Himachal Pradesh Family Trip from Mumbai by Train (2026) — Complete 8-Day Itinerary
Planning a Himachal Pradesh family trip from Mumbai can feel overwhelming. Should you travel by train or flight? How much will it cost? Which places should you cover? Should you book a tour package?
We recently completed an 8-day self-planned Himachal Pradesh family trip from Mumbai covering Dharamshala, McLeod Ganj, Dalhousie, Khajjiar and Chamera Lake. In this guide, I’ll share our exact travel itinerary, train routes, hotel recommendations, transportation costs, and complete budget breakdown for a family of three.
We planned everything on our own, no tour company, and I hope this helps you do the same. So, let’s start with Day 1.
Our Route
Mumbai → Jalandhar → Dharamshala/McLeod Ganj → Dalhousie → Chamera Lake → Pathankot → Delhi → Mumbai
| SUMMARY — FOR QUICK READERS |
| A complete 8-day Himachal Pradesh family trip itinerary from Mumbai by train, covering Dharamshala, McLeod Ganj, Dalhousie, and Chamera Lake — entirely self-planned with no tour company. Includes actual costs, hotel reviews, cab details, restaurant recommendations, and honest tips for families travelling with kids. |
AT A GLANCE
| Trip duration | 8 days (+ 2 days travel) |
| Places covered | Dharamshala, McLeod Ganj, Dalhousie, Chamera Lake, Himachal Pradesh |
| Travel mode | Train from Mumbai + intercity cabs in Himachal Pradesh |
| Travelled with | Family with one kid |
| Month of travel | May 2026 |
| Planned by | Self-planned, no tour company |
| Approx. total cost | Rs. 55,000 (3 people, excluding meals & shopping) |
| Best time to visit | March to June, September to November |
Day 1 Mumbai to Jalandhar by Train
| Train Golden Temple Mail | From → To Bandra Terminus → Jalandhar City | Departure 6:45 pm | Class / Cost 2AC — Rs. 2,872 per person |
We started from Bandra Terminus, boarding the Golden Temple Mail at 6:45 pm. After almost five years, I was stepping onto a train again and honestly felt overwhelmed by the thought of spending nearly 28 hours on board. But the nostalgia hit faster, and the journey was not that hard — except the washroom bit. Luckily, we had friendly co-passengers who shared plenty of home-cooked food, which turned out to be a pleasant surprise.
| TRAIN TRAVEL TIP |
| Carry a disinfectant spray and a tissue roll for the washroom. Spray and clean the area first, then wipe before use. Also, eat and drink wisely during the journey so that the need to visit the loo is kept to a minimum. |
We got down at Jalandhar Cantt at approximately 10 pm. We had booked our stay at FabHotels, which was a 10-minute walk from the railway station. Not getting duped by the local autorickshaws asking Rs. 200 for less than a kilometre, we decided to walk.
The closest station to reach Himachal Pradesh is Pathankot, but considering the peak season time, we could not get confirmed tickets on any of those trains, so we chose the next best option, which was Jalandhar. You can also get down at Amritsar, visit the Golden Temple and other attractions, and then proceed to Himachal. Due to the ongoing war situation, flight tickets had soared too high, so we chose to travel by train instead. However, if you do want to go by flight, the nearest airport is Chandigarh.
Night halt: FabHotel Jalandhar Corporate Suites
| Cost (3 people) Rs. 2,190 | Duration 1 night | Verdict Basic — skip if possible |
It was a basic room with a not-so-clean washroom. The circular bed gave a slightly creepy air to the whole vibe. But since we had to spend less than 12 hours here and we were exhausted from 28 hours of train travel, we managed a good night’s sleep. That said, there are better hotels much closer to the railway station — I would suggest booking any of those instead.
