In the mesmerizing Chamba district of Himachal Pradesh, Khajjiar is a picture-perfect destination often dubbed the Mini Switzerland of India. This tiny hill station, resting at around 6,500 feet above sea level, is a haven of pine forests, rolling meadows, a scenic lake, and snow-capped peaks in the distance.
However, reaching Khajjiar isn’t as easy as hopping on a direct flight or catching a single train. The journey demands a blend of transportation modes—each offering a slice of adventure and scenic beauty along the way.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through how to reach Khajjiar from various parts of India, covering routes, options (by air, train, road), and expert travel tips to make your trip hassle-free and unforgettable.
Where is Khajjiar Located?
Khajjiar lies about 24 kilometers from Dalhousie and 22 kilometers from Chamba town in Himachal Pradesh. It’s perched on a small plateau surrounded by dense deodar and pine forests, at an altitude of 6,500 feet.
Due to its elevation and terrain, Khajjiar is not directly connected by air or train, but it’s well-linked via roads to nearby towns like Dalhousie and Chamba.
How to Reach Khajjiar by Air
Nearest Airport: Gaggal Airport (Kangra Airport)
- Distance to Khajjiar: Approx. 122 km
- Travel Time (by road): 4.5 to 5 hours
Though Gaggal Airport (Dharamshala) is the closest airport, it has limited flight connectivity, mostly from Delhi. From the airport, you’ll need to hire a taxi or take a bus to reach Khajjiar via Dharamshala → Dalhousie → Khajjiar.
Other Nearby Airports:
- Pathankot Airport
- Distance: 110 km
- Good for those coming from North India (Chandigarh, Delhi)
- Fewer flight options.
- Amritsar (Sri Guru Ram Dass Jee International Airport)
- Distance: 200 km
- Better connectivity for domestic and international travelers.
- Chandigarh International Airport
- Distance: 326 km
- Major airport with better flight availability.
Tips for Air Travelers:
- Try booking early morning flights to avoid delays due to fog or weather.
- From the airport, pre-book a cab for a smoother transition to Khajjiar.
- Consider a short halt at Dalhousie if traveling from Gaggal or Pathankot.
How to Reach Khajjiar by Train
There is no railway station in Khajjiar. The nearest major station is Pathankot Railway Station.
Nearest Railway Station: Pathankot (PTK)
- Distance to Khajjiar: 96 km
- Travel Time: Approx. 3–4 hours by road
- Connected To: Delhi, Chandigarh, Amritsar, Jammu, and other major cities
From Pathankot, you can take a taxi or Himachal Road Transport Corporation (HRTC) bus to Dalhousie and further to Khajjiar.
Other Railway Options:
- Chakki Bank (CHKB): A twin station of Pathankot for some express trains.
- Amritsar Junction (ASR): 200 km away, well-connected to metro cities.
Tips for Train Travelers:
- For a relaxed journey, book an overnight train to Pathankot from Delhi.
- Avoid late evening travel by road from the station, as the hilly terrain becomes more difficult after sunset.
- Book train tickets well in advance, especially during summer and festival seasons.
How to Reach Khajjiar by Road
This is the most common and scenic way to reach Khajjiar. The winding roads offer breathtaking views of valleys and pine forests, especially during winter and monsoon.
From Dalhousie to Khajjiar:
- Distance: 24 km
- Travel Time: 1 to 1.5 hours
- Road Condition: Mostly good, but narrow and winding
You can either hire a cab from Dalhousie or board a local HRTC bus that runs on this route.
From Chamba to Khajjiar:
- Distance: 22 km
- Travel Time: 1 to 1.5 hours
- Road Type: Scenic but a bit patchy in places
Routes from Major Cities
From Delhi to Khajjiar
- Distance: 575 km approx.
- Best Route (via NH44 and NH154):
- Travel Time: 11–12 hours by car
- Tip: Start early to avoid city traffic; an overnight halt at Dalhousie is recommended.
