How to reach Khajjiar: 8 routes connecting this beautiful town to other cities

Our goal is to reach Khajjiar, also known as the mini Switzerland of India. We are exploring some unconventional routes to get to this town hidden in the lap of Himachal Pradesh.

Khajjiar is a gorgeous town located just 45 minutes by road from Dalhousie, a hill station well-known to many. While Khajjiar is often touted as a secondary stop while visiting Dalhousie, we believe that Khajjiar is more than just an offbeat sidekick to a popular tourist destination.

Khajjiar, also known as the mini Switzerland of India, is unique in its own right, distinct from Dalhousie and other Himachali cities. It offers its rare charm and is worthy of recognition as a standalone destination. We recommend spending at least three nights in Khajjiar to fully appreciate its beauty.

Khajjiar, nature's canvas

The question of how to reach Khajjiar involves several routes. We will guide you through 8 popular destinations, apart from Dalhousie, which you can include in your Khajjiar itinerary.

For starters, let’s look at the major end points leading to Khajjiar.

Nearest Railway station to Khajjiar: Pathankot Railway station. From the railway station, you can hire a taxi or a bus to get to Khajjiar which takes about 2-3 hours.

Khajjiar's nearest Airport: Gaggal Airport (Also known as Kangra Airport), Dharamshala. The airport has limited flights, and it primarily connects to major cities like Delhi and Chandigarh.

Nearest bus station to Khajjiar: Dalhousie bus stand is the closest bus station to Khajjiar. Once at Dalhousie bus stand, you must take a local bus to Khajjiar, which takes about 2 hours. From the Khajjiar bus stand, you can hire a taxi to take you to The Hosteller Khajjiar. The taxi ride shouldn’t take you longer than 15 minutes.

Here are the various routes to reach Khajjiar, categorised by their proximity to the town:

1. McleodGanj to Khajjiar:

Mcleodgganj and Khajjiar complement each other beautifully. After immersing yourself in the mountainous terrain and the cultural richness of McleodGanj, you can easily transport yourself to the quieter Khajjiar and unwind there. A good trip is a perfect combination of moments of fun, new experiences and reflection. This trip will offer you all of the above.

Spend two nights in Mcleodganj and then drive to Khajjiar. The car ride from Mcleodganj to Khajjiar takes about four hours. You can also opt for cheaper local buses- head to Dharamshala first, just 1.5 hours from Mcleodganj and then take a bus to Khajjiar from Dharamshala.

Mountain standing still, embracing McLeod Ganj | Credits: elevation.maplogs.com

2. Bir to Khajjiar:

Your paragliding adventure in Bir could end with a relaxed weekend in Khajjiar before you return home. If you still have an appetite to take on more challenges, Khajjiar offers plenty of options for the adventurous. Zorbing down the beautiful meadows of Khajjiar is a must-try activity. To us, it felt as if we were floating on the greens with the gorgeous blue sky above us. Or was it below? We can hardly remember.

Take a taxi to Khajjiar directly which takes about 5 hours. Or head to Dharamshala and take a direct bus to Khajjiar. Khajjiar to Dharamshala distance is approximately 120 km. The bus ride from Dharamshala to Khajjiar takes about 2-3 hours.

Paragliding adventure in Bir | Credits: thetravellertrails.in

3. Amritsar to Khajjiar:

This unusual combination makes a unique itinerary. From the beautiful mustard fields to the grass as green as emeralds, it’s a fun ride that guarantees many experiences. You’ll be covering two cities in different states. The drive route from Amritsar to Khajjiar takes about 5 hours and you will pass through several beautiful cities in Punjab such as Jethuwal, Batala, Gurdaspur, Pathankot on the way. You can also make a quick pit stop at one of these places for a hearty lunch and to capture stunning pictures.

How to reach Khajjiar from Amritsar? The answer is trains. Multiple trains connect Amritsar to Pathankot. The Hosteller Amritsar is just 10 minutes away from Amritsar junction. Once in Pathankot, there will be no shortage of taxis to take you to The Hosteller Khajjiar.

Golden temple at Amritsar | Credits: wikipedia

4. Shangarh to Khajjiar:

Wish to stay clear of the crowds while exploring the calmness of the hills? This itinerary might just be what you need. Shangarh, nestled in Sainj Valley offers an unparalleled beauty that radiates positivity. It feels like an artist's canvas embodying the slow hill life that city dwellers crave.

