If you are on a trip to Dalhousie, you can’t miss getting to the highest peak in the town, Dainkund Peak. Nestled at 2,755 meters above sea level, the peak is well-known as Singing Hill. This is because of the melodious sound of winds passing through dense oak, pine, and deodar forests. You can experience an overhead shot of verdant valleys covered with lush green.
Dainkund Peak is heaven for nature lovers, photographers, trekkers, and adventure enthusiasts. The trail to this trek is mesmerizing, offering breathtaking views. This place is on the itinerary of every tourist visiting Dalhousie.
Let us explore the enchanting Dainkund Peak and its travel guide.
Dainkund Peak: Geography, Best Time to Visit & Nearby Places
Before you visit the place, knowing about its geography, location, the best time to visit, and nearby attractions can make your trip more memorable and spectacular.
Location and Geography of Dainkund Peak
As mentioned earlier, Dainkund Peak is at a height of 2755 meters above sea level and 13 kilometers away from Dalhousie. It lies near Rakhed village in the Chamba district. The 360-degree panorama of the valley and the breezes through the woods cause the rustling of leaves, offering an enchanting experience. The peak receives the highest snowfall in winter.
The peak’s name is derived from Dain, which means witch, and Kund, which means Lake. Hence, it is known as the Lake of Witches. Earlier, it was believed that the place was the habitation of witches. As per the local folklore, the witches used to trouble the villagers. Despite these nasty stories, Dalhousie Dainkund Peak is one of the most visited places in the region.
Dainkund Peak has two major attractions – the Indian Air Force base and the Pohlani Devi temple. From the top, you can experience a panoramic view of the Khajjiar Lake, mud houses in the lush green, stunning valleys, and the flow of the rivers Ravi, Chenab, and Beas. Camping and trekking are two activities for adventure enthusiasts.
Dainkund Trek
If trekking or camping is your favorite activity, Dainkund Peak is a worth-visiting destination. The trek to the peak from the base camp, Lakkadmandi, is around 6 km. The trek trail takes you through dense oak, pine, and deodar forests, surrounded by snow-capped mountains and lush green valleys. It soothes your soul, brings immense peace, and offers a thrilling experience.
The trek timings start from 10 AM and end at 4 PM. Reaching the peak top may take 4 to 6 hours, depending on a trekker’s physical health. This short trek is full of joy and picturesque scenery. Once you reach the top, the relaxing and soothing surroundings make your trek worthy and offer a sight to behold.
Mind you, Dainkund Peak, Dalhousie has something for everyone to offer.
Short Itinerary for Dainkund Peak
Though you can complete the trek in one day, you cannot experience camping and the night view on the peak. Here is a 2-day itinerary for Dainkund Peak from Dalhousie:
Day 1
Upon arrival at Dalhousie, head to Lakkad Mandi, the base of the trek, which is 9 km away from Dalhousie. From there, start your trekking, and visit the Indian Air Force base just before reaching the top.
Upon reaching the top, experience the majestic view of snow-capped mountains, green lush valleys with mud houses, and the overhead view of rivers. Visit the Pohlani Devi temple, enjoy warm bonfire evenings, gaze at stars in the night sky, and indulge in the peace to soothe your soul.
Here are some essential tips to follow when trekking to the top and spending a night there:
- Take proper camping gear with you.
- Carry warm clothes for the night at Dainkund Peak, snacks, water, and a first-aid kit.
- Ensure to have a portable charger for your phone battery.
Day 2
The next morning, get back to Dalhousie via Lakkad Mandi.
How to Reach Dainkund Peak?
To reach Dainkund Peak, you must first arrive at Dalhousie. This hill station has well-connected roads from the nearest airport and railway station.
- By Air – The nearest airport is Gaggal Airport, 130 km away from Dalhousie. You can take a bus or private cab from there to get to the town.
- By Train – Pathankot is the nearest railway station, 80 km from Dalhousie. Several trains run to Pathankot from Delhi, Jammu, Jodhpur, Jaipur, Amritsar, Bathinda, etc. From there, hire a private cab to reach Dalhousie.
- By Road – Overnight HRTC buses are available from Delhi and Chandigarh to reach Dalhousie.
What is Dainkund Peak Famous For?
