Top 10 Things to Do in Dalhousie for Every Kind of Traveler

Dalhousie, the ever-so-famous tourist destination, is a quiet retreat where nature, history, and local life all come together into a calming experience. It’s a place, which lets you pause, inhale deeply, and feel utterly alive. While planning a trip to this destination, people often get confused about which activities to include and which to skip. 

To clear up this confusion and create a perfect balance of adventure, relaxation, and exploration, we have curated a comprehensive list of the best things to do in Dalhousie, ideal for those longing to explore beyond the ordinary. 

Discover the List of 10 Best Things to Do in Dalhousie to Experience Slow and Soulful Travel

Dalhousie is not a place to rush through with an hour-by-hour itinerary. It’s a place just to slow down and explore a world where time feels like it’s standing still, admiring nature’s untouched beauty. 

So, without delay, head straight to our list of the best and not-to-be-missed things to do in Dalhousie for a wholesome travel experience. 

Panch Pulla Waterfall 

Panch Pulla Waterfall is one of the most fantastic Dalhousie tourist attractions, offering tourists a soul-stirring vista of the magnificent waterfall. It is located just about 4 km from the heart of Dalhousie and is a natural spot where five mountain streams converge, creating a breathtaking yet peaceful waterfall and a dense green landscape. Well, the name “Panchpula” literally means “five bridges”, referring to the small wooden bridges over the streams that allow easy access and add to the captivating charm of the location.

For an enhanced experience, you can enjoy short treks along the trails, walk close to the water streams (safely), cross the wooden bridges, and take aesthetic pictures. Ultimately, visiting Panch Pulla Waterfall is a truly refreshing escape in Dalhousie. 

Boating in Chamera Lake

This is one of the wholeheartedly enjoyed and must-try Dalhousie activities, offering serene waters, dense green hills, and forested landscapes. Located about 25 km from Dalhousie, Chamera Lake provides a perfect scenic escape for nature lovers and adventure enthusiasts alike. 

This place can be included in your Dalhousie itinerary for a day-trip destination, where you can just relax, meditate, and simply unwind amidst nature’s most enchanting spectacle. Boating in Chamora Lake is both safe and suitable for tourists of all ages, with pedal boats and rowboats available for hire. To enhance the overall experience, tourists can also plan for a short picnic on the banks while admiring the serene beauty. 

Hiking at Kalatop Wildlife Sanctuary

The Kalatop Wildlife Sanctuary is a lush, well-protected forest area located about 7–8 km from Dalhousie town. This is one of the best places in Dalhousie, offering ethereal nature retreats. Renowned for spotting barking deer, Himalayan birds, and occasionally Himalayan bears, this wildlife sanctuary is no less than a haven for adventure and wildlife enthusiasts. Tourists can also explore well-marked hiking trails, often a mix of easy-to-moderate routes that take you through dense forests, streams, and shaded paths, offering rewarding views at the endpoint. 

The Kalatop Wildlife Sanctuary is also popular for short day hikes, picnics, and exploring Himalayan biodiversity.

Picnicking in Khajjiar

This is one of the most cherished Dalhousie tourist attractions, often called the “Mini Switzerland of India” for its spellbinding beauty. Khajjiar is best for picnics with friends and families, amid vast green meadows, a peaceful lake, and surrounding deodar and pine forests. The open grasslands here are dotted with wildflowers, especially during the spring and summer, making this place even more blissful. 

Khajjiar is abundant with nature’s breathtaking beauty; therefore, it is also a popular spot for casual photographers and nature enthusiasts. Apart from picnicking, tourists can take leisurely walks around the surreal Khajjiar Lake, playful pony rides for kids, or even adventure sports like zorbing in designated areas.

Make the most of your Khajjiar experience with our well-crafted Dalhousie itinerary! 

Leisure Walks & Scenic Roads 

This is one of the most popular Dalhousie activities, enjoyed by tourists, especially during the evenings. Tourists usually explore the nearby Gandhi Chowk for cafe hopping and to witness cherishable nature vistas, with a chance to connect with the mountains, forests, and local life. Additionally, Garam Sadak is another essential spot to visit in Dalhousie for leisurely walks along scenic roads offering fantastic views of the snow-capped Pir Panjal range, dense pine and deodar forests, and the Dalhousie valley below. 

An expert tip for visitors: It's best to wear comfortable shoes and carry a light jacket, as you'll be walking a lot and the wind can be chilly, even in summer. Additionally, planning a visit during the early morning or late afternoon is much more fun for photographers, as they can capture images with the best lighting and in the calmest atmosphere. 

Shopping and Local Markets

This is one of the most cherished Dalhousie activities, especially for the shopping enthusiast. These markets offer visitors a perfect glimpse into the region’s culture, craftsmanship, and lifestyle. The most popular shopping hubs in Dalhousie include Gandhi Chowk, Subhash Chowk, and various small markets scattered around the main town. These streets are peppered with colorful shops and stalls selling a variety of items, including Himachali shawls, handmade handicrafts, scarves, gloves, miniature paintings, local spices, and more. You can purchase them as souvenirs and gift them as thoughtful gestures. 

Trek to Ganji Pahadi 

Ganji Pahadi, also known as the “Bald Hill” Trek, is one of the must-try experiences in Dalhousie, offering adventure junkies a perfect blend of thrill and serenity. Though it is a lesser-known tourist destination, it is still recognized for providing captivating views of the surrounding mountains and valleys. 

