The vast expanse of verdant meadows, dense deodar forest, and views of the snow-covered Kailash, Khajjiar is a nature lover’s heaven with some incredible tourist places in and around it. Also known as the Gulmarg of Himachal, it is a starting point for Chamba, Dalhousie, and Kalatop Wildlife Sanctuary treks.As there are amazing places to visit in Khajjar for every traveller, from an adventure seeker to a zealot, this destination is on the bucket list for many travellers worldwide. So, check out the top tourist spots, both popular and hidden, for an ultimate experience.
15 Best Places To Visit In Khajjiar In 2024
Khajjiar is one of the most beautiful destinations to visit in Himachal Pradesh. There are so many places that you would be confused about where to head first. So, look at this list of top places to visit in Khajjiar in Himachal Pradesh that one should visit on the escape.
1. Kalatop Wildlife Sanctuary
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Spread over a sprawling 30.69 sq. km. Kalatop Wildlife Sanctuary is one of the most beautiful places to visit in Khajjiar. Situated between Dalhousie and Khajjiar Lake, this wildlife reserve is popular for nature walks and hikes. The wildlife sanctuary comprises trees like Blue Pine, Green Oak, and Rhododendron, and one can spot barking goral, Himalayan black marten, langur, jackal, bear, and leopard within the sanctuary. The small tributaries of River Ravi make this place look scenic and spectacular.
Opening hours: 7:00 am to 6: 00 pm
Best Time To Visit: April to October
Nearby Places To Visit: Kalatop Forest, Dainkund Peak, Star Village Cafe, Golden Devi Temple
How to Reach: The sanctuary is easily accessible by road from Chandigarh and Chamba via taxis and buses. The nearest railway station is Pathankot (80 km), and the airport is Gaggal (135 km).
Must Read: Honeymoon In Dalhousie
Long Weekend Trips Starting @ Rs 3299/-
2. Khajjiar Lake
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Encircled by lush green deodar forests, Khajjiar Lake is a natural splendour located at an elevation of 1920 meters. Among the best places to visit in Himachal Pradesh, it is ideal for reinvigoration of mind and body. The major attraction of the place is the island that floats, which is actually a cluster of grass growing on the lake’s surface. Khajjiar Lake is mostly visited by locals and tourists for day picnics, paragliding, zorbing, and horse riding. These are some of the most fascinating things to do in Khajjiar. On a sunny day, one can also enjoy the mesmerizing views of Mount Kailash from the lake. Undoubtedly, Khajjiar Lake, with its paradisiacal surroundings and bewitching ambience, is at the topmost position on this list of prominent Khajjiar tourist places.
Opening hours: NA
Best Time To Visit: April to July
Nearby Places To Visit: Khajji Nag Temple, Panch Pandav Tree, Khalatop Wildlife Sanctuary
How To Reach: Khajjiar Lake is well connected to Dalhousie and Chamba and easily reached by bus and taxi. One can also take a taxi from Pathankot railway station to the lake.
3. Kailash Villages
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Are you looking for the best tourist places in Khajjiar? Mostly resting in the middle of lush mountains and dense deodar forests, the laidback and picturesque villages are some of the best places to visit in Khajjiar to experience country life. Rota, Ladi, etc., are some of the most beautiful villages, offering clear views of Mount Kailash, green slopes, and snow-capped peaks you’ll want to capture in your camera. These villages are around Khajjiar Ground and are famous for their apple orchards.
Suppose you’re willing to stay back to explore the villages of Khajjiar. In that case, there are homestays where you can comfortably stay with the locals, eat authentic Himachal food, and experience the beauty of the slow life of the mountains. These are some of the most fun-filled things to do in Khajjiar.
Opening hours: NA
Best Time To Visit: Mid-May to mid-October
Nearby Places To Visit: Khajjiar Lake, Nine Hole Golf Course, Dhauladhar Range
How To Reach: The nearest rail track is the Pathankot Railway Station in Punjab. It takes around 3 hours and 13 minutes to reach the destination
Suggested Read: Places To Visit In Himachal In January
4. Panch Pandav Tree
Within the thick deodar forests surrounding the Khajjiar Lake, the Panch Pandav Tree is one of the most unique places to see in Khajjiar. This tree has six shoots, and locals believe that it represents 5 Pandavas and Draupadi. Panch Pandav Tree is located near a rest house that leads to remote Khajjiar villages. Just about a kilometre from Khajjiar towards Dalhousie is a giant deodar tree with about 15 shoots of similar height. This one is known as the ‘Mother Tree’ in the region and around the world.
Opening hours: NA
Best Time To Visit: All year long
Nearby Places To Visit: Kalatop Wildlife Sanctuary, Khajjiar Lake, Khajji Nag Temple, Lord Shiva Statue
How To Reach: Panch Pandav Tree is located on the ground of Khajjiar. One can easily reach this destination by road en route to Bakrota Hills from Dalhousie.
