Rishikesh to Dharamsala: budget, distance & time

Fastest Way: The quickest and safest way to reach Dharamsala from Rishikesh is by flights, but it depends on the availability of flights between Rishikesh and Dharamsala. There are only connecting flights from Rishikesh to Dharamsala via IGI Airport in New Delhi.

• Flight is best way from Rishikesh to Dharamsala.

Second Fastest Way:  Traveling by private car from Rishikesh to Dharamsala takes approximately 10-12 hours. The journey covers a distance of about 500 km, with zig-zag scenic roads through the Himalayas all the way from Rishikesh.

By Road: Rishikesh to Dharamsala

Rishikesh to Dharamsala by Bus:

• Direct tourist buses run between Rishikesh and Dharamsala at night. The buses leave around 5:30 PM and arrive around 5:30 AM, with two stops for washrooms and refreshments. Easy Ride provides this service.

Rishikesh to Dharamsala by Flight:

• There are no direct flights from Rishikesh. First, you need to travel to New Delhi International Airport , then take a connecting flight to Gaggal Airport (Kangra Airport) in Dharamsala.

By Train: Rishikesh to Dharamsala

Safe and Economical Way:

Traveling by train is a safe and economical option. There are two daily trains:

Now these trains are suspended but you can check online if they resumes 

1. 14609 Hemkunt Express: Departs from Haridwar Railway Station (Station Code: HW) at 5:50 PM and reaches Chakki Bank Railway Station (Station Code: CHBK) around 2:15 AM.
2. 13151 Kolkata Chitpur – Jammu Tawi Express: Departs from Haridwar at 8:00 PM and reaches Chakki Bank Railway Station around 5:00 AM.

How to Reach Dharamsala from Chakki Bank Railway Station:

Take a public bus or private vehicle, which takes almost 4-5 hours to cover the 90 km distance to Dharamsala. Alternatively, you can hire a taxi from Chakki Bank Railway Station (Station Code: CHBK).

• From Chakki Bank Railway Station, Dharamsala is about 90 km away, which requires 3-4 hours by public bus or a private car.
• Another option to reach Dharamsala is by train. First, take a train from Rishikesh or Haridwar to New Delhi. From New Delhi, take a train to Pathankot. After reaching Pathankot, use public or private transport to get to Dharamsala.

Suggested Read: Mcleod Ganj Dharamsala: “Into the Land of the Dalai Lama“

Rishikesh to Mcleodganj

There is a direct bus from Rishikesh bus station to McLeodganj, operated by Gurudev Travels. You can book it online. The bus runs every second day, departing at 4 PM and arriving at 6:30 AM. It has reclining seats but isn’t a sleeper. The ticket costs 1500 INR, and you can book it on Makemytrip.

Alternatively, you can take a train to Chakki Bank or Pathankot. If you arrive before the government buses start, which costs about 150 INR and takes under 2 hours, you can share a small car taxi with 3-4 others for 500 INR each to McLeod Ganj, but you will need to negotiate hard.

How to Reach Haridwar from Rishikesh:

To get to Haridwar Railway Station from Rishikesh, you can take a public bus or private transport, which takes 1 hour to cover the 25 km distance.

FAQ:

• Is safe for Female Solo Traveller?: We advise taking a private car or flight to reach Dharamsala from Rishikesh.
• Is it safe to travel to Dharamshala Now: Dharamshala is the safe to travel. It opens year around for tourists
• Distance between Dharamshala and Mcleodganj: The distance between Dharamshala and Mcleodganj is 5 km by road
• Best way from Rishikesh to Dharamsala: The best option to take a private car from Rishikesh to Dharamsala.
• Kangra to Dharamshala taxi fare: It is approx. INR 1000 – 1200 and the price depends upon season and type of taxi available.