This experience is more famous and talked about amongst trekkers, photographers, and nature lovers, offering unique offbeat experiences. The trek to Ganji Pahadi will take no more than half a day and start from a base near Dalhousie town. Along the way, trekkers can simply cherish birdwatching and feel their lungs filled with the fresh mountain air.

Trek to Dainkund Peak

This is another of the most popular Dalhousie tourist attractions, included in all Dalhousie itineraries. Dainkund Peak in Dalhousie is often called the “Singing Hill” because the strong wind creates a soothing sound as it passes through the grass. This peak stands at about 2,770 meters (9,088 ft) and offers some of the most surreal views of the surrounding hills, valleys, and the snow-capped Pir Panjal ranges. 

The trek to Dainkund peak is a fairly thrilling experience for all adventure aficionados, as it rewards trekkers with sweeping views of the Dhauladhar and Pir Panjal ranges (towards the end of the trek). The trek will be moderate in level, refreshing, and peaceful, with even a chance to spot birds and local flora along the way. It is best to carry a camera or your smartphone to capture the mesmerizing views at the top. 

Plus, wear comfortable sports shoes for easy trekking and warm clothes, and carry water and light snacks to keep yourself charged! 

Explore Architecture & Historic Churches 

History buffs will also have the chance to admire a stunning, well-preserved Colonial-era building in Dalhousie. Leisurely walks while admiring the old-world architecture, including Gothic and European-style churches, pebble-stoned pathways, and other prominent historical Dalhousie tourist attractions, allow tourists to soak in the charm of the past fully. 

It’s best to start this adventure early to avoid rush hours. Additionally, combine your visit with a stroll around nearby heritage streets and local markets for a fuller cultural experience.

Visit to Subhash Baoli (Hot Spring)

Subhash Baoli is a hot spring and is one of the best places in Dalhousie, wrapped in the embrace of pine trees. This magical place is one of Dalhousie’s most calming spots, named after Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose, who stayed here in 1937 while recovering from illness. This place is renowned for its natural hot spring, believed to have medicinal and healing properties, making it even more famous as a peaceful retreat for rest and wellness. 

Subhash Boali is not very crowded, offering peaceful moments amidst mountain mist. The entire experience will be equally beautiful and calming, where tourists will hear nothing but rustling leaves, bird calls, and the soft flow of the spring water. 

Book your personalized Dalhousie itinerary today! 

Dalhousie Travel Tips

Traveling to Dalhousie for the first time? No worries. Save the mindfully crafted list of Dalhousie travel tips below to ensure a hassle-free experience throughout your journey. 

1. Dalhousie is a year-round destination. It is advisable to pack carefully based on the season you selected. 

• For summer, pack essentials like comfortable walking shoes and clothes, and 2-3 layers, as evenings can get chilly. 
• Those planning their travel during the monsoon must additionally pack raincoats, umbrellas, and sturdy boots for safe walking on the hills. 
• For winter travel in Dalhousie, it is advisable to pack warm, high-quality layers, gloves, scarves, medicines, and sturdy non-slip shoes to comfortably handle snow, chilly winds, and uneven, hilly terrain. Additionally, winters can drop to sub-zero; it is best to choose hot-water & room-heater hotels in advance.

2. Book your tickets in advance for flight/train, especially if planning Dalhousie travel during the peak season. 

3. Try to choose a stay with a balcony as the morning Dalhousie views are magical.  If you skip this, you’ll miss those quiet sunrise moments and the lovely hills covered in mist.

4. Pack essentials like Moisturizer + SPF 30+ sunscreen, as the sun can feel a bit extreme at high altitudes. 

5. Try to carry reusable water bottles in place of single-use plastic ones and avoid littering anywhere to leave a minimal carbon footprint during your Dalhousie travel. 

6. Try to carry cash with you, but keep it safe. ATM’s work in Dalhousie, but their availability becomes limited, especially during the peak seasons. 

7. Travelling Dalhousie means immersing yourself completely in its essence. When ordering food, skip your staples and try authentic Himachali cuisine, including dishes like Tibetan momos, thukpa, and local Himachali Dham, if available. You can also visit Gandhi Chowk & Mall Road stretch to explore beautiful cafes and their blissful Himalayan vibes. 

Please note that there are no night cafe scenes in Dalhousie. All the cafes close by 8-9.30 pm, so plan your visit accordingly. 

8. This is the smoothest route for those traveling to Dalhousie for the very first time:

• Dainkund Peak + Sunset Point for the best views; go early or near the golden hour.
• Panchpula & Subhash Baoli for scenic waterfalls & forest walk.
• Khajjiar (Mini Switzerland): You can plan for midday when visibility is clearer.
• Kalatop Wildlife Sanctuary: You can hire a taxi or trek. This will be a misty & beautiful experience.

9. Regarding tourists’ health and safety, there is no special preparation needed, but it’s essential to know that the roads in Dalhousie are a bit winding, and those with motion sickness can feel troubled. Try to carry Avomine/Dramamine as a backup. 

10. Lastly, when heading for any outdoor activity, especially sightseeing, plan to go early as the clouds gather towards late afternoon. Moreover, it’s best to allow a buffer of 1-2 hours on travel days, as hilly traffic is unpredictable. 

With this perfect list of things to do in Dalhousie, we ensure that you will get to experience the hill station with profound peace and satisfaction. Let JustWravel’s experts craft a Dalhousie itinerary that provides a slow, meaningful travel experience with no rushed pace. 

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