Pathankot to Dharamshala by Road – Distance, Time, and Useful Travel Information

Nestled in the picturesque Kangra district of Himachal Pradesh, India, Dharamshala is a stunning hill station renowned for its natural beauty and tranquil ambiance. The town is surrounded by the majestic Dhauladhar mountain range and is divided into two parts – Upper Dharamshala and Lower Dharamshala. Upper Dharamshala, also called McLeod Ganj, is the residence of the Dalai Lama and is famous for its Tibetan culture, while Lower Dharamshala is a bustling commercial center. By booking a Pathankot cab service with Savaari, you will have the flexibility to make multiple stops and explore nearby places.

Best time to visit Dharamshala by road:

The ideal time to take a road trip to Dharamshala is from March to June and September to December, as the weather is mild and clear skies provide perfect conditions for outdoor activities and sightseeing. The temperature during these months is comfortable, which adds to the overall experience of the trip. However, it’s advisable to avoid the monsoon season, which lasts from July to August, as the roads can be slippery, and landslides are common during this time.

Popular route to take from Pathankot to reach Dharamshala:

  1. Route 1 – Pathankot – Jassur – Gaggal – Dharamshala

This is the most common and preferred route to travel from Pathankot to Dharamshala. From Pathankot, you need to take the NH154 to Jassur, and then take the state highway towards Gaggal. From Gaggal, it is a short drive to Dharamshala.

  1. Route 2 – Pathankot – Nurpur – Indora – Dharamshala

This route takes you through the scenic countryside of Himachal Pradesh. From Pathankot, you need to take the NH154 to Nurpur, and then take the state highway towards Indora. From Indora, you need to take the road towards Dharamshala.

  1. Route 3 – Pathankot – Jassur – Palampur – Dharamshala

This route takes you through the tea gardens of Palampur. From Pathankot, you need to take the NH154 to Jassur, and then take the state highway towards Palampur. From Palampur, it is a short drive to Dharamshala. Experience the joy of being on the road by booking Pathankot to Dharamshala car rental from Savaari.

The most popular route to reach Dharamshala from Pathankot is via NH154. The total distance between Pathankot and Dharamshala is around 90 kilometers, and it takes approximately 3 hours to cover the distance by road. The road is well-maintained, and you will come across several small towns and villages along the way.

Places to visit along the route:

  1. Kangra Fort – Located in the town of Kangra, the fort is an ancient citadel and is one of the largest forts in the Himalayas.
  2. Norbulingka Institute – Situated in Sidhpur, the institute promotes the Tibetan art and culture and is a must-visit place for art lovers.
  3. Tea Gardens – As you near Dharamshala, you’ll notice various tea gardens, with the renowned Palampur tea garden being one of them. Pause and relish a cup of freshly brewed tea while enjoying the breathtaking view.

Places to eat along the route:

  1. Amrik Sukhdev Dhaba – Located on NH1, the dhaba is known for its delicious Punjabi cuisine and is a popular stop for travelers.
  2. Vyanjan – Situated in Kangra, the restaurant serves authentic Himachali cuisine, including Dham and Siddu.
  3. Lung Ta – Located in McLeod Ganj, the restaurant serves delicious Tibetan and Bhutanese cuisine, including momos and thukpa.

Download our Savaari car Booking app for a smooth and pleasant journey.