12 Fun Things To Do In Dalhousie With Family That’ll Bring You Closer To The Culture

23 Mar 2023

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Cover Image Credit: Wikipedia

Dalhousie is a picturesque hill station in the Chamba district of Himachal Pradesh. It is spread over 5 hills and at an elevation of 1,970 meters above mean sea level. Traveling to this hill station with your folks will be a great way to create beautiful memories. That is because there are a variety of things to do in Dalhousie with family that will keep all of you engaged and excited. Considered one of the most sought after destinations in this part of the world, Dalhousie offers you ample avenues to make a tour insightful and memorable for the lifetime.

From boating to Wildlife Sanctuary visits to hiking, shopping experiences or the trails to hilly village areas, there remains a range of activities to do in Dalhousie. The list is long and vast thus fascinate the tourists with endless avenues to turn a tour into a truly momentous one. The calm and the salubrious weather of Dalhousie give you a classy and soothing relaxation when you visit there to explore the region.

12 Notable Things To Do In Dalhousie With Family

We enlist below 12 best things to do in Dalhousie Himachal out of the many you can try to turn your trip a truly memorable one. Read on!

1. Boat Ride In Chamera Lake

Image Credit: Arati AK Bhandare for Wikimedia Commons

The classically beautiful lake on the Ravi River, the Chamera Lake is an artificial lake in Dalhousie. This scenic lake ensconced in between the dense pine forests is ideal for boating, canoeing, raft riding and kayaking activities.

Location: 30 km from Dalhousie.
How to Reach: 25 km from Dalhousie and 40 km from Chamba. This place can be easily reached by taxi or private vehicles.
Visiting Time: Before Sunset.
Best Time to Visit: During the months of March to June.
Ideal for: All kinds of water sports activities including boating and fishing apart from jungle trekking and picnic outing.
Accommodation: Being a remote place and a jungle, tourists normally stay in Dalhousie and make a day trip to Chamera Lake. Food stalls are plenty around the lake area.

Must Read: Guide To A Honeymoon In Dalhousie – A Colonial Hill-Town In Chamba, HP

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2. Day Picnic At Khajjiar

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Famously known as “Mini Switzerland” for its scenic beauty and splendid weather, Khajjiar is a small saucer-shaped plateau surrounded by the dense pine forests. In fact, Khajjiar packs quite a punch in terms of adventure, nature, wildlife and culture. It is here you have ample avenues to involve in any one of the several things to do in Dalhousie in December if you plan for a winter trip there.

Location: 24 km from Dalhousie.
How to Reach: 99 km from the Pathankot Airport and 94 km from the Pathankot Railway Station. Taxi from either of these points to Khajjiar takes about 2 hours of travel.
Visiting Time: From Sunrise to Sunset.
Best Time to Visit: Months of November to January.
Ideal for: Trekking, field and air sports and short visits to villages nearby.
Accommodation: Several budget hotels to luxury resorts are available in Khajjiar apart from the State-run guesthouses of Himachal Pradesh that also offer delicious food to the guests.

Suggested Read: 10 Places To Visit In Dalhousie In December

3. Hiking To Kalatop Wildlife Sanctuary

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The Kalatop Wildlife Sanctuary near Dalhousie comes alive with the wild trees, diverse flora and fauna, views of the snowcapped mountains and vast grasslands. For nature lovers and trekkers, this is one such place where they find enough scope for the best things to do in Dalhousie of there, for sure!

Location: 6 km away from Dalhousie.
How to Reach: This place can be reached by private taxis.
Visiting Time: From 8.00 am to Sunset.
Best Time to Visit: Summer months of March to June.
Ideal for: Trekking and lounging in the lap of nature. Jungle Safari, bird watching and bird photography et al.
Entry Fee: Free but for the reserved forest charges are INR 250 per person.

Suggested Read: 8 Best Hotels In Dalhousie For Honeymoon

4. Trek To Ganji Pahari

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Literally meaning a “bald hill” due to lack of vegetation or greenery, Ganji Pahari provides intoxicating views of the surroundings and the fresh mountain air makes this hill perfect for a trek. Situated in the Bakorta Hills, it ranks as one of the notable places paving the way for an array of things to do in Dalhousie out of the bucket list of tourist activities.

Location: 5 km from Dalhousie.
How to Reach: By private vehicles from Dalhousie.
Visiting Time: From Sunrise to Sunset.
Best Time to Visit: During the summer months of March to June.
Ideal for: Trekking, Picnic, Camping.

5. Trek To Dainkund Peak

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More famously known as the “Singing Hill” due to its trails being swayed away by the lovely breeze creating some seething music, the Dainkund Peak is one of the highest points of Dalhousie. Lofty peaks, views of the flowing Chenab, Ravi and Beas Rivers, waterfalls, meadows – ooh, the place is a virtual paradise!

Location: 13 km from Dalhousie.
How to Reach: Though private transport is available, tourists prefer to trek to this spot.
Visiting Time: From 7.00 AM to Sunset.
Best Time to Visit: During the winter months of November to February.
Ideal for: Picnic, Trekking and Camping.

Planning your holiday but confused about where to go? These travel stories help you find your best trip ever!

6. Stroll Through The Garam Sadak

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Of all the variegated things to do in Dalhousie, a stroll through the Garam Sadak sounds odd! It acquires this name due to the hot day time temperatures which are a rarity in the cold and icy place like Dalhousie. Enveloped by the lush green trees and misty fog, this place is an ideal one for a stroll.

