Dharamshala

About Dharamshala

Located at a height of 1457m above sea level, is the little town of Dharamshala found in the Kangra District of the state of Himachal Pradesh. The town is divided into two parts, Upper Dharamshala and the lower Dharamshala. Upper Dharamshala is where you can explore the past of this quaint town and that is where Mcleodganj is located. On the other hand, the lower Dharamshala is where you can find the main markets, making it a commercial center. Offering different things to different tourists, both parts of the city is worth exploring. The main market of Dharamshala offers Tibetan culture, arts and crafts, and also some local Tibetan cuisines. Tourists plan their trip to Dharamshala mostly because of their curiosity to visit the Dalai Lama Temple as well as his residence. You may be surprised by the number of monks and Tibetans you might come across in the streets. Serenity and beauty surround this fascinating town, making it a hotspot for tourists wanting an escape from the daily hustle-bustle of their chaotic life. Mcleodganj, located at a distance of 5km from Dharamshala, is also a famous place where tourists plan their trips. Apart from the scenic beauty, Dharamshala has a historical past including the escape of the Dalai Lama from Lhasa. People keen on history and knowing the depths of the place often visit Dharamshala. It also offers opportunities for numerous adventure sports. A trip to Dharamshala is all you need to take a break from the chaos of cities.

Dharamshala Geography

The town of Dharamshala, also called Dharamsala, is situated at an elevation of 1457m above sea level, located on the western side of the State of Himachal Pradesh. The town is divided into two halves, one is where you can find the colonial influence of the town and the other half is the commercial center where you can find the main market of Dharmshala providing Tibetan dishes, arts, and crafts. Located in the Kangra district of Himachal Pradesh, Dharamshala offers pristine beauty and spellbinding views.

Plan My Package Recommends: Places To Visit in Dharamshala

Himachal Pradesh Cricket Stadium, Dharamshala

Nestled on the lap of the Dualadhar range at an elevation of 1457m above sea level, is one of the main attractions of Himachal Pradesh called the Dharamshala Stadium or Himachal Pradesh Cricket Stadium(HPCA) is one of the highest cricket stadiums in the world. Often Indian Cricket Team practices here. Several matches both national and international are held here and the stadium can hold 23000 people in one go. It has a touch of Tibetan architecture, making it even more attractive. The view from the stadium is breathtaking and often makes you wonder if you should watch the match or the view. Not only does the stadium have a fantastic view but also there is no fencing in the front seating area, making it even more fun for the audience. Tourists visiting the town of Dharamshala often come to this stadium to explore this fascinating cricket ground. The panoramic view of the snow-clad peaks that surround the stadium is a cool retreat to the eyes. There are no entry fees when there are no matches. One can easily explore the stadium and it will take almost 1 hour to explore the entire area which is quite well-maintained. The timings are from 9:00 am to 6:00 pm.

War Memorial

During the Indo-China war, several soldiers lost their lives, and to honor them and their memory, a War memorial was constructed, whose foundation stone was laid by the former Chief Minister of Himachal, Late Dr.Y.S Parmar along with the builder, in the year 1972. Located on the Kachehri road at the entry point of Dharamshala, this war memorial attracts many tourists because of its historical significance. There are three curved panels of black color, each with a height of 24 feet, with the names of the martyrs inscribed on them, that have preserved the memory of the war heroes during the peace operations by the United Nations. The memorial is surrounded by pine forests offering a wonderful walk through the garden with lush greenery. It will take less than an hour to explore the entire memorial and the entry fees are as less as Rs.10 and parking fees are Rs.20.

St.Johns in the Wilderness Church

In the year 1852, one of the most important Churches of all time was built in Dharamshala called St.Johns in the Wilderness Church with a neo-gothic style of architecture. This Church is just 6km away from Mcleodganj or to be more precise just 7 minutes drive from Mcleodganj. This Church was dedicated to John the Baptist. Located at the mall road amidst dense forests is the reason why it’s called St.Johns in the Wilderness Church. It is believed to be the oldest monument of Dharamshala and is so powerful that it withstood the Kangra earthquake that took several lives in the year 1905. Due to its location, the Church provides extreme beauty and tranquility making the aura of the place worthwhile. There are no entry fees for the Church and the timings from Monday to Saturday are 7:00 am to 6:30 pm and on Sundays, the timing is 9:00 am to 6:30 pm.

