Some places announce themselves loudly, with crowds, cafés, and camera clicks. Others reveal their magic slowly. Dainkund belongs to the second kind. Long before you reach the top, you start to notice something unusual. The trees seem restless, and the air moves differently. And then, somewhere between the forest trail and the open ridge, you hear it, a low, continuous hum, as if the mountain itself is breathing.Welcome to Dainkund, the highest point in Dalhousie and one of the most fascinating natural spots in Himachal Pradesh. Locals call it the “Singing Hills”, a name that feels poetic until you experience it yourself, and realise it’s surprisingly literal. Where the wind finds its voice: Reaching an altitude of 2,755 m above sea level, Dainkund is vulnerable to strong mountain winds that come and go unfettered on its slopes. With the passage of these mountain winds through deodar trees and grassland, a profound and rhythmic sound is produced. This sound is not sharp but an ever-present element, such as background music.
Unlike many viewpoints in Dalhousie, Dainkund isn’t about ticking off a sightseeing list. People linger here. They walk slowly, sit longer, and speak less. The atmosphere encourages it. Views that remind you how small the world is: As the highest point in the region of Dalhousie, a very wide landscape can be enjoyed at Dainkund Peak. At this point, on a clear day, the views include many valley forests, mountain ranges, and even plains lying many miles below. Among the most beautiful landscapes that can be enjoyed at this spot is the shining Khajjiar Lake, like a mirror. During summer, the hills are lush and green, whereas in winters, the peak usually wears a quiet layer of snow, thereby making the song of wind even more dramatic. The early morning and late afternoon time is especially atmospheric when light and sound seem perfectly balanced.Read more: From Assam and West Bengal to the South and West: Find out all about the recently announced Amrit Bharat Express routesThe calm presence of Pholani Devi: At the summit stands the modest Pholani Devi Temple. It isn’t grand or ornate, but its setting gives it a powerful presence. Surrounded by open skies and uninterrupted wind, the temple feels less like a structure and more like a pause—a place where travellers naturally slow down.Locals visit regularly to offer prayers, while visitors often stop here quietly, taking in the stillness before beginning the descent. Getting there: an easy walk with big rewards
The trek normally starts from Lakkadmandi, about 7 kms. from Dalhousie town. A drive of about 20 minutes brings you to this tranquil starting point at an altitude of approximately 2,500 ft. above sea level. The trek onwards is small and easy and can be managed even without any prior trekking experience. The trail winds through dense deodar forests, opening occasionally to reveal glimpses of the valley below. Small tea stalls near the starting point make for a comforting stop—especially when the mountain air turns crisp. Read more: 5 cheapest countries Indians can travel to right nowWhat else to explore nearby Dainkund can easily be coupled with the other nature-lover destinations available around the region. In fact, there is the Kalatop Wildlife Sanctuary that is just 10 kilometers away, famous for its peaceful nature walks and diverse bird species.A ride through Bakrota Hills, approx. 15 kilometers from Dainkund, takes you through breathtaking views of snow-clad peaks and serpentine mountain roads, which is among the most picturesque drives that Dalhousie provides. Dainkund doesn’t try to impress or show off. It lets the wind do the talking. And for travellers willing to listen, the Singing Hills leave behind a memory that’s less about photographs—and more about feeling.
