A beautiful valley in Himachal Pradesh, Chamba is known for its ancient temples, caves, and edifices that speak highly of Indian history. Nestled by the magnificent Zanskar, Pir Panjal, and Dhauladhar mountain ranges of the lesser Himalayas, this destination is one of the most beautiful places in Himachal Pradesh. Flanked by Jammu & Kashmir, Lahaul, and Kangra, Chamba is elevated at 996 meters above sea level on the banks of the Ravi River, making it a picture-postcard town.
Chamba houses many ancient temples that are a must-see on your holidays in Chamba. If you want to know more about this beautiful town, we have compiled a comprehensive Chamba travel guide to help you easily plan your trip to Chamba. You can book a customizable Chamba tour package with us and embark on a memorable vacation!
Chamba Tourism
The Chamba Valley Himachal Pradesh, arguably one of the most stunning valleys in the state, is home to a wealth of natural wonders, including sparkling streams, ancient lakes, meadows, and dense alpine forest cover. The valley also has a diverse wildlife population and fertile valleys. The district, which borders Jammu and Kashmir, is located at the intersection of the Dhauladhar and Zanskar ranges. Rapidly moving streams empty into the River Chenab on the northern edge and the River Ravi on the southern side.
Why visit Chamba?
Chamba is a stunning place, offering pleasant weather and undulating views that can help you de-stress your mind from the hectic schedule of your daily life. Also, you can enjoy the peaceful environment and spend quality time with your loved ones here.
For adventure enthusiasts, Chamba has opportunities for trekking as it is the base camp for several treks in the great Himalayan ranges. You can enjoy an exciting trek amidst the tranquil environs and natural beauty. Apart from this, shopping, camping, and river rafting are other activities that can be enjoyed on your Chamba trip.
Languages Spoken in Chamba
Chamba joined the Indian Union in 1947, and today the town serves as the district's administrative center. Tourists and professionals use English and Hindi as the two most widely used languages. However, locals primarily speak a dialect called Chambyali.
Where is Chamba located?
Chamba is bounded on the north-west by Jammu and Kashmir, on the north-east and east by Jammu and Kashmir's Ladakh region and Himachal Pradesh's Lahaul and Bara-Bangal regions, and on the south-east and south by Himachal Pradesh's Kangra District and Punjab's Gurdaspur District.
Places to Visit in Chamba
Known for its abundant natural beauty and magnificent temples, there are a lot of places to visit in Chamba on your trip. Dating back to the 5th to 19th century AD, the stone temples of Chamba display the Shikara style of architecture. If you love admiring architecture, visit the temples in Chamba to witness exquisite carvings of gods and goddesses on temple walls.
Some of the most famous temples in Chamba are –
- Lakshmi Narayan Temple
- Hari Rai Temple
- Chamunda Devi Temple
- Champavati Temple
Apart from temples, you can explore other beautiful attractions in Chamba. For a delightful tour, here are some top tourist places to visit in Chamba –
- Chamera Lake
- Manimahesh Lake
- Chaugan
- Church of Scotland
Things to do in Chamba
There are good things to do in Chamba on your holiday. Many places exhibit rich cultural heritage that can be experienced on a sightseeing tour across Chamba District. It is a spiritual haven and a haven for those seeking solace among natural wonders. If you are in Chamba, here are some of the top things to do in Chamba for a fun-filled vacation-
Explore the wildlife at Kalatop Wildlife Sanctuary.
- Go on treks, including Chobia Pass, Pangi Valley, Baleni Pass, etc.
- Witness the rare collection of artifacts, jewelry, etc., at Bhuri Singh Museum.
- Enjoy a boat ride on Chamera Lake.
- Shop for Chamba chappals, miniature paintings, and more at famous shopping markets.
Shopping in Chamba
Chamba is known for its handicrafts and miniature paintings, which can be bought as souvenirs on your trip. Handkerchiefs with Kashida style embroidery, Chamba chappals, handwoven shawls, slippers, and locally made memorabilia out of wood and metal are also popular things you can buy from famous shopping places in Chamba. Remember to get your hands on Chamba Chukh, a mashed chili pickle, a specialty of this region. Here are the famous shopping markets in Chamba are:
- Himachal Emporium
- Rang Mahal
- Chaugan Market
Best Time to Visit Chamba
Azure skies and pleasant weather make summer the best time to visit Chamba. The temperature from March to June hovers between 14°C and 30°C, making Chamba a traveler's delight. Plan a trip to Chamba in the summer months if you want a respite from the scorching summer heat. The winter temperature in Chamba drops to sub-zero, especially in December and January. As a result, Chamba becomes a winter wonderland, which allows you to enjoy snow fights, skiing, and snowboarding.
How many days are required for Chamba?
1-2 days are sufficient for Chamba.
Accommodation in Chamba
Chamba hosts many tourists throughout the year and, thus, has a range of accommodation options. In Chamba himachal pradesh, you can choose from mid-range to low-cost accommodations. Most of the places are located on Court Lane. However, most motels, lodges, hotels, and guesthouses provide adequate vacations and amenities. The accommodation in Chamba are:
- Hotel Aroma Palace
- Hotel Champak Chamba
- Hotel City Heart
- Hotel VEE
- Anantson Chamba
What to eat in Chamba Himachal Pradesh
Foodies are in for a treat on their Chamba trip. Many great restaurants and bars sell lip-smacking food. As you must know now that Chamba is a temple town, most restaurants are vegetarian, and a few are non-vegetarian. Indian, Chinese, South Indian, Punjabi, and Continental cuisine are all served by many restaurants. Madra, a local delicacy made from rajma curd, is extremely popular and a must-try.
Street food stalls sell
- Noodles
- Dumplings
- Soups
- Pasta
- Naan and sabzi
How to reach Chamba
Being a popular destination, Chamba is connected to major cities in India by air, rail, and road. The well-connected roads of Himachal Pradesh make it easy to reach Chamba even though it does not have a railway station or an airport. You can board a bus from Khajjiar (24 km), Dalhousie (56 km), Pathankot (118 km), and Gaggal (114 km). Pathankot has the nearest broad gauge railway track and is connected to the country's major cities.
How to Get Around Chamba Himachal
The best and most convenient way to travel in Chamba is by HRTC (Himachal Road Transport Corporation). Buses are frequently available throughout the town and are an inexpensive mode of transportation. Private companies and individuals also provide mini-buses. Taxis are also an option for sightseeing in Chamba. You usually get them at fixed fares during the tourist season, and during non-tourist seasons, you can always negotiate the rates per your intended distance.
Useful Tips for the Chamba Trip
- Carry sunglasses and sunscreen lotion if you are visiting during the summer months.
- It gets incredibly chilly in winter, so carry warm clothes to protect yourself from getting sick.
- Book your Chamba flight/train/bus tickets in advance during peak tourist season to avoid last-minute trouble.
- You can find branches of all the central banks in Chamba that also provide ATM services.
- If you are traveling by vehicle, there are several petrol pumps in Chamba and along the route. Mechanics are also readily available.
- In case of emergencies, there are many hospitals in Chamba.
- Both prepaid and postpaid mobile networks work fine in Chamba.
- While indulging in adventure activities, take proper guidance and follow instructions.
- Dispose of trash and plastics at appropriate places to keep the streets clean.