The Library of Tibetan Work And Archives

Located in the town of Dharamshala, Himachal Pradesh, The Library of Tibetan Work and Archives is one of the most important places in Dharamshala. Founded by Tenzin Gyatso, popularly known as the 14th Dalai Lama in the year 1970, The library showcases the life and culture of Tibet. You will find lots of books on the history, arts, and politics and most importantly on the culture and heritage of Tibet. It also holds 80,000 Buddhist manuscripts. The library is the living proof of the fascinating history of Tibetan and contains archives of Tibetan work on important subjects such as the history and politics of Tibet. If you are keen on exploring the lifestyle and culture of Tibet then you should have a look at this library while you are in Mcleodganj. The membership fees for the library are 300 INR with 50 INR registration fees and no extra charges for tourists.

Masroor Rock Cut Temple

Located in the Lahalpur area of Dharamshala, Masroor Rock cut temple is an ancient archaeological site located 32km from Dharamshala. There are 15 rock-cut temples designed in the Indo-Aryan architectural styles dedicated to different Gods such as Lord Shiva, Lord Vishnu, and many more. Built in the 8th-9th century, the temple is currently in ruins. One can find idols of Lord Ram, Laxman, and Sita. There is a belief that the 15 temples are made of a single rock. There is a myth that Pandavas stayed here and decided to make a stairway to heaven and also made sure to complete it by the next morning, however, Lord Indra, who is known as the king of Gods overheard their conversation and got tensed because if the Pandavas make a stairway then heaven would be easily accessible to them. To stop them, Lord Indra disguised himself in the form of a crow and started crowing and because of that the Pandavas couldn’t complete the stairway to heaven and that explains the half-constructed staircase inside the temple.

Timings: 7:00 am to 7:00 pm (Everyday)

Exploration Time: 1-2 hours

Kunal Pathri Temple

Located in the Kangra District of Himachal Pradesh is this very popular Kunal Pathri Temple that is dedicated to Goddess Durga, an important Hindu deity and there is the belief that she has been immortalized and turned into stone. With beautiful carvings of Gods and Goddesses, the temple also has a fascinating story that when Lord Shiva’s wife Sati passed away, her skull fell inside this very spot where the temple stands today. This temple attracts many tourists every year and is just a few kilometers away from the town of Dharamshala. One can enjoy the fascinating view of the Dauladhar ranges and feel the tranquility of the serene environment making your heart and soul calm and relax. Since it’s located near dense tea gardens, tourists often wander around and have a look at the tea garden.

Places Near Dharamshala

Mcleodganj (approx5.3 Km from Dharamshala)

Mcleodganj also called the Little Lhasa, is located just 5.3 km away from the quaint town of Dharamshala. This famous trekking destination is found in the Kangra district of Himachal Pradesh. The town is called Little Lhasa because the majority of Tibetans are present there. Several tourists come to Mcleodganj for spiritual purposes and some visit the place simply to explore the culture and heritage of the Tibetans. This place is also famous for the Dalai Lama Temple, where his highness the 14th Dalai Lama visits twice a year to preach to his followers. Apart from jaw-dropping views, Mcleodganj is also famous for housing numerous monasteries and temples. Mcleodganj has several places one can explore and if you are a trekker then you can do the Kareri Lake trek, standing at an elevation of 2934m above sea level, is a famous picnic spot because of its crystal clear water and the pristine beauty that surrounds it. One can also explore the yoga village of Mcleodganj known as the Dharamkot Village or visit the Dal Lake of Mcleodganj and tell your friends that you visited Dal Lake without stepping into Kashmir. You can even explore the famous Kangra fort and its unique style of architecture and Dalai Lama and Gunna Devi Temples which makes Mcleodganj a famous spot. Located just 5km away, Mcleodganj is a neighbor of Dharamshala, offering numerous adventure activities for the thrill-seekers. The best time to visit Mcleodganj is between December to February.

