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In Tourist Destinations Revisited-The Himalayas

Khajjiar,Kangra and Billing-The Shiwalik Himalayas of India you can’t miss on!

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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.
The beautiful base for paragliding-Bir
The beautiful base for paragliding-Bir
  • 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.
Kangra Fort and Kangra Valley
Kangra Fort and Kangra Valley
  • 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

The Chamba Valley
The Chamba Valley

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

Billing -Heaven for Paragliding
Billing -Heaven for Paragliding

Distance Charts:(Kangra-Himachal)

The beautiful Khajjiar
The beautiful Khajjiar

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
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!

Himalayan Ranges from Bir
Himalayan Ranges from Bir

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:

Chamba Kangra Bir Billing Map
Chamba Kangra Bir Billing Map

Time to Visit:

April-Early June; September to November

Baijnath mandir from a distance
Baijnath mandir from a distance

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:

Jwalamukhi Mandir(Temple) ,Kangra
Jwalamukhi Mandir(Temple) ,Kangra


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
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)

Baijnath Temple-A view closer
Baijnath Temple-A view closer
Khajjiar Lake with beautiful Himalayas in backdrop
Khajjiar Lake with beautiful Himalayas in backdrop
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Kufri,Shimla
In Tourist Destinations Revisited-The Himalayas

Shimla and Dharamshala-The gateway to mighty Himalayas of India

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Shimla is the capital of the Himachal State of India, whereas Dharamshala is known for being the home to Dalai Lama and the highest cricket stadium in India.

Shimla has some good places to see, like Chail, Fagu, or taking a ride to Kalka by toy train. In contrast, Dharamshala is the gateway to Triund and Indrahar Pass treks which, in my opinion, are must-visits due to the immense natural beauty through McLeod Ganj.

8 Golden Reasons why you must visit Shimla and Dharamshala:

  • Shimla and Dharamshala being at height, are all-time cool hill stations and hence can be visited any time of the year except for monsoons when landslides are often.
Mall Road Shimla
Mall Road Shimla
  • The 6-hour train ride between Kalka and Shimla, covering 107 tunnels and bridges along with beautiful Shivaliks, is a compulsory activity when entering Himachal. It looks more beautiful post winters when there’s snow all around.
  • Chail and Mashobra are 60 km and 14 km from Shimla and are must-visits when you are in Shimla for the simple fact that you can walk in dense forests and get a view of vast meadows with the provision of pony rides. Cloud covers make the place go romantic!
  • McLeod Ganj in Dharmshala is a must-visit place for it is the second home of His Holiness Dalai Lama and is known as “Little Lhasa” due to the considerable population of Tibetans.
Chail
Chail
  • Dharamshala Cricket Stadium is a scenic cricket stadium where international matches do happen. Lush green forests and snow-capped mountains surround it.
  • The Bhagsu Waterfall near Dharamshala in Mcleodganj is a great place, especially post-monsoon.
  • Dharamshala is also the gateway to Indrahar Pass, Hanuman ka Dibba, Triund, and Lahesh caves treks. These treks require time, but the hikes are worth it-the views being tempting under clear skies.
  • This city is also home to several temples, with  Chamunda Devi Temple and Kunal Pathri Temple being the most revered ones.

Location  : Shimla is about 350 kms north of Delhi and Dharamshala is about 450 kms north of Delhi.

Triund-a nearby trek spot in Dharamshala
Triund-a nearby trek spot in Dharamshala

Tourist Attraction on the spot:

Dharamshala: Namgyal Monastery, Dharamkot-Bhagsunag Falls, Dharamshala Cricket Stadium; Shimla: Christ Church, Viceregal Lodge, Army Heritage Museum, Gorton Castle, Chail, Fagu

Tourist Attraction in Vicinity:

You can visit Tosh, Kangra, Kheerganga, Narkanda, Chandigarh, Kullu, Manali, Rohtang Pass, and Bir-Billing, which range from 150 to 400 km.

