Khajjiar is a beautiful hill station located in Himachal Pradesh, often called the "Mini Switzerland of India" due to its scenic meadows and pine forests. It lies near Dalhousie and is a popular destination for nature lovers and adventure seekers. Delhi, the capital city of India, serves as a major starting point for travelers heading to Khajjiar.

This route from Delhi to Khajjiar is commonly traveled by tourists seeking a peaceful getaway from the city’s hustle. This guide will help you understand the best ways to reach Khajjiar from Delhi, including trains, buses, cars, and flights, along with practical travel tips for a comfortable journey.

Getting from Delhi to Khajjiar – Main Options

Train

Traveling by train is a comfortable and scenic option for reaching nearby towns of Khajjiar. Although there is no direct train to Khajjiar, you can take trains to major nearby stations and continue by road.

• The nearest major railway stations to Khajjiar are Pathankot and Chakki Bank, approximately 90-100 km away, with several trains from Delhi arriving daily, including express and superfast services.

• Train travel time from Delhi to Pathankot ranges from 8 to 12 hours depending on the train, with fares generally between INR 300 to 1500, offering sleeper and AC classes.

• From Pathankot or Chakki Bank, you will need to hire a taxi or take a bus to Khajjiar, which takes about 3 to 4 hours on hilly roads, so plan accordingly for last-mile connectivity.

• Trains can be crowded during holiday seasons and weekends, so booking tickets in advance via IRCTC is recommended to secure preferred travel dates and classes.

• Winter fog in northern plains can cause train delays, especially in early mornings and late nights, so allow buffer time if you have onward connections.

Bus

Buses offer an economical and fairly frequent way to travel from Delhi to Khajjiar, though the journey is long and involves changing buses at certain points.

• Direct buses from Delhi to Dalhousie or Chamba are available from ISBT Kashmiri Gate, with travel times ranging from 12 to 15 hours depending on the service and route.

• From Dalhousie or Chamba bus stands, local Himachal Road Transport Corporation (HRTC) buses or shared taxis connect to Khajjiar, taking about 1 to 2 hours on hilly roads.

• Bus fares from Delhi to Dalhousie typically range between INR 600 to 1200 for non-AC and AC Volvo buses, with night buses preferred to save daytime for sightseeing.

• During peak tourist seasons and festivals, buses can be crowded and tickets sell out quickly, so booking in advance through HRTC or private operators is advised.

• Road conditions can be affected by monsoon rains causing landslides or delays, so check weather updates before traveling and avoid night travel in heavy rain.

Car / Self-Drive

Driving from Delhi to Khajjiar is a popular choice for travelers who want flexibility and to explore en route. The distance is about 560 km, mostly via NH 44 and NH 154.

• The drive usually takes around 12 to 14 hours depending on traffic and road conditions, with major stops possible at Ambala, Chandigarh, and Pathankot for refreshments and fuel.

• The route passes through well-maintained national highways like NH 44 up to Jalandhar and then NH 154 towards Dalhousie, with scenic mountain roads near Khajjiar.

• Toll plazas are present on the highways, so keep INR 300 to 500 handy for toll charges during the journey.

• Self-driving allows you to stop at attractions like Pinjore Gardens or Nurpur Fort along the way, but be cautious of narrow and winding roads near Khajjiar, especially after dark.

• Fuel stations are available at regular intervals on the plains but become sparse in hilly areas, so plan refueling before entering mountainous terrain.

• During winter, roads near Khajjiar may be slippery or blocked by snow, so check weather and road conditions and consider carrying chains or snow tires if driving yourself.

Flight

There is no airport in Khajjiar, but the nearest airports are in Dharamshala and Pathankot, which can be used as entry points before continuing by road.

• Flights from Delhi to Dharamshala’s Gaggal Airport take about 1.5 hours, with multiple daily flights operated by airlines like IndiGo and Air India.

• From Dharamshala airport, Khajjiar is approximately 90 km away, reachable by taxi or bus in about 3 to 4 hours on hilly roads.

• Pathankot Airport has limited flights and fewer connections, but it is closer to Khajjiar, about 90 km by road, with taxis available for onward travel.