Manali (approx 214 Km from Dharamshala)

Located at an elevation of 2050 m above sea level and a distance of 214 km away from Dharamshala, Manali is said to be a present given by Himachal to the rest of the country. Manali is a tourist hotspot during the summer season as people look for an escape from the scorching heat of the cities. Due to its closeness with the capital city of the country, Manali is easily accessible to tourists. Being one of the favorite holiday destinations, Manali has a lot to offer. Every year, the region witness hundreds and thousands of tourists enjoying their vacations. Places that you can explore are the Hadimba Temple and the various monasteries. Solang Valley should be a must-visit place in Manali on your list as it is the best place to be when in Manali. It offers various adventure activities including paragliding, skiing in Solang, river rafting in the Beas River, and one can also hop on the ropeway to take in the view of the mesmerizing valley. The best time to ski in Solang is during winters as the valley is covered in a sheet of snow, however, during the summer season, the region undertakes different adventure activities including paragliding. Other than that you should also visit the Old Manali area to explore the history and culture of the region. The best time to visit Manali is between October to February.

Bir Billing (approx 63.5 Km from Dharamshala)

About 63.5 km from the town of Dharamshala is the adventure town of Bir Billing standing at an elevation of 1525m above sea level. Bir Billing, located in the north Himalayan Mountains is adorned with beautiful backdrops of the Dauladhar Ranges. The destination offers numerous adventure activities, including paragliding, trekking, hiking, horse riding, and even mountain biking. The town is a magical retreat to adventure land for adventure enthusiasts and thrill-seekers. Apart from offering multiple fascinating adventure activities, it also offers jaw-dropping views of the enchanting surroundings. An interesting fact about Bir is that it also allows you to enter into volunteer programs where you can do organic farming and tree plantations. Bir is also famous for its culture and also houses the Deer Park Institute that is a center for wisdom and tradition by the Dalai Lama to widen your knowledge.

Best Time to Visit Dharamshala

Dharamshala in Summers

Summers in Dharamshala begin in April as the snow starts melting due to rising temperatures. Making the weather pleasant, summers in Dharamshala are the best time for sight-seeing tours and trekking activities. During the summer season, the view of Dharamshala will take your breath away as the flowers bloom and lush greenery surrounds the region. Summers last till June, making way to welcome the monsoon season. The maximum temperature in summers rises to 32℃ in June and the minimum temperature drops to 6℃ in May.

Dharamshala in Monsoon

July marks the onset of the monsoon and brings heavy rainfall in Dharamshala lasting till August. Due to heavy rains, there may be road blockages and landslides. There may be delays due to the condition of the weather. Tourists, however, visit the place even during this time because it provides a spectacular view and also hotels get cheaper due to low demand. Monsoon in Dharamshala lasts till September with the highest temperature rising to 27℃ in July and the minimum temperature drops to 18℃ in September.

Dharamshala in Winters

Winters are long in Dharamshala starting from October, lasting till March. Winters here are cold but not freezing and that is a suitable time to visit Dharamshala. Snowfall in Dharamshala begins by the last week of December. Snow trek to Triund is one of the popular adventure activities carried out during the winter season in Dharamshala. The maximum temperature in winter rises to 25℃ and the minimum temperature drops to 5℃.

Thus the best time to visit Dharamshala is between February to July. Know More...

How to Reach Dharamshala

Dharamshala by Air

The nearest airport from Dharamshala is the Gaggal Airport at a distance of 15km. There are several airlines such as Spicejet, Jagson, and Air India that have frequent and regular flights to the Gaggal Airport. Once you reach the airport, you will find busses and taxi services available that take you to Dharamshala.

