Short answer: Come up from Pathankot on day one and walk between Gandhi Chowk and Subhash Chowk; on day two go to Lakkar Mandi for the Dainkund walk and the Kalatop forest; on day three visit Khajjiar, add Chamba town if time allows, and return.
The plan at a glance
| Day | Route | Night at |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Pathankot – Dalhousie; town walks | Dalhousie |
| 2 | Dainkund and Kalatop | Dalhousie |
| 3 | Khajjiar and Chamba; depart | Pathankot or home |
Who this plan suits
Families, older travellers and anyone who wants quiet over activity.
Day by day
Day 1: Pathankot – Dalhousie; town walks
- About 80–85 km, 2.5–3 hours.
- Level walk between the two chowks; St John's and St Francis churches.
- Tibetan market.
Day 2: Dainkund and Kalatop
- Lakkar Mandi is about 8 km away.
- Dainkund ridge walk, roughly 1.5–2 hours up, easy in dry weather.
- Kalatop forest in the afternoon; a vehicle fee applies on the forest track.
Day 3: Khajjiar and Chamba; depart
- Khajjiar meadow, 22–24 km from Dalhousie.
- Chamba town for its old temples if time allows.
- Drive down to Pathankot for the night train.
Best time for this trip
March to June and September to November. In winter the roads to Khajjiar and Lakkar Mandi may close after snow.
Practical notes
- Wear shoes with grip for Dainkund.
- Agree pony and activity prices at Khajjiar first.
- Book the Pathankot train early; it is the main railhead for the region.
- Start each day by 8 am; hill traffic and afternoon cloud both build later.
What it costs
We do not publish a fixed price: the cost depends on your dates, group size, vehicle and the standard of stays. Tell us those and we will send a written quote that states exactly what is included.
Read more
- Dalhousie and Khajjiar travel guide
- Family places in Himachal
- Himachal for senior citizens
- Best hill stations for summer
Check before you go
- India Meteorological Department — forecasts and warnings.
- Himachal Pradesh Tourism — official destination information.
- HRTC online booking — state bus timetables.
Want this itinerary planned for you?
Funtoor can adapt this plan to your dates, pace and starting city, and arrange transport and stays. Request a custom itinerary.
Frequently asked questions
Is three days enough for Dalhousie and Khajjiar?
Yes, at an easy pace.
Should I stay a night in Khajjiar?
If you want quiet after the day visitors leave; otherwise a day trip is fine.
Is the Dainkund walk suitable for older people?
For those who walk regularly, in dry weather. It can be shortened.
How do I get there?
Train to Pathankot, then bus or taxi.
Compiled by the Funtoor team from published sources and official pages, last reviewed in October 2026. It is a sample plan, not a first-hand trip report or a fixed package: driving times are approximate, and rules, fees and road status change, so confirm anything time-sensitive before you travel.
Written by
Funtoor Travel Team
Travel planners based in Chail, Himachal Pradesh. We plan and arrange trips — stays, transport and experiences — across the Himalayas.