After spending a few days in Shangarh, take a taxi to Khajjiar bypassing the maddening crowds of popular cities. It takes about 7 hours to get to Khajjiar, with stunning views along the way to keep you entertained. The bus route could be a little complicated– you might have to change vehicles at least 3 times.– First, from Shangarh to Aut, then Aut to Mandi, Mandi to Dalhousie and finally from Dalhousie to Khajjiar. The entire bus journey takes 10-12 hours but offers fantastic opportunities to explore the offbeat roads of Himachal.

We recommend considering Shoja as an offbeat detour. Shoja, another charming village just 3 hours away from Shangarh is renowned for its breathtaking vistas and makes for a perfect addition to your trip.

Waterfall at Shangarh valley | Credits: sandeepchetan.com

5. Kasol to Khajjiar:

Imagine spending New Year’s eve at Kasol and then bringing in the near yeah in Khajjiar. While Kasol is a valley nestled along the Parvati River, Khajjiar is a highland plateau full of beautiful meadows– both these cities contrast each other beautifully. This journey would highlight the diverse landscapes of Himachal Pradesh.

The road trip from Kasol to Khajjiar takes 7-10 hours. Opt for private transport if you wish for a smooth journey without the need for transfers. If you are to opt for buses, you can either head to Manali or Kullu first. A pitstop for a day or two in one of these two cities to rest would be a good idea if you need a break. From there, get a bus to Mandi the next morning. The final stretch from Manali to Khajjiar takes about 4 hours by bus.

Camping bliss amidst snow-capped peaks in Kasol | Credits: abhibus.com

6. Manali to Khajjiar:

This is another unpopular combination. These two cities are far apart and hence never clubbed together to form an itinerary. But we’d love to see this route gain popularity among curious travellers. Notable places on the way include Kullu, Pandoh Dam, Hanogi Mata temple and Janjehli.

A drive from Manali to Mandi takes about 3 hours. From Mandi, take a direct bus to Khajjiar. Buses might be limited as it is an unusual route, so it’s best to check with local bus operators or the Himachal Road Transport Corporation (HRTC) for schedules and availability. The journey could take you about 8 hours. Private cabs are also available and can pick you up at The Hosteller Old Manali and drop you off straight at The Hosteller Khajjiar while you sit back and relax with the scenery. Start early and prepare to see untapped landscapes on the way!

A scenic view of Manali | Credits: curlytales.com

7. Chandigarh to Khajjiar:

Chandigarh is an excellent pitstop for your Himachal trip. It is a beautiful city that is well connected to the hills by train, flights and buses. We recommend spending a few days in Chandigarh– You can hit popular attractions like the Rock Garden, Sukhna Lake, Chandigarh Haat and feast on delicious food. Its unique architecture and beautiful landscapes make the city a great tourist destination.

There are direct flights from Chandigarh Airport to Gaggal Airport in Dharamshala. Chandigarh to Khajjiar by road offers plenty of attractions en route– you can stop at Panchkula, Morni Hills, Solan and Chail on the way for a refreshing break before heading to your final destination. Local buses are also available to popular destinations like Manali and Kasol, where you can change to get to Khajjiar.

Where the sky meets the earth in perfect harmony | Credits: oyorooms.com

8. Delhi to Khajjiar:

If you are from Delhi or down south of Delhi, we recommend having Delhi as your starting point to head to Khajjiar. In case you are travelling to Delhi to go to Himachal Pradesh, we highly recommend making Delhi more than just a pitstop on your way to Khajjiar. The city is full of stories waiting to be discovered by explorers. Spend at least a weekend in the capital before leaving for Khajjiar.

How to reach Khajjiar from Delhi? Delhi to Khajjiar by air is naturally the fastest route– The journey takes just an hour. The second quickest way would be to take a train– there are plenty of trains from Delhi to Pathankot, which is the nearest station to Khajjiar. The train journey takes about 8 hours and is super convenient.

For those looking for a cost-effective travel option, opt for a Delhi to Khajjiar bus. The quickest route involves reaching Shimla, then changing buses to Chamba, and finally taking another bus to Khajjiar.

A panoramic view of Delhi, India with the iconic Jama Masjid mosque | Credits: halaltripindia.com

Now that you’ve figured out how to reach Khajjiar, you can focus on the other details, such as accommodation, what to do, etc. The Hosteller Khajjiar is a magnificent retreat surrounded by hills waiting to greet you. Once in Khajjiar, you have a new adventure, but what stops you from exploring new routes and making journeys enjoyable? Take cues from our guide to exploring the top treks in Khajjiar. We invite you to mix things up and discover other routes to this beautiful town.

Guests goofing around & having fun at The Hosteller Khajjiar