Pong Dam, Khatiyar

To read the previous blog on Day 05: Kangra, click here.

Day 5: Pong Dam, Khatiyar

We checked in HPTDC- Maharana Pratap Sagar camping Site and Cafe in Khatiyar (Pong Dam) in the afternoon. This is a very beautiful pet friendly property. This is not a lavish resort. But they will provide all the basic amenities at very reasonable tariff. The cleanliness, hygiene and maintainance is top notch. The resort is located right next to pong dam and a permanently closed water sports institute. there is lots of open space for pets. There are two grown indies and 4-5 puppies staying in the resort. The tulsi vrindavan in the garden and the daily evening pooja give a homely vibe to the resort. We booked this resort directly through the official website of HPTDC. The staff is extremely helpful. The food is freshly cooked. If you’re planning a visit to this resort, consider bringing along some dog food for the friendly indie dogs that call this place home.
This resort is situated close to the water, offering easy access to the waterfront. You can either take the trail in front of the old complex or use the staircase near the water sports area. The views are breathtaking, especially from the huts which offer a direct sightline to the lake. The entire area is well-maintained and clean. I’d recommend staying here for 1–2 nights if you’re looking for a peaceful getaway. There’s car parking available, and the rooms are wheelchair-accessible.

HPTDC- Maharana Pratap Sagar Camping Site and Cafe, Khatiyar.

After having an afternoon nap, we went walking towards the Pong Dam backwaters. Pong Dam, set amidst the scenic beauty of Himachal Pradesh’s Kangra Valley, is a peaceful and captivating getaway that provides a perfect retreat into nature. Ideal for those looking for relaxation, adventure, or a deeper connection with the outdoors, this destination truly has something for every kind of traveler.

After watching the beautiful sunset while boating, we climbed on hillock to get panoramic views of the backwaters. One of the indie dogs of the resort was enjoying the breeze with us.

After coming back from the Dam, I spent the entire evening with the indie puppies in the lawn of the resort.

Day 06: Pong Dam, Khatiyar.

The next day started with an early morning breakfast at HPTDC- Maharana Pratap Sagar camping Site and Cafe. We checked out from this property after breakfast and started the journey to Bathu ki Ladi temples. The entire route is through a dried up dam. There is no tar road. One has to drive through a path full of small boulders. After driving through the dried up dam for an hour we reached the entry of Pong Dam wildlife sanctuary. Before entering the area, visitors are now required to stop at a booth and pay an entry fee of ₹130. However, despite the charge, the site lacks basic infrastructure—there are no proper roads, food stalls, signboards, or lights. So, while it’s a great spot for a daytime picnic, it’s best to avoid going late in the evening or alone. These temples are only accessible during the dry season, as they remain submerged throughout the rains.

The Bathu ki Ladi temples

The Bathu ki Ladi temples, rising from the pristine waters of the Pong Reservoir in Himachal Pradesh, offer a magical sight every summer. Submerged during the monsoons and re-emerging each year, these ancient structures remain remarkably untouched—a true seasonal miracle. As the sun sets behind the Dhauladhar range, the reflection of the temples against the shimmering lake creates an unforgettable view.

Legend links this site to the Mahabharata, with locals believing the temples were built by the Pandavas using local limestone and Bathu stone. One popular tale suggests the Pandavas attempted to build a stairway to heaven at the Masroor Rock Temples, but after being stopped by Lord Indra, they succeeded here at Bathu. A staircase, still standing, leads to the highest point of the complex and is said to be part of this celestial endeavor. The central shrine is dedicated to Lord Shiva, and its mythological and historical significance adds to the spiritual atmosphere.

After exploring Bathu ki Ladi temples, we went back to HPTDC- Maharana Pratap Sagar camping Site and Cafe for lunch.

Lunch at HPTDC Maharana Pratap camping site and Cafe, Khatiyar.

After lunch we started the journey to Anandpur Sahib in Punjab. We reached Anandpur Sahib in the evening and checked into Hotel Temple View Inn. After resting for a while, went walking to Khalsa Punjabi Dhaba for dinner. On the way we came across Arora Fashion Palace where we purchased a lot of wedding clothes at very cheap rates. This entire neighbourhood has very narrow lanes. So we chose to go walking for shopping as well as dinner. At some places, there are signages mentioning that cars cannot go beyond this point.

To read the next blog on Day 07: Anandpur Sahib, click here.