A road trip from Amritsar to Dharamshala offers the best of North India’s scenic views, rich culture, and spiritual hubs. Dharamshala, located in the Kangra Valley and lying in the shadows of the Dhauladhar Range of the Himalayas, is the winter capital of Himachal Pradesh and a perfect destination for those seeking peace and adventure.
You can hire a Savaari car rental from Amritsar to make your road trip to Dharamshala easy and memorable.
Table of Contents
- Why Travel from Amritsar to Dharamshala?
- Traveling from Amritsar to Dharamshala by Car
- Best Time to Take a Road Trip from Amritsar to Dharamshala by Car
- Popular Routes to Travel from Amritsar to Dharamshala
- Best Route from Amritsar to Dharamshala
- How to reach Dharamshala by train?
- How to reach Dharamshala by flight?
- How to reach Dharamshala by road?
- Attractions in Dharamshala for Sightseeing
- Savaari Recommends: Popular Places to Eat in Dharamshala
- Hotels and Resorts: Accommodation in Dharamshala
- Nearby Road Trips from Dharamshala
- Highway Updates
Why Travel from Amritsar to Dharamshala?
Traveling from Amritsar to Dharamshala offers a great mix of spirituality, adventure, and culture. The road trip lets you see the beauty of northern India, with chances to visit historical sites, lively towns, and natural spots along the way.
The journey takes you through charming villages, green valleys, and majestic mountains, offering amazing views at every turn. Imagine stopping by a peaceful lakeside for a picnic, visiting ancient temples, or taking a short hike to a stunning echo point in the mountains.
Using Savaari’s reliable taxi service in Amritsar, you can stop to explore different attractions and enjoy local food, making your trip more enjoyable and comfortable.
Traveling from Amritsar to Dharamshala by Car
If you love exploring new places, then traveling from Amritsar to Dharamshala by car is the best option. It is a scenic journey of about 200 kilometers through the North Indian countryside. It typically takes around 4-5 hours, depending on traffic and road conditions.
Start your trip from Amritsar and head towards Pathankot. From there, follow the signs to Dharamshala. The roads are mostly smooth, but the hilly terrain can be challenging. If you are not comfortable driving the distance, try booking an outstation Amritsar taxi service for a hassle-free and safe trip. Download Savaari’s cab booking app today and enjoy great deals.
Important Highway Information: Amritsar–Dharamshala Highway
| Highway Name | National Highway 54 and 154 |
| Alternate Name | Amritsar–Dharamshala Highway |
| Highway Number | NH-54, NH-154 |
| Total Distance | 200 Km |
| Starting Point | Amritsar |
| End Point | Dharamshala |
| Highway Quality | Excellent |
Quick Facts about Amritsar to Dharamshala
| Road Distance from Amritsar to Dharamshala | 200 Km |
| Aerial Distance from Amritsar to Dharamshala | 149 Km |
| Time to Travel from Amritsar to Dharamshala by Road | 4–5 Hrs |
| Travel Time from Amritsar to Dharamshala by Train | Not available (Closest station is Pathankot) |
| Best Routes from Amritsar to Dharamshala | NH-54, NH-154 |
| Best Time to Visit Dharamshala | March–June |
Best Time to Take a Road Trip from Amritsar to Dharamshala by Car
The best time for a road trip from Amritsar to Dharamshala is from March to June. The weather is pleasant, making the drive comfortable and enjoyable. Avoid traveling in the peak winter months (December to February) because it can be very cold, and roads might be blocked by snow. For a hassle-free and comfortable trip, book a Savaari Innova cab to make your journey from Amritsar to Dharamshala smooth and cost-effective.
