Dalhousie Travel Guide & Tips

Amongst the food to eat in Dalhousie is the delicious North Indian fare at the Amritsari restaurant on Court Road. This road also has other popular eateries like the Royal Dhaba and Sher-e-Punjab. Savor some tasty Chinese, Mughlai and Kashmiri cuisine at Preet Palace on Subhash Chowk. For some more delicious Dalhousie food, try the Kwality Restaurant on Gandhi Chowk that is known for its mouthwatering delicacies.

If you love sweets and desserts, you must try the delicious treats at the Bengal Sweet Shop in this charming hill station. Whether it be local Himachal thalis, scrumptious Tibetan food, North Indian delights or any other multi-cuisine, Dalhousie will delight you with its food options

Weather

The alluding charm of the breathtaking mountains and pine-clad valleys of Dalhousie will mesmerize you. Dalhousie is known for its favorable weather all year round. You can escape the gruelling summer heat by visiting this hill station during the summer season from April till June. The weather of Dalhousie stays pleasant during this time and the temperature does not go beyond 30 degrees Celsius. This is the best time to visit Dalhousie as it is not too cold yet it stays pleasant enough to enjoy sightseeing tours and exciting walks.

Monsoon in Dalhousie starts from June and lasts till September and this is one of the most romantic times to visit this hill station. Everything comes alive in this weather and the whole hill station is washed in vivid colors and looks breathtaking. Couples can go on long romantic walks around this hill station in this weather or take thrilling boat rides around the Chamera lake.

Winter season begins in October and continues till February with temperatures falling below zero degrees. Watch snow envelop this entire town during winter season and view the beauty of nature unfold in front of you. Make sure you pack enough warm clothes as the weather can get pretty intense and chilly.

Festivals

All the festivals are celebrated with utmost gusto and fervor in the scenic paradise of Dalhousie. Some of the major festivals celebrated here include the Chait Festival, Navratras, Phagli, Baisakhi, Rakhi, Haryali, Chrewal, Phulech, Jagra, Sair, Dhoogri Fair, Dushehra, Diwali, Lossar, Halda, Shivratri, Christmas and more.

However, the most important festivals of Dalhousie are the Dalhousie Summer Festival and Minjar Fair. At the Summer Festival of Dalhousie, various artists from all over the state and country showcase their rich cultural tradition and artistic talent.

The Minjar Fair is a more elaborate festival celebrated in Chamba Valley that lasts for seven days and is held in August. Several tourists and tribal people assemble in Chamba Chaugan, where a grand procession takes place and Minjar i.e. a coin, a coconut, paddy tied to a piece of red cloth and a fruit  is offered to the Ravi River. This fair celebrates the victory of the Raja of Chamba over the ruler of Kangra called ‘Trigarta’.

Besides this, there is also an Ice Skating Carnival held in December where you can enjoy dance shows, fancy dress competitions, and ice hockey. Have a fun time in this beautiful hill station and celebrate these festivals with merriment and splendor.

Shopping

While looking at traveler tips Dalhousie, you will come across some great shopping markets in this charming hill station. You can pick up trinkets, handicrafts, purses, bags, dolls, silver and copper diyas, carpets, and many other such souvenirs here.

There are several areas in Dalhousie where you can go shopping but the most popular markets are the bustling shops along Gandhi Chowk. You can pick up exquisite handicrafts and gift items at this Chowk while watching some local talent. Some of the popular shops on this Chowk include The Tibetan Market, Himachal Handloom and Crafts Centre, the Himachal Handloom Industry Emporium, and Tibetan Handicrafts Centre.

The Tibetan market is the most popular among these as it has several items like dolls, bags, purses and handicrafts. From the Himachal Handloom Industry Emporium you can purchase traditional Kashmiri shawls and Kullu shawls that is made from lambswool. These shawls will cost you around INR 300 only.

Have a fun shopping experience in this hilly area and pick up some exciting souvenirs to take back home from this holiday trip.