1. Bird’s Eye View of Valleys and Hills
The trek is so popular because of the scenic views from up here. Once you reach the peak, you feel like you are floating in the clouds. The high peak offers a 360⁰ view of the surrounding hills and valleys.
2. Snow
In the winter, snow is everywhere, covering it in a white sheen. The place looks no less than a paradise.
3. The Trekking Trail
The path to this hill makes it so engaging. It is filled with tall deodar trees, greenery, dense forests walking beside you, and birds hovering overhead and singing melodious songs. The colorful flowers welcome you to their abode, and the silent, cool breeze touches your cheeks as you reach there.
4. Overhead View of Rivers
You can see three prominent rivers of Himachal Pradesh flowing from up here. These include Beas, Chenab, and Ravi. The rivers look like silver lines flowing amidst the luxuriant greenery.
5. Khajjiar Lake
Khajjiar Lake can be seen from here. The little mud houses in the nearby villages look so tiny, and the greenery in which they are set makes the scene gorgeous. The place is full of wild, colorful flowers in the rainy season, making the hill a nature lover’s dream come true.
6. Melodious Sound
When the breeze blows and passes the trees, it makes an amazing musical sound that feels sweet, like honey. That’s why this valley is also called the “Singing Hill“.
Things to Do at Dainkund Peak
There is an entire list of the things one can do here.
1. Trekking
Trekking is an adventurous activity one can do to reach this enchanting hill. The way that leads here is worth capturing in your mind and camera. It is a must-see destination on your trekking list.
2. Photography
Above the hills is a photographer’s paradise where one can click some Instagram-worthy pictures. No matter where you turn, the scenic beauty of the clouds, hills, flowers, forests, etc., greet your eyes and lens.
4. Painting
If you like painting, you can paint some beautiful landscapes on your canvas. Many artists come here to do the same. Carry everything you need to capture the scenic views in your paintings.
5. Enjoy Peace and Calm
Best of all, you can relish in the peak’s peace and serenity. This soothes your soul and refreshes your mind. For once, you can forget all your worries and lie in the lap of nature to figure out the real meaning of life.
6. Camping
It’s also possible to camp here for the night and enjoy stargazing. The little lights illuminate the village and look like twinkling stars on the Earth. The entire sky gets filled with abundant stars, and you can spend the night of a lifetime here.
7. Visit Pohlani Devi Temple and Air Force Station
The Pohlani Devi Temple is an ancient shrine devoted to the deity Pohlani. People here worship ‘Trishul’, a symbol of devotion. The path to the temple is narrow and small through the hills. The magnificent view of the Pir Panjal ranges is awe-inspiring. Also, the Dalhousie Air Force Station is nearby.
Best Time to Visit Dainkund Peak
The best time to visit the peak is summer, from April to June. During summer, the place has soothing and pleasant climatic conditions, where you can get away from the scorching heat you experience in cities. The place flourishes into its best during summer.
However, you can visit this peak any time of the year. Each season presents a distinct beauty and weather. In winter, the entire town gets covered in snow. In the rainy season, the peak is full of colorful flowers.
September to November is also an ideal time to visit. After the rain, the lush greenery and blissful flowers add charm to the place, making it no less than a paradise.
Other Tourist Places Near Dainkund Peak
The following is a list of must-visit nearby attractions when at Dainkund Peak:
1. Chamera Lake
Also known as Chamba Lake, Chamera Lake is an artificial reservoir for the Chamba Dam. It is among the most crowded picnic spots in Dalhousie, where one can enjoy water sports activities like boating, river rafting, kayaking, and canoeing. The surrounding hills and pleasant weather make it a perfect place for photography.
2. Panchpula
Panchpula is a picnic spot 3 km from Dalhousie. Dense forests of deodar and pine trees cover the area. It is called the mother stream, as it feeds water to several other water bodies in Dalhousie. Well-known Spatadhara Waterfall, the place is home to the samadhi of Sardar Ajit Singh, the uncle of Martyr Bhagat Singh.
3. Khajjiar Lake
Located at an elevation of 1951 meters above sea level, Khajjiar Lake is between Dalhousie and Chamba town. Evergreen cedar trees surround the lake. It gets its name from Khajji Nag, the deity of the nearby temple. Many tourists also witness a glimpse of Mount Kailash when the sky is clear.
