Overview
A short, easy loop through western Himachal from Amritsar: Dharamshala and McLeod Ganj for Tibetan culture and Dhauladhar views, then Dalhousie's pine-covered hills and the meadow at Khajjiar. The drives are some of the gentlest in the state, none longer than about five hours, which makes this a good first Himachal trip for families or older travellers. It also pairs naturally with a Golden Temple visit at the start or end, since Amritsar is the most convenient airport for both towns.
Best for: Families, older travellers and anyone flying into Amritsar with five days
- Amritsarstart
- Dharamshala2 nights
- Dalhousie2 nights
- Amritsarend
- Gentle drives, all under about five hours
- McLeod Ganj, Bhagsu and the Tibetan temple complex
- Dalhousie's colonial hill town and Khajjiar's meadow
- Easy to combine with the Golden Temple and Wagah border
Day by day
- Day1
Amritsar to Dharamshala
Amritsar → Dharamshala~205 km · 5–6 hoursOvernight: Dharamshala
Pickup from the airport or your Amritsar hotel, across Punjab to Pathankot and up through Nurpur and Kangra. Kangra Fort is an optional stop near the end.
Road guide: Amritsar airport to Dharamshala → - Day2
McLeod Ganj and Bhagsu
Around Dharamshala~30 km · 1–2 hours of drivingOvernight: Dharamshala
The Tsuglagkhang temple complex, Bhagsu waterfall and the cafés of Dharamkot. Several lanes are pedestrian, so the driver drops and collects at agreed points.
- Day3
Dharamshala to Dalhousie
Dharamshala → Dalhousie~120 km · 3.5–4.5 hoursOvernight: Dalhousie
West through the lower Kangra hills and up to Dalhousie via Banikhet, arriving for a late lunch and an evening at Gandhi Chowk.
Road guide: Dharamshala to Dalhousie → - Day4
Khajjiar, and Chamba if you like
Around Dalhousie~40 km · 2–3 hours with stops (more with Chamba)Overnight: Dalhousie
Khajjiar's meadow is about 17 km from Dalhousie. Continue to Chamba's old temples and the Ravi river for a longer day; we decide based on time and weather.
- Day5
Dalhousie to Amritsar
Dalhousie → Amritsar~200 km · 4.5–5.5 hours
Down to Pathankot and across Punjab, timed for your flight or for the Golden Temple in the evening. A drop at Pathankot station is also possible (about 80 km).
Tour price by vehicle
Starting prices for the whole 5-day tour (car, driver, fuel, tolls, state taxes and the driver's night allowance). Your exact price is confirmed in writing before you book.
42
₹30,400
starting · full tour
63
₹37,900
starting · full tour
₹41,600
starting · full tour
₹66,600
starting · full tour
Included
- Same car and driver for all days
- Fuel, tolls and state entry taxes
- Driver's food, stay and night allowance
- Local sightseeing on the days shown
Not included
- ×Hotels and meals (book your own, or ask us for suggestions)
- ×Entry tickets, activities and parking at sightseeing stops
When to go
| J | F | M | A | M | J | J | A | S | O | N | D | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dharamshala | January: Fine, check weather | February: Fine, check weather | 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: Best time |
| Dalhousie | 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
- • Mar–Jun and Sep–Nov are best; Khajjiar is greenest just after the monsoon in September.
- • Dec–Feb: Dalhousie and Khajjiar can get snow, which is beautiful but can close the Khajjiar road for a day.
- • Jul–Aug: Dharamshala is very wet; drives are slower.
Frequently asked questions
Can we end at Pathankot station instead of Amritsar?+
Yes. Dalhousie to Pathankot is about 80 km, roughly 2.5–3 hours.
Can we add a Golden Temple day?+
Yes. Add a night in Amritsar at the start or end; the Wagah border ceremony is in the late afternoon.
Is this suitable for elderly travellers?+
It's one of the gentlest Himachal circuits: shorter drives and fewer hairpins than Shimla–Manali.
