Kalatop

Dalhousie


Accessed, like Dhainkund, from Lakkar Mandi, this sanctuary covers 31 sq km of forested hills east of Dalhousie, where you might spot langurs and musk deer. There's a ₹250 charge for vehicles to drive the 3km unpaved access track, which leads to a 1925 forest rest house and tea shops.

Visits are often combined with taxi tours to Khajjiar, but if you want great views, Dhainkund is a better choice.


Lonely Planet's must-see attractions

Nearby Dalhousie attractions

1. Dhainkund Viewpoint

1.12 MILES

The upland area of Dhainkund (2745m) is the most uplifting of many beauty spots around Dalhousie, with a 360-degree panorama encompassing the Pir Pinjal…

2. Jai Pohlani Mata Temple

1.61 MILES

From the main viewpoint at Dhainkund, a beautiful ridgeline walk leads to the Jai Pohlani Mata Temple in around 1km, where there's a teahouse and great…

3. Khajjiar

2.39 MILES

The bowl-shaped, pine-ringed meadow at Khajjiar is a major tourist draw, 22km down the Chamba road from Dalhousie. It's touted as a 'mini-Switzerland' and…

4. Khajjinag Temple

2.41 MILES

Hidden among the restaurants at Khajjiar is the Khajjinag Temple, with its crude effigies of the five Pandavas installed in the 16th century.

6. Jagdamba Mata Shiva Statue

2.67 MILES

Half a kilometre southeast of Khajjiar meadow towards Chamba, a 25m-high statue of Shiva makes a photogenic landmark near the roadside.

7. Tibetan Rock Paintings

2.86 MILES

A number of Tibetan refugees have made their homes in Dalhousie and have adorned Garam Sarak with several painted rock carvings of Buddhist deities.

8. St Francis Church

3.07 MILES

Stations of the cross lead up from Subhash Chowk to this 1894 Catholic church.