Chamba
All destinations

Heritage town

Chamba

Himachal Pradesh, India

From Pathankot
≈ 120 km (about 3.5–4 hrs by road)
Best time
March to June and September to November
Altitude
≈ 996 m
Good for families
Yes

About Chamba

Discover what makes this destination special

Chamba was founded in the 10th century and was the capital of the Chamba princely state. The town rises from the Ravi to the Chaugan, a long grassy promenade at its centre. The Lakshmi Narayan temple group, built in the Shikhara style, is the town's best-known sight, and the Bhuri Singh Museum holds Pahari miniature paintings and Chamba rumals. The Minjar Mela in July–August is the biggest event of the year.

Highlights

  • Stone temples

    The Lakshmi Narayan temple group.

  • Pahari art

    Miniatures and Chamba rumals.

  • Minjar Mela

    Week-long fair in July–August.

Plan Your Visit

Essential travel information at a glance

Best Time to Visit

March to June and September to November

How to Reach

By road: about 120 km from Pathankot via Banikhet (near Dalhousie), around 3.5–4 hours. Nearest railway station: Pathankot. Nearest airport: Kangra (Gaggal).

Local Food

Chamba chukh (chilli sauce), madra, and Himachali dham.

Stay Options

Hotels around the Chaugan; HPTDC Hotel Iravati.

Places to see

Top attractions in Chamba

Must-visit places in and around Chamba.

  1. 01

    Town centre

    Chaugan

    The grassy promenade at the heart of town.

  2. 02

    Town centre

    Lakshmi Narayan Temple

    Group of Shikhara-style stone temples.

  3. 03

    Near the Chaugan

    Bhuri Singh Museum

    Museum of Pahari miniatures, rumals and local history.

  4. 04

    Old town

    Rang Mahal

    Old palace with a mix of Mughal and British styles.

Things To Do

Experiences and activities in Chamba

Temple walk

Lakshmi Narayan, Chamunda Devi and Hari Rai temples.

Bhuri Singh Museum

Check opening days.

Buy a Chamba rumal or chappals

Local handicrafts.

Suggested Itinerary

Sample travel plans for Chamba
  1. 1

    Day 1

    Drive via Dalhousie; Chaugan and temples in the evening.

  2. 2

    Day 2

    Museum, Rang Mahal, Chamunda Devi temple; return via Chamera Lake.

Travel Tips

Helpful advice for visiting Chamba

Roads are winding — avoid driving after dark.

The museum is usually closed on Mondays and holidays.

Combine with Dalhousie, Khajjiar and Chamera Lake.

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about visiting Chamba
Photo credits