5. Khajji Nag Temple
Dedicated to Khaji Nag, or Lord of Serpents, this is one of the oldest temples of Himachal Pradesh and one of the best Khajjiar places to visit. Khaji Nag temple was built in the 12th century, and the wood carvings reflect Hindu-Mughal architecture style and pattern. Resting on the bank of Khajjiar Lake, this temple boasts of Shiva and Hidimba idols and images of Pandava and Kaurava. The age-old practice of goat sacrifice is still practised here in the temple.
Opening hours: 6:00 am to 8:00 pm
Best Time To Visit: April to July
Nearby Places To Visit: Daikund Peak, Laxmi Narayana Temple, Golden Devi Temple
How To Reach: One can take the road from Dalhousie and cover the distance via taxis and buses.
Suggested Read: Hill Stations In South India
6. Tibetan Handicrafts Center
Looking for places to visit in Khajjiarthat would also have you buy some authentic souvenirs? Well, head to the Tibetan Handicrafts Center, and we promise you won’t be disappointed. From wall hangings to carpets and shawls to antiques, you will find something that appeals to you. But it doesn’t end at that. There are some fantastic food joints paired besides these souvenir shops, and the spicy noodles and steaming momo they offer are to die for!
Opening hours: 9:00 am to 5:00 pm
Best Time To Visit: April to July
Nearby Places To Visit: Khajjiar Lake, Laxmi Narayana Temple, Golden Devi Temple
How To Reach: One can take the road from Dalhousie and cover the distance via taxis and buses.
7. Nine Hole Golf Course
Looking for places to visit in Khajjiar that offer a touch of aristocracy and luxury? Well, we solved that issue for you with this suggestion! Nine Hole Golf Course is a tourist place in Khajjiar. It is one of the high-class, fancy places in Khajjiar, and indulging in sports here is one of the best ways to enjoy Khajjiar’s scenic views and beauty.
Opening hours: NA
Best Time To Visit: May to December
Nearby Places To Visit: Khajjiar Lake, Laxmi Narayana Temple
How To Reach: One can take the road from Dalhousie and cover the distance via taxis and buses.
Suggested Read: Resorts In Himachal
8. HP State Handicrafts Center
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Are you thinking about Khajjiar places to visit for shopping? Well, don’t fret! The HP State Handicrafts Center is where you need to be for the most fantastic shopping experience in Khajjiar. This place is a gem if you want to acquire the local flavours of Khajjiar and Himachal Pradesh. Be it handmade carpets or jewellery, wall hangings or furniture, rugs or metalware, you will find it all here. While exploring Khajjiar in Himachal Pradesh, remember buy souvenirs as a token of happy life memories.
Opening hours: 10:00 am – 9:00 pm
Best Time To Visit: May to December
Nearby Places To Visit: Khajjiar Lake, Laxmi Narayana Temple
How To Reach: One can take the road from Dalhousie and cover the distance via taxis and buses.
9. Dhauladar Range
If you wish to know about places to visit in Khajjiar for trekking, this is it! The Dhauladar Range in Khajjiar is the perfect location to indulge in it and to give you a sudden adrenaline rush. The snow-capped peaks are the perfect backdrop, and the mesmerising views are worth dying for! Brace yourselves to witness the mountains in all their glory and have the time of your life!
Opening hours: Throughout the day
Best Time To Visit: April to November
Nearby Places To Visit: Khajjiar Lake, Laxmi Narayana Temple
How To Reach: One can take the road from Dalhousie and cover the distance via taxis and buses.
Suggested Read: Secret Places In Himachal
10. Dainkund Peak, Rakhed
Dainkund Peak is among the most beautiful and scenic places near Khajjiar. It’s the highest peak in Dalhousie, meaning other high snow-capped peaks are visible on a sunny day. In winter, it turns into a white heaven, and the lush green meadows welcome tourists during summer. Anyone looking for great places to visit in Dalhousie in December must not skip this.
Opening hours: Being a camping site, this place has no timings
Best Time To Visit: March to May and June to October
Nearby Places To Visit: Kalatop Wildlife Sanctuary, St John’s Church, Chamera Lake, Kailash View
How To Reach: The trek commences after one crosses Lakkar Mandi. After driving for 6 kilometres, one must park their car as the motorable roads end at this spot and then trek for around 3 km.
11. Panchpula, Chatryara
Surrounded by thick pine and deodar trees, the gorgeous Panchpula is one of the best places to visit near Khajjiar. One can find many other beautiful streams and waterfalls inside the pine forests. It’s just about 3 km from the main city of Dalhousie. Paying a visit to Panchpula is one of the best things to do in Khajjiar.
Opening hours: NA
Best Time To Visit: April to October
Nearby Places To Visit: St Francis Church, Garam Sadak, Bara Pather, Shaheed Ajeet Singh Memorial
How to Reach: Panchpula is approximately 3.5 km from Dalhousie. The easiest and quickest way to reach this destination is by road, bus, or cab.
