Overview

Dharamsala - the home of the Dalai Lama is a big traveler hang-out in Himachal Pradesh. Dharamsala has a decent museum and a local bazaar and is the prime point of communication. Small yet busy town Kangra and the temples of Masrur & Jawalamukhi are southwest of Dharamsala. Up north is McLeod Ganj, a preferred staying town by travelers. The place is has numerous budget hotels, internet cafes, restaurants, trekking organizers and shops selling souvenirs (Tibetan). One will get to see many monks in maroon robes and with prayer wheels. This place is a centre for the study of Buddhism and Tibetan culture and many researchers & scholars come to this place. The crowd mix is interesting here, with travelers, monks, volunteers and the dharma crowd. When in Dharamsala do visit Kangra Valley, Tibetan institute of Performing Arts, Kereri Lake, St.John in Wilderness, Triund Hill, Namgyal Monastery, Kangra Art Museum, Gyuto Monastery, Tsuglag Khang and Norbulingka Institute for preserving Tibetan Culture.

How to visit:

By road: There is direct and regular bus service from Delhi (520 km), Chandigarh (250 km), Jammu (210 km), Shimla (238 km), Chamba (185 km) and Manali (240 km).

By rail: Pathankot is the nearest broad gauge railway terminal to Dharamshala. From Pathankot there is a narrow gauge railway line up to Kangra (94 km) and from here Dharamshala is 17 km by road.

By air: The nearest airport at Gaggal, which is 14 km away after which it is accessible by road.

Fast Facts

Location - Himachal Pradesh, North India

Places of Interest - Kangra Art Museum, Kotwali bazar war memorial, Kunal Pathri, Mcleodganj, Dal Lake, Bhagsunath, Chinmaya tapovan, Nurpur. The temple of Jwalamukhi, Chamunda Devi and Brijeshwari Devi

Best time to visit - Apr-May (Summer), June-Sep (Monsoon), Oct-Mar (Winter)

Language - Hindi, English, Himachali

Festivals - Lohsar, Dalai Lama’s Birthday, International Himalayan Fair, Saga Dawa Festival

Dharamshala Location Map