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Khajjiar

Khajjiar

hill station · Himachal Pradesh

Khajjiar is a high plateau meadow at an elevation of 1,920 metres inside the Kalatop Khajjiar Sanctuary perimeter.

State
Himachal Pradesh
Type
Hill Station
Best season
Winter
Things to do
2+

Khajjiar is a high plateau meadow at an elevation of 1,920 metres inside the Kalatop Khajjiar Sanctuary perimeter. Celebrated widely for its striking topological resemblance to Swiss landscapes, it comprises a vast, saucer-shaped emerald glade enveloped by ancient, towering deodar and pine forests. At the heart of this green meadow lies the small, natural Khajjiar Lake, featuring a unique floating island of tangled grass roots. It suits families and anyone wanting an hour of quiet away from the bigger hill stations.

When to go

March to June for lush green views, January to February for snow.

Why visit

Khajjiar is one meadow with a small lake in the middle, ringed by deodar. It takes an hour rather than a day, and the 'mini Switzerland' billing only sets people up to be let down. Pair it with Chamba.

Cultural notes

On 7 July 1992 the Swiss Vice Consul in India declared Khajjiar a Mini Switzerland and put up a signpost giving the distance to Berne. At the edge of the meadow stands the 12th-century wooden Khajji Nag Temple, where serpents are worshipped.

How to reach

The closest railhead is Pathankot Junction, 82 km away. Khajjiar is reached by a winding 22 km mountain road from Dalhousie, by tourist taxi or state transport bus.

Khajjiar in 2 days

See the full itinerary

2 days in Khajjiar

Take the whole plan, or add any single stop.

Khajjiar LakeDay 1

Day 1

Khajjiar Lake

A small lake in the middle of the meadow with a floating mat of weed drifting across it. It is silting up and smaller than it was, so temper any expectation set by older photographs.

Khajjiar Lake

Day 1

Khajjiar Lake

A small lake in the middle of the meadow with a floating mat of weed drifting across it. It is silting up and smaller than it was, so temper any expectation set by older photographs.

Khajji Nag Temple

Day 1

Khajji Nag Temple

A 12th-century traditional wooden temple featuring intricate wood carvings of the Pandavas and dedicated to serpent deities.

Day 1

Zorbing or horse ride

Zorbing or horse ride

Day 2

Day 2

Kalatop Wildlife Sanctuary

Kalatop Wildlife Sanctuary

Dalhousie

Day 2

Dalhousie

Dalhousie is a peaceful colonial-era hill station built across five distinct hills of the Dhauladhar mountain range, sitting at an altitude of 1,970 metres. Established in the mid-19th century under the British Raj, the town has systematically preserved its old-world charm, characterised by wide pine-fringed walking loops, traditional stone mansions, and vintage Scottish architecture. Tourism in Dalhousie centres around the historic public squares of Gandhi Chowk and Subhash Chowk, linked by wooded walking paths like Garam Sadak. The town is the quiet alternative to the commercial hill stations, with views of the winding Ravi River and the distant snow-covered peaks of the inner Himalayas.

Day 2

Panchpula

Panchpula

Day 2

Local Himachali dham

Local Himachali dham

Khajjiar guide & itineraries

Khajjiar is perfect for

naturefamilycouplesweekend

What & where to eat

Maggi

Khajjiar meadow

Maggi

Meadow-side hot snacks

chai stalls

Khajjiar meadow

chai stalls

Meadow-side hot snacks

Himachali Dham

Himachali Dham

Traditional festive meal served on leaf plates

Siddu

Siddu

Steamed stuffed bread with ghee

Chana Madra

Chana Madra

Yogurt-based chickpea curry

Rajma chawal

Rajma chawal

Himachali comfort food

Nearby getaways

Chamba

Chamba

~1.5 hrs

Kalatop

~30 min

Things to do

How to spend your time in Khajjiar.

Khajjiar meadow

Khajjiar meadow

The saucer-shaped meadow ringed by deodars

Zorbing & paragliding

Zorbing & paragliding

Adventure activities on the meadow

Frequently asked questions

Why is Khajjiar called Mini Switzerland?

A saucer-shaped green meadow ringed by deodar forest with a small lake at its centre, resembling an alpine glade.

How long to spend in Khajjiar?

Half a day to a day; most travellers pair it with Dalhousie or Chamba.

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