Day 2 Jalandhar to Dharamshala & McLeod Ganj by Cab
By 9 am, we were ready to leave for the mountains — the temperature in Punjab was already over 40 degrees, and the hills were calling. We booked a cab through Savaari Car Rentals, which turned out to be cheaper than MakeMyTrip for the same route. If budget is a concern, buses do ply regularly from most cities in Punjab to Himachal Pradesh. However, hilly travel by bus was a strict no for our family.
| Cab service Savaari Car Rentals | Car Swift Dzire | Distance ~160 kms | Cost Rs. 3,750 |
Check-in: Lord Krishna Boutique Stay, McLeod Ganj (Days 2–5)
| Cost per night Rs. 3,500 (3 people) | Breakfast Not included | Location Mall Road, McLeod Ganj |
By 4 pm, we checked into Lord Krishna Boutique Stay, right on the Mall Road in McLeod Ganj. The room is beautiful, and the valley view is out of this world. For a budget stay in Dharamshala, it is a wonderful choice — local cafés and restaurants are a five-minute walk away. We stayed in room 301 and it had the dreamiest valley view, especially during sunrise and sunset. I will share a complete review in a dedicated blog on stay options in Dharamshala and the best cafes you must not miss while here.
→ Read: Best places to stay in Dharamshala & McLeod Ganj (2026)
Days 3 & 4 Exploring Dharamshala & McLeod Ganj on a Scooty
| Vehicle Activa Scooter | Cost Rs. 800 per day | Tip Inspect before hiring |
Hiring a scooter in Dharamshala gave us the freedom to explore the peaceful abode at our own pace — not bound by a taxi’s schedule. That said, pushing a scooter up and down the hills with three people is no easy feat. It did become a bit of a burden after a while. But once you get the hang of the curvy roads, it is manageable if you are a confident rider.
| IMPORTANT |
| Be thorough when inspecting a hired vehicle in Dharamshala or McLeod Ganj. Many scooters and bikes in the hills are not well-maintained, and the steep, winding roads of Himachal Pradesh are unforgiving. Always check the brakes and tyre condition before setting off. |
We explored quite a few places during our three-night stay — monasteries, tea gardens, the war memorial, Bhagsunath Waterfall, Dharamkot, and many more. Three days are enough to explore Dharamshala at a slow mountain pace.
→ Read: Places to visit in Dharamshala & McLeod Ganj in 2 days (2026)
Must-visit in Dharamshala & McLeod Ganj:
- Restaurants: The Tibet Kitchen, Ikigai
- Cafés: One Two Café, Coffee Talk
Day 5 Dharamshala to Dalhousie by Cab
| Distance ~120 kms | Car Alto (no AC) | Travel time ~6 hours | Cost Rs. 4,000 |
We booked a local taxi from the main taxi point in McLeod Ganj. We got a small Alto for the drive — comfy enough, though the lack of air conditioning made it a little uncomfortable on the rough stretches of road. It started raining on the way, too, which slowed things down considerably. But Dalhousie was worth every minute of that drive. The weather there was noticeably cooler and more pleasant than Dharamshala — dreamy, in every sense of the word.
Days 5–7 Dalhousie — Heaven Hills Resort & Sightseeing
Check-in: Hotel Heaven Hills, Dalhousie
| Cost per night Rs. 3,500 (3 people) | Breakfast Included | Walk to Mall Road ~10 minutes |
Like its name, the views from Heaven Hills Resort, Dalhousie, are heavenly. Cosy, comfortable, and premium — it was hard to believe we got the room at such a reasonable price. Most good resorts in Dalhousie are located 500 metres to 1 km from the Mall Road, and ours was no different. Ten minutes on foot and you are right in the thick of restaurants and activities.
| PRO TIP |
| Call the Heaven Hills owner directly to discuss your stay — they may offer a better tariff than what is listed online. |
→ Read: Heaven Hills Resort Dalhousie — Full Review (2026)
Day 6 — Exploring Dalhousie by cab.
| Cab cost Rs. 2,500 for the day | Places covered Khajjiar, Dainkund Peak, Beeji’s Park & more |
We hired a local taxi for our Dalhousie sightseeing day instead of a scooter — this was the last lap of our vacation, and we wanted to sit back and enjoy it. Our cab driver was a gem — humble, full of stories, and as knowledgeable as any tour guide. We covered Khajjiar (the mini-Switzerland of India), Dainkund Peak (Dalhousie’s highest point at 2,755 m), Beeji’s Park, and a few more beautiful spots in a single day.