Popular Routes to Travel from Amritsar to Dharamshala by Car
There are several well-maintained, popular routes to Dharamshala from Amritsar if you are traveling by car:
Route 1: Amritsar to Dharamshala via NH-54 and NH-154
NH-54 and NH-154 are the best routes to travel from Amritsar to Dharamshala by car. The approximate distance is 200 kilometers, requiring a drive of 4–5 hours. Travelers mostly prefer this route because it is the fastest, offers superior road conditions, and has the smoothest traffic flow.
Suggested Places Along the Way
- Gurdaspur Fort, Gurdaspur: Located on the banks of the River Ravi, this historic fort dates back to the 10th century. It offers scenic views and a glimpse into the region’s rich heritage.
- Ranjit Sagar Dam, Pathankot: Also known as Thein Dam, it’s the highest gravity dam in India. Visitors can enjoy boating and picnicking at its base while admiring the panoramic views of the towering reservoir.
- Mukteshwar Mahadev Temple, Pathankot: Situated atop a hill, this ancient temple dedicated to Lord Shiva offers spiritual solace and stunning vistas of the surrounding valleys and hills.
- Nurpur Fort, Pathankot: Built by the Pathania Rajputs, this 10th-century fort showcases stunning Mughal and Rajput architecture. It’s a serene spot of great historical significance and lush green surroundings.
Popular Places to Eat On This Route
- Brothers’ Dhaba, Amritsar: Known for its authentic Punjabi cuisine and fresh lassi, this place, despite being a dhaba, offers a fine dining experience. People who are traveling from Amritsar should stop here with their friends or families and enjoy tasty Parathas with white butter in a lively, rustic ambiance.
- Sagar Ratna Restaurant, Pathankot: Located on NH-154, Sagar Ratna is renowned for its authentic South Indian and North Indian cuisine. Travelers often stop here to enjoy delicious dosas and aromatic filter coffee.
- Ritik Vaishno Dhaba, Batala: Situated on NH-54, Ritik Vaishno Dhaba offers a cozy and budget-friendly dining experience with a variety of vegetarian Punjabi dishes. Specialties include aloo paratha and dal makhani, perfect for a satisfying meal on the road.
Route 1: Amritsar to Dharamshala Road Conditions
The road conditions from Amritsar to Katra via NH-54 and NH-154 are generally good, with well-maintained highways. However, expect occasional patches of construction and light to medium traffic, particularly near major towns.
Route 2: Amritsar to Dharamshala via NH-3
Equally popular for driving between the two places, NH-3 takes you through beautiful scenery. The Amritsar to Dharamshala distance via this route is approximately 230 kilometers long, and it takes around 5-6 hours to reach Dharamshala.
Suggested Places Along the Way
- Chintpurni Temple, Hoshiarpur: The Chintpurni Temple in Hoshiarpur is a revered site dedicated to Goddess Chintpurni. It is a popular Shakti Peetha. People visit from far away to seek blessings in a pious and tranquil setting.
- Jang-e-Azadi Memorial, Kartarpur: This historical monument is dedicated to the freedom fighters of Punjab, and it shows the history of their freedom struggle through paintings, sculptures, and multimedia presentations. The memorial complex also has an amphitheater and a library for locals and tourists to explore.
- Kangra Fort, Kangra: Perched atop a hill, Kangra Fort is a historic gem offering a glimpse into the region’s happening past. It provides stunning views of the Kangra Valley, combining rich heritage with breathtaking panoramas that captivate visitors.
Popular Places to Eat On This Route
- Devil’s House Beer Bar & Restaurant, Beas: Known for its cocktails and theme nights, Devil’s House is one of the most popular food joints in Beas. They have multiple veg and non-vegetarian food options and the North Indian dishes are to die for.
- Pehalwan da Dhaba, Hoshiarpur: Pehalwan da Dhaba serves authentic Punjabi cuisine in a traditional setting in Hoshiarpur. It’s known for hearty meals and a rustic ambiance reminiscent of classic dhabas.
- Kapoor’s, Dharamshala: This multi-cuisine restaurant offers Chinese and North Indian dishes. It’s a great place to relax amidst some live music, especially with some happy-hour food. Make sure to try out their desserts as well!
