“Where the earth rolls like velvet and the sky leans in to listen.”
📖 Overview
Tucked between Dalhousie and Chamba, the Khajjiar Meadows sit at an altitude of 1,920 meters, offering a lush, bowl-shaped grassland surrounded by dense deodar and pine forests. With a small lake at its center and the distant snowcaps of Mount Kailash on the horizon, Khajjiar is a serene escape for slow walks, picnics, and quiet reflection. Its resemblance to the Swiss countryside earned it the title of “Mini Switzerland” in 1992 by Swiss envoy Willy Blazer.
🧭 Trail & Walk Profile
Attribute
Details
Trail Type
Open meadow loop with forest spurs
Distance
~2–3 km (flexible, depending on route)
Elevation
~1,920 meters
Duration
1–2 hours (leisurely pace)
Difficulty
Easy (family-friendly)
Best Season
March–June & September–November
🌄 Walk Highlights
Khajjiar Lake: A shallow, spring-fed lake with a floating grass island, surrounded by grazing sheep and horses.
Panoramic Views: On clear days, catch glimpses of Manimahesh Kailash and the Dhauladhar range.
Deodar Forest Trails: Short detours lead into Kalatop Wildlife Sanctuary, home to barking deer, langurs, and Himalayan monals.
Adventure Options: Paragliding, zorbing, and horse riding are available on the meadow’s periphery for those seeking a thrill.
Cultural Touchpoints: Visit the Khajji Nag Temple (12th century), dedicated to the serpent deity, with intricate wood carvings and Mughal-style domes.
🧳 Essentials for Visitors
Item
Notes
Footwear
Comfortable walking shoes or sandals
Clothing
Light layers in summer; warm jacket in spring/autumn
Food
Small cafés and stalls nearby; ideal for picnics
Sun Protection
Hat, sunscreen, sunglasses
Optional
Binoculars, camera, picnic mat
🛕 Local Lore & Legacy
Mini Switzerland Status: In 1992, a Swiss official declared Khajjiar a geographic twin of Switzerland. A signpost marks the distance to Bern, and a stone from Khajjiar was placed in a Swiss collage near the Parliament in Bern.
Khajji Nag Temple: Said to be one of the oldest in Himachal, it features idols of snakes, Shiva, and the Pandavas, blending Hindu and Mughal architecture.
🧭 How to Reach
By Road:
Dalhousie to Khajjiar: ~22 km (1 hour)
Chamba to Khajjiar: ~26 km
Pathankot to Khajjiar: ~95 km (via Dalhousie)
By Train: Nearest railhead: Pathankot (well-connected to Delhi, Amritsar, Jammu)
By Air:
Gaggal Airport (Kangra): ~122 km
Amritsar Airport: ~200 km
🏞️ Nearby Attractions
Kalatop Wildlife Sanctuary – Forest trails, birdwatching, and eco-huts
Dainkund Peak – Panoramic trek through pine forests
Chamera Lake – Boating and lakeside views
Chamba Town – Temples, museums, and traditional Himachali architecture
