Himachal Pradesh · India
Khajjiar
The 'Mini Switzerland of India' — a saucer-shaped emerald meadow ringed by dense deodar forest, with a small lake at its centre, in the Chamba valley near Dalhousie.
Khajjiar is a storybook meadow: the vast green glade with its floating-island lake, the ancient Khajji Nag temple, the Kalatop forest around, zorbing and horse rides, and Himachali food.
Plan your trip
Khajjiar Tour Itineraries
Timed, walkable day plans — plus the best season to go.
Where to shoot
Khajjiar Photo Spots
Low crowdEntry Free
Golden Devi Temple
- Best timeMorning, when sunlight catches the golden dome and the meadow below is quiet.
- ColorsSaffronGoldForest green
Low crowdEntry Nominal (permit)
Kalatop Wildlife Sanctuary
- Best timeMorning, when light filters through the deodars and the forest is quiet.
- ColorsOliveRustForest green
High crowdEntry Free
Khajjiar Lake
- Best timeEarly morning, before the crowds and horse rides arrive, when the water is still.
- ColorsWhiteTealForest green
High crowdEntry Free (activities extra)
Khajjiar Meadow
- Best timeEarly morning for an empty meadow; late afternoon for warm light on the grass.
- ColorsRedWhiteForest green
Medium crowdEntry Free
Khajji Nag Temple
- Best timeMorning, when soft light falls on the carved woodwork and there are few visitors.
- ColorsSaffronMaroonForest green
For the feed
Trending Wear in Khajjiar
Modern, Instagram-friendly looks
Rooted in the city
Khajjiar Traditional Wear
Local, cultural, handcrafted outfits
Taste the city
Food to Eat in Khajjiar
Trusted tables
Where to Eat in Khajjiar
About Khajjiar
Khajjiar is a small village in Chamba district, Himachal Pradesh, set on a plateau at about 2,000 m. Its centre is a wide, saucer-shaped meadow ringed by deodar forest, with a small lake in the middle. In 1992 a Swiss diplomat marked it as one of the world's "Mini Switzerland" places, and a signboard by the meadow still gives the distance to Bern.
Most visitors come on a day trip from Dalhousie, about 24 km away, often stopping at the Kalatop forest on the way. The village itself is small: a walk around the meadow, the old Khajji Nag Temple with its carved wooden interior, horse rides and zorbing on the grass, and tea and Maggi at the stalls. Food and facilities are simple, so plan your meals around a few cafés and dhabas rather than a choice of restaurants.
Questions
Khajjiar — FAQ
What is Khajjiar famous for?
Khajjiar is famous for its large green meadow ringed by deodar trees, the small lake at its centre and the old Khajji Nag Temple. It is often called the "Mini Switzerland of India", and horse rides and zorbing on the meadow are popular.
How far is Khajjiar from Dalhousie?
Khajjiar is about 24 km from Dalhousie by road. The drive passes the edge of the Kalatop forest, and most visitors do the trip as a day out from Dalhousie.
How many days do I need in Khajjiar?
One day is enough for the meadow, the lake and the temples. Stay a night if you want the meadow in the quiet early morning or time for a walk in the Kalatop forest.
What is the best time to visit Khajjiar?
March to June and September to November are the most comfortable months. Winter can bring snow, and the monsoon makes the meadow very green but wet. See the best time to visit Khajjiar for a month-by-month guide.
How do I reach Khajjiar?
Most travellers reach Khajjiar by road from Dalhousie or Chamba. The nearest railway station is Pathankot, about 95 km away, and the nearest airport is Gaggal in Kangra district. Taxis and buses run from Dalhousie.