Khajjiar is a beautiful hill station located in Himachal Pradesh, often called the "Mini Switzerland of India" for its lush green meadows and scenic views. Mumbai, the bustling financial capital of India, is a common starting point for travelers heading to Khajjiar for a peaceful mountain retreat.

This guide will help you understand the best ways to travel from Mumbai to Khajjiar by train, bus, car, and flight. You will also find practical tips, a step-by-step travel plan, and advice on what to expect upon arrival.

Getting from Mumbai to Khajjiar – Main Options

Train

Traveling by train is a popular option for those who want a comfortable and scenic journey. However, there is no direct train to Khajjiar, so you will need to combine train travel with road transport.

• The nearest major railway station to Khajjiar is Pathankot, about 85 km away, well connected to Mumbai via several trains including the Mumbai-Amritsar Express, with travel times ranging from 28 to 32 hours.

• From Pathankot, you can hire a taxi or take a local bus to Khajjiar, which takes around 2.5 to 3 hours on hilly roads, with fares typically between ₹800 and ₹1,200 for taxis.

• Trains from Mumbai to Pathankot run daily but book early on IRCTC, especially during summer and holiday seasons, as trains get crowded and tickets sell out fast.

• Night trains are preferred for this route to save daytime for road travel; however, monsoon season may cause delays due to fog and landslides near the hills.

Bus

Buses provide an economical way to reach Khajjiar, though the journey is long and involves multiple changes. This option suits budget travelers comfortable with overnight travel.

• MSRTC and private operators run buses from Mumbai to Delhi or Chandigarh, taking about 16 to 18 hours, with fares ranging from ₹800 to ₹1,200 depending on the bus type.

• From Delhi or Chandigarh, you can catch Himachal Road Transport Corporation (HRTC) buses to Dalhousie or Chamba, which take 8 to 10 hours and cost around ₹400 to ₹600.

• From Dalhousie or Chamba bus stands, local taxis or shared cabs are available to Khajjiar, about 20 to 25 km away, with fares between ₹300 and ₹500.

• Bus travel during winter can be challenging due to fog and icy roads; it is advisable to check weather updates and bus timings in advance.

Car / Self-Drive

Driving from Mumbai to Khajjiar offers flexibility and the chance to explore en route. This is a good option for families or groups comfortable with long drives.

• The distance from Mumbai to Khajjiar is approximately 1,850 km via NH48 and NH154, taking around 35 to 40 hours of driving time, usually split over 2 to 3 days.

• Major highways include NH48 passing through Surat, Vadodara, Udaipur, and Jaipur, then NH154 towards Dalhousie and Khajjiar, with toll plazas and rest stops along the way.

• Popular overnight stops include Udaipur and Chandigarh, where you can find good hotels and food options to break the journey comfortably.

• Driving in monsoon requires caution due to slippery roads and possible landslides near the hills; winter driving demands readiness for fog and occasional snow.

• Fuel stations are available regularly on highways, but in hilly areas near Khajjiar, fuel options are limited, so plan accordingly.

Flight

Flying is the fastest way to cover most of the distance, combined with road travel to reach Khajjiar. This option suits travelers who want to save time.

• The nearest airport to Khajjiar is Gaggal Airport (Kangra), about 90 km away, with regular flights from Delhi and Chandigarh but no direct flights from Mumbai.

• You can fly from Mumbai to Delhi or Chandigarh, with flight durations of 2 to 2.5 hours and fares ranging from ₹3,000 to ₹7,000 depending on booking time and airline.

• From Gaggal Airport, taxis and buses are available to Khajjiar, taking approximately 3 to 4 hours on hilly roads, with taxi fares around ₹1,200 to ₹1,800.

• Flight schedules may be affected by weather conditions in winter and monsoon, so it is advisable to check updates and book flexible tickets.

Step-by-Step Travel Plan

This plan is designed for first-time travelers from Mumbai to Khajjiar to help you organize your journey smoothly.

• Book your train or flight tickets well in advance via IRCTC or airline websites to secure the best fares and preferred timings, especially during peak seasons.

• If traveling by train, plan your arrival at Pathankot and pre-book a taxi or check bus schedules for the onward journey to Khajjiar to avoid last-minute hassles.

• For bus travelers, confirm bus timings from Mumbai to Delhi/Chandigarh and from there to Dalhousie or Chamba, allowing buffer time for connections and delays.

• If self-driving, map your route carefully using GPS and plan overnight stays in cities like Udaipur or Chandigarh to rest and refuel safely.

• Pack light but include warm clothing and rain gear depending on the season, as Khajjiar’s weather can be unpredictable.

• On arrival in Khajjiar, use prepaid taxis or app-based cabs like Ola and Uber available in nearby towns for local travel to your accommodation.

Practical Travel Tips

• Carry a copy of your ID and booking confirmations for trains, buses, or flights, as these are often checked during travel in India.

• Drink only bottled or boiled water during your journey to avoid waterborne illnesses, especially when traveling through remote areas.

• Book tickets online early, as trains and buses to Himachal Pradesh fill up quickly during summer and holidays.

• Use local shared taxis or buses for short distances in Khajjiar to save money and experience local travel culture.

• Pack your luggage in waterproof bags during monsoon to protect clothes and electronics from rain and humidity.

• Be prepared for sudden weather changes in the hills, carrying a small first-aid kit and warm layers for comfort and safety.

Best Time & Travel Conditions

The best time to travel from Mumbai to Khajjiar is during the summer months from April to June when the weather is pleasant and roads are clear. Winters are cold and may bring snow, while monsoon can cause delays due to landslides.

Planning your journey outside major Indian festivals like Diwali and Holi can help avoid heavy traffic and fully booked transport.

• Avoid traveling during the monsoon season (July to September) as heavy rains can cause roadblocks and delays on hilly routes.

• Winter months (December to February) bring fog and occasional snow, which can slow travel and require warm clothing and vehicle readiness.

• Early morning departures are recommended to avoid city traffic in Mumbai and to reach hill stations before dusk for safety.

• Peak tourist season in Khajjiar is summer; book accommodations and transport well in advance to avoid last-minute price hikes.

Arrival at Khajjiar & What to Expect

When you arrive in Khajjiar, you will find a small but charming hill station with limited public transport. Most travelers rely on taxis, shared cabs, or walking to get around.

The main areas to stay are near the Khajjiar Lake and the central market, where you can find guesthouses, hotels, and homestays. Prepaid taxis and app-based cabs are available in nearby towns like Dalhousie and Chamba, but in Khajjiar itself, local taxis are the best option.

Conclusion

The most efficient way to reach Khajjiar from Mumbai depends on your priorities. If you want comfort and speed, flying to Delhi or Chandigarh followed by a taxi is best. For budget travelers, trains combined with local transport offer a scenic and affordable journey. Self-driving offers flexibility but requires careful planning.

Remember to book tickets early, plan your route with rest stops, and prepare for weather changes. With the right preparation, you can enjoy a smooth and memorable trip from Mumbai to the beautiful hills of Khajjiar.