Thinking of a tour to the sceneries and beautiful views of Northern India? Then, you must think of a mix of spiritual enlightenment and scenic beauty with a good dose of adventure. A good Amritsar Dalhousie Dharamshala Itinerary is rich in history, massive hills, and serene landscapes in perfect getaways for families, couples, or solo travelers looking for a wonderful time. In this blog, we plan in detail on a comprehensive Amritsar Dalhousie Dharamshala Itinerary, so you get all the information you need for a well-planned journey ahead.
Day 1: Arrive in Amritsar – Explore the Heart of Sikhism
Your tour starts for Amritsar, where a city is famous for great Sikh heritage, and Amritsar is more of a revered spiritual abode to millions of devotees across the world. On your arrival at either Sri Guru Ram Dass Jee International Airport or Amritsar Railway Station, you would be straightly taken to your hotel for check-in.
Suggested Accommodation:
Hotel Grand Hridey Amritsar It offers an easy-access facility to all the major attractions of the city. A truly great hotel if you’re looking forward to ultimate modern comforts and service.
Golden Temple
Proceed further with the trail after a few hours of sleep. The first destination is the magnificent, Golden Temple, the most spiritual destination in the world. The beauty of architecture speaking through this temple with the peaceful Sarovar-the holy water-is just an experience to not be forgotten. So do visit the Langar Hall, where free meals to all, irrespective of cast and creed, are served.
Jallianwala Bagh
Within a very short walk from the Golden Temple will take you to Jallianwala Bagh that marks one of the most tragic events in India’s freedom struggle. This memorial reminds one of the massacres of innocents the British led in 1919.
Wagah Border
Visit Wagah border in the evening for border ceremony between India and Pakistan. This ‘beating retreat’ is a great parade of patriotism and military ingenuity. You cannot afford to miss it if you are in Amritsar.
Day 2: Amritsar to Dalhousie – The Beginning of Hill Adventures
On your second day at the Amritsar Dalhousie Dharamshala Itinerary, it’s time to leave the Amritsar city and drive to the peaceful hill station in Dalhousie. The drive from Amritsar to Dalhousie is approximately 5 hours, which takes nearly 200 km.
Road Journey of Scenic View
While passing through the villages and lush green landscapes as you head to Dalhousie, the journey itself presents a picturesque view of rural life and the hill station’s backdrop against the Himalayas.
Freshen Up and Revive
Arrive in Dalhousie, check into your hotel, and take some time to unwind. This hill station is nestled in the lap of the Dhauladhar mountain range, giving you a serene nature retreat if that is what you are looking forward to.
Explore Mall Road and St. John’s Church
Take a walk on the mall road, the principal shopping street of Dalhousie in the evening. This has quaint shops of local handicrafts and woolens besides any number of souvenir shops. One can visit St. John’s Church supposed to be one of the oldest churches here, given time. The architecture, which includes colonial styles, is gorgeous and serene for a peaceful moment.
Day 3: Sightseeing in Dalhousie
On the third day of your Amritsar Dalhousie Dharamshala Itinerary, you will spend the day getting to know more about Dalhousie and investigating some adjacent places.
Khajjiar – The Mini Switzerland of India
Start with an immaculate meadow called Khajjiar; it is surrounded by dense deodar forests. This place is famous as the one that has a real green landscape and the snow-capped mountains overlooking it. The distance from Dalhousie is nearly 23 kilometers, and it is famously considered the “Mini Switzerland of India”. You can indulge yourself in zorbing and paragliding or do a walk around the lake.
Dainkund Peak
Dainkund Peak to be visited in the afternoon: This is the highest peak in Dalhousie. The sumptuous views it provides to its spectator in the breathtaking panoramic view from it come from the views of the valleys in it. After a short trek, the top can be reached. There can also be a visit to Pholani Devi Temple.
Kalatop Wildlife Sanctuary
Lastly, visit the Kalatop Wildlife Sanctuary. It has a wide variety of flora and fauna species. It is an excellent destination for both the nature lover and photographer because of gentle trails and the capability to catch a glimpse of Himalayan black bears, deer, and pheasants.