Route 2: Amritsar to Dharamshala Road Conditions
The road condition from Amritsar to Katra via NH-3 is practically the same as NH-54 and NH-154. The only difference is that this route takes an hour more to reach Dharamshala.
Best Route from Amritsar to Dharamshala
Both routes are equally popular among travelers. Still, route 1 via NH-54 and NH-154 is most preferred as it takes less time to reach the destination and offers more places to visit along the way.
Other Means of Traveling From Amritsar to Dharamshala
There are other modes of transportation as well that you can use to reach Dharamshala from Amritsar:
How to Reach by Train?
As Dharamshala doesn’t have a railway station, there is no direct train from Amritsar to Dharamshala. The nearest railway station to Dharamshala is Pathankot, which is about 85 kilometers away. You can hire a Savaari car rental from Pathankot to travel through popular routes to Dharamshala.
Many trains from Amritsar Junction (ASR) can help you reach Pathankot Junction (PTK). The fastest train is the Ahmedabad–Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Katra Express (ADI SVDK EXPRESS, 19415), which crosses ASR and takes around 2 hours and 15 minutes to reach PTK.
Popular Trains and TimeTable
Here is a list of popular trains running between Amritsar and Pathankot:
| Train Name | Train Number | Departure Time | Arrival Time | Duration | Departure Days |
| ADI SVDK EXP | 19415 | 11:45 PM (ASR) | 02:00 AM (PTK) | 2 Hrs 15 Mins | Every Monday |
| JU JAT EXP | 19225 | 01:15 AM (ASR) | 03:30 AM (PTK) | 2 Hrs 15 Mins | Daily |
| DLI PTK EXP | 22429 | 03:45 PM (ASR) | 06:20 PM (PTK) | 2 Hrs 35 Mins | 6 Days a week, except Thursday |
For Amritsar to Dharamshala train bookings, visit the IRCTC portal. There, you can get the latest updates on trains and their live running status.
How to Reach by Flight?
The nearest airport to Dharamshala is Gaggal Airport (DHM), also known as Kangra Airport. It is about 12 kilometers from the city center.
There are no direct options for a flight from Amritsar to Dharamshala, but you can take a connecting flight via New Delhi. The nearest major airport is in Amritsar (Sri Guru Ram Dass Jee International Airport), located 208 kilometers from Dharamshala. If you are arriving at Amritsar Airport, you can book an airport taxi in Amritsar and travel to Dharamshala in Savaari’s chauffeur-driven cabs.
Flight tickets are relatively expensive, ranging from INR 5000 to INR 10000. A heads up: Flights take even more time than trains to reach Dharamshala. And, in all probability, you will miss the scenic countryside that forms an integral part of the road trips.
How to Reach by Bus?
Several private and government buses run from Amritsar to Dharamshala. Depending on the bus operator you choose, bus tickets may range from INR 330 to INR 900. Depending on the road conditions, the buses take around 4-5 hours to reach Dharamshala.
Price Comparison for Choosing Different Travel Means
Here is a comparative price analysis of different travel means from Amritsar to Dharamshala:
| Travel Means | Estimated Cost |
| Amritsar to Dharamshala Cabs | INR 2600 |
| Train (to Pathankot) | INR 200–INR 500 |
| Flight | No direct flights are available |
| Bus | INR 330–INR 900 |
Consider renting a car with Savaari for a hassle-free road trip from Amritsar to Dharamshala. Enjoy comfort, convenience, and flexibility while exploring local culture and cuisine. Get affordable rates with one-way drop options, and make your journey memorable with photography-worthy detours.
Attractions in Dharamshala for Sightseeing
Dharamshala, the winter capital of Himachal Pradesh, is a lively city visited by tourists throughout the year. Visiting the popular places in and around Dharamshala and Katra lets you learn about Tibetan traditions and enjoy the natural beauty of the encasing mountains.