From Chandigarh to Khajjiar
- Distance: 326 km
- Route: Chandigarh → Hoshiarpur → Pathankot → Dalhousie → Khajjiar
- Travel Time: 7–8 hours
- Mode: Private car or intercity bus
From Amritsar to Khajjiar
- Distance: 200 km
- Route: Amritsar → Gurdaspur → Pathankot → Dalhousie → Khajjiar
- Travel Time: 6–7 hours
- Tips: Amritsar makes a great stopover—visit the Golden Temple and Wagah Border.
From Manali to Khajjiar
- Distance: 350 km
- Travel Time: 9–10 hours
- Route: Manali → Mandi → Kangra → Dalhousie → Khajjiar
Bus Services to Khajjiar
There are no direct buses to Khajjiar, but you can take a bus to:
- Dalhousie: Regular HRTC and private buses from Delhi, Pathankot, and Chandigarh.
- From Dalhousie: Hire a cab or take a shared taxi to Khajjiar.
Popular Bus Routes:
- Delhi → Dalhousie (Volvo, semi-sleeper)
- Pathankot → Dalhousie (Local buses every hour)
Local Transport in Khajjiar
Taxi:
- Available from Dalhousie or Chamba.
- Fixed fare for most routes.
- Ideal for groups or family travel.
Shared Cabs / Jeeps:
- Run between Dalhousie, Chamba, and Khajjiar.
- Cheaper than private taxis.
Walking:
- Khajjiar is compact—you can explore on foot once you arrive.
Best Time to Travel to Khajjiar
- Summer (April to June): Ideal for sightseeing, picnics, and lush greenery.
- Monsoon (July to September): Roads may be slippery but meadows look magical.
- Winter (December to February): Snow-covered landscape—perfect for snow lovers!
If you love snow, visit in January. But check for road closures due to heavy snowfall.
Travel Tips for Reaching Khajjiar
- Break Journey at Dalhousie: It’s easier to find accommodation and transport here.
- Check Weather Reports: Road conditions can change quickly due to snow or rain.
- Fuel Up in Dalhousie/Chamba: No fuel stations in Khajjiar.
- Carry Essentials: Especially during winter—gloves, snow boots, jackets.
- No ATM in Khajjiar: Withdraw cash in Dalhousie or Chamba.
- Avoid Night Travel: Roads are hilly, narrow, and less lit.
- Travel Insurance: Consider it if you’re visiting during snowfall or monsoon season.
Itinerary for Reaching & Visiting Khajjiar
Day 1: Arrive in Pathankot (by train or flight) → Drive to Dalhousie → Overnight stay
Day 2: Dalhousie sightseeing → Drive to Khajjiar → Explore Khajjiar Lake, meadow, and forest trails
Day 3: Trek to Kalatop Wildlife Sanctuary → Return to Chamba or continue further into Himachal
Final Thoughts
Getting to Khajjiar may require some effort, but the journey is just as beautiful as the destination. Whether you take the scenic road trip from Dalhousie or wind through narrow pine-covered trails from Chamba, every route offers stunning views and peaceful vibes.
So pack your bags, plan your travel mode wisely, and let the journey to Mini Switzerland of India become one of your most memorable adventures.
Further Reading:
- 7 Reasons Khajjiar Is Known as the ‘Mini Switzerland’
- Top 10 Tourist Places to See in Khajjiar
- Himachal Places to Visit in March 2025
- Places to See in Himachal in April 2025
- Top 10 Cafes & Restaurants to Try in Himachal
- Places to Visit Himachal Pradesh in May 2025
- Best Honeymoon Places in Himachal Pradesh
- Himachal Destinations to See in December 2025
- Famous Lakes in Himachal Pradesh
- Famous Skiing Places in Himachal
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):
1. Can I reach Khajjiar directly by flight?
No, there’s no airport in Khajjiar. The nearest airport is Gaggal (122 km), from where you need to take a cab or bus.
2. Is it safe to drive to Khajjiar in winter?
It’s safe if you have experience driving in hilly terrain. Snowfall may block roads, so always check weather updates and carry chains for tires if driving yourself.
3. Are buses available from Pathankot to Khajjiar?
There are no direct buses, but frequent buses run to Dalhousie. From there, hire a cab or take a local shared vehicle to Khajjiar.
4. How much time does it take to explore Khajjiar?
A day is enough to cover the main spots. But staying overnight gives you a serene, crowd-free experience.