→ Read: Places to visit in Dalhousie including Khajjiar (2026)
Must-visit restaurants in Dalhousie:
- Kwality Restaurant — great for non-vegetarians
- Vaishno Dhaba — excellent pure vegetarian food
Day 7 Dalhousie to Chamera Lake — Panchatatva Resort
| Cab to Chamera Lake Rs. 1,500 | Resort stay Rs. 5,000 (no breakfast) | Boat ride (to & fro) Rs. 600 per person |
The cherry on the cake of this entire trip — the Panchatatva Resort at Chamera Lake, Himachal Pradesh. Chamera Lake is a reservoir in the Chamba district of Himachal Pradesh, located about 30 kilometres from Dalhousie. What makes it truly special is this one-of-a-kind resort sitting right in the middle of the lake, accessible only by boat.
We took a boat ride to check in, spent a dreamy night there, and returned via boat the next morning. It is the kind of experience that stays with you long after the trip is over. If you are in Himachal Pradesh and anywhere near Dalhousie, this is one experience you should not miss. It might cost a little more, but what it offers is far beyond the price.
| Panchatatva Resort, Chamera Lake — quick reference Based on our first-hand stay, May 2026 |
| Location: Chamera Lake (Chamera Reservoir), Chamba district, Himachal Pradesh |
| Nearest town: Dalhousie, Himachal Pradesh (~30 kms) |
| Access: By cab from Dalhousie to the lake, then boat ride to the resort |
| Cab cost: Rs. 1,500 from Dalhousie |
| Boat ride: Rs. 600 per person each way |
| Stay cost: Rs. 5,000 per night, 3 people (no breakfast) |
| Best for: Families, couples, anyone looking for an offbeat stay in Himachal Pradesh |
→ Read: Panchatatva Resort Chamera Lake — Full Review (2026)
Day 8 Chamera Lake to Pathankot — Onward to Delhi
| Cab to Pathankot Rs. 3,000 | Train (3 people) Jammu Rajdhani, 3AC | Per person Rs. 1,047 | Delhi arrival 5:55 am, New Delhi |
After checking out of the most exotic stay of our Himachal trip, we had plenty of time before our 10 pm train from Pathankot Cantonment. We explored a few nearby spots before heading to Pathankot, reaching the station by 5 pm. The temperature was a punishing 40 degrees — and heads up — there are no AC waiting rooms at Pathankot Cantonment station, despite what AI tools might tell you.
| HEADS UP |
| Pathankot Cantonment railway station does not have AC waiting rooms. However, there is an AC coach restaurant right outside the station — a great place to wait out the heat with food and cold drinks before your train. |
Days 9–10 Delhi to Mumbai — The Tejas Rajdhani Express
| Train Tejas Rajdhani Express | From → To Hazrat Nizamuddin → Mumbai Central | Departure 5:15 pm | Per person / Total Rs. 3,177 / Rs. 9351 (3 AC) |
We boarded the Tejas Rajdhani Express from Hazrat Nizamuddin at 5:15 pm and arrived at Mumbai Central at 10:05 am the next morning. This train was noticeably better than the Golden Temple Mail we took on the way up — cleaner washrooms, better overall hygiene, and a much more comfortable experience.
We had opted for meals and hence, the moment we boarded in the evening, we were served breakfast, followed by dinner, and then breakfast again the next morning. The food was average, but the service was far superior. For a Rajdhani, the cost is on the higher side for a 3AC — but the experience justifies it.
Is a Himachal Pradesh family trip from Mumbai worth planning independently?
| DIRECT ANSWER |
| Yes, absolutely. Our entire 8-day Himachal Pradesh family trip from Mumbai was self-planned with no tour company — using IRCTC for train bookings and a bit of research to shortlist hotels and transport options. For a family of three, the total cost was approximately Rs. 55,000 covering trains, cabs, and stays across Dharamshala, McLeod Ganj, Dalhousie, and Chamera Lake. Planning independently saves money, gives flexibility, and is far more rewarding than a packaged tour. |
Complete Trip Budget — Himachal Pradesh Family Trip from Mumbai (3 People)
Here is a full breakdown of every major cost from our Himachal Pradesh trip. This covers transport, stays, and key activities. Meals and personal shopping are not included.
