Dharamshala

About Dharamshala

Dharamshala is a popular hill town located in Kangra District some 18 km away from Kangra City in the state of Himachal Pradesh. The whole Dharamshala town is divided into two different divisions. The lower division is known as Dharmshala town whereas the upper division is located 3 km away and known as Mcleodganj. The upper division Mcleodganj is also known as the holy residence of the Dalai Lama and Tibetan in exile. Dharamshala is a Sanskrit word which means a sanctuary or commonly it describes as a shelter or rest house for the pilgrims.

History of Dharamshala tells us that it was ruled by Katoch Dynasty in past for almost two millennia. Later in 1848, it was annexed by Britishers and after the annexation it was developed into a cantonment town for the Gurkha Light Infantry which in future named as Gurkha Rifles in 1860. After the Indian independence, in the year 1959 the town became a shelter for the 14^th Dalai Lama and also the administrative seat of the Central Tibetan Government in exile.

Dharamshala Tour Packages

At present Dharamshala has become a very popular tourist destination and a refuge for the thousands of Tibetan exiles. Dharmshala is very popular among the adventure seekers as the place has some magnificent trekking trails and camping sites just 3 km away in Mcleodganj. Dharamshala is the best place for the tourists who love the mountain and tranquillity, however it welcomes all kind of travellers from all over the world. Dharmshala is also considered as an escape getaway from the crowded city life to a peaceful and secluded place amid the nature.

Dharamshala Triund Trek Tour Package - 2 Nights & 3 Days

This particular tour package is perfect for enjoying the long weekends. The package includes all the transfers, stays, breakfast, and trekking. Through this you will have the utmost joy of trekking in Mcleodganj and Dharamshala. On the first day of your Triund Trekking Tour you will explore the nearby places such as Dalai Lama Monastery, Buddha Statue, and the local market in the evening. On the second day you will start your trek with your friends, and other group members. On reaching to the top of the Triund Trek you will experience the breath-taking views, if lucky you will witness the snow fall as well if you are travelling during winter. Spend your night in cams below the sky by doing some star gazing. The last day you will return to base and make your way to home. You will surely be going to enjoy this trek and make some unforgettable memories to cherish later.

 Dharamshala Weekend Tour Package– 2 nights and 3 days

Dharamshala Weekend Tour Package is best to explore the marvels of Dharamshala in very short span of time. Though it’s a small hill station, so you won’t have to compromise with the attractions of the place as you can cover most of them in these many days. The package is specially designed to offer the best travel experience of your holidays with smooth transfer, cosy accommodation, delectable meals, and awesome sightseeing. Dharamshala Weekend Tour Package include visits to famous monasteries, temples in the town. Apart from that, you will also witness the iconic Dharamshala Cricket Stadium, which hosted many International and IPL cricket matches.

Dharamshala Honeymoon Tour Package – 3 Nights and 4 Days

Dharamshala Honeymoon Tour Package is a romantic Himachal trip for those who have recently exchange the rings. The package is customized for the newlyweds and couples for imparting them with the time to create some unforgettable memories together. This is perfect package for those who have time and budget are matter of concern. This package offers you with 2 night in Dallhousie and 1 night in Dharamshala.

Dharamshala Family Tour Package– 4 Nights and 5 Days

Dharmshala Family Tour Package is an awesome idea to spend some quality family time through travelling this wonderful town of Himachal Pradesh. This is the best holiday treat that you can gift to your family. The package has included all the transfer, staying options, meals, and sightseeing with good service and facility. Your sightseeing journey in Dharamshala includes you visit to some famous attractions such as Dalai Lama temple, Church of St. John, War Memorial, Kangra Art Museum, Dharamshala Cricket Stadium, Norbulingka Institute, etc.

Best time to Explore Dharamshala

Dharamshala is a beautiful hill station situated in the foothill of the Himalayas. Hence, the place experiences pleasant weather throughout the summer and spring. Maximum temperature of Dharamshala during summer and spring lies around a comfortable 25 degrees Celsius. The best time to visit Dharamshala happens between February and June when it is spring and summer in Dharamshala. Though, winters are little chilly, but travel activities still go on with arrival of lots of adventure lover for one of the famous treks in Dharamshala- the Triund Trek. However, monsoon here brings a lot of rain and the time is not favourable for trekking and travel due to unexpected landslide during monsoon.

