It is pretty easy to hire a cab from Pathankot to Dalhousie and Mcleodganj...
Booking from Amritsar even better
if it trip is 2 to 3 days, take cab or else u can take HP transport bus to Dharamshala and take cab from there to Dalhousie.
The frequency of buses to Dalhousie is less.
If you have good budget then take a taxi and enjoy the journey on roads, views are amazing on the way. But if you are a backpacker or travelling on a tight budget. then you can get a state transport bus from Pathankot to Dalhousie or Mcleodganj directly. Don't worry the fare is low and there are so many buses available at any time of day. you may also find many shared taxis. All the best!!! In Mcleodganj, must do Triund Trek.
If you plan for explore Mcleodganj then you can directly take bus from Pathankot... or if you have time and you want to explore more places... then take a taxi from Pathankot taxi stand (nearby city railway station). on the way of Mcleodganj visit nurpur, Dharamshala and enjoy other beautiful sightseeing...