Chamba finds a distinct place in the history of Himachal owing to its history, folklore and cuisine. Also, initially regarded as an ancient Kingdom , the princely state of Chamba was known as the heart of Himachal Pradesh once. Located on the right river bank of Ravi in Chamba district, Chamba is bounded by Zanskar and Dhauladhar ranges. Also, due to its rich history the town is home to two of the most popular fairs of ‘Sukhi Mata’ and ‘Minjar’ which includes displays of music, art, crafts and folk dances. And there are many temples in the town which are a must visit while you are here.
While there is a lot to explore Chamba fully, you can always take a short trip to get a glimpse of this part of Himachal, which is full of untouched beauty. If you have 10 days in hands, you will get a good chance to explore Chamba in its true sense.
Let us take a look at the 10 day itinerary to make the most out of Chamba .
Day 1: Exploring temples of Chamba
Arrive this morning in Chamba and get down to your hotel. After freshening up and relaxing for a while, head out to explore the temples in the town of Chamba. Visit the temples like Bansi Gopal Temple, Chhatradi Temple before lunch. Soon after having your lunch, go to the Sui Mata temple to witness the old age architecture and beautiful wooden carvings. After visiting here, head further ahead to Chamunda Devi Temple and Vajreshwari Temple. Evening is free for leisure. Overnight at Chamba.
Day 2: Excursion trip to Khajjiar (21 kms/ 1 hr)
This morning ,after having your breakfast head out to explore the Mini Switzerland of India, Khajjiar. It is a scenic one hour drive from Chamba. After reaching Khajjiar, explore the vast meadows along with the famous Khajjiar Lake and Khajji Nag Temple. In the afternoon, have your lunch, rest for a while admiring the beauty of meadows and head out back on the way to Chamba. Enroute, visit the Bakrota Hills view point to witness the magnificent landscapes. Overnight at Chamba.
Day 3: Exploring Chamba and around
After having an early morning breakfast, head out to the temple of Bhalei Mata. The temple has a number of stories linked to it making it a must visit while you are here. Soon after that, head out to a restaurant for having your lunch. Right after the lunch visit the Chamera Dam to enjoy a view of the mighty dam along with the gorgeous peaks. Chamera Dam view point is among the most unexplored places in Chamba making it a must visit. After witnessing the grand views of the dam, head next to Chamba Central Park. which is also known as Chaughan. It hs grassy meadows and provides a panoramic views of the complete region of Chamba. Witnessing sunset from here is something you should not miss. Overnight at Chamba.
Day 4: Exploring the museums and churches of Chamba
This morning, after having your breakfast head out to the Gauri Shankar Temple to marvel at the old age architecture of the temple. Spend some quality time at the temple and head next to Bhuri Singh Museum. This museum is among the best in Chamba which showcases the rich history and culture of Chamba making it a must visit while you are here. After visiting the museum, relax for awhile and have your lunch. Soon after that, visit the Church of Scotland here and then finally the popular Laxmi Narayan Temple. Evening is at leisure. Overnight at Chamba.
Day 5: Exploring more temples and a hidden valley
After having your breakfast this morning, head out to Hari Ram Temple and Hari Raya Temple is Chamba. Both of these temples are quite offbeat and not a lot of people know about them. In the afternoon, right after having your lunch, drive upto to Hudan Valley which is a hidden valley in Killar. With small villages and population less than hundreds, Hudan Valley is one of the most unexplored parts of Chamba. Visit the Hudan Valley to witness the marvels of nature and some of the indigeneous tribes of people living in the remote areas. Overnight at Hudan Valley.
Day 6: Exploring the wildlife of Chamba
This morning, after having your breakfast, drive back to Chamba from Hudan and head to the popular Panch Pandav Tree. This site is one of the most important religious sites in Chamba. Visit the famous tree and then move further ahead on the way to reach Kalatop. Kalatop is a wildlife sanctuary in this area with a rich amount of flora and fauna to offer to its visitors. Reach Kalatop in the afternoon and spend the rest of the day walking through the forests of Kalatop. Enjoy a sumptuous meal with a drink at one of the restaurants here. Overnight at Kalatop cottages.
Day 7: Kalatop to Bharmour (95 kms / 4 hrs)
Bharmour is a beautiful little town in Chamba district located at around 60 kms from Chamba. This morning, after having your breakfast head out to drive for Bharmour. You will pass through some of the most scenic valley views and roads while reaching Bharmour. After reaching Bharmour, visit the famous Chaurasi temple complex which consists of the only Yamraj temple in the whole world. After witnessing the beautiful architecture of temple complex, you must visit the apple orchards in Bharmour and later on go for a hike to Bharmani temple. Evening is at leisure. Overnight at Bharmour.
Day 8: Bharmour to Dalhousie(113 kms/ 4.30 hrs)
This morning, after having your breakfast, leave early for a ride to the town of Dalhousie. The drive will take you through some of the most scenic landscapes. After Dalhousie in the afternoon, rest for a while, freshen up and head out to the Mall Road Dalhousie in the evening for taking a stroll. Evening is free at leisure. Overnight at Dalhousie.
Day 9: Exploring Dalhousie
Dalhousie is one of the less explored places in Himachal making it a must visit while you are here. This morning, after breakfast head out to explore Dalhousie. Visit places like Jandhigrat Palace, Subhash Bowli, Bara Patthar, Panjpulla, Subhash Chowk, GPO Dalhousie, Satdhara and the old churches of Dalhousie. Evening is free at leisure. Overnight at Dalhousie.
Day 10: Dalhousie to Pathankot (83 kms / 2.40 hrs )
This morning, after your breakfast, visit the famous St.Francis Church and then head to Mall Road for shopping. In the afternoon, after having your lunch, head back on a drive to Pathankot to end your journey.
Thus, Chamba is often overlooked by many travelers as a place with not much to offer, but if you really wish to explore the untouched side of Himachal, with the above itinerary you can make the most out of Chamba.