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Dharamshala Travel Guide

dharamshala

Dharamshala is a lovely hill town in the Himalayan Dhauladhar range. It is Himachal Pradesh's winter capital and is located on the upper slopes of the Kangra valley. Dharamsala was once known as a British hill station during the colonial era. Still, it was quickly occupied by Tibetan communities and is now home to the world's greatest Buddhist leader, the Dalai Lama.

If you're visiting from nearby cities like Chandigarh, Delhi, Amritsar, or Jammu , Dharamshala, which is sometimes overshadowed by the more prominent neighborhood of McLeodganj, is a more laid-back and tranquil place to spend a long weekend. Aside from Mcleodganj, you can visit the quaint little hippie village of Dharamkot, which is undiscovered by tourists.

Aside from the serenity, tourists flock to Dharamsala for its thangka paintings, museums, bustling street markets, and cuisine. There are also several trekking options in Mcleodganj, which is only 3 kilometers from Dharamsala.

And, like Shimla , Manali , and Dalhousie , Dharamsala experiences freezing winters, making spring and summer (mid-February to mid-July) the best times to experience this little Lhasa in India's rich and regal Tibetan culture.

Dharamshala's Romantic Locations

Couples on their honeymoon in Dharamshala can walk hand in hand along the meandering paths, stopping to smell the vegetation and take in the natural beauty surrounding them. Discover the markets and buy the best gifts for each other while getting to know each other well. Any couple would be engrossed in the wonderful sunrises and sunsets that Dharamshala has to offer.

Dhauladhar National Park

The Dhauladhar National Park is a beautiful tourist destination in the hill town of Dharamshala. It is also known as the Gopalpur Zoo and is surrounded by lush greenery. The scenic backdrop of the murky Himalayan peaks is a wonderful sight that surprises visitors. This national park is home to numerous animals and birds. Tourists frequently visit Dhauladhar National Park to spend time with wild animals.

Why Should You Visit Dharamshala?

Dharamshala is a picturesque and panoramic hill station in the Himalayas. Dharamshala has become a popular stop on most Himachal tour packages, with the Dhauladhar ranges and dense deodar forests in the background. As the native of his Holiness the Dalai Lama, this picturesque destination is popular with tourists, spiritual seekers, and religious travelers. Dharamshala has a breathtaking backdrop, a beautiful lake, vibrant monasteries, colorful temples, glistening waterfalls, and vintage forts and museums. Here are several places to visit in Dharamshala to make your trip more interesting and organized. And don't just go there; spend some time exploring and discovering their true beauty and charm.

Cuisines in Dharamshala

Dharamshala's popularity as a tourist destination has paved the way for a diverse range of cuisine. If you enjoy good food, this mountain town is ideal. You can sample both local and international cuisine in Dharamshala. What's even better is that you can find vegetarian, non-vegetarian, and even vegan food here. You could also take a guided food-tasting tour, but if you prefer to go at your own pace, here's a list of some truly delectable dishes to try - Thukpa, Momos, Pizzas, Burgers, Aloo Tikki with Pav, Sushi, Bhagsu Cake, Pancakes and more.

Shopping in Dharamshala

Here are some places you should go if you want to buy something in Dharamshala. You will be mesmerized by the variety of products available in these locations. The best places to find one-of-a-kind products are mostly in the McLeodganj area. This location is accessible by local transportation. These locations have been well-known and popular tourist destinations for years, and everyone falls in love with them - Namgyal book shop, Divine Buddha Handicrafts, Semshook Tibetan handicraft, Kotwali bazaar, Village boutique, Green shop, Jogibara round bazaar.

The main focuses of travel and tourism in Dharamshala are unusual experiences and enjoying the region's abundant natural beauty.
Destination Info
City Informations
  • Currency INR
  • Phone Code +91
  • Time Zone +5:30
  • Visa Required Not Required for Domestic Traveller

Things to Do in Dharamshala

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Places to Visit in Dharamshala

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Best Time to Visit Dharamshala

The best time to visit Dharamshala is when the weather is nice from mid-February to mid-July (spring and summer), with temperatures ranging between 21-34 degrees Celsius. Winters here are frigid, with occasional snowfalls, making the valley appears much more beautiful. Monsoon season (late July to early September) can be neglected as they might hamper your travel plans. Still, unlike other parts of Himachal and Uttarakhand, this area does not receive a lot of rain.

