Khajjiar is a beautiful hill station located in the Chamba district of Himachal Pradesh, known for its lush green meadows and scenic views. Pathankot, situated in Punjab, serves as a gateway to many hill stations including Khajjiar, making this route popular among travelers seeking nature and adventure.

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

Getting from Pathankot to Khajjiar – Main Options

Train

Traveling by train is suitable if you want a comfortable and scenic journey to the foothills near Khajjiar. However, there is no direct train to Khajjiar, so you will need to combine train travel with road transport.

• Pathankot Railway Station is well connected to major cities like Delhi and Amritsar, with frequent trains available daily for easy access.

• The nearest railway station to Khajjiar is Chakki Bank, about 35 km away, which is a small station with limited train services from Pathankot.

• From Chakki Bank, you will need to hire a taxi or take a local bus to reach Khajjiar, which takes around 1 to 1.5 hours on hilly roads.

• Train fares from Pathankot to Chakki Bank generally range from ₹100 to ₹300 depending on the train class, making it an economical option.

• Trains can be crowded during peak tourist seasons and holidays, so booking tickets in advance via IRCTC is recommended to avoid last-minute hassles.

• During winter months, fog may cause train delays on this route, so plan your travel with some buffer time.

Bus

Buses are a popular and affordable way to reach Khajjiar from Pathankot, especially for budget travelers. The route offers scenic views but can be slow due to hilly terrain.

• State-run Himachal Road Transport Corporation (HRTC) and private buses operate from Pathankot Bus Stand to Dalhousie, which is about 20 km from Khajjiar.

• From Dalhousie, frequent local buses and shared taxis are available to Khajjiar, taking around 30 to 40 minutes on winding roads.

• The total bus journey time from Pathankot to Khajjiar is approximately 5 to 6 hours, covering around 120 km, depending on road conditions.

• Bus fares range from ₹150 to ₹400, with deluxe and ordinary options available; deluxe buses offer better comfort but fewer departures.

• During monsoon season, landslides and roadblocks can cause delays, so check local weather and road status before traveling.

• Night buses are rare on this route, so plan to travel during daylight hours for safety and better views.

Car / Self-Drive

Driving from Pathankot to Khajjiar is one of the most flexible and comfortable options, allowing you to enjoy the scenic route at your own pace.

• The distance between Pathankot and Khajjiar is approximately 120 km via NH154 and local roads, taking around 4 to 5 hours depending on traffic and road conditions.

• The route passes through well-maintained highways like NH154, with toll plazas near Pathankot and on the way to Dalhousie, so keep cash or FASTag ready.

• There are multiple rest stops and dhabas along the way offering local Himachali food and refreshments, ideal for breaks during the drive.

• Driving during winter requires caution due to icy patches and occasional snowfall on higher stretches near Khajjiar.

• Self-drive car rentals are available in Pathankot with companies like Zoomcar and local providers; booking in advance is recommended especially in peak season.

• Using GPS navigation apps like Google Maps is helpful, but mobile network coverage may be patchy near Khajjiar, so download offline maps beforehand.

Flight

There is no direct flight between Pathankot and Khajjiar as Khajjiar does not have an airport. The nearest airport is in Dharamshala, which is about 100 km away.

• Pathankot Airport has limited flights, mainly connecting to Delhi; for better connectivity, consider flying from Amritsar Airport, about 110 km away.

• From Dharamshala Airport, you can hire a taxi or take a bus to Khajjiar, which takes around 3 to 4 hours on hilly roads.

• Flight fares vary widely depending on the season, but booking early can secure better deals especially during tourist peak times.

• Using flights is practical only if you are coming from distant cities and want to reduce overall travel time before starting the road journey to Khajjiar.

Step-by-Step Travel Plan

This step-by-step plan is designed for first-time travelers from Pathankot to Khajjiar, helping you navigate the journey smoothly.

• Book your train or bus tickets online through IRCTC or HRTC websites to avoid last-minute unavailability and ensure confirmed seats.

• Reach Pathankot Railway Station or Bus Stand at least 30 minutes before departure to manage crowds and find your platform or bus easily.

• If traveling by train, get down at Chakki Bank station and arrange a taxi or local bus to Khajjiar; pre-booking a taxi via Ola or local operators can save time.

• If traveling by bus, choose a deluxe or Volvo bus for better comfort on the hilly route, and confirm the drop-off point near Dalhousie for easy transfer to Khajjiar transport.

• For self-drive, check your vehicle’s condition, fuel tank, and GPS before starting; start early in the day to avoid driving in the dark on mountain roads.

• Carry some snacks and water, as food options may be limited on certain stretches, especially if traveling by bus or car during off-hours.

Practical Travel Tips

• Carry a valid ID and keep your travel tickets handy, as police and transport authorities often check documents on hill routes.

• Drink only bottled or boiled water to avoid stomach issues, and try local food from trusted dhabas to enjoy authentic Himachali cuisine safely.

• Book your transport tickets at least a week in advance during peak seasons like summer holidays and festivals to avoid sold-out situations.

• Use prepaid taxis or app-based cabs like Ola and Uber for last-mile travel in Pathankot and Dalhousie to avoid overcharging by local drivers.

• Pack light but include warm clothes, rain gear, and sturdy shoes, as weather in Khajjiar can change quickly, especially in monsoon and winter.

• Be prepared for narrow and winding roads; if prone to motion sickness, carry medication and sit near windows for fresh air during bus or taxi rides.

Best Time & Travel Conditions

The best time to travel from Pathankot to Khajjiar is from March to June and September to November, when the weather is pleasant and roads are clear. Winters bring snowfall but also cold temperatures and occasional road closures.

Monsoon season from July to August can cause landslides and slippery roads, so it is advisable to check weather updates and road conditions before planning your trip.

• Avoid traveling during major festivals like Diwali and Christmas in Dalhousie and Khajjiar, as roads and accommodations get crowded.

• Early morning departures help avoid traffic jams near Pathankot and provide daylight for safer driving on hilly roads.

• Fog is common in winter mornings, which can reduce visibility on roads; plan to start travel after sunrise for safety.

• Summer months offer clear skies and good road conditions but expect more tourists, so book accommodations and transport early.

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 visitors rely on taxis, shared cabs, or walking to explore the area.

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 rare, so negotiate fares before starting your local trips.

Walking is a popular way to enjoy the meadows and forest trails, but for longer distances or luggage transport, hiring a local taxi is recommended. The nearest bus stand is in Dalhousie, about 20 km away, so plan your return accordingly.

Conclusion

The most efficient way to reach Khajjiar from Pathankot depends on your priorities. If you want comfort and flexibility, driving or self-drive car rental is ideal. For budget travelers, buses offer an affordable and scenic option, while trains combined with local transport provide a balanced choice.

Plan your trip by booking tickets early, checking weather and road conditions, and preparing for hilly terrain. With these tips and options, you can confidently enjoy the beautiful journey from Pathankot to Khajjiar and make the most of your Himachal adventure.