• Location: Dharamshala

Difficulty Level: Easy to moderate

Price: 3500 INR to 4000 INR( Prices may vary)

About the Activity

Trekking is a blend of hiking and walking activity to explore unexplored destinations, feeling the closeness of nature, admiring the beauty of the breathtaking views that come after your climb at the top of the ridges. Treks may differ from destination to destination but the activity is something one should at least try because once you start trekking, you cannot just stop there. You will be compelled to do more of these treks. It is a multi-day excursion, filled with adventures, serenity, and tranquility. Trekking is not only restricted to climbing mountains or hills, it is much more than that. It offers a sense of perspective and a sense of target that one has to complete no matter how long or how much strength it takes. You set a goal that you have to reach your destination and you do it despite being tired and exhausted. Trekking is like meditation where you can feel your heart pounding and every inch of your skin wanting to stop and just give up but you don’t. Once you reach the point where your trek ends, it will be worth every effort you put in climbing the trail when you witness the intoxicating beauty and spellbinding views.

About Trekking in Dharamshala

The holy town of Dharamshala located 1457 m above sea level in the Kangra district of Himachal Pradesh, is the perfect destination for trekking. One of the popular treks among tourists is the snowline trek from Mcleodganj to Dharamshala and setting up camps along the way that takes 2 days to complete. The trail passes through dense forests that provide bounteousness of nature as one moves forward. Another popular trek is the Triund trek that offers stunning views of the majestic mountains covered with snow and the lush green valley that blesses your eyes. Kareri lake, situated at an elevation of 2934 m above sea level, is a high-altitude freshwater lake. The trek to Kareri Lake passes through gushing streams and emerald green meadows, making your trek a treat for the eyes as well as the soul. If you are looking for a rather challenging trek then the trek to Indrahar Pass starting from Mcleodganj is your kind of trek. This 5-day trek passes through the Kangra Valley and the Chamba Valley and offers pristine beauty with enchanting surroundings and a panoramic view of the mountains.

Best Time to Visit

Dharamshala Weather

• 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 road blockages and landslides in Dharamshala. 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 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.

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 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, however, the one that comes from major cities towards Pathankot is a broad 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 luxury busses, Volvo, and sleeper busses are available from Pathankot. One can also take a road trip in their car to Dharamshala. Buses from Delhi to Dharamshala are available.

Things to Carry

• ID Proof: Carry a valid ID proof issued by the government.
• Clothing: Warm clothing (Down jacket/fleece jacket, woolen cap/scarf, hat, lowers, woolen & cotton socks, thermal wears), cotton towels, trekking/hiking shoes & other comfortable regular wear.
• Toiletries: Lip balm, wet wipes, skin moisturizer, sunscreen.
• Medical Related: Personal medicines (if any), mosquito repellent, prescribed medicines for high altitude sickness, dehydration salt.
• Miscellaneous: Sunglasses, rubber slipper, power bank, candy, dust mask, etc

Do` & Don`ts in Dharamshala

Do`s

• Do carry warm clothes even during summers as the temperature doesn’t rise much.
• Do follow the instructions given by the trek leader.
• Ensure that you are wearing a mask and carrying your sanitizer.

Don`ts

• Do not overstrain steep gradients.
• Do not litter anywhere.
• Do not spit in public places.
• Do not create a nuisance.
• Do not take fights with anyone.