Summers in Dharamshala begins with rise in temperature from April month which goes till June. The temperature ranges between 20 to 35 degree Celsius during summer and the weather remains pleasant throughout the season which is very good for enjoying sightseeing and various trekking events in the Himalayas. The season provides best conditions for backpackers, honeymooners, families, and solo travellers as well. Apart from that, various adventure activities are also open for tourists like paragliding, water rafting, trekking and mountaineering, etc.

Dharamshala in winter is best to enjoy the beauty and tranquillity. It is quite cold from September to February in Dharamshala which remains between 4 to 7 degrees Celsius. Winter here also witness the snow fall but that’s too in the end of the December month and continues till the last week of February. Winters in Dharamshala ideal for honeymooners and hardcore adventurists. Triund Trekking is the famous adventure during winters in Dharamshala. Moreover, Dharamshal Film Festival is held in the month of November every year.                                                  

July to September is the time of heavy rain fall and presence of monsoon in Dharamshala with temperature ranges between 18 to 22 degree Celsius. Most of the tourist avoid this season due to unwanted delays just because of adverse weather conditions and even worse roadblocks due to landslides. Trekking is completely prohibited during monsoon due to heavy rainfall and harsh conditions.

How to reach Dharamshala

Dharamshala is a small hill town in the Kangra district of Himachal Pradesh state of India. It is located in the foothills of mighty Himalayas. In order to reach Dharamshala by flight, the  Gaggal Airport in Kangra Valley is the nearest airport at a distance of just 15 km. From the airport one can take cab or taxi services for reaching Dharmshala easily. Alternatively, one can also use the road route and can take private buses or car for reaching Dharamshala. However, road journey comparatively will take more time than using airways.

Now, if you are trying to visit Dharamshala from any foreign country, then you have to reach Delhi Airport and then can take any domestic flight or can board onto road journey for reaching Dharamshala.

Commuting Within Dharamshala         

Commuting within Dharamshala is never a problem though. Taxis and buses are available easily for commuting in or to Dharamshala town from the nearby places. Alternatively, buses are cheaper option for travelling if you are on a budget tour. Taxis or cab can be hired upto Mcleodganj, and once you reach there the all Mcleodganj can be explored on foot.

Places to visit in Dharamshala

Dharamshala is a stunning hill station in Himachal Pradesh state of India nestled with many famous tourist attractions like jaw-dropping backdrop, stunning lake, colourful temples, sparkling waterfalls, vibrant monasteries, and vintage forts & museums. You will feel immense pleasure and happiness while visiting these attractions and surely will make unforgettable memories to cherish later.

Dharamshala Cricket Stadium

Located at the height of 1457 meters above sea level, is one of the highest sport grounds in the world. This iconic cricket stadium has very beautiful view of the Himalayan ranges at the backdrop and indigo sky makes it even more beautiful by adding magnificence to the stadium offering a sensory experience like no other. The stadium comes under the operations of Himachal Pradesh Cricket Association and situated amidst the range of Dhauladhar mountain in Kangra Valley. The stadium has hosted many international level cricket matches and IPL matches so far. It has equipped with various modern-day amenities for hosting national and international matches with a capacity of 23,000 seats for the viewers. Stadium remains open for the tourists when there are no matches schedule.

Location :- Gaggal, Dharamshala.

Best Time To Visit Dharamshala Cricket Stadium :- Between April To June when there is no matches schedule.

Entry fee or charges for Dharamshala Cricket Stadium- No Entry Fee (Fee applicable during matches).

Library of Tibetan Works And Archives

Best place for the lover of books and manuscripts as the library has a rich bank of artifacts and manuscripts of 12^th Century. The library houses as many as 80,000 manuscripts, 600 Buddhist artifacts. Apart from that, library also has many Tibetan treasures like beautifully crafted silk applique thangkas and a three-dimensional, wood carved mandala of the Avalokiteshwara, etc. Tourists will experience the serenity and calmness of the place for the sure.