Day 4: Dalhousie to Dharamshala – Home of the Dalai Lama
Day 4, leave the quiet beauty of Dalhousie behind and drive to Dharamshala, a four-hour journey of about 120 km. Dharamshala is not only a beautiful hill station but also a spiritual seat of Tibetan Buddhism.
McLeod Ganj
Once you arrive in Dharamshala, go to McLeod Ganj, famously known as “Little Lhasa,” since it houses an enormous Tibetan population. Check into your hotel and walk around the congested Tibetan shops, cafes, and monasteries all over.
Dalai Lama Temple Complex
The Dalai Lama Temple Complex should feature in the schedule because it is abode to the high Tibetan spiritual leader, the 14th Dalai Lama. The Dalai Lama Temple Complex is peaceful and offers an excellent view of the Kangra Valley.
Bhagsu Waterfall
Take a short hike to the Bhagsu Waterfall in the late afternoon near the Bhagsunath Temple. It is a beautiful spot to sit back and just unwind in nature.
Day 5: Explore Dharamshala and Palampur
Day five of your Amritsar Dalhousie Dharamshala Itinerary is composed mostly of the culture and nature explorations of Dharamshala.
Norbulingka Institute
You can also visit the Norbulingka Institute, an institute which aims to preserve Tibetan art and culture. There are several workshops where you might learn simple traditional crafts from Tibetans and the beautiful garden and café at the same place.
Palampur Tea Gardens
Palampur is a paradise only a short drive from Norbulingka. Vast tea gardens make one forget the chaotic haste of city life. One can stay here for days, studying the process of tea processing and tasting the freshest varieties. There are guided tours to understand the process and taste the freshest varieties.
Dharamshala Cricket Stadium
It would be wasted dusk unless a visit is scheduled for the Dharamshala Cricket Stadium-the sporting ground that happens to be one of the highest in the world. Even cricketing does not find its place in your heart, the Dhauladhar snow-clad mountains poking out from behind the stadium are breathtaking.
Day 6: Dharamshala to Amritsar – End of the Journey
On the last day of your Amritsar Dalhousie Dharamshala Itinerary, it is time to return back to Amritsar. Dharamshala to Amritsar drive will take you nearly 5 hours (approx 200 km). So start early to make full use of the day.
Local Markets and Shopping.
Do not miss going to the local markets at McLeod Ganj and Dharamshala in what remains of the last couple of hours before driving off on souvenirs like handicrafts, woolen shawls, and spiritual artefacts.
Amritsar
Once you have reached Amritsar, you can spend some time shopping or visiting any places which you might have missed earlier. Then take your flight or train back home with you and memories to last an entire lifetime.
Tips for Smooth Travel
Some quick tips to make your Amritsar Dalhousie Dharamshala Itinerary even better:
Pack smart: Mountain weather is quite unpredictable, but even in the summer months, you may want warm woolens. Take thick woolens and leave the winters behind. Do not overpack.
Book ahead: Hotels and transport take off quickly in peak seasons. Get everything done beforehand.
Stay Hydrated: Because of the undulating terrain, you get tired sooner so do carry at least a bottle of water with you while making treks and looking around.
Conclusion
This Amritsar Dalhousie Dharamshala Itinerary gives the perfect blend of spiritual experiences, beautiful natures, and adventurous activities. Be it history, nature, or just a bit of solace for your soul, it has everything: the Golden Temple of Amritsar, the Kalatop Wildlife Sanctuary of Dalhousie, and the culture of Tibetan influence in Dharamshala.
Another good option to make a comfortable stay in Amritsar can be opting for a great place called Hotel Grand Hridey Amritsar, centrally located, so access to many of the city’s major tourist attractions is very easy.
So plan well and pack smartly, and seize all the moments that this great journey through Northern India has to offer you.
FAQs
How many days are sufficient for Dalhousie and Dharamshala?
There are several attractions worth visiting in Dharamshala so a 2- or 3-days trip would be fair enough to visit these attractions. However, if you want a little bit of adventure and the thrill of exciting sports then plan for 4-5 days.
Which is colder, Dharamshala or Dalhousie?
Dalhousie is double the height of Dharamshala and also quite cold and enjoyable compared to Dharamshala which is warm place.
Which month is best for Dalhousie?
Yes, the best season to visit Dalhousie is between March and June, when the hill-station is bathed by the warmth of the summer sun.
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