If you are in Dalhousie, another must visit place will be a walk in the Kalatop Forest.

Kalatop is a dense forest filled with Deodar and Pine trees. Mysterious as its name, from far off it seems united, it can be followed, described, but closer it begins to separate, to break into light and shadow, can blind you with its beauty and pulls you deep into it. Within there is no form, only prodigious detail that reaches everywhere: exotic sounds, spills of sunlight, foliage, fallen trees, small beasts that flee at the sound of a twig-snap, insects, silence, flowers.

How to get to Kalatop- Take a local bus from Dalhousie and get down at Lakkar Mandi. You will see a board that will direct you to Kalatop Forest. It is 6kms walk in the beautiful forest, and every sec you walk it will be worth it. There is a paved path that will take you right upto the Kalatop Guest house. Alternate option is to enter the forest via car, you can take car upto rest house. Without a doubt, I will always say Walk Walk Walk (if you are reasonably fit).

Best Season– June- September. This is the touristy season too. Nov- Dec is quiet and not so cold. Once snowfall starts, it will be closed to tourists.

This walk is fairly simple and you can hire a guide to learn more about this Forest. We did hire a guide for our walk, he took us through some of the interiors of the forest and it was totally worth it. It is a good idea to spend a night in the cottages at to,p to get the experience of night in a forest.

Once you reach at the top there is a small café serving noodles, tea, eggs, cold drinks.

Cruise through the forest, relax and breathe in some fresh air.