• Flight fares vary seasonally but generally range from INR 2500 to 6000 one way; booking early can secure better prices.

• Flights can be delayed or canceled during winter due to fog or adverse weather, so keep alternate plans ready if flying in December or January.

Step-by-Step Travel Plan

This travel plan is designed for first-time travelers from Delhi to Khajjiar, helping you organize your journey smoothly and avoid common pitfalls.

• Book your train or bus tickets at least two weeks in advance via IRCTC or HRTC websites to ensure availability, especially during holidays or weekends.

• If traveling by train, choose a train to Pathankot or Chakki Bank and arrange a taxi or bus from there to Khajjiar; pre-book taxis through apps or local operators to avoid last-minute hassles.

• For bus travelers, board a direct bus to Dalhousie or Chamba from ISBT Kashmiri Gate, then switch to a local bus or shared taxi to Khajjiar; confirm bus timings locally as schedules can change.

• If driving, plan your route via NH 44 and NH 154, start early from Delhi to avoid city traffic, and schedule breaks at major towns for meals and fuel; check weather and road conditions before departure.

• For flights, book early to Dharamshala airport, then hire a prepaid taxi or use app-based cabs like Ola or Uber for the onward journey to Khajjiar; confirm taxi fares before starting.

• Carry essential documents, water, snacks, and warm clothing, especially if traveling in winter or monsoon, and keep emergency contacts handy for roadside assistance.

Practical Travel Tips

• Always use prepaid taxi services or app-based cabs at stations and airports to avoid overcharging and ensure safety during your journey to Khajjiar.

• Drink only bottled water and eat freshly cooked food from trusted vendors, especially when traveling by bus or train, to avoid stomach issues common in Indian hill travel.

• Book tickets online well in advance during peak seasons like summer holidays and winter to avoid last-minute unavailability and inflated prices.

• Local transport in Khajjiar includes shared taxis and auto-rickshaws; negotiate fares beforehand or use meter-based services where available.

• Pack light but include warm clothes, rain gear, and sturdy shoes, as Khajjiar’s weather can change rapidly, and some trekking paths are uneven.

• Monsoon season (July to September) can cause landslides and roadblocks; check local weather and road updates before traveling and carry emergency supplies.

Best Time & Travel Conditions

The best time to travel from Delhi to Khajjiar depends on your preference for weather and crowd levels. Summers are pleasant, while winters offer snowfall but require careful planning.

Monsoon season brings heavy rains and occasional landslides, making travel risky and slower. Early mornings and late nights in winter can have dense fog affecting visibility on roads and trains.

• Avoid traveling during major festivals like Diwali and Christmas when roads and trains are crowded and accommodation prices rise sharply.

• Summer months (April to June) offer the best weather with clear skies and comfortable temperatures, ideal for sightseeing and outdoor activities.

• Winter (December to February) brings cold temperatures and snow, which can block roads; only travel if prepared with warm clothing and vehicle readiness.

• Depart early in the morning from Delhi to avoid city traffic and reach Khajjiar before dusk, especially when driving or taking buses on hilly roads.

Arrival at Khajjiar & What to Expect

When you arrive in Khajjiar, you will find a small but well-connected town with basic amenities and several accommodation options ranging from budget guesthouses to mid-range hotels. The main arrival points are the local bus stand or taxi drop-off areas.

Local transport includes shared taxis and auto-rickshaws that can take you to your hotel or nearby attractions. Prepaid taxis and app-based cabs are limited, so negotiate fares in advance. Popular stay areas include near the Khajjiar Lake and the central market, both offering easy access to sightseeing spots.

Conclusion

The most efficient way to reach Khajjiar from Delhi depends on your priorities. For comfort and speed, flying to Dharamshala followed by a taxi is ideal. Budget travelers may prefer trains to Pathankot and then road transport, while those seeking flexibility can self-drive via national highways.

Plan your trip by booking tickets early, checking weather conditions, and preparing for hilly terrain. With careful planning and the right travel mode, you can enjoy a smooth and memorable journey from Delhi to the scenic hill station of Khajjiar.