How To ? When ? Why? Where

Dense pine trees and Deodar forests surrounds Dharamsala. Numerous streams and cool healthy atmosphere makes the surroundings very pleasant. Dharamshala is famous for its colorful temple and Gompas. These reflect the culture of Tibet.

Mother Nature has gifted Dharamshala with splendid beauty and charm. The simple living of the people and rich cultural heritage and traditions attract the tourists from all over the world to Dharamshala.

Dharamsala is the home of Tibetan leader Dalai Lama.

CLIMATE

The climate is very pleasant during the summers but in winters it is very cold as the temperature falls below the freezing point. The best time to visit this place is during the summers. Avoid any trip to Dharamshala during the monsoon months, as there is a danger of landslides.

Best time to visit here is between mid Mays to mid October.

HOW TO REACH

By Air: Nearest airport is at Gaggla, just 13-km away from the town.

By Rail: Nearest railway station is Pathankot, which is 85-km. From Pathankot it takes three-hour to reach Dharamsala.

By Road: From Manali bus services are available to this place. From Delhi and Shimla, luxury buses ply to Dharamsala.

PLACES OF INTEREST

Kangra Art Museum:

This museum displays the arts, crafts, and rich past of Kangra valley. You can also find here the gallery of famous miniature paintings of Kangra and a representative collection of sculptures, pottery, and anthropological items.

St. John Church:

This beautiful stone made church is located just 8-kms from Dharamsala on the way to McLeod Ganj. It is situated under the shade of Doedar branches. It has been made in the memory of the British Viceroy, Lord Elgin who died at Dharamsala in 1863.

War Memorial:

Built on the entry point of the to Dharamsala, this memorial is dedicated to the post independence war heroes of Himachal Pradesh. Few narrow paths and landscaped lawns lead towards this monument.

Norbulinka Institute:

Situated 4-kms from Dharamsala, this institute was established to preserve and teach the ancient Tibetan arts. The shady paths, wooden bridges, small streams tiny water falls enhance the beauty of Dharamshala. You can watch the wooden carvings and the tangka paintings, golsithing and embroidery being done.

OTHER EXCURSIONS

Kareri:

The rest house is located in the cool depths of the pine grove. Lovely green open meadows and forests of tall oak & pine surround the Kareri Lake. It is 13-km from the rest house and 22- kms from Dharamsala.

Macleodganj:

McLeodganj is the residence of His Holiness, the Dalai Lama. Built during the 19th century, this place was a British Garrison. Today it is the headquarters of the exiled Tibetan Government. It has huge size images of Buddha, Padmasambhava and Avaloketeshwara.

Triund:

It is a beautiful picnic spot at a height of 2827 m. It is on the foothills of Dhauladhar range, situated at 17-kms from Dharamsala. The snow line starts at Ilaqua, which is five kms from Triund. The magnificent views of the mountains and the valleys makes Triund an ideal tourists spot and trekking spot.

Masrur:

Situated at 15-kms south of Kangra, the main temple has the beautiful images of Lord Ram, Goddess Sita and Lakhsman. These temples are beautifully carved on the rock.

ADVENTURES

Trekking & Rock Climbing:

Dharamsala is one of the most favorite spot for treks and Rock climbing over the ridges of the Dhauladhar range. You can enjoy trekking during the month from May to October.

If you wish to enjoy the long walk, then Triund is best place for it. The snow line of Ilaqa Got is just a 5-km walk.

Angling & Fishing:

The area around Dharamshala gives an ample opportunity for angle fishing as it has number of streams and lakes. The Nadaun and the Pong Dam offers ample of opportunities in angling for Mahaseer.

DISTANCE FROM MAJOR CITIES

* Dalhousie: 92-km

*Mandi: 115-km

* Kullu: 183-km

* Shimla; 185-km

* Manali: 223-km

* Chandigarh: 225-km