One of the main things I enjoyed the most when I was in Himachal Pradesh was driving across the beautiful hills, enjoying the majestic Himalayan ranges. Honestly speaking, I cannot imagine a better way to explore these picturesque valleys than a good trek up the hills. Hence, while my husband and I were visiting the hill station of Dalhousie with friends, we decided to do a one-day trek to the Dainkund Peak, which is one of the highest points in Dalhousie.
Related post: Why you should visit the beautiful hill station of Dalhousie
Dainkund Peak
The Dainkund Peak also called “Singing Hills” is at a height of 2755 meters and is a fairly easy trek of about 1.5 kilometers distance to the top. The trail begins near the Indian Air Force Base, which is a good half hour drive from Dalhousie town. Although we intended to start our trek early during the day to avoid the harsh sun rays, we barely managed to start the journey mid-morning. Luckily, it was a gorgeous day in the hills with the sun shining brightly behind beautiful white clouds and cool breeze washing our faces as we started our trek.
The trail is actually a path to Pohlani Mata Temple that is located on the top of the peak. The first few minutes of the walk was more like an outdoor cardio for me, as there were stone steps leading to the top of the trail. It will be a pain if one is not used to climbing stairs and also the high altitude makes it a little bit difficult to breathe while climbing. We took several short water and photo breaks to enjoy the beautiful vistas along the way.
Once you reach the top of the stairs, the trail is a normal mud path making it a bit easier for regular temple visitors. What I love about the trail is that there are several benches and gazebos on the way to the peak, which is really needed for people to rest between the walk or maybe to enjoy the view. Once we started walking down the mud path, my excitement rose to a whole new level as we were greeted with lush greenery all around. As it was a clear day, we could also catch a glimpse of the snow clad mountains at a distance.
The tall deodar trees alongside the pretty white flowers were a sight to behold as we made our way to the peak. We also came across the Pahadis (local people) climbing the hills through an unseen track with their cattle herd. It is really amazing to watch these people climb up and down the mountains every day, working so hard and living such a rustic life.
After walking for a few minutes, we could spot the temple from far away and I was happy to realize that we finally are closer to the peak. I was totally bowled over by the stunning view in front of me. The lush green landscape of the majestic hills of the Chamba valley rolling miles away, with the mountain wind singing a melodious song to you. It is no wonder Dainkund is also called as the ‘Singing Hills of India’. We quickly moved on towards the temple, which was bustling with devotees resting their feet after the long walk.
The Mataji temple was very quaint with goddess idol placed inside a small structure and a Pandit was performing the rituals. There several trishuls (tridents) placed on the side and the whole scenario with the stunning mountains on the backdrop looked surreal. After offering our prayers to the goddess we decided to explore the further and walked behind the temple premises. There is also a statue of a goddess on the hilltop next to the temple, however, visitors are prohibited from climbing the hill. We walked further for a few minutes following the trail, but after realizing that it was just taking us around the hills, we decided to quit and made our way to back to the temple. After all the walking we did, I was starving and lucky for us there were a couple of eateries around the temple. We relished on some piping hot Maggi and hot tea enjoying the stunning view and resting our tired legs. After savoring on the gorgeous hills to our heart’s content, we climbed down the peak late noon and drove back to Dalhousie town.
The trek to Dainkund is not a rigorous one but a fairly easy and fun trek and I highly recommend it to everyone who is visiting Dalhousie as this will be one of the best ways to have an up-close look at the gorgeous hills of the Chamba Valley.
Awesome place
Beautiful place…and great pictures
Wonderful place and pictures.
Amazing place. Thanks for all pics, Awesome.
Thank you :).
Loved your pics, awesome. Nice place, I been to Dalhousie but it seems that I missed such a beautiful place 🙂
Thank you Sapna. Yes, if you happen to visit Dalhousie again in future do plan a trek to the peak :).
Beautiful place. Nice photos!!
Thank you Aravind.
Looks like an amazing place to visit. So serene and great views from the hiking trails.
That’s the beauty of Himachal velleys :).
You seem very happy! Great pics
Thank you Denise.
I had no idea that the Dainkund Peak looked so beautiful, although my cousin keeps raving about it. The lush green backdrop, the fresh air and the views from the vantage point – everything looks worth the hype. I must plan a visit there soon. Cheers!!
Yes, please do! It is absolutely stunning, the pictures can’t do justice to this beauty.
lovely pics. amazing place.
Thank you.
