Tourism

Welcome to Dharamsala 

Blessed with some of the most spectacular and beautiful landscapes anywhere, it is a travelers paradise -lofty snow peaks, deep gorges, lush green valleys, fast flowing rivers, enchanting mountain lakes, flower bedecked meadows, beautiful temples and monasteries steeped in time. May it be for relaxing, sightseeing, trekking, mountaineering, fishing, para-gliding, skiing, ice skating and golf, Himachal has it all. 

One of the most beautiful hill resorts of North India, Dharamsala is often described as queen of the hills. Situated at a distance of 9 km down of McLeodganj, the city of Dharamsala is divided into two parts: upper Dharamsala and lower Dharamsala. In the year 1849 the British army had posted its regiment and made it one of the prime summer holiday spot.

Today Dharamsala is considered as one of the famous tourists destinations in the world, famous for its beautiful mountain ranges, temples, lakes and monastery, Dharamsala attracts large number of tourists from entire world.

Macleodganj: Up in Macleodganj is a charming Tibetan settlement with bustling bazaars that sell carpets, handicrafts and delicious Tibetan food. A giant prayer wheel ornaments a main street and in the monastery, a serene statue of the Lord Buddha presides over the gentle chanting of the monks.

The Dalai Lama resides in Macleodganj, which is now a major centre of Tibetan culture. It has the School of Tibetan Studies with rare manuscripts and ancient texts, the Tibetan Institute for the performing Arts and a handicrafts centre.

St.John’s Chuech in the wilderness: A stone church with delicate stained glass windows and a memorial to Lord Elgin.

Triund (2,975 m): Just below the snow line is the scenic picnic spot at Triund with its spectacular views and pleasant forest rest house.(10 Km)

Kunal Pathri: A rock temple to the local goddess is not far from the Kotwali Bazaar.(3Km)

Dal Lake: A popular picnic spot surrounded by forests of fir. An annual fair is held here, every September.(11 Km)

Dharamkot (2,100m): Above Upper Dharamsala is the Dharmkot Hill with a panoramic view of the majestic Dhauladhars.(11Km)

Bhagsunath: Close to Dal Lake is the shrine of Bhagsunath, an easy walk from the Macleodganj Bazaar. There is a pretty waterfall not far away. (11 Km)

Machhrial and Tatwani: A beautiful waterfall at Machhrial and the hot springs at Tatwani a little beyond it, are pleasant picnic spots (25 Km).

Kareri (1,983 m): A scenic spot with a rest house. Kareri Lake (3,250m), 13 Km away, is beautifully set among alpine meadows and forests of pine. (22 Km)

Chamunda Devi Temple: From the famous temple to Chamunda Devi there are glorious views of the mountains. (15 Km)

Excursion From Dharamsala

Trilokpur: A natural cave temple at Trilokpur, which is dedicated to Lord Shiva, has stalactite and stalagmite formations. (41 Km)

Masrur: Beautiful temples at Masrur, carved out of monolithic rocks in the style of the Kailash Temple at Ellora, dated to the 8th century A.D. Masrur is south of Kangra. (40 Km)

Nurpur: The ruined fort and Krishna temple at Nurpur are noted for fine wood carving. Nurpur, which was named after the Mughal Empress Nurjehan, is famous for its fine pashmina shawls and textiles. (66 Km)

Kangra: Kangra is a little town, situated 17 kms from Dharamshala. Kangra is well known for its temples and adventure activities. The town has some important temples like Jwalamukhi (Jwaladevi) Temple, Chamunda Devi Temple, Brajeshwari Devi Temple and a fort, called Kangra fort.

Palampur (40 km): A small town of Palampur, Neughal Khad is famous for the tea - gardens which exists here from the British era. A large number of tourists across the world flock to Palampur for a perfect holiday.

Trekking & Rock Climbing: Dharamsala is known for the treks and rock climbing activities. There are number of tailor-made treks in Dharamsala and adjoining places. The most famous trek is from Dharamsala to the Chamba Valley, over the Indradhar pass that covers the height of 4350m. It is rated as the toughest trek and requires at max five days to complete it. In the category of easy treks, the treks between Mcleodganj and Dharamsala are considered to be the easiest. This is a 10 km trek covering areas like Bhagsu, Dharamkot and Triund. The best season for the trekking is between May and October.

Angling & Fishing: The nearby area of Dharamsala comprises of many small rivers and streams, that gives ample opportunity for angle fishing. The 20-km long stretch of river Beas between Nadaun and the Pong Dam offers abundance of opportunities in angling.

Shopping In Dharamsala: One can buy Tibetan rugs and handicraft products from the shop of the Tibetan Handicraft Centre and TCV Handicraft Centre in McLeod Gunj. Orders for Tibetan wood and metal craft products can be made at the Tibetan Art Gallery, located in the Hotel Tibet building complex. Besides, there are various tiny shops offering Tibetan trinkets and imitations of Tibetan antiques.

Getting There & Away

Air: The nearest airport is Kangra ( Gaggal , 12 Km)

Rail: The nearest narrow gauge railhead is Kangra (18 Km). The nearest broad gauge station Pathankot, (90 Km), is linked to major towns.

Road: Well connected by road. Some distances are as follows: Delhi 514 Km, Chandigarh 239 Km, Kulllu 214 Km, Shimla 332 Km, Chamba 192 Km.