Kangra-Pathankot by train

We are going to Dharamsala in June, and since we've heard a lot about the scenic Kangra railway, we want to return to Delhi that way. How does one book the train from Kangra to Pathankot? Does the train still run? Any idea about the timings? We have to decide on which train to book from Pathankot-Delhi. I suppose the one around 9 PM should a safe choice?

Looking forward to any responses. Thank you

There was a Delux train called Kangra Queen running in this route but I am not sure about its present status.

However, you can take the local passenger trains on this route. No bookings required.


regards,

Bhaswaran

There is a booking office in Dharamsala,i think it's next to The State Bank Of India, if you ask at the tourist office in Mcleod they will point you in the right direction.
I don't want to put you off, but i caught the train from Pathankot to Kangra last year & wasn't over impressed & it took a Loooong five & a half hours.I've been on the Shimla toy train 3 times & the Ooty one once & the Pathankot to Kangra route does not compare. I think the most scenic route is from Palampur or Kangra to Jogindernagar. Have you considered doing it this way instead? From Jogindernagar you could then take a bus/taxi to Mandi, spend a night at the Heritage Hotel Raj Mahal owned & run by the Royal family of Mandi, from here you could take a bus to Shimla the next day, overnight in Shimla then toy train to Kalka & change for Chandigarh to Delhi. KK

Kullukid is ver much right. The actual scenic beauty of this route after you leave Kangra and move towards Palampur and beyond, with the mightly snow-capped Dhauladhar ranges watching you all the way as you chug through the lush green farmlands and pockets of Himachali villages. Enjoy that way as suggested by Kullukid.

regards,

Bhaswaran

I just returned from that part of India. The train is definitely worth a trip, although it is very much a working service as opposed to a tourist service and gets very full and uncomfortable - think of it as a bus on tracks.

There's an exisisting thread here with details of train times (bottom of post #6).

Thank you all very much for your advice, I'll consider all of it before deciding on the return journey .

A bit of a problem's come up now, tho... and I'm not sure if the trip will be possible at all .

I'd much appreciate it if those familiar with Dharamsala, and it's weather, could have a look at this thread:

http://www.indiamike.com/india/himachal-pradesh-f29/june-weather-in-dharamsala-t39227/#post345743

can't we reserve a seat beforehand? say from pathankot to Baijnath and return by road visiting few places en route??
please enlighten!! if there is no facility to reserve seats, then it's terrible and really hell with no proper space and what about views and photographs!!
what is the alternative if we cannot reserve? Will it be possible to get seat if we reach station before time say by what time to wait for train to arrive on the platform leaving pathankot (dep. 0240; 1PBJ train)??
please reply to this.. as it's the matter of whether to opt for the train or not.. does train offer any enhanced views than by road journey??? because i am not the first time toy train traveler.

thanks in advance...

You can not reserve tickets on the Pathankot - Joginder Nagar route as the entire train is an unreserved train.

dear aaroshji, will u recommend 0240 departing train? BUT i should not miss any good views!!! Can road travel replace train views???

also please respond to this post sir - Jammu, Kashmir & Kangra valley tour - 2010

thanks a llot for your quick response

As per Kullukid, in the post above, the scenic route starts after Kangra which would be after 6:30 am or if you take the next train in the afternoon after 2:00 pm. The views by train and road would be different except for a few places.

When I replied to you query it (your query), was not complete.

thank you aaroshji..