Khajjiar is a popular hill station located in the Chamba district of Himachal Pradesh. A small picturesque tourist spot perched atop a small plateau with a small lake that enhances its beauty. Khajjiar is a less explored hill station located nearly 24 kilometers from Dalhousie, another very popular hill station in Chamba. Sitting at an altitude of over 2,000 meters, the mesmerizing hill station is surrounded by the Dhauladhar ranges and the mighty Himalayas. The peaks of the Himalayas are visible at a distance from Khajjiar, and it is gifted with jaw-dropping landscapes that make the hill station a paradise for photographers. In Khajjiar, Nature flourishes without any hindrance.
How to reach Khajjiar?
Dalhousie is the nearest major town, and it takes an hour or so to reach Khajjiar from Dalhousie. You can either take a bus or travel via personal vehicle. Dalhousie is well connected to all major cities of Himachal through road. It can be reached easily from any part of the country.
The story behind the name “Mini Switzerland.”
Khajjiar is also known as the “Mini Switzerland of India.” The name was given by Swiss Envoy Willy P. Blazer, Vice Counselor and Head of Chancery of Switzerland in India. He visited the hill station on 7 July 1992, and that’s how travelers across the world came to know about it.
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Where to Stay?
Please note that Khajjiar is a remote place perfectly suited for nature lovers. It won’t fit the idea of luxury travel. There are very limited stay options in Khajjiar. Himachal Tourism has a hotel and some cottages in Khajjiar. Besides that, there are two rest houses, one each of P.W.D. and Forest Department. There are also a couple of private hotels. Still, they are located at some distance, and the facility is not as good as the Himachal Tourism hotel. Finding a place to stay in Khajjiar during the peak season could be tricky. If peace and solitude are what you are looking for, make sure you visit the place in the off-season.
However, there’s really no off-season in Khajjiar. It looks equally mesmerizing both in summers and the winters. It is one of the most peaceful tourist spots in the country to help you discover your inner self.
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Things to visit and do in Khajjiar
While Khajjiar is a small hill station with limited places to explore, there are a variety of activities you can indulge in to get closer to nature.
Adventure Activities:
Despite being a less explored place, Khajjiar has a lot to offer to adventure junkies. Some of the most interesting activities you can enjoy during your Khajjiar trip are horse riding, Paragliding, and Zorbing. Horse riding is one of the most popular activities among tourists visiting Khajjiar. You can explore the nearby meadows during horse riding. Watching the scenic landscape of Khajjiar is a sight to behold and remember forever.
Khajjiar Lake:
Khajjiar Lake is the highlight of the hill station. Whenever you google Khajjiar, the lake will certainly feature on the screen. A small lake is located amidst a dense green grassy landscape with the Dhauladhar ranges at the backdrop. This whole setup makes it look magical. The lake gets its name from Khajji Nag, the local deity in the nearby temple. One concerning factor about the lake is that it has been shrinking over the years.
Exploring Kalatop Wildlife Sanctuary:
Khajjiar itself is a part of the Kalatop Wildlife Sanctuary. A haven for wildlife lovers, the sanctuary gets its name Kalatop meaning ‘black cap,’ from the black forest cover on the highest hilltop in the sanctuary. Thick deodar forests, snow-capped mountains, lush green meadows, and freshwater streams comprise the features of the sanctuary. The sanctuary houses a wide range of flora and fauna and different species. You can spot Leopard, bear, deer, langur, jackal, Himalayan Black Marten, Barking Goral, and several species of bird while exploring the sanctuary.
Khajjiar Trek:
Khajjiar has several adventurous trekking routes, and trekking is one of the most adventurous activities you can indulge in while visiting the hill station. It is a 14km trek that makes its way through a thick cover of Deodar and Pine trees. It is one of the greenest trekking routes in the country, with uncountable mesmerizing views. The trek might be challenging, but the landscapes you get to see are worth every challenge.
Also Read, Himachal Less Travelled: About Sach Pass
Camping:
Camping has to be one of the most enjoyable things to do in Khajjiar. The mere thought of spending a day atop the dense green meadows, under a clear sky with the mighty Himalayas at the backdrop, is something that calms the soul. It is certainly a once-in-a-lifetime adventure that everyone must experience. Your camping experience will include a trek from Barapatthar to Panjpulla, zip-lining, bird watching, going on a Burma bridge, and a campfire. One couldn’t ask for more.
