This is one of the most memorable road trips I have experienced in Himachal. Visiting Khajjiar was not on my itinerary until I was persuaded by my nephew to visit the mini-Switzerland of India at least once. As I was traveling with my mother also, therefore considering a total of 8-9 Hrs. road trip was a challenge. However, my ever-enthusiastic mother agreed the moment I placed the plan. My wife was already excited about this place as I have described to her before.
Often referred to as the "Mini Switzerland of India," Khajjiar boasts lush green meadows, dense forests, and a tranquil lake, making it a haven for nature lovers and adventure enthusiasts alike. Its geographical location, situated at an altitude of 6,500 feet above sea level, contributes to its year-round pleasant climate, attracting tourists from far and wide. The name "Khajjiar" is believed to have its roots in the legend of Khajinag, a deity worshipped by the local people of Himachal Pradesh. According to folklore, Khajjiar was once a dense forest inhabited by a group of shepherds. One day, Khajinag, a revered deity, appeared to the shepherds in the form of a serpent and asked them to clear the forest and build a temple in his honor. In return, he promised to bless the land with abundance and prosperity. The shepherds followed Khajinag's instructions, and soon after, the area transformed into a beautiful meadow with lush greenery and a serene ambiance. Over time, the name "Khajjiar" evolved from the combination of "Khajinag" and "dhaar," which means a meadow in the local language. Thus, Khajjiar came to be known as the "meadow of Khajinag," paying homage to the deity believed to have bestowed the land with its natural splendor and bounty. This legend has been passed down through generations and continues to be a significant part of the cultural heritage of Khajjiar, adding to its mystical charm and allure.
Coming back to my journey, the cab was booked by the hotel itself as I found that to be safer as compared to other options. Moreover, my earlier trips were also arranged by them therefore, a trust factor was in place. However, you can explore the local taxi stand to check and negotiate the prices. The distance from Mcleodganj is approximately 128 km, taking around 4-5 hours including refreshment breaks. I hired a comfortable sedan and our journey began at 8.30 am sharp. As it was a day trip, therefore you must leave the place early so that the return may be scheduled in a 10–12-hour window. Driving in the hills during the night gets risky also, therefore, a trusted and expert driver is necessary while going for such trips. Mr. Thannu Kumar was the owner-cum-driver of the car. He is well-versed in the areas and routes. You can reach out to him (+91-9418432119) for booking purposes.
The hotel manager suggested that the route via Jot Pass must be taken to get a lifetime experience of this journey. The driver was a resident of Dharamshala and was well-versed in the route. We had an engaging discussion throughout the route about the geography, the villages, the beauty of Jot Pass, etc. There are a few refreshment shacks available during the route. We halted at a place that was approximately 1.5 Hours from Mcleodganj. The small hotel offered a panoramic view of the Dhauladhar mountain range visible from a distance through the glass windows of the seating hall. We had hot and delicious noodles (Maggi), a plate of Aloo Paratha (Wheat Bread with stuffing of mashed potatoes), and piping hot tea. Though the cost was on the higher side, however, considering the remote location, it was justified.
We continued our journey through the winding roads where a stretch of 15-16 kilometers was under construction and repair. Barring that stretch, the remaining route was comfortable for traveling. Another 2 hours of journey till we reach the Jot Pass for a lunch halt.
Jot Pass is an incredible spot way up in the mountains, sitting at about 13,000 feet above sea level. From there, you can see the stunning Pir Panjal range of the Himalayas stretching across Himachal Pradesh, Jammu, and Kashmir. is like the ultimate connector, linking awesome places like Dalhousie, Khajjiar, and Chamba with more remote areas like Pangi Valley and Lahaul and Spiti districts.
Jot Pass holds significant importance both historically and strategically. Historically, it has been used as a traditional trade route between the regions of Chamba and Pangi Valley, facilitating the exchange of goods and cultural influences between the two areas. Additionally, the pass has been a route for pilgrims traveling to sacred sites and temples in the region. There were 3-5 hotels available which offer you a lunch buffet in local style and serve hot food.
In the backdrop, the majestic Pir Panjal Mountain Range was visible. It was extremely cold there and the hot Rajma Chawal along with Rice and other local food simply made the experience worth mentioning. The Table buffet cost INR 300/- per person and the food was delicious. The lunch lasted for half n hour and we started the remaining part of the journey towards Khajjiar which was approximately 22 km away from Jot Pass. We continued our journey towards Khajjiar and by 14.30 hours, we reached Khajjiar. The most beautiful and panoramic views were captured by me during this stretch of the journey when the Pir Panjal Range was traveling with me throughout the route until I came down halfway through the altitude.
I got extremely disappointed by the first sight of the “mini-Switzerland of India”. The way I have painted the picture of the place in my mind as well as my travel companions, proved to be a 180-degree reverse experience. Maybe I chose the wrong time to visit as to my astonishment, there was no green patch present in that huge meadow. Yes, geographically, it must have been a visual delight to witness a huge green meadow surrounded by cedar trees with a pristine lake in between. However, the green patch was turned brown, the lake which is believed to be sacred, was not at all maintained and was surrounded by horse poop, and half of the place was filled with commercial hawkers, vendors, and adventure sport service providers. I believe the administration lacks interest in maintaining such a beautiful place.
Anyways, we entered the beautiful landscape and I managed to click some shots which I later post-processed to get the actual view that was expected. The place was full of activities for kids like balloon walks, paragliding for kids, getting photographed with rabbits, local vendors selling chickpeas chaat, etc. On the other side of the meadow, the ancient Khajji Nag Temple is situated. We had a quick darshan and then decided to have some snacks. There are a good number of restaurants situated on one side of the meadow and you can get a good variety of snacks. However, the one I chose for having Momo and coffee was also disappointing. Nevertheless, I enjoyed the journey till Khajjiar and that mattered to me the most. Tip: Please note that there is no mobile network or low network connectivity available at the Khajjiar Lake. Therefore, make sure that you get your car and driver located in a pre-decided spot to avoid hassles.
The return journey was planned via Dalhousie Market and the entire trip took almost 14 hours covering Khajjiar and Dalhousie Market. We reached Mcleodganj by approximately 10 PM. The total day trip cost me INR 7200/- which was quite reasonable considering the route, the vehicle, and the expertise of the driver (who comes to be the owner of the cab also).
In conclusion, our journey to Khajjiar was a mix of awe-inspiring landscapes, cultural insights, and unexpected disappointments. The towering peaks, snow-capped summits, and rolling hillsides added an extra layer of magic to our adventure, reminding us of the awe-inspiring grandeur of the Himalayas. While the beauty of Jot Pass and the natural allure of Khajjiar's surroundings left lasting impressions, the commercialization and neglect of the iconic "mini-Switzerland" were stark reminders of the challenges faced by tourist destinations. Despite the disappointments, our journey was a reminder of the importance of responsible tourism and the need for sustainable development in preserving such pristine destinations. However, amidst the highs and lows, the overall experience, including the engaging drive and local stopovers, was worthwhile. In a separate post, I'll delve into the details of the Dalhousie Market visit during the return journey.
Thank you for reading!
Very nice 👌