| Item | Cost (3 people) |
| Mumbai – Jalandhar train (Golden Temple Mail, 2AC) — Rs. 2,872 per person | Rs. 8,617 |
| FabHotel Jalandhar (1 night) | Rs. 2,190 |
| Jalandhar – Dharamshala cab (Savaari) | Rs. 3,750 |
| Lord Krishna Boutique Stay, McLeod Ganj (3 nights) | Rs. 10,500 |
| Scooter hire in Dharamshala (2 days) | Rs. 1,600 |
| Dharamshala – Dalhousie cab | Rs. 4,000 |
| Heaven Hills Resort, Dalhousie (2 nights, incl. breakfast) | Rs. 7,000 |
| Dalhousie sightseeing cab (Khajjiar, Dainkund Peak & more) | Rs. 2,500 |
| Dalhousie – Chamera Lake cab | Rs. 1,500 |
| Panchatatva Resort, Chamera Lake (1 night, no breakfast) | Rs. 5,000 |
| Boat ride to & from Panchatatva Resort (3 people) | Rs. 1,800 |
| Chamera Lake – Pathankot cab | Rs. 3,000 |
| Pathankot – Delhi train (Jammu Rajdhani, 3AC) — Rs. 1,047 per person | Rs. 3,141 |
| Delhi – Mumbai train (Tejas Rajdhani, 3AC) — Rs. 3,177 per person | Rs. 9,531 |
| Approximate Total (3 people) | Rs. 55,279 |
Final words
We planned this trip entirely on our own, and it turned out to be one of the most special family holidays we have had. Every stay offered stunning views, every cab driver had a story to tell, and Himachal Pradesh kept surprising us at every turn — from the valley views in McLeod Ganj to the lakeside magic of Panchatatva Resort at Chamera Lake.
This itinerary is for every family out there who thinks travelling long distances without a tour company is too complicated. It is not. With a little planning and the right information, it is absolutely doable — and so much more rewarding. I hope this itinerary and budget breakdown help you plan your perfect Himachal Pradesh trip from Mumbai.
If you have questions or need help planning, drop them in the comments — I am happy to help!
Verdict
If you’re looking for a budget-friendly family holiday from Mumbai that combines mountain views, local culture, scenic drives, and unique stays, this Dharamshala–Dalhousie itinerary is hard to beat. The trip is completely manageable without a tour package and offers excellent value for families who prefer travelling independently.
FAQ — Himachal Pradesh Family Trip from Mumbai by Train
Which train goes from Mumbai to Himachal Pradesh?
There is no direct train from Mumbai to Himachal Pradesh. One of the best routes is the Golden Temple Mail from Bandra Terminus (BDTS) to Jalandhar City (JUC) — approximately 28 hours. The 2AC class costs Rs. 2,872 per person. From Jalandhar, hire a cab to Dharamshala or McLeod Ganj (approximately 5 hours, 160 kms).
How much does a Himachal Pradesh trip from Mumbai cost for a family of 3?
For a family of three covering Dharamshala, McLeod Ganj, Dalhousie, and Chamera Lake over 8 days, the approximate cost is Rs. 55,000. This includes trains, intercity cabs, and hotel stays but excludes meals and shopping.
How many days are enough for a Himachal Pradesh trip from Mumbai?
A minimum of 8 days in Himachal Pradesh is ideal to cover Dharamshala, McLeod Ganj, Dalhousie, and Chamera Lake comfortably. Add 2 travel days for the train journey from Mumbai and back — making it a 10-day trip in total.
What is Panchatatva Resort at Chamera Lake?
Panchatatva Resort is a unique eco-resort located in the middle of Chamera Lake in Chamba district, Himachal Pradesh, near Dalhousie. It is accessible only by boat. Stay costs approximately Rs. 5,000 per night for three people. The boat ride costs Rs. 600 per person each way. It is one of my most memorable stay experiences in Himachal Pradesh.
What is the best time to visit Dharamshala and Dalhousie?
March to June and September to November are the best months. May is a great time as the plains are very hot and the hills of Himachal Pradesh offer cool, pleasant weather — ideal for families with kids.
What are the must-visit places in Dalhousie, Himachal Pradesh?
Khajjiar (the mini-Switzerland of India), Dainkund Peak, and Beeji’s Park are must-visits. For food, Kwality Restaurant is great for non-vegetarians and Vaishno Dhaba for vegetarian food. And if you are near Dalhousie, do not miss the Panchatatva Resort at Chamera Lake for a night.
I travelled to Himachal Pradesh in May 2026 with my family. This itinerary is entirely based on our personal, first-hand experience. All costs mentioned are actual costs paid during the trip.
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