Overview
The western side of Himachal in six days: two nights in McLeod Ganj among Tibetan monasteries and mountain cafés, then three in Dalhousie, a quiet colonial hill station spread over five forested hills, with a day at Khajjiar's meadow. The drive between them crosses the Kangra valley and climbs into the Chamba hills. The trip starts in Chandigarh and ends at Pathankot, the railhead for Delhi, so there's no long backtrack. It's a calmer alternative to the Shimla and Manali circuit, with fewer traffic jams and greener hills.
Best for: Families and couples who want the Kangra and Chamba hills instead of Shimla and Manali
- Two nights in McLeod Ganj
- The Dalai Lama's temple and Bhagsu waterfall
- Norbulingka Institute's crafts
- Three nights in Dalhousie
- Khajjiar's meadow and lake
- Ends at Pathankot for trains to Delhi
Day by day
- Day1
Chandigarh to McLeod Ganj
About 250 kmOvernight: McLeod Ganj
Leave Chandigarh in the morning for the drive past Una and into the Kangra hills, about six to seven hours. Settle into McLeod Ganj and spend the evening around the main square with its prayer wheels and momo stalls.
Road guide: Chandigarh to McLeod Ganj → - Day2
McLeod Ganj and Norbulingka
About 40 kmOvernight: McLeod Ganj
Tsuglagkhang and the Tibet Museum in the morning, then Bhagsunag temple and the waterfall. After lunch, drive down to the Norbulingka Institute to watch Tibetan artists at work and walk its gardens.
- Day3
McLeod Ganj to Dalhousie
About 130 kmOvernight: Dalhousie
A morning at St John in the Wilderness church, then the drive across the Kangra valley via Shahpur and Chamba district to Dalhousie, about four hours. Evening stroll to Gandhi Chowk and the Mall.
Road guide: McLeod Ganj to Dalhousie → - Day4
Khajjiar
About 50 kmOvernight: Dalhousie
A day trip to Khajjiar's meadow, ringed by deodar forest around a small lake and a temple to the snake god Khajji Nag. Pony rides, zorbing and paragliding are available; or just picnic on the grass. Stop at the Kalatop sanctuary on the way back if the road is open.
Road guide: Dalhousie to Khajjiar → - Day5
Dalhousie walks and Chamba
About 100 kmOvernight: Dalhousie
Panchpula and Satdhara falls in the morning, then down to Chamba on the Ravi for the Lakshmi Narayan temples and the Chamba Rumal embroidery shops. Back to Dalhousie for the last evening.
Road guide: Dalhousie to Chamba → - Day6
Dalhousie to Pathankot
About 80 km
Down to Pathankot, about two and a half to three hours, for trains to Delhi, flights from Pathankot or onward travel to Amritsar or Jammu.
Two very different towns
McLeod Ganj is lively and spiritual, with Tibetan monks, travellers and cafés packed into a few steep streets. Dalhousie is the opposite: spacious, quiet and old-fashioned, with Victorian churches, long forest walks and few cars. Together they show two sides of the western Himalaya.
The road between them
From McLeod Ganj the route drops into the Kangra valley and runs west past Shahpur before climbing into the hills of Chamba district. It's a road of terraced fields, small temples and pine forest, with the Dhauladhar range on the right for much of the way.
Who this suits
This trip suits families who want short walks and fresh air, travellers who've already seen Shimla and Manali, and visitors from abroad who are interested in Tibetan culture. It's also good in winter, when the western hills are often clearer than the Kullu valley.
Ways to change it
Add a night in McLeod Ganj for the walk to Triund or a day at Bir's paragliding site, or a night at Khajjiar so you can see the meadow without the day crowds. If you're flying, start at Kangra airport rather than Chandigarh; it removes a long driving day and lowers the price.
Route and price at a glance
The Dharamshala and Dalhousie trip covers about 650 km by road over 6 days, with overnight stops in McLeod Ganj and Dalhousie. The car is priced on the same basis as our private car tours: 1,500 billable km (the larger of the real distance and 250 km a day) at the vehicle's per-km rate, plus 5 nights of driver allowance, with fuel, tolls and parking included.
For two travellers on standard hotels, that comes to ₹17,500 for 5 hotel nights with breakfast and dinner, ₹36,500 for the car and driver and a ₹8,100 service fee: ₹62,100 in all, or ₹31,000 each. Larger groups share the car and pay less per person.
