A solo road trip through the beautiful and adventurous hills of Himachal Pradesh was something I had always dreamed of. This past year, I finally made it happen with a 5 day adventure exploring Dalhousie, Khajjiar, and Chamba.
It was a journey that tested my nerves, treated me to breathtaking views, and introduced me to some wonderful people along the way. If you are a Solo traveler, these destinations are a must-do for you to experience a bit of adventure. Here’s a glimpse of my experience.
Arriving & Exploring Dalhousie
The first stop on my journey was Dalhousie, a hill station famous for its colonial charm and stunning views of the mountains. The moment I arrived, I was taken aback by the peaceful atmosphere of the town.
At Gandhi Chowk, there was some traffic and two female traffic police were busy managing the traffic. I thought why not ask them about some places. They suggested me to go to Panchpulla. In that small conversation, a police lady asked with curiosity, “Have you come alone?” Her attitude was very encouraging and she said, “This is how one should live!” I smiled and got a warm feeling as if someone had appreciated my journey.
I decided to go to Panchpulla on her advice, but the road till there being narrow is an understatement. It was a real test of my driving skills! But reaching there was everything worth it. There was a small vibrant waterfall with cafes nearby. There I met a Gujarati Man who had brought his mother (who was probably around 80) to show her these places. It was such a touching moment to witness. Seeing him make his mother’s dream come true, taking her to these stunning spots, really warmed my heart. It was a reminder of how powerful love and family bonds are, and how simple gestures can create unforgettable memories.
Coming back, I wanted to go to the most talked about cafe in Dalhousie but to my disappointment, no one seemed interested in attending there. I waited for a few minutes but then quietly went away from there. These overhyped places sometimes really disappoint.
After a quick tour of the area, I stumbled upon Café Bushehri, a cozy little spot that instantly felt like home, exactly what I needed after a long drive.
Parul, the friendly host, welcomed me with a cup of freshly brewed coffee, and we ended up chatting quite a bit more than expected. The café’s warmth and Parul’s hospitality made this stop even more special and I found myself lost in conversation with her, sharing stories of my travels. After a relaxing evening, I checked into my accommodation for the night, ready to set off on the next leg of my journey the next day.
Khajjiar Known as ‘The ‘Mini Switzerland of India’
The next day, I hit the road a bit early for Khajjiar, another picturesque spot on my list. And just before starting my journey, I made a stop at Cafe by Mongas, which turned out to be another cozy place. This little café was the perfect spot to fuel up before for the journey ahead.
The road was narrow and curvy, but the stunning views made it worth every turn. When I reached Khajjiar, I couldn’t help but smile at the beauty around me. A lake nestled in the heart of nature, surrounded by lush green landscapes and thick forests on every side. The atmosphere was so refreshing, I just wanted to soak it all in. I ended up spending 3-4 hours there, capturing every moment through pictures. Khajjiar truly lived up to all my expectations.
One thing that was missing was public washrooms. It was quite a long walk to find one, and all the private restaurants around didn’t have washroom facilities. It was a bit inconvenient, especially when you plan to spend a few hours there.
This journey through Dalhousie and Khajjiar has been nothing short of amazing, but there’s so much more to share. In my next article, I’ll take you through my time in Chamba and the memorable journey back home.
Stay tuned for more!
These destinations are on my list now. Very well captured.
Loved reading this. you have captured the experience so beautifully, felt like i was there.