1Option
HRTC bus
Take a local bus to Dharamshala, then an HRTC bus to Chamba; most leave in the morning. They pass Shahpur, Nurpur and Banikhet. It is a long, winding day, so keep motion-sickness tablets handy. Book in season if you can.
Route · Himachal
McLeodganj (Dharamshala) to Chamba
West from Dharamshala across the lower Kangra hills to Nurpur, then north over the ridge at Banikhet and down to the Ravi at Chamba. About 175 km and 5.5–6.5 hours; HRTC buses run from Dharamshala.
Photo: Ms Sarah Welch · CC0 · CommonsEvery way to go
Options compared
| How | Time | Cost, indicative 2026 |
|---|---|---|
| HRTC bus | 6–7 h | ₹350–500 |
| Bus via Pathankot | 7–8 h | ₹400–600 |
| Private car | 5.5–6.5 h | ₹5,500–7,500 one way |
2Option
Bus via Pathankot
If no direct bus suits, take a bus to Pathankot and change for one of the frequent HRTC buses to Chamba, about 4 hours. Slower overall, but departures are plentiful, which helps on busy days.
3Option
Private car
A taxi lets you stop at Nurpur fort, then take the Dalhousie and Khajjiar route if you want, adding an hour or two. Leave early; the last stretch down to the Ravi is best seen in daylight.
At each end
The two places
Photo: Rignam Wangkhang · CC BY 2.0 · Commons
2,082 m · Town · Himachal
McLeodganj (Dharamshala)
Tibetan temples and the Dhauladhar wall above Dharamshala
Best Mar – May · Oct – Nov2–3 nights
Photo: Ms Sarah Welch · CC0 · Commons
996 m · Town · Himachal
Chamba
A thousand-year-old hill capital of stone temples and fine embroidery
Best Mar – Apr · Oct – Nov2 nights
Questions
Asked about this road
How far is Chamba from McLeodganj?
About 175 km by road via Nurpur and Banikhet, roughly 5.5–6.5 hours by car and 6–7 hours by bus from Dharamshala.
Is there a direct bus from Dharamshala to Chamba?
Yes, HRTC runs buses from Dharamshala to Chamba, mostly in the morning. Go down from McLeodganj to Dharamshala bus stand first.
Can I visit Dalhousie and Khajjiar on the way to Chamba?
Yes, with a private car. Taking the Dalhousie and Khajjiar road adds 1–2 hours, and you reach Chamba from the Khajjiar side.
What is the taxi fare from McLeodganj to Chamba?
About ₹5,500–7,500 one way for a sedan, more via Dalhousie and for an SUV. Agree stops and price before you start.
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