Dharamshala by Train

Pathankot is the nearest broad gauge railway station to Dharamshala which is about 87km away from the town of Dharamshala and has a well-connected rail network to major cities. The train connecting Kangra Valley to Joginder Nagar is a narrow gauge. One can find several taxi and bus services to Dharamshala.

Dharamshala by Road

Pathankot, approximately 87km from Dharamshala, is well connected to major cities of the country. Several Government buses, luxury busses, Volvo, and sleeper buses are available from Delhi, Chandigarh, and Pathankot. One can also take a road trip in their car to Dharamshala. Buses from Delhi to Dharamshala are available. Know More

Places to Stay in Dharamshala

Hotels in Dharamshala

Blossoms Village Resort

Located at Khanyara road, Blossoms Village is a resort in Dharamshala that offers a blend of modern amenities and a touch of a village. Located near the Dalai Lama Temple, one can pay their visit to the temple which is very popular among tourists looking for spirituality. The hotel offers spectacular views of the Dauladhar ranges and scenic beauty. The resort makes sure that its guests have all they need and are fully satisfied with the top-notch services provided by the well-trained staff. There are several activities one can indulge in to rejuvenate such as pottery making in the pottery studio, yoga, and meditation. Apart from that, the resort has a multicuisine restaurant serving delicious food. Free wifi, housekeeping services, free parking is there and the rooms provided are premium rooms.

Indraprastha Spa Resort

Located in the Strawberry Hills near Dal Lake, Indraprastha Spa Resort is a luxury resort offering you everything you have been looking for. The resort is well equipped with the best and modern amenities with high-end interiors and excellent services by the extremely trained staff. The types of rooms offered are premium rooms, luxury premium rooms, and suites. People on their honeymoon often book suites to make their stay even more romantic. It doesn’t stop here as the hotel has its very own spa for you to relax and rejuvenate, an in-house multi-cuisine restaurant serving Continental and Himachali food, a parking spot, a gym, entertainment, and also medical assistance as and when required.

Serene Jungle Cottage

Serene Jungle Resort as the name speaks for itself is a cottage with a serene environment in the lap of nature located in the woods of Dharamshala. This resort is a villa that provides you rooms that opens into the wilderness and you can feel the calmness of the air and the tranquility of the enchanting surroundings. The furniture is made of pure pine wood with modern amenities making your stay a comfortable one. This Cottage is perfect for nature lovers and star gazing at night. You can also do yoga and meditation in the common area, where there is a fireplace, a kitchen, and a lawn. The amount of serenity it provides does justice to its name.

Places to Eat in Dharamshala

Nick’s Italian Kitchen

Serving the best Lasagna in town, Nick’s Italian Kitchen is located near Bhagsunag Road in Dharamshala. The restaurant has an open roof that gives a beautiful view of the mountains and the aura of the restaurant adds beauty to it. Being Italian cuisine, the restaurant’s menu includes lasagna, cannelloni, spaghetti, and delicious pizza. The restaurant remains open from 7:30 am to 9:00 pm.

Bodhi Gardens

Located in the main market of Dharamshala, Bodhi Greens is a vegan restaurant in the area, serving vegan food but doesn’t lack in taste. It provides ‘Buddha Bowl’ that is the traditional food and also offers Mexican wraps which are must try in the restaurant. The interior will fascinate you because of the bamboo lamps that add a little organic touch to everything. The restaurant remains open between 9:30 to 10:00 pm.

Illiterati Cafe

If you have been teased for being a bookworm or a foodie bookworm then Illiterati Cafe, located at Jogiwara Road in Dharamshala is where you belong. The cafe has a library and some dishes that you’ll be drooling over. The view of the restaurant allows you to admire the mighty mountain peaks and enchanting surroundings while sipping your favorite cup of coffee. Illiterati cafe is quite famous in Dharamshala that is one of the reasons why you should try this cafe if you are planning to go to Dharamshala and let the best cafe in town make your taste buds happy. The cafe remains open between 9:30 am to 9:00 pm.