DALHOUSIE - DHARAMSALA BREAK - 5 NIGHTS
Route:
Chandigarh – Dalhousie (3) – Dharamshala (2) – Chandigarh
Detailed Itinerary:
Day-1 Arrive at Dalhousie. Local Visits. Arrive at Pathankot and proceed to Dalhousie (7000+ ft asl – 80 kms – 2.5 hours). Time permitting visit local markets and local places visit such as Churches in Dalhousie, Panchpula / Sat Dhara (confluence of 7 streams said to have medicinal effect).
Day-2 Khajjiar, Chamba, Chamera Lake excursion Full Day excursion to Khajjiar Meadows (22 kms), Chamba (riverside pilgrim centre at 44 kms from Dalhousie can be visited with Khajjiar) and Chamera Lake (large lake with water sports centre). Enroute visit Barkota hills. Back by late evening.
Day-3 Kalatop Excursion / Walk Explore Kalatope Wildlife Sanctuary (The sanctuary is home to a variety of species including black bears and barking deer, abundant variety of bird life), Dainkund peak etc. Kalatope is an 8 km moderately uphill walk through pine forests. The hilltop offers excellent views of the area around and snow peaks. Paragliding is offered here in Summer. Guests looking to relax and not do walking may just enjoy snow peak views of Dalhousie and relax.
Day-4 Dalhousie – Dharamshala. Visit Norbulingka Institute. Proceed to Dharamsala (3500+ ft asl, 120 kms – 4 hrs). Visit Norbulingka Institute, a must visit for any visitor to Dharamsala for a Tibetan cultural heritage experience and St Johns Church. Time permitting, visit war memorial at Dharamsala, that commemorates martyrs of the area.
Day-5 Mcleodgunj Visit and options visits around Dharamsala Morning visit to Mcleodgunj (6500+ ft asl, 10 kms), visit Dalai Lama Monastery and Bhagshunath Temple (3 kms from Mcleodgunj). Visit local street market for Tibetan artefacts. Naddi Area near Cantonment (8 kms from Mcleodgunj) has one of the best Himalayan views of the area. In the evening time permitting, Pilgrimage oriented travellers may head for Chinmaya Tapovan, an ashram complex established by the late Swami Chinmayananda (10 kms from Dharamsala). Guests who can do a bit of walking can head for Kunal Pathri Temple; a 3 km walk from Dharamsala is a rock temple dedicated to Goddess Kapaleshwari. Guests also have an option to head for Naam Art Gallery, a renowned art gallery.
Day-6 Departure Depart for onward journey. Time permitting, guests may visit Brajeshwari Devi temple (Shaktipeetha) at Kangra and Kangra Fort OR Jwalamukhi / Chintpurni Temples.