How to reach Sach Pass from Delhi, Chandigarh or Pathankot

Sach Pass is reached from Chamba, so the real question is how to get to Chamba. The nearest railway station and airport are both at Pathankot, about 120 km away. Kangra (Gaggal) airport is about 150 km. From Chamba it's about 90 km to Bairagarh, at the foot of the climb, and 120 km to the top.

Stay before the climbHotel Diwan Sachpass, BairagarhOpen all year · get the front desk's number

Why is the question really “how do I get to Chamba”?

Because every route to the Chamba side of Sach Pass goes through Chamba town. From there the road follows the valley up through Tissa to Bairagarh, the last village before the climb. Our Chamba to Killar guide covers that road stop by stop. This post is about getting to its start.

By train: is Pathankot the nearest station?

Yes. Himachal Tourism lists Pathankot as Chamba’s nearest railhead, about 120 km away. Depending on the train, you’ll arrive at Pathankot Cantt, Pathankot Junction or nearby Chakki Bank. Check your ticket, because they’re a few kilometres apart.

From Pathankot to Chamba, the choices are a taxi or an HRTC or private bus. HPTDC, the state tourism corporation, describes the drive as about three and a half hours. If you arrive in the afternoon, sleep in Chamba or Dalhousie rather than pushing on to Bairagarh in the dark.

By air: Pathankot or Kangra?

There are two options, both small regional airports:

• Pathankot airport, about 120 km from Chamba according to Himachal Tourism.
• Kangra airport at Gaggal, near Dharamshala, about 150 km from Chamba.

Compare flights to both. Either way, it’s a long taxi ride on to Chamba and the pass.

By road from Delhi or Chandigarh?

Most people drive or take an overnight bus to Pathankot or Dalhousie, then go on to Chamba. A 2019 group of riders left Delhi at 4 am and reached Dalhousie, through Ambala, Ludhiana and Pathankot, just before dark. They took the next day to reach Tissa, via Khajjiar.

Himachal Tourism says public and private buses run from Chamba to Delhi, Chandigarh, Shimla and other towns, so there are direct buses the other way too. Check HRTC’s online booking for the current departures.

From Chamba to the foot of the climb

• Chamba to Bairagarh: about 90 km, mostly paved. Allow a good part of the day, with stops.
• Bairagarh to the top: about 30 km of rough road, usually 2–3 hours.

In season, HRTC’s direct Chamba–Killar bus leaves Chamba at 5 am and crosses the pass.

How should you split the journey?

A plan that works, and gives your body time to adjust (see altitude sickness on Sach Pass):

1. Day 1: reach Pathankot, Dalhousie or Chamba, and sleep.
2. Day 2: Chamba to Bairagarh, with time to stop at Tissa for supplies. Fill the tank fully at Bairagarh, the last petrol pump before the pass.
3. Day 3: over the top at first light, then on to Killar or back down.

If you only want to see the top and come back, read can you do Sach Pass as a day trip? before you plan it from Dalhousie.