Dharamshala town hotels (Kotwali Bazaar, Civil Lines)
- • Dharamshala bus stand
- • Kangra (Gaggal) airport
- • McLeod Ganj hotels
Other ways to travel
Buses run between Dharamshala and Dalhousie or Chamba, usually with a change, taking most of the day. A taxi is the practical way to include Khajjiar.
Frequently asked questions
How much does a Dharamshala to Khajjiar cab cost?+
Starting one-way fares are Sedan ₹5,700, SUV ₹7,200, Toyota Innova Crysta ₹7,950, Tempo Traveller ₹12,900, all-inclusive with fuel, driver, tolls and Himachal entry tax. Your exact taxi price is confirmed in writing on WhatsApp before you book.
How far is Khajjiar from Dharamshala?+
About 121–127 km by road, usually around 4 hours by taxi (approximate; verification pending).
Can we do Khajjiar as a day trip from McLeod Ganj?+
Yes, with an early start, but it's about eight hours of driving. A night in Dalhousie makes it far more relaxed.
How far is Khajjiar from Dalhousie?+
About 22 km, roughly an hour, through the Kalatop–Khajjiar sanctuary.
Does Khajjiar get snow?+
Often in December to February; the road can close for a while after heavy snow.
Can you drop us in Dalhousie instead?+
Yes. Tell us your Dalhousie hotel and we'll stop at Khajjiar on the way if you like.
Which car is best for this trip?+
A sedan is fine for two to four people; an SUV or Innova suits families with luggage on the forest roads.
How long should we spend at Khajjiar?+
Two to three hours covers the meadow, the Khajji Nag temple and a short walk. Add more time if you'd like to walk part of the Kalatop forest trail.
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