Khajjiar is a stunning hill resort situated in Himachal Pradesh’s Chamba district. Also recognized as India’s Switzerland, it lies at an altitude of 1,951 m in the foothills of the Western Himalayan Dhauladhar ranges and is part of the Kalatop Khajjiar Sanctuary. It is one of Dalhousie’s famous places to visit and also one of the top tourist places in the Himachal. Khajjiar was part of the former state of Chamba’s Rajput rulers. It has acted as the capital of rulers of Chamba. It was subsequently taken over by the Mughals, from whom the law passed to various Sikh kingdoms. Subsequently the British took over.
Khajjiar is a beautiful location with a meadow shaped like an emerald saucer in the middle of a thick forest with a lake in the center with a floating island and a temple with a golden spire. Khajjiar Lake is a mini lake that covers an area of around 5000 sq. yards. Some clusters of grasses and weeds have grown up on the lake, which appear as a floating island, and is the main attraction. Khajjiar is also known as the Himachal Pradesh Gulmarg and serves as the starting point for treks to, among others, Chamba, Dalhousie and Kalatop Wildlife Sanctuary. Khajjiar to Dainkund is an easy to moderate trek of about 3.5 km. The trek offers excellent views and a lovely campsite.