The short answer
Chamba and the Gabbar Singh Negi fair: what visitors should know first
Useful rather than spectacular. Chamba is where you will probably pass through, buy supplies and stop for tea. If you are in the area on 20 or 21 April, the Gabbar Singh Negi fair is a genuine local occasion worth seeing.
History and context
The story behind Chamba and the Gabbar Singh Negi fair
Gabbar Singh Negi was born on 21 April 1895 at Manjaur village near Chamba. He joined the 2nd Battalion of the Garhwal Rifles in October 1913 and was killed on 10 March 1915 at the Battle of Neuve Chapelle, France. He received the Victoria Cross posthumously, with the citation published in April 1915.
A fair in his memory has been held at Chamba on 20 or 21 April since 1925, and features a recruitment rally, stalls and army bands.
Useful facts
Chamba and the Gabbar Singh Negi fair facts at a glance
- Location
- Road junction town, Tehri Garhwal district
- Experience type
- Market stop and annual fair
- Altitude
- About 1,500-1,600 m (sources differ)
- Known for
- Junction of Rishikesh, Mussoorie and Tehri roads
- Fair
- Gabbar Singh Negi fair, 20 or 21 April
Why it matters
Why Chamba and the Gabbar Singh Negi fair is worth your time
Chamba sits at a road junction linking Mussoorie and Rishikesh with the Tehri reservoir and New Tehri, which is why it appears in almost every itinerary in the area. At roughly 1,500-1,600 m, it is warmer than Kanatal and a convenient place to adjust before the climb.
It also holds a quiet piece of history. Rifleman Gabbar Singh Negi, born in the nearby village of Manjaur, was awarded the Victoria Cross for his action at Neuve Chapelle in France in March 1915. Descendants have organised a fair at Chamba in his memory since 1925, which shows how deeply the Garhwal Rifles are woven into local identity.
Highlights
What not to miss
- 01
The road junction
Everything in the area is reached through here, so it is a good place for supplies.
- 02
The April fair
A local gathering with army bands, stalls and a recruitment rally.
- 03
Gabbar Singh Negi story
A short history lesson on the Victoria Cross winner born nearby.
Plan your visit
How to experience it
Chamba is a working town, so approach it as a stop and a lookout. Park near the main junction, walk a short stretch of the market for tea, fruit and basic supplies, and take in the views of ridges and the reservoir country beyond. It also serves as the practical gateway to Kanatal, Dhanaulti and New Tehri.
If you are here around 20 or 21 April, plan to see the fair held in memory of Gabbar Singh Negi, the local-born Victoria Cross recipient. It includes army bands, stalls and a recruitment rally. Go in the morning, wear sunscreen and expect crowds and loud music.
Avoid trying to see the town hurriedly. A cup of tea, a look at the market and a short pause at the viewpoints is enough; save energy for the forest and lake.
Plan with confidence
Small decisions that make the visit easier.
- Refuel and stock up here before the climb to Kanatal
- Check the exact fair dates locally
- Go early on fair days; crowds build quickly
- Keep valuables secure in busy stretches
Know before you go
Timing, access and comfort
- Area
- Chamba, Tehri Garhwal district, on the Rishikesh-Mussoorie-Tehri road junction
- Time needed
- 30-90 minutes as a stop; half a day for the fair
- Best time
- 20-21 April for the fair; otherwise any clear day
- Walking level
- Easy
- Senior comfort
- Mostly level pavement along the main road with plenty of shops and tea stalls to sit at. The fair is crowded, so choose quieter hours and keep pace slow.
- Tickets and access
- No entry fee for the town. The fair is a public event, usually held on 20 or 21 April, but programmes vary; confirm dates locally.
Best for
Plan it with
Plan the practical part
Hotels near Chamba and the Gabbar Singh Negi fair
Staying close keeps journeys short — useful for early starts and for anyone who tires quickly.
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Travelling with parents?
Mostly level pavement along the main road with plenty of shops and tea stalls to sit at. The fair is crowded, so choose quieter hours and keep pace slow.
Raahzo can arrange an arrival or day companion who handles tickets, queues and pacing, and keeps the family updated.
See concierge supportFAQs
Is Chamba worth a visit?
Mainly as a practical stop. It is more interesting if you coincide with the April fair.
Who was Gabbar Singh Negi?
A Garhwal Rifles soldier born near Chamba who received the Victoria Cross posthumously for his action at Neuve Chapelle in 1915.
How far is Chamba from Kanatal?
Roughly 17-18 km by road according to travel sources; confirm locally.
Sources and further reading
Timings, fees and access rules change. Recheck with the official source before you travel.