Dalhousie is a hill station near Chamba in Chamba district in the Indian state of Himachal Pradesh. The Ganji Pahari Trek is one of the most popular tourist attractions here. Situated on an elevation of 1,970 m (6,460 ft) above sea level, it consists of five hills. Dalhousie has a humid subtropical climate. Due to monsoonal influence, Late summer and early spring (typically April and May) see torrential rainfall. The city sees over 90 frost days yearly and 20-30 snowy days. The average night temperature during the season is around 4 °C, while the maximum is close to 11 °C.
About Ganji Pahari
Ganji Pahari is a picturesque hill 5 kilometres from Dalhousie on Pathankot Road. The name is derived from its distinguishing feature: the utter absence of plants on the hill—’Ganji’ means Bald in the local language, and ‘Pahari’ means Hill. The natural landscape offers an exciting trekking track. Its proximity also makes Ganji Pahari a popular picnic place in Dalhousie. During the winter, the same terrain is covered in thick snow, and the panoramic view is magnificent.
Making the correct path instead of randomly cruising around is one of the best ways to see the area unless you’re searching for adventure. The vivid hues reflecting off the surrounding landscape are a mesmerising sight at any time of day. Still, the misty sunsets and sunrises are the greatest periods to see Ganji Pahari. It’s the perfect location to explore and make memories when travelling together. Taking pictures of the breathtaking Ganji Pahari site is equally worthwhile.
Must Read: Places To Visit In Dalhousie
Ganji Pahari Trek
The trek to Ganji Pahari begins from Dalhousie, and the trekkers walk through the town before taking the route to Panchpula. At a point in Panchpula, the trekking trail goes through a rugged and uneven path to the top of the hill. This climb is about 6 kilometres and offers a beautiful view of the natural landscape surrounding Ganji Pahari. Trekkers pass through some village homes located on the slopes.
One can camp on Ganji Pahari, enjoy the view, and descend back to the town the same day. If one wishes to camp, one can get some delicious homemade dinner food from the nearby village. If trekking with an adventure company, they usually arrange dinner. Trekkers can have a splendid bonfire and a quiet night of sky gazing before they doze off. After the overnight camp, the next day, trekkers can take the same route back to Dalhousie or proceed to Dainkund.
How To Reach Ganji Pahari Trek
Ganji Pahari is located on Pathankot Road, about an hour from Dalhousie. The best modes of transport to reach Ganji Pahari are rented taxis and private vehicles. Trekking is another exciting way to reach Ganji Pahari. Trekkers can take the route from Panchpula to the top of the Pahari. We have found three ways to reach Dalhousie for a hassle-free journey.
By Airplane
The airport closest to Dalhousie is Gaggal Airport, around 130 km away. Carriers, including Air India Regional, Jagson Airlines and SpiceJet, provide regular flights from Delhi and Chandigarh to Gaggal. Travellers can hire a private taxi or cab or take a bus to reach Dalhousie from outside the airport.
By Train
Pathankot railway station is the nearest railhead to Dalhousie, about 80 km away. It is directly connected to prime cities in the country, including Delhi, Jammu, Bhatinda, Jaipur, Ahmedabad, and Jodhpur, via superfast, express, and mail trains. You can hire a private taxi or take a shared cab from outside the railway station to reach Dalhousie, a journey of about 3 hours.
By Road
Roads leading to Dalhousie might be long but are worth travelling on. Several private and state buses of Himachal Road Transport Corporation (HPTC) and Haryana Road Transport Corporation (HRTC) provide their services from nearby cities. From New Delhi, it takes around 11 hours via NH 1 to reach Dalhousie, covering a distance of about 565 km. Besides, the destination is also well connected with other major places in the region, like Chamba (45 km), Amritsar (200 km), and Shimla (365 km).
Suggested Read: Homestays In Dalhousie
Hotels Near Ganji Pahadi Trek
Dalhousie is a popular tourist attraction in Himachal Pradesh, and it offers many places to stay. Here is the curated list of hotels near Ganjai Phari Trek for a good night’s rest after your tiring trek.
Aamod At Dalhousie
Located just 1 km from Ganji Pahari, this place provides free cancellation and requires no prepaid payments. The hotel has 24-hour room service and front desk availability. It has a lovely garden, a private terrace, and a private washroom available as well. The spacious double room offers its guest air conditioning and walls with soundproofing. The nearest airport to the accommodation is Gaggal Airport, around 47 km away.
Location: Village Ala, Dalhousie Khajjiar Road, Dalhousie 176304 India
Starting Price: INR 4200 per night
Mohan Palace Dalhousie
The accommodation features a 24-hour front desk, airport transfers, a kids’ club and free WiFi throughout the property. The rooms have a flat-screen TV with cable channels, a minibar, a kettle, a shower, free toiletries and a wardrobe. The rooms come with linen and towels. A buffet and continental breakfast can be enjoyed at the property. It is just a 3 km drive from Ganji Pahari. The airport closest to the place is the Pathankot Airport, 48 km from the place.
Location: Khajjiar Road Gandhi Chow, Dalhousie 176304 India
Starting Price: INR 4700 per night
Alps Resort
The hotel provides services like free wifi, a rental taxi facility for sightseeing, a private washroom, and a terrace for the deluxe double bedroom. The hotel has been awarded a 3-star rating and is quite a comfortable place to stay with affordable prices. The Ganji Pahari is around 4 km from the Alps Resort. The Pathankot Airport is just 49 km from the Resort.
Location: Khajjiar Road, Upper Bakrotta Hills, Dalhousie 176304, India
Starting Price: INR 4160 per night
Further Read: Villas In Dalhouise
Now that you have a list of things to remember for your next vacation, such as trekking the beautiful hills of Dalhousie, plan your trip to Himachal Pradesh to these fabulous spots for the experience of a lifetime. Don’t miss out on these opportunities, and book your tickets now!
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Frequently Asked Questions About Ganji Pahari Trek
What's the best time to visit Ganji Pahari?
The best time to visit the place is between October and February. The place is situated near the hill and receives a good amount of snowfall during that time.
What is the best way to reach Ganji Pahari?
The best way to reach the play is by road. The road transportation system is robust, making the journey to Pahari smooth for its travellers.
What is the nearest airport to Dalhousie?
The nearest airport is the Gaggal Airport, 130 km from the town.
What is Dalhousie named?
It was named after Lord Dalhousie, the then-British Governor-General, and rapidly became a favourite getaway for colonial officials looking to escape the summer heat.
How long is the Ganji Pahari Trek?
The Ganji Pahari Trek is 6 km long and takes you through the picturesque hills of Dalhousie and Panchpula.
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