Tsuglagkhang Complex Dalai Lama Temple
Tsuglagkhang Complex Dalai Lama Temple

Distance Charts:(Shimla | Dharamshala)

Viceregal Lodge & Botanical Gardens
Viceregal Lodge & Botanical Gardens

How to Reach Shimla/Dharamshala:

Road Routes:

Delhi-Panipat-Kurukshetra-Chandigarh-Solan-Shimla-Hamirpur-Jwalamukhi-Kangra-Dharamshala-Mcleod Ganj

IMPORTANT NOTE FROM MY EXPERIENCE:

1)First and foremost, use the Kalka Shimla Toy train to be at Shimla; Book in advance from the first app, like 1-2 months in advance, and you’ll not regret this one bit-have a good phone or video camera to capture few highlights!

2)Shimla has little to offer regarding tourist places. Still, if you go to nearby places like Chail, Fagu, and Narkanda, you’ll surely love the places, especially in winters, due to the beautiful landscape and significantly fewer skyscraper madness!

3)Public transport will help you in most parts of either Dharamshala or Shimla. State buses run at regular intervals, so saving bucks is easy.

4)From Dharamshala, there is a beautiful trek to Triund and Indrahar pass taking you around 3-10 days depending on how far and how relaxed you want the trip to be.

This needs a different amount of time and stamina, though the trip isn’t that tough.

5) Research temples, monasteries, parks, and church times properly before getting in. In most cases, the morning and late afternoon slots are open, making for an ideal visit time to such places.

6)Bir-Billing, the paragliding paradise, is close to Dharamshala, so you can get some adrenaline rush!

7)Roads are pretty good, and eating options are healthy. Of course, having some snacks and water is good as always.

Kufri, Shimla

Kufri,Shimla
Kufri,Shimla

RAIL:Nearest railway station is Shimla for which toy trains run from Kalka/Chandigarh.

AIR:Chandigarh is nearest airport for both of the tourist spots.

ROAD:Simple answer is take a bus or car from Delhi (or Chandigarh) and in 6-8 hours you are at Shimla or Dharamshala. Dharamshala to Shimla will take around 7 hours. HRTC bus services are great and aplenty on offer.

Map:

Delhi Shimla Dharamshala Map
Delhi Shimla Dharamshala Map

Time to Visit:

April to June; September-October is the best time to be here.

Kangra Valley
Kangra Valley

Spend Time With:

Family, Friends, Solo, Couple, Groups

Food and Lodging:

Lodging isn’t trouble in Shimla and Dharamshala unless it’s peak season. For peak seasons, book in advance online on websites like Goibibo or Makemytrip, or Yatra at cheaper rates. Alternatively, do a night stay at Kangra /Kullu, where rooms are available for INR 700-800 in peak seasons. Food will never be a trouble, so be rest assured of it.

Expense:

A one-day trip to Dharamshala and Shimla, each without a trek, will cost:

Food: INR 150/person/day(3 times a day)X2

Transport: INR 400 from Delhi to Shimla and Shimla-Dharamshala will cost another INR 300 by HRTC state bus service. For Chail and Fagu, you’ll get shared cars and buses towards Narkanda and then need to hitchhike or book a private car-assume INR 400 both ways if you hitchhike and use public transport(else INR 3000 booking from Shimla) 

Lodging: INR 1000/day X2@ Shimla and Dharamshala(costly and tourist-bound areas)

Entry Fees include various places (varies): Entry fees applicable in a few places in Shimla-INR 200 approx.

Note: In case you trek, add two days for ground and seven days for Indrahar pass -the extra cost being 1000 INR for Triund and 6000 INR for Indrahar Pass, which includes staying guide and food.

Mcleodganj St John Church

Total: 4200 INR(goes up to INR 6800 if the private car for Fagu/Chail is booked)

Mcleodganj St John Church
Mcleodganj St John Churc

Nearby Attractions(Shimla|Dharamshala)

Bhagsunag Waterfalls,Dharamshala
Bhagsunag Waterfalls,Dharamshala

Bhagsunag Waterfalls,Dharamshala

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