How to Reach Dharamshala from Haridwar

Dharamshala, nestled in the Kangra Valley of Himachal Pradesh, is a popular hill station known for its stunning natural beauty, Tibetan culture (especially McLeod Ganj, the home of the Dalai Lama), and as a base for trekking. Traveling from the spiritual town of Haridwar to Dharamshala involves a longer journey compared to nearby cities, but it’s well-connected by road, and a combination of train and road can also be very efficient.

Distance Between Haridwar and Dharamshala

The distance between Haridwar and Dharamshala is considerable:

• By Road: Approximately 450-500 kilometers.
• By Rail: The nearest major railway station to Dharamshala is Pathankot (Pathankot Cantt – PTKC), which is about 85-90 kilometers from Dharamshala. The rail distance from Haridwar to Pathankot is around 400-450 kilometers.

How to Reach Dharamshala from Haridwar

Due to the distance, the journey typically involves an overnight trip by bus or a combination of train and road.

1. By Road (Direct and Convenient)

Direct road travel is a common choice, especially by bus or private taxi. The journey is scenic as you leave the plains and ascend into the hills of Himachal Pradesh.

• Journey Time: A direct road journey can take anywhere from 9 to 15 hours, depending on traffic, road conditions, and the type of vehicle. Buses usually take longer due to stops.
• Routes: The common route involves passing through cities like Ambala, Chandigarh, and then heading towards Pathankot before diverting to Dharamshala. Road conditions are generally good on national highways, though mountain roads require careful driving.

a. By Bus (Economical and Direct)

Direct buses are a popular and affordable way to travel from Haridwar to Dharamshala. Both state-run and private bus operators offer services.

• Journey Time: Buses can take 12 to 15 hours or more, depending on the number of stops and road conditions.
• Operators: Himachal Road Transport Corporation (HRTC) offers reliable services, including ordinary and AC (Himsuta Volvo/Scania) buses. Private operators like Laxmi Holidays and Kohli Tours & Travels also run buses on this route.
• Types of Buses: You can find ordinary non-AC buses, as well as more comfortable AC Seater/Sleeper and Volvo/Scania options.
• Ticket Price Estimates: Fares can range from around ₹600-₹900 for ordinary non-AC buses to ₹1,300-₹2,000 for AC Volvo/Scania buses.
• Pros: Direct connectivity, economical, and suitable for overnight travel.
• Cons: Long journey duration, can be tiring, and non-AC buses might be less comfortable in warmer months.
• Tips: Book your tickets in advance, especially for AC buses or during peak travel seasons, through online platforms like HRTC’s official website, RedBus, MakeMyTrip, or AbhiBus. Boarding points in Haridwar include the main Haridwar Bus Stand, Pantdeep Parking, and various private travel agency offices.

b. By Taxi/Cab (Most Comfortable and Flexible)

Hiring a private taxi or cab provides the most comfort, privacy, and flexibility, allowing you to stop whenever needed. This is a good option for families or groups.

• Pros: Door-to-door service, customizable itinerary, and quicker travel time compared to buses. HillZet Taxi guarantees on-time pickups and drop-offs for the airport (this commitment to punctuality can be expected for long-distance taxi services as well).
• Cons: Significantly more expensive than public transport.
• Price Estimates: A one-way private taxi from Haridwar to Dharamshala can cost anywhere from ₹7,000 to ₹15,000 or more, depending on the type of vehicle (hatchback, sedan, SUV) and the service provider. This typically includes a set number of kilometers, with extra charges for exceeding that limit.
• Tips: Book a taxi from a reputable service. Confirm the total fare, including tolls, driver allowance, and any night charges, before starting the journey. For long distances, choose a comfortable vehicle.

2. By Train + Road (Efficient for Part of the Journey)

There is no direct train to Dharamshala itself, but you can take a train to Pathankot Cantt (PTKC), which is the nearest major railway station. From Pathankot, you can then complete the journey to Dharamshala by road.

• Journey Time (Train): Trains from Haridwar to Pathankot Cantt typically take 6 to 9 hours.
• Journey Time (Road from Pathankot): The further journey from Pathankot to Dharamshala takes approximately 2.5 to 3.5 hours by taxi or bus.
• Total Journey Time: Expect a total travel time of 10 to 13 hours or more, including the transfer time at Pathankot.

a. Train to Pathankot

• Train Stations:
  • From Haridwar: Haridwar Junction (HW)
  • To Pathankot: Pathankot Cantt (PTKC) or Pathankot Junction (PTK)
• Frequency: Several trains run daily or weekly from Haridwar (or nearby stations like Laksar, Saharanpur, which are well-connected to Haridwar) to Pathankot. Look for trains like the Hemkunt Express (14609), which runs daily.
• Ticket Price Estimates: Train fares vary significantly by class:
  • Sleeper Class (SL): ₹250 – ₹400
  • AC 3-Tier (3A): ₹700 – ₹1,200
  • AC 2-Tier (2A): ₹1,000 – ₹1,800
• Pros: Comfortable for overnight travel, avoids road traffic for a significant portion of the journey.
• Cons: Requires a transfer at Pathankot, which adds to the overall travel time and complexity.
• Tips: Book train tickets well in advance, especially for popular trains and AC classes, via the IRCTC website or other travel platforms.

b. From Pathankot to Dharamshala

Once you arrive at Pathankot, you have a few options to reach Dharamshala:

• Local Bus: Regular local buses are available from Pathankot bus stand to Dharamshala. This is the most economical option.
• Shared Taxi/Jeep: Shared taxis or jeeps are common and slightly faster than buses, perfect for budget travelers willing to share a ride.
• Private Taxi: Private taxis are readily available outside the railway station. This is the most convenient option for a direct transfer.

3. By Air (Fastest, but Indirect and Expensive)

While there are no direct flights from Haridwar, you can consider flying from a nearby major airport like Dehradun’s Jolly Grant Airport (DED) or Delhi’s Indira Gandhi International Airport (DEL) to Kangra Airport (DHM), which is the closest airport to Dharamshala. Kangra Airport is also known as Gaggal Airport and is about 12-15 kilometers from Dharamshala.

• Pros: Fastest way to cover the long distance.
• Cons: Most expensive option, requires multiple transfers (from Haridwar to Dehradun/Delhi airport, then from Kangra airport to Dharamshala), and flights to Kangra can be limited and prone to weather delays.

a. Haridwar to Dehradun/Delhi Airport:

• Dehradun (DED): Approx. 1.5-2 hours by taxi from Haridwar. Flights from Dehradun to Kangra (DHM) are available but may involve layovers and are not frequent.
• Delhi (DEL): Approx. 4-5 hours by train or taxi from Haridwar. Delhi offers more frequent and direct flights to Kangra.

b. Dehradun/Delhi to Kangra (DHM):

• Flight Duration: Direct flights from Delhi to Kangra take around 1.5 hours. Connecting flights from Dehradun will be longer.
• Airlines: IndiGo, SpiceJet, and Alliance Air operate flights to Kangra.
• Price Estimates: Flights can range from ₹5,000 to ₹20,000 or more, depending on booking time and demand.

c. Kangra Airport (DHM) to Dharamshala:

• From Kangra Airport, taxis are easily available to Dharamshala, taking about 30-45 minutes.

For a balance of cost and convenience when traveling from Haridwar to Dharamshala, an overnight bus is often the most straightforward direct option. If you prefer train travel, taking a train to Pathankot and then a taxi or bus to Dharamshala is a good alternative. Flying is the fastest but generally the most expensive and involves multiple legs.