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If you are in the mood to explore a few hill stations around, Pathankot is an amazing starting point. It is a vibrant city in Punjab, renowned for its temples, forts and natural wonders. After you are done exploring popular spots like the Mukteshwar Temple and Nurpur Fort, you can then make your way to some exquisitely blessed hill stations near Pathankot. Each of these destinations stands out with its adventure and cultural significance. In the mood for some adventure, these hill stations offer summer and winter-specific activities too.
10 Hill Stations Near Pathankot
Be it exploring the Tibetan culture at Dharamshala or embarking on some thrilling adventures in Patnitop, numerous activities are waiting to be explored.
1. Dalhousie
Photo: Supratik Deshmukh / Unsplash
Perfect for a day trip or weekend getaway, Dalhousie is an ideal hill station that you can consider adding to your travel plans. Perched at an altitude of 1,970 metres in Himachal Pradesh, the town was established by the British in 1854. The town’s speciality is that it is spread across five hills – Kathlog, Potreyn, Terah, Bakrota, and Bhangora. Stepping into this town takes you back in time, especially with its rich colonial charm and architecture. You can even get to Khajjiar from Dalhousie to engage in different adventure activities, especially trekking.
Distance From Pathankot: 82 km
Major Attractions: St. John’s Church, Panchpula Waterfall, Khajjiar, andSatdhara Falls
2. McLeod Ganj
Photo: Akash Gusain / Unsplash
McLeod Ganj is another one of the popular getaway spots from Pathankot. It is regarded as a spiritual and cultural hub, often known as “Little Lhasa” due to the Tibetan population that lives there. The town is globally renowned as the home of the 14th Dalai Lama, making it a major centre for Tibetan Buddhism. One of the most breathtaking views of the Dhauladhar range can be witnessed from this hill station too. McLeod Ganj’s cultural richness can be seen in its Tibetan markets, monasteries, and cuisine.
Distance From Pathankot: 90 km
Major Attractions: Namgyal Monastery, Triund Trek, Bhagsunag Waterfall, and Tibetan Museum
3. Khajjiar
Photo: SriniG / Wikimedia Commons
While on the topic of McLeod Ganj, Khajjiar is another one of the hill stations to visit from Pathankot. Despite being quaint, the hill station is extremely picturesque, especially with the meadows and the dense deodar forests. What makes Khajjiar unique is its striking resemblance to the landscapes of Switzerland, leading to its nickname as ‘Mini Switzerland of India.’ It is an ideal destination for families, honeymooners, and adventure enthusiasts.
Distance From Pathankot: 96 km
Major Attractions: Khajjiar Lake, Khajji Nag Temple, and Kalatop Wildlife Sanctuary
4. Palampur
Amid the Kangra Valley lies another popular hill station that’s offbeat and less crowded. Palampur is renowned for its tea plantations and the estates around it. Surrounded by pine forests, the beauty of this hill town is unmatched. One alluring aspect of Palampur is the intersection between the plains and mountains, making it one of the most picturesque hill stations in Himachal Pradesh. The town is also home to several temples like the iconic Jakhni Mata Temple, which attracts tourists year-round.
Distance From Pathankot: 112 km
Major Attractions: Tea Gardens, Andretta Artist Village, Tashi Jong Monastery, Jakhni Mata Temple, and Neugal Khad
5. Bir Billing
Photo: Arun Kashyap / Unsplash
If you are particularly on the lookout for some adventure, Bir Billing is the spot you need to be in. It is adventurous, not to mention that the peaceful atmosphere makes it one of the absolute best destinations to find solitude in. The main attraction of this hill station is the paragliding point, which is in Billing. Adventure enthusiasts from around the globe visit Bir Billing to experience the thrill of flying over the stunning Dhauladhar range and you can too. Besides that, Bir Billing is also an amazing destination for trekking and camping.
Distance From Pathankot: 141 km
Major Attractions: Paragliding in Billing, Bir Monastery, and Tibetan Colony
6. Chamba
Photo: Dinesh Singh / Unsplash
The beauty and the historical significance of Chamba is unmatched. Located at an elevation of 1006 metres, the view of the Ravi River flowing adjacently is truly a marvel. There are temples and palaces in this hill station, adding to the charm of the place. There are numerous tourist attractions to visit and explore in this quaint town, including the Bhuri Singh Museum and the iconic Champavati Temple. You can also marvel at the beauty of the Chamera Dam and embark on a short trek to Manimahesh Lake.
Distance From Pathankot: 102 km
Major Attractions: Lakshmi Narayan Temple, Bhuri Singh Museum, and Chamera Lake
7. Patnitop
Photo: Manik Choudhary / Unsplash
Patnitop, located in Jammu and Kashmir at an elevation of 2,024 metres, is another one of the best hill stations to go near Pathankot. The hill station has a bit of everything for the tourists to explore. There are lush green meadows, dense forests that serve as trekking trails and a variety of adventure activities, including paragliding. The beauty of Patnitop is somehow even more during the winter months when it transforms into a skiing paradise. With the surrounding landscape covered in snow, the beauty is unmatched.
Distance From Pathankot: 172.3 km
Major Attractions: Skiing in winter, Sanasar Lake, Nag Temple, Nathatop, and Billoo ki Pawri
8. Tirthan Valley
Photo: Saurav Kundu / Unsplash
Another offbeat paradise that you can consider visiting while planning your vacation is Tirthan Valley. It is located in the Kullu district and the views of the Tirthan River adjacent to the valley further enhance its beauty. The valley is part of the Great Himalayan National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, making it rich in biodiversity. On rare occasions, you might get to spot the elusive snow leopard during your journey. Beyond that, trekking through Tirthan Valley also enables you to witness hidden waterfalls and the remote Himalayan villages.
Distance From Pathankot: 346 km
Major Attractions: Great Himalayan National Park, Jalori Pass, Chhoie Waterfall, and Serloskar Lake
9. Mashobra
Photo: Supreet / Wikimedia Commons
Although a little longer drive away, Mashobra is a must-visit hill station from Pathankot. The raw and untouched beauty of this place is further enhanced due to the lack of commercialisation and crowds. The entire hill station is surrounded by dense pine and cedar forests, offering respite from the hustle of the larger hill towns. Being here truly lets you disconnect and reconnect with nature. You can explore the apple orchards, and there are opportunities to spot wildlife around, especially the elusive barking deer at the Shimla Water Catchment Wildlife Sanctuary.
Distance From Pathankot: 306 km
Major Attractions: Mashobra Wildlife Sanctuary, Craignano Nature Park, and Tattapani Hot Springs
10. Shimla
Last but not the least is the public favourite hill station, Shimla. The hill town formerly served as British India’s summer capital, so the remnants of the colonial era are still reminiscent there. You can start the exploration at the Ridge, which is the centre of attraction in Shimla. The blend of the colonial-era architecture with the scenic beauty makes it worth the time. If you have time in your hand, embark on a toy train journey from Shimla to Kalka.
Distance From Pathankot: 296 km
Major Attractions: The Ridge, Christ Church, Mall Road, Jakhu Temple, and Toy Train Ride
Among the many hill stations near Pathankot, choosing one becomes quite challenging. So, start by listing out the kind of vacation you want and the kind of experiences you wish to indulge in. Based on that, you can finalise the destination of your next vacation and book all the specifics with TripXL to create unforgettable memories in the heart of the Himalayas.
Cover Photo: Photo: Hrishikesh Sarode / Unsplash