Dharamshala in Summer 20 C - 30 C (April - June)

In April, the temperature begins to rise, and the snow begins to melt. Summer temperatures range between 20 and 35 degrees Celsius. The weather remains pleasant throughout, making it an ideal time for sightseeing and various treks in the Himalayas. This is a great time for honeymooners, backpackers, families, and solo travelers. Late summers in Dharamshala have a humid subtropical climate with temperatures reaching 33 degrees celsius. Flowers are in full bloom, conifers and pines are thriving, and all of the exciting adventure activities, such as paragliding, water rafting, trekking, and mountaineering, are available.

Dharamshala in Monsoon 18 C - 22 C (July - Sep)

Dharamshala experiences heavy rainfall from July to August when temperatures range between 18 and 22 degrees Celsius. If you plan to visit during this time, be prepared for unexpected delays due to inclement weather or, even worse, roadblocks caused by landslides. As a result, popular trekking routes have been closed. However, there are a few advantages to monsoon: hotel prices are lower, and rivers are at their most powerful, a breathtaking sight that should not be missed.

Dharamshala in Winter 5.2 C - 13.7 C (Oct - March)

Winters are the best time to enjoy Dharamshala's beauty and tranquility. In Dharamshala, it is quite cold from September to February. Winter temperatures remain between 4 and 7 degrees Celsius. Snowfall begins in late December and lasts until February. Winter draws a lot of honeymooners and hard-core adventurers. In the winter, Dharamshala receives fresh snowfall almost every day. In the sub-zero temperatures, some of the mountain horas freeze. McLeodganj, for example, appears to be a postcard-perfect dream. During this time of year, snow trekking to Triund is a popular adventure.

How to Reach Dharamshala

With visitors from all over the world, Dharamshala has become the personal favorite of thousands of backpackers. Dharamshala is also known as India's second winter capital. If you plan a trip to Dharamshala, you will undoubtedly want to know how to get there. Dharamshala is easy to reach because it has excellent connectivity with neighboring states via various modes of transportation.

By Train

Dharamshala does not have a railway station. To get to Dharamshala by train, you must first stop at Pathankot railway station in Punjab, about 86 kilometers from the city. You can take a cab from the station to Dharamshala or a bus from the Pathankot Bus Stand to McLeodganj, which will take approximately 3 to 4 hours to reach the city of Dharamshala. The Chandigarh Railway Station is also very popular with tourists who arrive by train. You can take a train to Chandigarh, 253 kilometers from Dharamshala, connecting major Indian metro cities. To get to Dharamshala, you must take a bus or hire a cab, which should take about 5 to 6 hours.

By Air

The Gaggal Airport, also known as Kangra Airport, is the closest domestic airport to Dharamshala, which is 15 kilometers away. Daily flights connect the airport to several Indian cities, including the capital. You can book a cab or a taxi to Dharamshala from the Gaggal airport, which is only a half-hour drive away. Flights to Indira Gandhi International Airport in Delhi are available for visitors from other countries. You can take a bus or cab (490 km, 10-11 hours) or fly from IGI Airport to Gaggal Airport and then to Dharamshala, as described above.

By Road

This city is easily accessible by road and is the most visited place in India by foreign tourists. Dharamshala is accessible via highways 154 and 503. A road trip should be as enjoyable as Dharamshala itself. You have the option of driving yourself or hiring a cab. For those traveling long distances, Delhi serves as a starting point. Numerous agencies in Delhi offer vehicle rental and cab services to Dharamshala. In addition, buses run daily from Kashmiri Gate ISBT in Delhi to Dharamshala, with semi-sleeper Volvos costing between 1000 and 1500 INR per seat. This journey takes between 10 and 11 hours. Typically, the buses run overnight.

FAQs about Dharamshala

  1. Q1.
    Which seasons are ideal for a picnic in Dharamshala?
    Picnics in Dharamshala are best enjoyed in the summer and spring.
  2. Q2.
    Which location is the most picturesque for picnics and hikes?
    The most scenic treks and picnics can be found at Triund Peak, Kareri Lake, and Naddi village.
  3. Q3.
    How much time can you spend at Triund Peak?
    You can camp here for 2-3 days and explore the area by trekking and stargazing at night.
  4. Q4.
    What is the best location for family picnics?
    Kangra Valley and Dal Lake are ideal for picnics with children because they will enjoy exploring the area, boating, and other outdoor activities.
  5. Q5.
    Is there snowfall in Dharamshala?
    Yes. During December and January, Dharamshala receives snowfall. If you enjoy snowfall, Dharamshala is an excellent place to visit to witness the annual snowfall.
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