Everything you can do in Dalhousie in 2 days
Make your Dalhousie trip memorable with hilltop views, cafes, churches and The Hosteller
By Purva Mhatre
28 Jan, 2025
This little hill station is hidden between 5 mountains. Dalhousie: a charming town in Himachal that you should visit at least once. It's not very popular among tourists, so it’s less crowded. Plus, Dalhousie is small enough to cover the entire town in just two days. And then? You can head over to explore Khajjiar and Chamba.
Are you considering planning a trip to Dalhousie? We’ve got you covered with a two-day itinerary.
Day 1: Arrive, relax, and soak in the vibes
Morning
Start your journey by reaching this cute little town- Dalhousie, and checking into The Hosteller Dalhousie using Glu. With Glu, you can enjoy contactless check-in so start exploring Dalhousie without unnecessary delays.
After settling in and grabbing breakfast at Unbox Cafe, begin your day with a visit to Panchpula, a scenic spot known for its waterfalls and peaceful ambiance. Take a short walk here, soak in the fresh mountain air, and take pictures.
- Drive time from The Hosteller Dalhousie: Approximately 13 minutes
Next, visit one of Dalhausies' oldest landmarks, St. John’s Church. With its colonial-era architecture and peaceful surroundings, this is a place to take a breather and appreciate the town's charm.
- Drive time from The Hosteller Dalhousie: Approximately 5 minutes
St. John's Church, Dehradun—pretty, isn't it?
Afternoon
You will get tired by exploring the place and bhook toh lagegi na. Then have lunch at a local restaurant or cafe. Try some Himachali dishes like Chana Madra (a yogurt-based curry), Sidu (a local bread), and Tudkiya Bhath (a spiced rice dish).
Post lunch, take a little nap at the hostel, or spend some time in-house by interacting with fellow travellers. One advantage of staying at The Hosteller is you can join others with their plans. Together you guys can explore the town. Head towards Dainkund Peak. This is the highest point of Dalhousie. A short trek of 20-30 minutes will take you to the top. Catch the sunset from here at the top. And you can also visit Pholani Devi temple at the top.
- Drive time from The Hosteller Dalhousie: Approximately 35 minutes
Evening
After catching a sunset, head to Garam Sadak for a peaceful walk lined with deodar trees. Soak in the evening charm of Dalhousie. Then you can spend the rest of the day chilling at The Hosteller or just strolling around and trying street food. Confused about what to eat in Dalhousie? Read our blog on: Food options to try in Dalhousie.
Day 2: Explore the surroundings and local market
Morning
Wake up early to catch the morning vibes of Dalhousie have breakfast and from here, visit the Kalatop Wildlife Sanctuary. With deer, leopards, and a wide variety of other animals, this sanctuary never fails to amaze wildlife enthusiasts. As you roam around the sanctuary, you can spot deers, leopards, langurs, and bird species like Himalayan Monal, Koklass Pheasant, and Western Tragopan.
- Drive time from The Hosteller Dalhousie: Approximately 38 minutes
- Entry fee: ₹250 per car approximately
- Timings: 8 AM – 6 PM
- Pro tip: Carry snacks and water, as options inside are limited.
Forest trek at Kalatop Wildlife Sanctuary
Afternoon
Head back to Dalhousie post lunch and explore Bakrota Hills, a serene area perfect for a quiet walk.
- Drive time from The Hosteller Dalhousie: Approximately 30 minutes
Evening
Before wrapping up your trip, visit the Tibetan Market in Dalhousie. Here, you can shop for souvenirs like shawls, handicrafts, and jewelry, or simply enjoy a steaming cup of chai while soaking in the local vibe. End your day with a wholesome Himalayan dinner at one of the local restaurants.
- Drive time from The Hosteller Dalhousie: Approximately 38 minutes
Day 3: Head to the next destination
Now that you are done with Dalhousie, you can head next to explore Khajjiar- MIni Switzerland of India. If you want to know why you should go to Khajjiar, read our blog- Reasons why Khajjiar should be your next destination.
Vibrant village on the way to Dalhousie
Tips for a budget-friendly Dalhousie trip
- Travel off-season: If you travel during peak season, you are most likely to get higher prices for accommodation, and travel bookings, and places are crowded too. So visit between July and September for fewer crowds and lower accommodation prices.
- Choose an affordable stay: The Hosteller Dalhousie is where you can meet fellow travellers and enjoy vibes without burning a hole in your wallet. Sit around and swap stories at the bonfire.
- Public transport: Skip taxis and consider taking local buses or shared cabs to explore nearby areas.
- Skip fancy restaurants and opt for local dhabas: Local dhabas offer authentic flavours at budget-friendly prices, giving you a true taste of Himalayan cuisine.
Conclusion
Dalhousie is the perfect destination for anyone who wants peace from citie’s hustle and bustle and want peace. This town has a colonial charm, warm local markets, and beautiful landscapes. So pack your bags, plan your itinerary, and unwind in the arms of the mountains with The Hosteller Dalhousie.
See you soon!
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