Dainkund Peak, also known as the Singing Hill, is the highest mountain peak in Dalhousie, a hill station in Himachal Pradesh, India. Dainkund Peak is perched at an altitude of 2755 meters above sea level and offers a 360-degree view of the stunning valleys and mountains of the Himalayan region. Dainkund Peak is also a popular place for trekking, camping and picnic in Dalhousie. Dainkund Peak is a must-visit destination for anyone who wants to experience the charm and beauty of Dalhousie. Visit during One day Dalhousie local Sightseeing package – Famous Visiting Place
Location of Dainkund Peak
Dainkund Peak is located about 17 km away from Dalhousie Bus Stand, which is about 350 km away from Chandigarh, the nearest major city. The Peak is easily accessible by road, rail and air from various parts of India. The nearest airport is Pathankot Airport, which is about 85 km away from Dalhousie. The nearest railway station is Pathankot Railway Station, which is about 80 km away from Dalhousie. There are also regular bus services to Dalhousie from Chandigarh, Delhi, Amritsar and other cities.
Timing/Entry Fees Dainkund Peak
Dainkund Peak is open for visitors from 10:00 am to 5:00 pm every day. There is no entry fee for visiting The Peak, but there are charges for parking and photography. The parking charge is Rs. 10 per vehicle, and the photography charge is Rs. 50 per camera.
How to Reach Dainkund Peak
Dainkund Peak can be reached by road from various parts of Dalhousie and nearby towns. There are auto rickshaws and taxis available for hire from the bus stand and other places. Alternatively, one can walk or cycle to The Peak from nearby areas.
Things to Do/Must See Dainkund Peak
There are many things to do and see at Dainkund Peak, such as:
- Sightseeing: The main attraction of Dainkund Peak is sightseeing for the scenic and panoramic view of the valleys and mountains of the Himalayan region. The Peak also offers a clear view of the flow of the rivers Ravi, Chenab and Beas at the base. One can enjoy the natural beauty and freshness of The Peak in any season.
- Trekking: Dainkund Peak is also a famous place for trekking in Dalhousie. The trek to The Peak starts from Lakkar Mandi, which is about 6 km away from The Peak. The trek is about 3 km long, of which the first km is very steep, but safe as the path is made of wide concrete steps. The trek offers a thrilling and adventurous experience, with great views and cool mountain air.
- Camping: Dainkund Peak is also a place for camping in Dalhousie. One can pitch a tent at the top of The Peak and spend a night under the stars. Camping at The Peak is a wonderful way to enjoy the solitude and serenity of nature.
- Picnic: Dainkund Peak is also a place for picnic in Dalhousie. One can carry some snacks and beverages and have a fun-filled time with family and friends at The Peak. Picnic at The Peak is a perfect way to relax and rejuvenate in the midst of nature.
- Visiting Pholani Devi Temple: The Peak also has a Hindu temple dedicated to Pholani Devi, who is believed to be the local goddess of the area. The temple is situated at the top of The Peak and has a unique feature that there is nothing inside the temple premises except a trident. The temple is a place of great importance for the locals and visitors alike.
Nearby Tourist Attractions Dainkund Peak
There are many other tourist attractions near Dainkund Peak that are worth visiting, such as:
- Khajjiar Lake: This is a beautiful lake surrounded by green meadows and pine forests in Khajjiar, which is about 4 km away from The Peak. Khajjiar Lake is also known as the Mini Switzerland of India because of its resemblance to Switzerland’s topography.
- Kalatop Wildlife Sanctuary: This is a wildlife sanctuary that covers an area of about 30 sq km in Kalatop, which is about 4 km away from Dainkund Peak. Kalatop Wildlife Sanctuary is home to a variety of flora and fauna, such as deodar, oak and pine trees, and leopard, bear, deer, langur and many more.
- Ganji Pahari: This is a bald hill that offers a splendid view of the snow-capped mountains and valleys in Bakrota, which is about 3 km away from The Peak. Ganji Pahari is also a place for trekking and hiking in Dalhousie.
Significance of Dainkund Peak
Dainkund Peak is not only a tourist attraction, but also a source of delight and joy for the people of Dalhousie. It is a place that celebrates the spirit and culture of the hill town. It is also a place that reflects the diversity and harmony of Dalhousie, as it has people of different religions, such as Hinduism, Buddhism and Sikhism, who visit and worship here. It is also a place that preserves the ecological and biological heritage of Dalhousie, as it has plants and animals that are endemic to the Himalayan region.
FAQ
Q: How big is Dainkund Peak?
A: The Peak has a diameter of about 100 meters.
Q: How old is Dainkund Peak?
A: The Peak is said to have been derived from Dain – Kund, which means Lake of the Witches. It is believed that in old days this mountain was the residence of witches.
Q: What is the best time to visit Dainkund Peak?
A: The Peak can be visited throughout the year, as the climate is pleasant and cool. However, the best time to visit The Peak is from April to June and from September to November, when the weather is clear and sunny, and the plants and animals are more active and visible.
Conclusion
Dainkund Peak is a must-visit destination for anyone who wants to experience the charm and beauty of Dalhousie. It is a place where one can sightsee, trek, camp, picnic and visit in a scenic and serene atmosphere. It is a place where one can enjoy the views of nature while listening to the music of the wind. It is a place where one can experience the glory and spirit of Dalhousie.