Dainkund Peak looks absolutely heavenly! Your article makes me want to take a trip there in the future… Cool pictures by the way! 🙂
Thank you for the love Nasreen :).
These pictures looks stunning. The views from there are breathtaking and al this without having a too difficult hike. That´s awesome.
Thank you Pia :).
I never thought Dalhousie has such charming peaks and beauty all around. I am planning to head there some winter. Will it be possible to explore around like this then?
Hey Neha, I’m not really sure. Some of the locals mentioned that the trail is covered with snow during winters, can’t really say if its open or not.
Love the nature!! 🙂
x finja ~ http://www.effcaa.com
Thank you Finja 🙂
I know it was a difficult trek but those views are definitely such a relief. I would probably do what you did as well- stopping every once in a while to rest and take in the views. Those views do not happen so often in the lives of city dwellers, like myself. It’s just amazing to behold and I think you made a good call on taking this trek!
Thank you Abigail, city dwellers like us need occasional breaks like this to rejuvenate and relax.
The landscape here is absolutely breathtaking! I would love to hike through these trails, being right at home beside nature! Its always good when there is something at the top of the hills to keep pushing you to never stop haha! Such a great reward! Nice read.
Thank you, David. The view waiting for us on top is what kept us going.
I always enjoy adding a bit of exercise and adventure into a holiday and trekking is a great way to explore the natural surroundings. Dalhousie is still a wonderful place to visit and the views from up top of Daikund peak look spectacular. And i’m guessing that’s hot Maggie, which is quintessential mountain food I guess.
Yep, it;s Maggie the Himachal favorite :).
Those singing hills look so beautiful, I’m sure the photos don’t do them justice! I thought this was the Alps for a moment, so was surprised! I’ve never been to India, but this place looks like one to bookmark for if I ever visit!
Yes Lisa, it is even more stunning in reality.
Oh, my goodness the views are spectacular!! We always travel with the kids and the older they get (now 11 and 13) the more hiking we can do! This is most definitely on the list when we get a chance to visit India. That list is really getting long, too, what a wonderfully colorful place!
We are sure you guys will enjoy the trek :).
That view is stunning! Love that it’s actually an easy walk when you would think you’d have to climb forever to get those views. I would never have thought this was India!
Thank you Sonja.
Beautiful pictures! I too had trekked to Dainkund Peak but it was in February! It was fully covered in snow! Love these green surrounding pictures!
Oh, wow snow covered peak must have been a magical experience.
Those views are definitely worth the difficulty of the trek! Stunning scenery that reminds me a bit of middle Europe like Australia and Switzerland. I wouldnt guess this was India at all.
Thank you Jo, it is even more gorgeous up close.
The trek path is scenic and with gorgeous views.
Amazing how faith and devotion exists so high above. Excellent pictures. Never seen so many trishuls together.
The Trishuls are like the highlight of the temple and it looks stunning. It is really over whelming to watch both young and old devotees do the trek to visit the temple.
You almost got lost in those white flowers!
Hahaha, thank you Mridula :).
Such an inviting trek in the lap of nature. Glad to know they have benches in place as well. Stunning pictures and so well complemented with the narration!
Thank you very much Arti
Hiking in Himalayas is my dream! Dainkund Peak seems so lovely! Looks like you had a wonderful time! The views are amazing, am so jealous! 🙂 Beautiful photos !
Thank you Ada! Hope your dream comes true soon :).
Wow, these mountain views are just amazing! Looks like it was a challenging trek but it definitely worths the effort. The temple at the top of the peak is also nice.
Thank you Lusine! The trek wasn’t really hard just took a little more effort to climb the steps :).
Not a long trek, beautiful view, I think no doubt this can be done by everyone. 😀 I would love to go there!
Yep, young and old both hike up the mountain to enjoy the view.
After reading your blog post, I definitely need to go there! You took such amazing pictures of the scenery as well as capturing all the small details of what this Himalayan town has to offer! My favorite though out of all the places you listed has to be The Trishuls Temple, just mind blowing!
Ah yes, the trishuls are my favourite too!
The pictures look so warm with the strong blue sky, beautiful and colorful. A trek in this weather and views is perfect. It’s hard to believe there are snow capped mountains in that weather.
Yea, the summers had just begun there so we were lucky enough to have look at the snow capped peaks.
I am planning in July. Will I get the same greenery. In which month did you go?
I visited during mid June, so I’m assuming it will be something similar during July as well. However it might be rain.