Kareri Lake Archives - EXPLORE WITH BOB

Khajjiar has beautiful green meadows with mountains as a backdrop. Kangra has a famous Jwalamukhi temple where hot springs flow and fire is naturally ignited underground along with Kangra Temple. A Baijnath Temple with a stunning Himalayan backdrop also falls on the way to Bir-Billing, where Bir is the base and Billing is the top for the start of Paragliding-the world paragliding championship took place in Billing once, and this place is worth a shot! You can cover all this with the Pathankot-Jogindernagar Railway(Narrow Guage) railway, which frequents daily on the Kangra route with beautiful views of forests and fresh air all along!

Wonder-la Reasons why you must visit Billing, Khajjiar and Kangra:

When paragliding comes to your mind-look, no further than Billing and Bir, the height is perfect for paragliding at Billing with Bir provides excellent snow-capped mountain views on clear sunny days.

Kangra’s Jwalamukhi Temple is known to have emanated fire from underground rock, which has been considered God’s blessing. This is one of the reasons to be here. Fort in Knagra is also worth a visit due to its architecture and pleasant valleys that have been overlooked.
Kangra is the gateway to some scenic trekking spots like Kareri Lake, Indrahar Pass, Manimahesh and Triund, offering staggering Himalayan views of the Dhauladar range, not to forget Palampur in the near vicinity is known for its tea estates.

There are few notable monasteries in Bir and Kangra, like Gyuoti, Tashigong, Palpung and Tsering Jong, among many others, where you can attain peace and beautiful landscape.
Baijnath Temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva and hence is significant in Kangra. The bonus of viewing snow-clad Dhauladar ranges is more mouth-watering!
The meadows of Khajjiar and Khajjiar lake and Kalamuni top are must visit in Himachal. I had underestimated Khajjiar, but once you are in it, you will surely tell yourself you would have missed significant time!
Chamba is mainly known for many temples like Shree Hari and Chamunda Devi Temple, with a gateway to Sach pass of approximately 4500 metres of elevation, which serves as a gateway to Keylong or Kashmir.

Location: Chamba is 100 km northeast of Pathankot and Kangra is 85 km from Pathankot, and 80 km beyond Kangra is Billing

Tourist Attraction on the spot:

Bir-Billing Paragliding spot, Chamba Devi Temple, Khajjiar, Dalhousie, Kangra Fort, Jwalamukhi Temple, Nagarkot Temple, Tashi Jong Khampagar Monastery

Tourist Attraction in Vicinity:

Shimla, Sach Pass, Bhakra dam, Chandigarh, Amritsar, Tosh, Manali, Kullu, and Narakanda are some of the places with 300-400 km to visit.

Billing -Heaven for Paragliding

Distance Charts:(Kangra-Himachal)

How to Reach Khajjiar,Chamba,Kangra and Bir-Billing:

Road Routes:

Pathankot-Nurpur-Chamba-Khajjiar-Chamba-Sihunta-Shahpur-Kanra-Ranital-Jwalamukhi-Ranital-Nagrota-Palampur-Baijnath-Bir-Jogindernagar

Mighty Himalayas,Shivaliks,Baijnath Paprola

IMPORTANT NOTE FROM MY EXPERIENCE:

1)Khajjiar and Billing are two golden places you can’t afford to miss! Try paragliding once (1500 to 3000 INR) at Billing and spend some hours at the meadows of Khajjiar.

2)Public transport is 24/7 here, so hop in midnight and reach places by morning. Roads are pretty good too!

3)You’ll find hotels and restaurants regularly, so that won’t be an issue. Even vehicle repairs will do fine.

4)Temples are optional, but Baijnath temple shouldn’t be missed -the view of streams and mountains is damn awesome!

RAIL: The beautiful scenic rail for Kangra Valley is there from Pathankot Punjab to Jogindernagar, which you can drop at Kangra or Baijnath railway station. For Khajjiar, the road is a better option.

You can watch the below video to get a better idea! Do like and share if you find it worth it.

You can watch the below video to get a better idea!Do like and share if you find it worth…

AIR: Chandigarh/Amritsar are the nearest airports.

ROAD: A road from Pathankot bifurcates towards Chamba via Khajjiar and others towards Kangra. Best will be first to visit Chamba and Khajjiar, and state transport from Chamba will get you to Kangra Valley. Regular buses are available for Shimla, Bir and Dharamshala from Kangra. HPSRTC and private buses are aplenty to cater for your needs.

Map:

Time to Visit:

April-Early June; September to November

Spend Time With:

Family, friends, solo, couple

Food and Lodging:

Chamba and Kangra have no hotel shortages, just that peak season rates are on the higher side but available. Refer to Goibibo, MakeMyTrip, and EaseMyTrip if you want a booking. For food, you have lots of cheap and best hotels where you can have a good meal. Only towards Bir-Billing, you’ll need snacks with you.

Expense:

For a 3 day trip by state transport for Khajjiar followed by kangra and Billing:

Food: INR 100/person/day(3 times a day)X3

Transport: INR 600-800 max with public transport; more savings if commuted by train for Kangra only. A private vehicle will be required only from Bir to Billing(INR 1000)

Lodging: INR 700/day X2 at Chamba and Kangra (Check out on day 3 )

Entry Fees include various places (varies): No entry fees

Kangra Bus stand in the early morning hours of June

Total: 3900 INR(Can go upto to3200 INR if a shared car is availed for Billing)

Kangra Bus stand in early morning hours in June

Total: 3900 INR(Can go upto to3200 INR if a shared car is availed for Billing)

Nearby Attractions(Tso Moriri) (30-40 kmph is expected speed of vehicle)

Leh (650 km)
Chandigarh:(220 km)
Delhi:(450 km)
Kargil:(630 km)
Valley of Flowers:(750 km)
Khajjiar:(120 km)
Billing:(65 km)
Diskit:(730 km)
Hunder:(740 km)
Tso Moriri:(620 km)