Dharamshala Hill Station

Famous all over the world for being home to the Dalai Lama, Dharamshala is an irresistible tourist destination in Himachal Pradesh. The charming town of Dharamshala, with spectacular Dhauladhar mountain range as the backdrop, is visited by hordes of domestic and foreign tourists every year. The town lies on the upper slopes of Kangra Valley and offers a relaxed and friendly atmosphere that is a treat for the mind, body and the soul. Lots of trekking options are available for the trekkers in Dhauladhar mountain range of this region.

McLeod Ganj, originally a British hill station and the upper town in Dharamshala, now serves as the seat of Tibetan Government in exile. Tibetan influence is visible in the atmosphere of the town, as it has transformed in the past 20-30 years into a significant center for Tibetan refuges in India. This pilgrimage place attracts lots of Buddhist people from all around the world. Many foreigners visit India especially to enjoy the Dharamshala trip.

Main Tourist Attractions of Dharamshala

Dalai Lama Residence
Located towards the southern part of the McLeod Ganj town, the Dalai Lama Residence has served as the permanent home for Dalai Lama since 1960. The buildings here are simple. Within the complex stands the Buddhist Temple, Tsug Lakhang, which is the most important Buddhist temple of the town, enshrining the images of Sakyamuni, Padmasambhava and Avalokitesvara.

Tibet Museum
This museum is located near the Mangyal Monastery and exhibits the life of Tibetan people after invasion of China in 1949. Various photographs and video clips can be seen in the museum. Profiles of different Tibetan including museum curators and political prisoners have been displayed in the hall at the first floor.

Library of Tibetan Works and Archives
Boasting of a large collection of Tibetan manuscripts, this library is housed in the compound of Tibetan Central Administration. You can find here books on sacred Tibetan texts, Indian culture, religion, society, architecture and many other subjects. A small museum here displays numerous Buddhist pictures and statues, bronze items and other objects.

Mountaineering Institute
This is the best place in Dharamshala to get information about different trekking options available in the Dhauladhar range. You can also buy books and maps of the region from this institute.

Norbulingka Institute
Nearly 8 km from Dharamshala lies this institute near Sidpur village. The institute works to preserve literary and artistic culture of Tibet. Dating back to 1985, the complex demonstrates Tibetan architectural styles through many buildings, the most significant being the Deden Tsuglakhang Temple. This is an interesting temple where you can watch more than thousand Buddha images and colorful frescoes of different Dalai Lamas of the past.

How to Reach Dharamshala
Two bus stands in Dharamshala are located towards southern area of the lower town of Dharamshala and in McLeod Ganj. Buses are available from Delhi, Manali, Shimla, Mandi, Pathankot, and various other cities for tourists on Dharamshala trip. Gaggal Airport nearly 11 km away serves as the nearest airport to Dharamshala. Flights are available for Delhi only. Pathankot in Punjab is the nearest railhead to Dharamshala.

Best time to Visit Dharamshala
Dharamshala receives heavy snowfall during winter months of December to March. April to June is usually the best time for Dharamshala trip. Heavy rainfall makes the travel difficult during the months of July and August. September to November period is also good for Dharamshala trip, however, you would need a good number of warm clothes during these months to enjoy your trip.