4. Sach Pass
Located on the Pir Panjal range of the Himalayas, Sach Pass is at an elevation of 4,414 meters. This pass connects the Chamba Valley with the Pangi Valleys. It is open from June or mid-July to October. It serves as the shortest route from Chamba to Killar, which is narrow and unmetalled.
5. Ganji Pahari
Another trek besides Dainkund Peak is Ganji Pahari. It is a stunning hill near Dalhousie, requiring a trek of 1 to 2 hours to reach the top, starting from Panchpula. The hill’s name Ganji means bald in a local language, and Pahari means Hill. There is no flora and fauna found on the hill. Hence, the name Ganji Pahari.
Sunset and sunrise are something one must not miss. One can enjoy camping at night, gazing at the sky full of stars.
6. St. John’s Church
It is the oldest church in Dalhousie with great historical significance. Besides devotees, photographers throng this place due to its stunning beauty. Locals and tourists attend Sunday Service performed at the church. The church’s interior features glass paintings of St John the Baptist and St Peter.
7. Bakrota Hills
Bakrota Hills, or Upper Bakrota, is another highest area in Dalhousie, covered with woods and seems like a blanket of lush green over mountains. During winter, mountains are covered with snow and shine like diamonds.
8. Satdhara Falls
Nestled in the Chamba Valley with deodar and pine trees and snow-capped ranges, Satdhara Falls is a waterfall that brings water from seven springs. The water is believed to contain mica and has medicinal properties to heal skin diseases. The crystal clear water, the pleasant fragrance of the wet mud, and tranquility bring peace to your soul.
9. Kalatop Wildlife Sanctuary
Kalatop Wildlife Sanctuary, or Kalatop Khajjiar Sanctuary, combines diverse flora and fauna, dense forests of oak, pine, deodar, snow-capped mountains, freshwater streams, and green valleys. It is famous for trekking and hiking. The trekking trails take you through picturesque views.
Stay at Dainkund Peak
There is no accommodation facility at Dainkund Peak. But hotel facilities are available in Dalhousie. Both budget hotels and premium resorts are there to cater to every budget. If you want to check into a budget hotel, your best options include:
- Hotel Nature Valley
- Alps Resort
- Grand View Hotel
- Hotel Himdhara
- Amara Blue Magnets etc.
The prices vary between INR 1500 and INR 4500. If budget isn’t an issue, you can stay at:
- BrijVilla
- Fortune Park Dalhousie
- JK Clarks Exotica
They will charge you anywhere from INR 8500 to INR 11500.
Places to Eat Near Dainkund Peak
Dainkund peak is an uninhabited zone. There are no restaurants up there. You have to pack your food from Dalhousie and reach the top.
However, Dalhousie houses many places where you can try different cuisines. Due to the large number of tourists coming here throughout the year, several food options are available. From authentic Momos to Chowmein and South Indian Idli, you can savor it all and more.
Some of the famous restaurants in Dalhousie where you can dine include:
- Kwality Restaurant
- Mogas Cafe
- Old Sher-e-Punjab
- Cafe Dalhousie
- The Kettle House
- Tiffins Restaurant
Conclusion
Undoubtedly, Dalhousie is a beautiful town with a diversity of tourist attractions. Dainkund Peak is among the major attractions tourists and passionate trekkers must not miss. Also, for one who wishes to enjoy peace and calm, the top of the peak is the best place to experience.
The tranquility and serenity of the peak, the melodious sounds of winds passing through trees, and the bird’s eye view of the valleys and lakes, make it worthwhile to trek to the place.
Follow the above itinerary and pack your essentials to make the top of the peak!
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Frequently Asked Questions
1. Which is the highest peak in Dalhousie?
Dainkund Peak is the highest peak in Dalhousie.
2. What is the history behind the name Dainkund Peak?
It is believed that the peak was the residence of witches, who would trouble villagers. The term Dain means a witch, and Kund means lake. Hence, it is called the Lake of Witches.
3. What is the difficulty level of the Dainkund trek?
The trek to Dainkund Peak is easy to moderate. It is ideal for both beginners and experienced trekkers.
4. Can I see Mount Kailash from Dainkund Peak?
If the sky is clear, you can see Mount Kailash (Kailash Parbat) from Dainkund Peak.