- Day 1: Chandigarh to McLeod Ganj (about 250 km, overnight McLeod Ganj)
- Day 2: McLeod Ganj and Norbulingka (about 40 km, overnight McLeod Ganj)
- Day 3: McLeod Ganj to Dalhousie (about 130 km, overnight Dalhousie)
- Day 4: Khajjiar (about 50 km, overnight Dalhousie)
- Day 5: Dalhousie walks and Chamba (about 100 km, overnight Dalhousie)
- Day 6: Dalhousie to Pathankot (about 80 km)
Dharamshala and Dalhousie price
Per person, by hotel tier and group size. Prices last calculated 21 October 2026 from current rate cards and hotel listings.
3-star hotels, standard camps and homestays
| Travellers | Per person | Group total | Vehicle |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2 | ₹31,000 ≈ US$365 | ₹62,000 | Sedan |
| 4 | ₹24,500 ≈ US$290 | ₹98,000 | Innova |
| 6 | ₹25,500 ≈ US$300 | ₹1,53,000 | Tempo Traveller |
Per person, twin sharing, all-inclusive of the items listed below. Dollar prices are approximate (₹85 = US$1). Your exact price is confirmed in writing before you book; it depends on dates, hotel availability and group size.
Where the money goes: 2 travellers, standard hotels
- Hotels and camps (breakfast and dinner)₹17,500
- Private car and driver for the whole trip₹36,500
- Our service fee (15% on hotels and transport)₹8,100
- Total for both₹62,100
Included
- 5 nights in McLeod Ganj and Dalhousie, twin sharing, with breakfast and dinner
- Private car with driver for all 6 days (sedan or Innova for two, Innova for four, Tempo Traveller for six), including fuel, tolls, parking, state taxes and the driver's allowances
- Pickup from Chandigarh and drop at Pathankot
Not included
- ×Train, bus or flights to Chandigarh
- ×Lunches, drinks and snacks
- ×Entry fees, ropeways, activities and snow gear hire
- ×GST on the package, travel insurance and tips
Good to know: roads, permits and safety
- No permits are needed anywhere on this route.
- Kalatop wildlife sanctuary sometimes restricts vehicles; we'll check on the day.
- Pathankot has frequent trains to Delhi; Amritsar's airport is about two and a half hours further.
When to go
The whole year at a glance
- Best time
- Snow likely, roads can close
- Monsoon, landslide risk
- Fine, check weather
Kangra valley
- McLeod Ganj2,004 mMcLeod Ganj: Best: Mar–Jun, Sep–Nov; Monsoon: Jul–Aug
Dalhousie and Chamba
- • March to June and September to November are the best months for both towns.
- • December to February brings snow to Dalhousie and Khajjiar some years, and cold, clear days in McLeod Ganj.
- • July and August are very wet in Dharamshala; landslides can close the Chamba roads.
Frequently asked questions
How much does the Dharamshala and Dalhousie package cost?+
About ₹25,500 per person for six travellers on standard hotels, or ₹31,000 per person for a couple, for all 6 days. Comfort hotels cost more; the price table shows every option.
How far is Dalhousie from Dharamshala?+
About 120–130 km, four hours by car.
Can we end in Chandigarh instead of Pathankot?+
Yes. Dalhousie to Chandigarh is about 300 km and eight hours; it costs a little more.
Is Khajjiar worth a day?+
Yes. It's one of the prettiest meadows in Himachal, and only 22 km from Dalhousie.
Can we add Amritsar?+
Amritsar is in Punjab, so it isn't part of this package, but we can drop you there at the end for an extra charge.
Which car do we get on the Dharamshala and Dalhousie trip?+
A sedan for two travellers, an Innova for up to four and a Tempo Traveller for six, with the same driver for the whole trip.
Plan the rest of your trip
- McLeod Ganj to Dalhousie taxi
- Dalhousie to Khajjiar taxi
- Dharamshala and McLeod Ganj guide
- Taxi service in Dalhousie
Price and route sources: Wikipedia: Dharamshala · Wikipedia: Dalhousie, India · Wikipedia: Khajjiar · TravelTriangle: Himachal tour packages and prices
