7 days & 6 Nights backpack trip to Dharamshala, Dalhousie & Amritsar

It all started with a random talk of how beautiful himachal is and one should definitely visit Dalhousie and Dharamshala once in his lifetime before it becomes more populated. Who knew this random talk would turn into a backpack trip which i should say was a roller coaster one. We decided to head out and i was of the opinion to travel by flight both ways but due to short of cash for the other partner it we agreed to travel by train to start with and while coming back we would take a flight.  We used the ICICI offer of Rs.1200/- off on monday if you purchase flight ticket on a portal which is been endorsed by Ranveer Singh. Let's begin this epic journey.

We boarded the train from Mumbai Central and yes it was Golden Temple which takes 33 Hours from Mumbai to Amritsar with 34 stops.

I love train journeys but it gets worse when you are in Sleeper class and you know you have to bite 2 days.  Sleeper class has problems of water supply after day one in long route trains and you don't know whether the loo would have water for your basic necessities. Coming to advantages travelling through train also has it's perks where you can enjoy famous fast food of local station like the famous bhajiyas that we ate at Kota station. Oily but yet tasty, i would definitely recommend to have if you are enrouting the journey by train.

It was  5.30 am when we reached Amritsar and our cabbie was ready to pick us for our enroute to Dharamshala. Well, here is a twist in the tale,  i have been to Himachal many times and ideally if you are doing a Dalhousie, Dharamshala Trip you head to Dalhousie first then go to dharamshala as Dalhousie is at higher height than Dharamshala. 

To make it even better i would recommend getting down at Pathankot Cantt and then moving to Dalhousie which takes less time. But my friend told me that his friend has booked the hotel in Dharamshala first and then we are heading to Dalhousie

Before heading to Dharamshala i knew a place in Amritsar which serves awesome omelette. The name of the hotel Giani tea stall, it is a must visit place even if you don't eat omelette  i would recommend at-least have tea which is just amazing

The enroute to Dharamshala takes about 4 hours depending upon what time you leave. We left around 6 am and reached 9.30 am to the hotel that we were suppose to be checking in. After reaching we came to know that it was another way around and i had guessed it & here was the beginning of our roller coaster ride. 

Being in this situation many times. I knew how to get good hotels at best prices. Researched online for 10 mins and went straight to Hotel Bhagsu Heights and cracked it. Last minute booking of 2 nights for 3 person costed us Rs.4000/- and i bet this was the start for us. I would definitely recommend this hotel. Great Staff, Great Service and Great Views. If possible ask for Room 401 which has provides epic views.

After check in we decided for a quick breakfast then took some rest before heading out for sightseeing. At 3 pm in afternoon i still remember the temperature to be around 5 degree. Since i was here before, i guided my friend and we first wandered to Bhagsu waterfall.

Second Spot for the day was Bhagsu Nag Temple. A very famous temple where people come and meditate. The view from Bhagsu Nag Temple

Spot 3 had to be the Dalai lama temple or you can say Norbulingka Institute. Temple restricts you to take pictures and hence i was not able to take one, but i do have one from the last trip.

That was the end of day 3. Sharing the Map timeline and fyi we did not take car with us as the roads are very narrow I would suggest go walking  and feel the fresh air it is just amazing and you won't feel tired.

Day 4 began with me having American breakfast which was Bon Appetit all thanks for Hotel Bhagsu heights and it costed just Rs.200 bucks. If you eat American Breakfast i bet you won't have lunch.

Day 4 was all about Snowfall, Amazing views and superb points. The first place to visit was the famous Dharamshala Cricket Stadium. At 1457 M above sea level it is one of the most beautiful stadium in the world.

Second spot of the day was War Memorial. I would definitely recommend to visit the war memorial it is around 30 mins walk from the cricket ground. You get to see the entire history of Himachal Warriors and their triumphs. It's an open museum i should say, they have carved Indian Map which is simply sensational. Entry fee is Rs.10/- only.

That was the end of Day 4 and here is the map for it. One more thing, dinner we had it in the hotel itself which was cheap and good. Around Rs. 100/- for a soup and 150/- for other items which is quite affordable

Plus they have heaters in all rooms. The deal we got was 7,000 for 2 nights for 3 person. Ideally, their rates are 5,000 per night for 2 persons and Rs. 1K/- extra per night for 3rd person. Since, i have been there many times the connect gave me a great discount.

After resting for sometime we decided to venture out and visited the first spot i.e. St. John Church

We had  an amazing dinner at Hotel Mount View with live music and also got a chance to click photograph along with the performer. They are local aspirants who wish to sing for a living. Yes, we did get breakfast and dinner as complimentary due to my connect. 

Day 6 was well crafted as we had definite spots in the mind and to our luck it snowed in Khajjiar so we had good chance to experience snow. Well, Khajjiar as everyone knows is called mini switzerland but Panchpula is not worth going. Panhcpula is a small lake and has some adventure activities.

We did not click any pictures of Panchpula as it was not worth. Coming back from Khajjiar we also got a chance to visit Dal Lake of Dalhousie. After that we came back to our hotel rested a bit had dinner and went off to sleep. Next morning we had to leave for Amritsar and we had the entire day to explore as our flight was 11 PM. We decided to just wander into Amritsar.