The best time to visit Dharamshala is in the months between March and November. Check out this comprehensive guide for things to do in the mountain town and nearby destinations from Dharamshala:
- If you are in Dharamshala, it is recommended that you visit McLeodGanj. This area is often called “Little Lhasa” because of its thriving Tibetan culture. You can visit monasteries, shop Tibetan handicrafts from local markets, and try Tibetan food in the local eateries.
- Do check out the Bhagsunath Temple and the Bhagsunath Waterfalls. These places are beautiful and peaceful and great for picnics, birding, hiking, or swimming.
- Dharamshala Cricket Stadium is one of the highest cricket stadiums in the world. If you are lucky enough to visit during cricket match season, you can enjoy the mountain scenery.
- When he visits Dharamshala, the Dalai Lama stays at the Tsuglagkhang Complex. The complex includes Namgyal Monastery, where Buddhist monks study and pray, and a museum displaying interesting exhibits on Tibetan culture.
- Lastly, Dal Lake is a peaceful retreat encircled by dense forests. It’s ideal for tranquil walks along its shores or boating on its calm waters.
Savaari Recommends: Popular Places to Eat in Dharamshala
Dharamshala is famous for its spiritual sites, but it’s also a great place to eat. There are lots of restaurants serving delicious North Indian meals and local snacks. People from all over the world love coming here not just for the scenery but also for the yummy Himalayan food.
Some of the Savaari-recommended places to eat on the Amritsar-Dharamshala route near Dharamshala are:
- Tibet Kitchen, known for its kung pao chicken, fried momos, and tandoori momos.
- Crepe Pancake Hut, known for its crepes, pancakes, and waffles.
- Jimmy Italian Kitchen, known for its pizzas, pastas, spring rolls, and beers.
- Kalimpong Restaurant, famous for its mutton momos and chili pork.
- Rahi Cafe, famous for its pizzas, burgers, sandwiches, waffles, and pancakes.
Hotels and Resorts: Accommodation in Dharamshala
Finding a comfortable place to stay is essential for a pleasant trip. Here are some recommended hotels and resorts in Dharamshala:
| Hotel Name | Address | Phone Number |
| Fortune Park Moksha, Member ITC’s Hotel Group | Strawberry Hills, Satobari, Near Dal Lake, McLeod Ganj, Dharamshala, Himachal Pradesh–176216 | 0189 224 2424 |
| Asia Health Resorts & Spa | Strawberry Hills, Near Dal Lake, McLeod Ganj, Dharamshala, Himachal Pradesh–176216 | 99103 59234 |
| WelcomHeritage Grace Hotel | Kotwali Bazar, Dharamshala, Himachal Pradesh–176215 | 98164 24264 |
| Spring Valley Spa Resort by DLS Hotels | Bhagsunag, McLeod Ganj, Dharamshala, Himachal Pradesh–176219 | 081464 18390 |
Nearby Road Trips from Dharamshala
Dharamshala serves as an excellent base for exploring the scenic and culturally rich areas of Himachal Pradesh. Consider these nearby road trips to enhance your visit:
| Destination | Distance (approx.) | Time Taken (Approx.) |
| Dharamshala to Palampur | 33.7 Km | 1 Hr |
| Dharamshala to Bir Billing | 63.4 Km | 2 Hrs |
| Dharamshala to Kangra | 17 Km | 0.5 Hrs |
| Dharamshala to Dalhousie | 117.9 Km | 4 Hrs |
An Amritsar to Dharamshala road trip offers a delightful journey through the beautiful rural scenes of North India. With multiple routes and various attractions along the way, this trip promises to be memorable.
Download the Savaari car rental app for a safe, hassle-free, and immersive travel experience. Whether you are a solo traveler, a family on vacation, or a group of friends seeking adventure, Saavari has your needs and well-being covered!
Highway Updates
