Chandigarh to Dharamshala Taxi
- 240 km
- ~5 hrs 30 min
- At actuals
About the drive
From Chandigarh the usual road to Dharamshala goes through Kurali and Ropar to Anandpur Sahib and Nangal. It enters Himachal near Una, climbs through the Chintpurni hills, then crosses Ranital and Kangra before the final climb to Dharamshala. Allow about 5½ hours.
The route passes two important stops. Takht Sri Kesgarh Sahib at Anandpur Sahib is right on the road, about 1½ hours in. Mata Chintpurni is a short detour in the hills after Una. Families often build one or both into the drive; leave the tricity by 6 am if you plan to stop.
McLeodganj is about 10 km above lower Dharamshala on narrow, steep roads, and parking near the main square is tight. Tell us if your hotel is in McLeodganj, Bhagsu or Dharamkot. The Triund trek starts from that side. On international cricket match days at the HPCA stadium, hotels and parking fill up days ahead.
The Kangra valley gets some of the heaviest monsoon rain in Himachal, so July and August are wet and misty. March to June and September to November are the most comfortable months. Bir Billing, for paragliding, is about two hours further and works as a day trip.
At a glance
- Distance
- 240 km
- Drive time
- ~5 hrs 30 min
- Tolls & parking
- Tolls, the Himachal entry tax for outside-state taxis and parking in McLeodganj are paid at actuals.
- Popular for
- McLeodganj, Triund trek, HPCA cricket matches, Anandpur Sahib and Chintpurni on the way
- Return trip
- Dharamshala to Chandigarh costs the same one-way fare. Round trips with waiting are quoted on WhatsApp.
Questions about this route
Does the Dharamshala fare cover a drop in McLeodganj?
The fare covers lower Dharamshala and the Kotwali Bazaar area. Drops in McLeodganj, Bhagsu or Dharamkot involve a further steep climb and usually cost a little extra. Send your hotel name and we will confirm.
Can we stop at Anandpur Sahib and Chintpurni on the way?
Yes. Takht Sri Kesgarh Sahib at Anandpur Sahib is on the route, and Chintpurni is a short detour after Una. Allow about an hour at each, and more on Sundays, Navratri and gurpurab days.
We are going for a cricket match at the HPCA stadium. Anything to know?
Book early. On match days the roads around the stadium have traffic restrictions and hotels fill up. The driver drops you at the nearest allowed point and meets you at a fixed place after the game.
Is it better to drive or fly to Dharamshala?
There is no direct flight from Chandigarh. Flying means going via Delhi to Gaggal (Kangra) airport, which takes longer than the 5½-hour drive once you add check-in and connections.
Book your Dharamshala taxi
Send the date, pickup address and number of passengers. You get the confirmed fare and car on WhatsApp.