Dalhousie Travel Guide: 2 Day Itinerary for Khajjiar, Dainkund and Panchpula

If you are craving a mountain getaway with zero stress and max vibes, Dalhousie in Himachal Pradesh is calling your name. Cozy hill station cafes, Switzerland level scenery, golden hour waterfalls, and those peaceful Himalayan roads that instantly reset your soul. This Dalhousie travel guide is exactly what you need to plan the perfect family vacation.

We spent 2 days exploring the prettiest corners of Dalhousie, Khajjiar, Dainkund and more. Lots of scenic drives, good food, chaotic family moments, shopping breaks, and a few deep life convos thrown in because that is just what mountains do to you.

If you are searching for a Dalhousie itinerary, things to do in Dalhousie, or a cute and fun Dalhousie breakdown, welcome. Let’s get into this.

Where We Stayed:

Snow Valley Resort Dalhousie

Picking a stay was nearly impossible! Every resort looked like a postcard. But we checked into Snow Valley Resort and it was perfect. Rooms were clean, spacious, and cozy. The location was ideal for hitting up all the main Dalhousie attractions without draining half a day in transit.

Day 1

Our Dalhousie trip officially began from Jalandhar with all the excitement. We made a quick stop in Pathankot because my dad works in Pathankot and lives there half of the week. We picked up some of his essentials and grabbed dinner at Mama’s Rasoi. If you ever pass by Pathankot, this adorable restaurant deserves a visit. It holds so many sweet memories for us and always feels familiar and comforting.

The scenic route from Pathankot to Dalhousie is breathtaking. Mountain views start popping in, resorts line the drive, and you instantly feel like you have entered vacation mode.

Arriving at Snow Valley Resort felt like checking into calm. The kind of calm you want when the city noise still rings in your ears.

Day 2

Our morning started slow and peaceful on the outdoor terrace at Snow Valley Resort. Mountain air, hot chai, and those endless views made it very hard to get up and get ready. Breakfast was delicious with both South and North Indian options, so everyone found something they loved.

Then it was time for Khajjiar. If you have ever seen pictures of green open fields surrounded by tall trees and thought it looked like Switzerland, that is Khajjiar for you. Soft grass, crisp air, and views that make you feel so tiny in the best way. No wonder it is called India’s Mini Switzerland. This is one of the top places to visit in Dalhousie, especially for families and couples. If you need peace, pretty photos, or just a moment to breathe deeply, you need to add Khajjiar to your Dalhousie itinerary.

Next we headed to Dainkund Peak, the highest viewpoint around Dalhousie (about 2,755 meters). On the way to Dainkund, one of the highest viewpoints in Dalhousie, the landscapes were stunning. Snow, hills, and quiet roads that make you feel completely disconnected from the world. They call it the “Singing Hill” because of the way wind whistles through trees and rocks. You will legit feel like nature is humming you a tune. The photo ops? Unreal. On clear days you can see wide sweeping valleys, snow-topped peaks, and dense forests. At the top, there’s a small temple. the Pholani Devi Temple believed by locals to have once driven away evil spirits. Legend has it this spot had some haunted history until the goddess blessed it. Spooky and cool at the same time!

Later we visited Beeji's Park, a unique park filled with displayed military machinery. Seeing everything up close sparked such a sense of pride. It is not easy to transport and showcase pieces like these in the mountains, but Himachal always finds a way.

Our last stop for the day was Panchpula. Panchpula (which literally means “five-bridges”) is where five mountain streams meet and form a waterfall that feeds Dalhousie and its surroundings. It is one of the most famous tourist spots in Dalhousie, and now I understand why. This waterfall is formed by the confluence of five streams, creating a peaceful yet powerful natural beauty. Panchpula is known for unique blankets and winter essentials that work in every season. If you love practical souvenirs, you will want to shop here. But the real magic? Golden hour. Sunset at Panchpula is next-level. The sky blushes, the forest glows, and everything feels like it’s in slow motion. It’s the kind of moment that hits you, where time slows and you just soak it all in.

Where to eat in Dalhousie

Dalhousie is not just beautiful. It is also delicious. Our favorite spots were Vicky Corner at Gandhi Chowk which is a must visit for hot momos, pav bhaji, and full on street food vibes.

Lovely Restaurant near Indoor Tibet Market is another favourite for simple, yummy, satisfying meals. Knowing the right food spots always makes a trip better.

Day 3

As we wrapped up our trip, we made a relaxed stop at Kalatop Wildlife Sanctuary which is just a short drive from Dalhousie. The sanctuary spans thick cedar and deodar forests, and is home to wildlife like Himalayan black bears, barking deer, pheasants, and many birds and small mammals. Walking through the forest, hearing birds, feeling the chill, breathing in mountain air, it felt like nature’s hug. For anyone who loves calm, green trails, and maybe a bit of bird-watching magic, this is your spot.

Dalhousie is the kind of hill station that sneaks into your heart quietly and stays there forever. From Khajjiar’s dreamy Switzerland-vibes to the epic Dainkund trek, from Panchpula’s waterfalls to cozy food stops, this place serves a perfect cocktail of chill, adventure, and aesthetic. If you are building a Dalhousie travel plan, this itinerary has your back. Happy travels! May your mountains be snowy and your chai always hot.