Suggested Read: Places To Visit In Himachal Pradesh In Monsoon
12. Subhash Baoli, Dalhousie
Just 1 km from Dalhousie and about 32 km from Khajjiar, Subhash Baoli is a beautiful spot amongst tall pine trees and is one of the top Khajjiar places to visit. It is named after the most famous freedom fighter, Subhash Chandra Bose. One can witness the picturesque and majestic views of the snow-covered Himalayas and other mountain ranges.
Opening hours: 24 hours
Best Time To Visit: All year long
Nearby Places To Visit: Satdhar Falls, Kalatop Sanctuary, Panchpula
How To Reach: One can easily reach this Baoli via roadways using local buses or private taxis.
13. Dal Lake, Dharamshala
Want to have the most amazing views near Khajjiar, Himachal Pradesh? If you do, then visit Dharamshala and head to Dal Lake. Yes, it’s not only in Kashmir but in Dharamshala, too! If you are interested in nature photography and boating, then this is the best place to be. Not just that, but the views are gorgeous, too. Surrounded by beautiful monuments and tucked in the lap of nature, this lake is stunning!
Opening hours: 7:00 am – 8:00 pm
Best Time To Visit: All year long
Nearby Places To Visit: Kangra Valley, Kareri Lake, Namgyal Monastery
How To Reach: One can reach this Lake easily via roadways by using local buses or private taxis.
Suggested Read: Best Hill Stations In Himachal
14. Church Of Scotland, Chamba
Are you wondering if there are any sacred places near Khajjiar, Himachal Pradesh? Well, here is one that you can visit which is not just holy but historical too! The Church of Scotland in Chamba was built in a dressed stone structure by Raja Sham Singh. The foundation stone was laid in 1899, and the church took six years to complete, and it was only in 1905 that it was finished. An interesting fact about the church is that it was built in the presence of Dr. M’Clymont, a Scottish monk.
Opening hours: NA
Best Time To Visit: All year long
Nearby Places To Visit: Chamundi Devi Temple, Champavati Temple, Chamba Church
How To Reach: One can reach this Church easily via roadways by using local buses or private taxis.
15. Ganji Pahadi, Bakrota
Want to have the most amazing Khajjiar sightseeing experience? If you do, visit Ganji Pahadi, just 24 kilometres away—but the distance is worth it! When translated, it means ‘The Bald Mountain’, and a 5-kilometer walk uphill will lead you here. The trek takes around one hour to complete and is moderate, with beautiful surroundings accompanying you throughout.
Opening hours: 7:00 am – 8:00 pm
Best Time To Visit: All year long
Nearby Places To Visit: Kangra Valley, Kareri Lake, Namgyal Monastery
How To Reach: One can reach this Lake easily via roadways using local buses or private taxis.
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How To Reach Khajjiar
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Following are the ways to reach Khajjiar via different modes of transportation –
By Air: Khajjiar does not have an airport. The nearest airport is Kangra Airport, which is located around 110 kilometres away.
By Train: The nearest railway station to Khajjiar is Pathankot in Punjab. There is also a small railway station near Khajjiar called Nurpur Road. If you travel from Delhi, the train ride will take around 10 hours to reach Khajjiar.
By Road: Khajjiar is well connected by road to the towns of Dalhousie and Chamba. You can easily reach it via taxi or local bus services from Chamba, Dalhousie, or any North Indian state.
Further Read: Places To Visit In Dalhousie In December
Are you already dreaming about this little heaven called Khajjiar? Are you already thinking how amazing waking up to the view of hills in the morning would make you feel? If you are, then go out and plan that long-pending trip to Himachal!
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Frequently Asked Questions About Places To Visit In Khajjiar
How many days are sufficient for Dalhousie?
One can spend around two to three days in Dalhousie to explore nearby places and top places to visit in Khajjiar.
How far is Khajjiar from Dalhousie?
Khajjiar is situated at a distance of 24 kilometres from Dalhousie and can be easily reached via taxi. You can also take a bus from Dalhousie to Khajjiar.
How can one go to Khajjiar?
The nearest railway station to Khajjiar is Pathankot, which is located at a distance of 98 kilometres. One can hire a taxi to reach Khajjiar in Dalhousie from the station only.
What is the best time to visit Khajjiar?
If one wishes to witness snowfall then the best time to explore Khajjiar is in the winter months, from December to March. Otherwise, the temperature remains cool throughout the year. Thus, anyone can explore this town at any time.
Is there snowfall in Khajjiar?
Yes, Khajjiar witnesses snowfall in the winter season which starts in December and ends in March.
Which place is called Switzerland in India?
Khajjiar has been declared as India’s Switzerland due to its natural beauty.
Long Weekend Trips Starting @ Rs 3299/-
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A book lover and fun-loving, overtly emotional mom with a wanderlust soul, Sukanya has completed her Master Degree in Geography and currently perusing her passion for writing as a profession. Nothing detoxes her more than trying new recipes and travelling to offbeat places is ultimate Therapy for her.
