Chamba is a beautiful town in Himachal Pradesh, India, known for its scenic beauty and rich history. There are a range of things to do in Chamba that you can enjoy. Start your visit by exploring the Kalatop Wildlife Sanctuary, where you can see a range of animals and enjoy the serene beauty of the forest. Next, you can delve into the local history at the Bhuri Singh Museum which has an impressive collection of paintings, artefacts, and manuscripts.
For a relaxing experience, enjoy boat rides on the Chamera Lake where calm waters and scenic surroundings make for a peaceful outing. You can also enjoy shopping at Chaugan Market as this bustling market is the heart of Chamba, where you can buy local handicrafts, textiles, and souvenirs. Also, you can also visit the Rang Mahal, an old palace with colourful wall paintings. With so many diverse activities, Chamba offers a perfect mix of relaxation, adventure, and culture.
The Kalatop Wildlife Sanctuary, located in the Chamba district of Himachal Pradesh, is a beautiful and serene destination for nature lovers. The sanctuary is home to a variety of wildlife including Himalayan black bears, leopards, and many species of birds. The dense forests are also filled with oak, deodar, and pine trees. You can enjoy walking and trekking through the forest trails, taking in the beautiful scenery and fresh air.
Location: H238+5X8, Kalatope R.F, Himachal Pradesh
Timings: 09:00 AM- 05:00 PM
By exploring the Bhuri Singh Museum in Chamba, you can learn about the region's rich history and culture. The museum has a notable collection of Pahari miniature paintings, which are known for their intricate details and vibrant colors. Also, there are many ancient manuscripts, including the old inscriptions of Sarahan, Bharmour, and Chamba. You can also see old doors with beautiful carvings, and learn about stories from long ago written on special papers.
Location: H45C+6V4, Chowgan Mohalla, Chamba, Himachal Pradesh
Timings: 10:00 AM- 05:00 PM (Tuesday-Sunday)
Imagine sitting in a boat, surrounded by beautiful blue water and tall mountains in Chamba. While boating in Chamera Lake, you can see the stunning mountains covered in green trees, the calm water reflecting the sky, and maybe even some birds flying around. It is a perfect place to just sit back and enjoy the beauty of nature. You can enjoy a range of boat rides including rowboats, motorboats, and shikara rides.
Location: Chamera Lake, Near Chamba
Gear up for an unforgettable experience for this exciting thing to do in Chamba as you go trekking in Chamba which is like walking through a giant picture book. You will see tall mountains with snow on top, deep green forests, and beautiful valleys. There are many places to trek in Chamba, like Kugti Pass, Sach Pass, and Kalatop Wildlife Sanctuary. While walking on the trails, you will pass through remote villages, lush meadows, and high mountain passes.
Explore the place lined with colourful shops, where you can find everything from beautiful clothes to tasty snacks. Chaugan Market is a lively place where you can buy things to remember your trip to Chamba. In the market, you can shop for warm and soft shawls made from wool, beautifully embroidered clothes, and strong leather shoes. There are also shops selling shiny jewellery and pretty handicrafts made by local people.
Location: Jansali, Chowgan Mohalla, Chamba
Imagine sleeping in a big tent, looking up at a sky full of twinkling stars while camping in Chamba. One of the fun things to do in Chamba Uttarakhand is to be close to nature, cook your own food, and make memories with friends and family. You can find campsites near places like Khajjiar, Dalhousie, and Chamba town. During the day, you can explore the beautiful mountains, forests, and rivers around your campsite.
The temple is dedicated to Goddess Chamunda, a form of Goddess Durga. Exploring Shri Chamunda Devi Mandir in Chamba is a wonderful experience for those interested in spirituality and history. You can admire its excellent example of traditional Himachali wooden architecture with intricate carvings and beautiful craftsmanship. Inside, you will find idols of Goddess Chamunda and other deities.
Location: Chamba-Jhumar Road, Mohalla Surara, Mohalla Sapri, Chamba
Timings: 07:00 AM- 08:00 PM
Dream World Outdoor Adventure in Chamba is a fun spot for adventure enthusiasts and families. This is one of the wonderful things to do in Chamba where you can do various adventure sports, such as zip-lining, rock climbing, and rappelling. There are also activities like archery and zorbing. You can also enjoy nature walks through the beautiful surroundings, which offer a chance to appreciate the natural beauty of the area.
Location: New Sabji Mandi, Chamba, Chowgan Mohalla, Chamba
Timings: 09:00 AM - 05:00 PM (Monday- Saturday)
Festivals in Chamba are celebrated throughout the town and there are amazing things to do in Chamba Uttarakhand. Attending local festivals in Chamba is a fantastic way to experience the vibrant culture and traditions of the region. You can attend the Minjar Festival in July which is one of Chamba's biggest festivals. It includes colourful processions, traditional music, dance performances, and local fairs. Some famous festivals are Holika Dahan (Holi), Baisakhi, and Dussehra.
Location: Chaugan (the central playground and market area) and various temples and community centres
Timings: Several days, typically occurring during the day and into the evening
Explore local restaurants and street food vendors to taste authentic Chamba cuisine. You can treat your taste buds with a range of dishes like Chamba Raita, Madra, Chana Madra, Pulao, Dham, and Sidu. If you are visiting during a festival, you might find special food stalls and fairs showcasing local dishes. Some places may offer cooking classes or demonstrations where you can learn how to prepare traditional dishes.
Location: Popular areas like Chaugan Market and around the main streets
Timings: From 8:00 AM to 10:00 PM.
Chamba, nestled in Himachal Pradesh, is renowned for its rich history, stunning landscapes, and vibrant culture. There are ancient temples, traditional Pahari art, the scenic Chamera Lake, and various things to do in Chamba Uttarakhand. Festivals like Minjar showcase local customs and lively celebrations. Chamba's unique cuisine, including dishes like Madra and Dham, reflects its culinary heritage.
Chamba is famous for its beautiful handcrafted Pahari art, particularly Chamba rumal, a traditional embroidered cloth. The intricate needlework features floral and geometric patterns and makes for a unique souvenir. Additionally, you can find local handicrafts, such as wooden carvings, jewellery, and woollen garments. These items reflect the region's rich cultural heritage and craftsmanship.
Yes, Chamba is worth visiting for its stunning natural beauty, rich cultural heritage, and historical sites. The town offers picturesque landscapes, ancient temples, and vibrant festivals. You can explore traditional Pahari art, enjoy local cuisine, and engage in outdoor activities like trekking. With its serene environment and unique attractions, Chamba provides a memorable experience to visitors.
The best time to visit Chamba is from March to June and September to November. During these months, the weather is pleasant with mild temperatures, and it is ideal for sightseeing and outdoor activities. The summer months offer a refreshing escape from the heat, while the post-monsoon period provides beautiful landscapes and vibrant greenery.
You can travel by various means to reach Chamba. By road, Chamba is well-connected with major cities such as Delhi, Shimla, and Dharamshala, with buses and taxis readily available. If travelling by train, the nearest railway station is Pathankot, approximately 120 kilometres away from Chamba. For those flying, the nearest airport is Gaggal, near Dharamshala, about 180 kilometres from Chamba.
Here are some family-friendly things to do in Chamba: