Dharamshala

Situated at an average altitude of 1,475 meters above sea level, Dharamshala lies on the scenic stretch of land of Kangra Valley making tourists spellbound for its spectacular beauty. Often cited as the ‘Little Lhasa of India’, Dharamshala is popularly known as the holy residence of the exiled Tibetan monk Dalai Lama. With the backdrop of the breathtaking Dhauladhar ranges, Dharamshala is the one of the most tranquil destinations which you will find in North India, the perfect amalgamation of natural beauty and culture. Surrounded by thick deodar cedar trees and the snow capped peaks which decorate the landscape, the quaint city is visited by thousands of tourists to beat the summer blues and explore the best places to visit in Dharamshala.

The city is distinctively separated as upper and lower divisions with different altitudes. The lower division is the Dharamsala town itself whereas the upper division is popularly known as Mcleodganj. This is situated on the upper hilly stretch of land of Kangra Valley which is placed just against the picturesque scene of Dhauladhar ranges. Being a Tibetan hub, Dharamsala is considered to be one of the best places to learn and explore Buddhism and Tibetan Culture.

Best Time to Visit

Dharamshala can be visited throughout the year. However, the best time to visit Dharamshala will be summer from March to June when the weather is pleasant with a maximum temperature of 25 degrees Celsius. It’s also the ideal time for trekking tours on scenic trails dotted with flowers in full bloom. Most tourists prefer going to Dharamshala at this time so it’s also the most crowded.

How to Reach

Flight: Nearest airport is Gaggal Airport in Kangra Valley which is 15 km away from Dharamsala. Taxi/cab services are available from the Airport. International travellers have to reach Delhi Airport and then board domestic flight to reach Dharamshala.

Rail: The nearest railway station is Kangra Mandir at a distance of 22 km from Dharamsala. Though the major railway junction is Pathankot which is 85 km away from the same.

Road: Dharamshala is well-connected to Delhi and other parts of North India via a network of state operated buses as well as private tour operators. The journey is almost 520 kilometres from Delhi. An overnight journey from Delhi takes about 13 hours.

Places to Visit

• Dharamshala Cricket Stadium
• Bhagsunag Falls
• Gyuto Monastery
• McLeodganj
• Dal Lake
• St. John Church