5-Day Pathankot Family Trip

Arrive in Pathankot by train or flight. 

Check-in at your chosen hotel or resort. 

After freshening up, explore the local markets and enjoy some local Punjabi cuisine for lunch. 

Visit Shahpur Kandi Fort, an ancient historical site located on the banks of the Ravi River. 

Return to the hotel for a comfortable overnight stay. 

Have an early breakfast and depart for a day trip to Dalhousie, which is around 80 km from Pathankot. 

Visit Khajjiar, often referred to as the "Mini Switzerland of India." Enjoy horse riding, trekking, and take in the breathtaking views. 

Explore St. John's Church, Panchpula, and Subhash Baoli in Dalhousie. 

Return to Pathankot in the evening and relax at your hotel. 

After breakfast, start your day by visiting the Kathgarh Temple, a significant religious site known for its peaceful surroundings. 

Later, visit the Mukteshwar Temple, an ancient temple dedicated to Lord Shiva. 

In the afternoon, explore the Ashapurni Mandir, another important religious site in Pathankot. 

Spend the evening at leisure, maybe take a stroll around the local area or relax at the hotel. 

Enjoy an early breakfast and set out for a day trip to Chamera Lake, located around 50 km from Pathankot. 

Enjoy boating and water sports at the lake while taking in the beautiful views of the surrounding hills. 

Pack a picnic lunch to enjoy by the lakeside. 

Return to Pathankot in the evening and spend your last night in the city. 

After breakfast, check out from the hotel and visit the Ranjit Sagar Dam, one of the largest dams in India, located nearby. 

If time allows, you can also explore the Nurpur Fort and Temple before leaving. 

Depart from Pathankot with fond memories of your family trip. 

Khajjiar Visit and Adventure Activities: Khajjiar is known as the "Mini Switzerland of India" and offers a beautiful natural setting for families to enjoy. Adventure activities like horse riding, zorbing, and paragliding are available for kids and adults. Price: Horse riding - around ₹200 to ₹300 per person, Zorbing - around ₹300 to ₹500 per person, Paragliding - around ₹1000 to ₹1500 per person. 

Chamera Lake Water Sports: Chamera Lake offers boating and water sports like jet skiing and banana boat rides. Price: Boating - around ₹200 to ₹300 per boat, Jet Skiing - around ₹500 to ₹800 per person, Banana Boat Ride - around ₹300 to ₹500 per person. 

Visit Nurpur Fort and Temple: Explore the historical Nurpur Fort and the famous Brij Raj Swami Temple. Entry to the temple is usually free, but there might be a small donation expected. 

Ranjit Sagar Dam Sightseeing: Visit the Ranjit Sagar Dam and enjoy the scenic views and the refreshing environment. Entry is usually free, but you might need to pay for parking. 

Local Food and Shopping: Explore the local markets in Pathankot and enjoy Punjabi cuisine. Prices for meals can vary based on where you choose to eat, but budget around ₹300 to ₹500 per person for a meal at a mid-range restaurant. 

Visit Shahpur Kandi Fort: Explore the historic Shahpur Kandi Fort and enjoy the views of the Ravi River. Entry is usually free. 

Children's Park and Gardens: Spend some quality family time at local parks and gardens. Many parks have free entry, but some might have a nominal entry fee. 

Cultural and Religious Sites: Visit temples like Kathgarh Temple and Ashapurni Mandir. Entry is usually free, but donations might be appreciated. 

Local Fairs and Festivals: Check if there are any local fairs or festivals happening during your visit. These events often have cultural performances, food stalls, and activities for kids. 

Exploring Local Culture: Take leisurely walks around the city to soak in the local culture and architecture. 

Amritsari Kulcha: A popular Punjabi dish, Amritsari kulcha is a type of stuffed bread that is usually served with chole (spiced chickpea curry). It's a flavorful and filling option for a family meal. 

Makki di Roti and Sarson da Saag: This classic Punjabi dish consists of cornmeal flatbread (makki di roti) served with a mustard greens-based curry (sarson da saag). It's a seasonal delicacy that's a must-try for an authentic Punjabi experience. 

Tandoori Delicacies: Try various tandoori dishes like tandoori chicken, tandoori paneer, and tandoori roti. These dishes are cooked in a clay oven and are known for their smoky and rich flavors. 

Butter Chicken: A creamy and flavorful chicken dish cooked in a buttery tomato-based gravy. It's a favorite among both locals and tourists. 

Paneer Tikka: Marinated and grilled paneer (Indian cottage cheese) cubes, often served with mint chutney. It's a great option for vegetarians and those who enjoy mildly spiced dishes. 

Punjabi Lassi: Cool off with a refreshing glass of Punjabi lassi, a yogurt-based drink that can be sweet or salty. It's a great way to beat the heat and enjoy a traditional Punjabi beverage. 

Phirni: A popular Punjabi dessert made from ground rice, milk, sugar, and flavored with cardamom. It's a creamy and delicious sweet treat. 

Punjabi Samosa: Enjoy crispy and savory samosas filled with spiced potatoes and peas. They make for a tasty snack or appetizer. 

Chole Bhature: Another classic Punjabi dish, chole bhature consists of deep-fried bread (bhature) served with spicy chickpea curry (chole). 

Punjabi Sweets: Explore local sweet shops and try traditional Punjabi sweets like jalebi, gulab jamun, and gajar ka halwa. 

Local Street Food: Pathankot has various street food vendors offering a range of delicious snacks like golgappe (pani puri), aloo tikki, and chaat. 

Punjab's Thali: Look for restaurants that offer Punjabi thali, which is a complete meal featuring a variety of dishes like curries, rice, bread, and desserts. It's a great way to taste a variety of Punjabi flavors in one meal.