Location :- Gangchen Kyishong, Dharamshala.

St. John Church in wilderness

One of the most ancient churches in Himachal Pradesh, built in 1852, is also one of the important churches in the state. The church is located on the way of Mcleodganj from Dharmshala, and this beautiful church is constructed in the dedication to John the Baptist. The church is surrounded by lush deodar forests and also known for the Belgian stained glass-window used in the construction of it. The church is also known as the St John in the wilderness due to its location in the dense wood. Lots of tourists pay their visit to offer prayer, experience the serenity and beauty of the place. The church should not confuse with the St John church located in Nainital Uttrakhand.

 Location :- Road to Naddi Village from McLeod Ganj, Dharamshala.

Best Time To Visit Banasura Sagar Dam:- Between the months of March and June during summer.

Entry fee: No entry fee.

War Memorial

The war memorial in Dharamshala is an epitome of brave war heroes who fought to protect the motherland. It is built in the memory of brave soldiers of Kangra who sacrificed their lives during the Indo-China War of 1947-48, 1962, 1965, and 1971, and UN Peace Operations. This war memorial in Dharamshala built out of three huge panels of black stone each 24 ft high. Name of the brave soldiers engraved on each of the stone panel. The surrounding to the War Memorial is very quaint and peaceful.

After exploring the place you can refresh yourself with some hot coffee from the nearby café serving good coffee with tasty snacks.

 Location :-  Kachehri Road, Jawahar Nagar, Dharamshala.

Best Time To Visit War Memorial Dharamshala:- Between the months of March to June during summer.

Entry fee or charges – INR 10 for per person and INR 20 for Parking.

Gyuto Monastery

Gyuto Monastery is one of the beautiful and popular monasteries located in Dharamshala which is known for the Tantric meditation and philosophy. The monastery was founded in India in 1959 for the purpose of preserving and promoting the tradition of black magic, popularly known as Tantric Teaching of the great teacher Ksongkhapa. The monastery has depicted that how this art can be used for the well-being of the humans.

The Monastery is constructed beautifully on a hilltop providing an amazing view of the Dhauladhar Ranges and the Beas River from there. The gold-plated statue of Lord Buddha situated in the premises of the temple add elegance in temple’s outlook. Plenty of Tourists and pilgrims come to experience the beauty and offer their here in the Gyuto Monastery.

 Location :- Sidhbari, Himachal Pradesh.

Best Time To Visit Gyuto Monastery:- The Monastery is open all the year around, but it is best visited during Buddh Purnima.

Entry fee or charges :- NIL or No Entry Fee.

Dharamshala weather

Dharamshala is situated at an altitude of 1297m above sea level. Dharamshala’s climate is warm and temperate. The Summer here have a good weather with tolerable temperature between 20 to 35 degree Celsius and also offers a good rainfall. Whereas winters here provide cool breezes with opulent sunlight and chilly cold during Night.

Tips for Travelers

Dharmshala is a high-altitude area and hence make sure to prepare yourself for the various adventures like trekking, paragliding, and many more like these in advance before visiting Dharamshala.

• Go with the light packing as the temperature is bearable in December and January as well.
• Eat less while travelling in Bus, and train to avoid nausea and unnecessary discomfort.
• Keep hydrating yourself during the trek and move in pair.

Things to Carry

Though, the light packing is always suggested whenever you are travelling to any hill station or high-altitude area for making your travel smooth and comfortable, but still some important things to keep in your bag for enjoying your tour to Dharamshala utmost. The things that you must carry during your tour are:-

•        A good quality waterproof backpack.
•        Light clothing as the temperature is mostly bearable.
•        Shades and goggles.
•        Good quality shoes and footwear for trekking.
•        Driving licence and any other legal document, needed for hotel booking and vehicle hiring.
•        So, this is the list and you can also customize it according to your need and taste.