Location: 2.7 km from Dalhousie main city.
How to Reach: By trek or by private vehicles or taxis.
Visiting Time: Best in the day time, but ideal after the dusk. Forget not to carry torch lights if going in the night time.
Best Time to Visit: Any time except the rainy season of July to September.
Ideal for: For Nature lovers, photographers and most importantly, honeymooners because of the charming view of Dalhousie.

7. Pray At Chamunda Devi Temple

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One of the notable things to do in Dalhousie is to visit the Chamunda Devi Temple for sure. All tourists include this customary visit in their trips to seek the blessings of the Goddess Kali at this temple for their successful and fun-filled adventure stay in Dalhousie and its surroundings. A little prayer helps, you see!

Location: 130 km from Dalhousie. State-run buses as well as private taxis ply regularly from Dalhousie to this temple.
Visiting Time: From 6.00 AM to 7.00 PM every day.

8. Shopping At The

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Trip to Dalhousie remains incomplete if you don’t include shopping at the famed Tibetan Handicraft Market. Exquisite carpets, dainty wall hangings, stunning and vibrant coloured shawls and scarves, fancy handbags form the main wares at this ethnic market in Dalhousie.

Location: About 2 km from Dalhousie main city.
Visiting Time: From 10.30 AM to 7.30 PM.
Ideal for: Bargain deals in a wide array of ethnic handicrafts.

9. Trek To Sach Pass

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This is definitely an important thing to do in Dalhousie for the adventure freaks and trekkers. Verdant forests, gurgling rivers, sparkling streams, fruit-filled orchards, quaint and tiny hamlets line the way to Sach Pass with a view of the sun capped lofts of Pir-Panjal range of mountains to top it all.

Location: 175 km from Dalhousie.
How to Reach: By private and state-run buses and taxis from the nearest airport in Dharamshala or from the nearest railway station in Pathankot.
Best Time to Visit: Mid June to October.
Ideal for: Challenging treks over treacherous mountainous terrains.

10. Sightseeing At Bakrota Hills

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Bakrota Hills offers amazing views of the mountains around with a dash of fresh air. The trek to these hills is exciting and remains one of the best things to do in Dalhousie Himachal for a memory you would like to preserve. It is located at an altitude of 2085 meters above the mean Sea level.

Location: 5 km away from Dalhousie.
How to Reach: By state-run buses or private vehicles from Dalhousie.
Visiting Time: From Sunrise to Sunset.
Best Time to Visit: During the months of November to January when winter is at its peak to witness snowfall.
Ideal for: Trekking, Photography and Sightseeing.

11. Gorging On the Mall Road

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Well, nothing beats this! Satiate your palate with some of the finest cuisines of Himachal Pradesh at the Mall Road. This is a must among the things to do in Dalhousie! Take home some Himachali goods from Mall Road at fabulous rates. Or simply sit, relax and breathe in the breathtaking view of the Pir Panjal range of mountains from there.

Ideal for: Shopping, eating, relaxing, photography

12. Take A Dip In Satdhara Falls

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Seven springs converge and fall deep down in a pool below. Experience the freshness of wet mud, droplets, and the smell of vegetation that is going to make you feel lovely. Visiting this postcard-perfect place and getting drowned in the sweet noise of waterfalls is one of the amazing things to do in Dalhousie during a trip that should turn into a mesmerizing one.

How to Reach: On the way from Dalhousie to Panchpula, tourists can get off the bus at Gandhi Chowk and catch a taxi to the spot.
Ideal for: Watch the Sunset from here. Take a healing dip, rejuvenate, trek and picnic.
Tips: Carry an extra pair of clothes.
Visiting Time: From morning till post Sunset.

Further Read: 11 Travel Tips For Himachal Pradesh That Will Come In Handy For Your Trip

While this list of things to do in Dalhousie is by no means an exhaustive one, these activities are aimed at rejuvenating and preparing the tourists to go back with epic memories and a rejuvenated mind! Dalhousie trip would be a memorable one owing to the presence of scenic mountains, deep gorges, gurgling rivers, cascading waterfalls, snow-peaked hilltops, and the diverse species of flora and fauna that became a focal point for the several filmmakers. The serenity and absolute pollution-free environs of Dalhousie make it one of the most sought after destinations for both domestic as well as international tourists.

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Frequently Asked Questions About Things To Do In Dalhousie With Family

Is Dalhousie safe?

Being a tourist place, it pays to be cautious. However, compared to other hill stations, Dalhousie is relatively safe as the tourist population is sparse.

Which is the best time to visit Dalhousie?

Summer months of March to May and Winter period from October to February. While the period of summer provides clear weather for trekking enthusiasts, winter is the best period to visit Dalhousie for a memorable experience of snowfall, white layered mountains and nature in its full glory.

What precautions need to be taken while going for a trek in Dalhousie?

Use hard-soled shoes, gloves, woollen caps and winter wear. Trekking gear can be taken on hire at the respective places but ensure to hire the right fit of accessories. A faulty or damaged shoe can mar your trekking experience badly.

When does it snow in Dalhousie?

It snows during the months of December to the middle of February in Dalhousie.

Which is the nearest airport to Dalhousie?

Pathankot Airport (99 km) is the nearest airport to Dalhousie. Regular flights from prominent cities of India are available for the tourists to book.

How many days are enough for Dalhousie tour?

Including the trekking expedition to Sach Pass, the trip to Dalhousie will take about 10 to 12 days. If you want to skip Sach Pass, you can complete your trip in 5 days.

What kind of food can we expect in Dalhousie?

Typical North-Indian food as well as some Continental and Chinese snacks are their freshest, Italian, Tibetan, Mughlai, South Indian platters as well as local Himachali food is available.