Dharamshala is known for being beautiful yet prominent Nature’s spring spread all over the city. This is one of the reasons it is also called a little Lhasa of India. Situated around the Dhauladhar range of the mystic Himalayas, Dharamshala is a hill town that is known as the winter capital of Himachal Pradesh in the laps of upper slopes amid the Kangra Valleys.

If you’re passing by or celebrating the moments of your vacation near Chandigarh, Amritsar, Delhi, or Jammu, Dharamshala is the next tranquil spot where you can spot on and spend a few days out of your weekends. Just a little far from McLeodganj, Dharamshala is laid back near Dharamkot village where still not too many tourists visit in a year. So it can be your next tourist destination, being one of the untouched spots in the mountains to date. Or if you’re a solo traveler or a gypsy, you can simply pack your bags and march to this beautifully carved city to bundle up lots of everlasting memories and a bunch of lifetime experiences.

History of Dharamshala

Once the city of Dharamshala was known as the British hill station during the colonial period of India, but soon after that era, Buddhist monks occupied this destination and performed various sacred pilgrimages around the city, From then onwards it’s been a prominent place of Buddhism and its culture. There is a colonial and a Tibetan influence in the background of the city that infolds many historical perspectives before us.

With the advent of a royal family a ruling part named as Katoch dynasty in the past, the vicinity was influenced by their power. The place where the royal family lived and ruled is still known as Kangra Fort, built by the emperors of the Katoch dynasty to safeguard the vicinity aspects of Dharamshala from colonizers or invaders. And nowadays, the place where the royal family resides in is called Clouds End Villa. 

But in the 1850s, after the second Anglo-Sikh war, the annexure of Dharamshla took place by the Britishers and was later reformed as the cantonment for Britain troops of Kangra posted soldiers. The slopes where no construction ever happened were lately relieved for Hindus’ residential area, hence naming it Dharamshala, the city got its name. Gradually after the divination of the regiments, the settlement of civilians was approved and there lived the native people of Dharamshala.

By the time of 1860s, the Gurkha Light Infantry was shifted to Dharamshala, and by 1904, it confluence as a center for trade, commerce, and official summits region of the British rule somewhere around Kangra district.

Now history has evidence of the 14th Dalai Lama fleeing down to Dharmshala amid the mystical hills and taking refuge in India after they got exiled from China. From there in 1960, Dalai Lama executed the official refugee camps in Dharamshala and McLeodganj for the Tibetans living in India.

Geography of Dharamshala: where is it located?

The city of Dharamshala is situated in the Northern side of India in Himachal Pradesh which makes the state’s winter capital and state or district headquarters are shifted to Kangra district of Dharamshala from Shimla. The city is located on the upper slopes of Kangra Valley, amid dense greens and forests,

The beautiful provinces of Dharamshala surround the suburbs of McLeodganj, which is barely a few 3 kilometers from Dharamshala where numerous adventurous activities occur. Apart from that Thangka paintings, street markets, flea markets, authentic Himachali cuisines, museums, etc make the flock of tourists visit the city. Nonetheless, Dharamshala is an alternative spot other than Manali, Shimla, Dalhousie, and many more hill stations that you can visit in the freezing winters to best experience the influence of regal Tibetan culture in India.

Recommended Places To Visit in Dharamshala

We recommend you visit these beautiful places while traveling to Dharamshala:-

1. Triund- A scenic and ideal place to have a picnic date with your family and friends. It’s a 9 km trek from McLeodganj that will rejuvenate all the senses of your mind and body.
2. Dharamshala Cricket Stadium- It’s one of the highest sports grounds in the world situated at a height of 1,457 masl.
3. Namgyal Monastery, McLeodganj- It’s situated in the complex of Tsuglagkhang where the Dalai Lama resides and houses many of the shrines, temples, Buddhist souvenir shops, etc.
4. Bhagsu Falls- Located almost 2 km away from McLeodganj, this pristine waterfall is surrounded by lush green forests and sky heightened pines.
5. Indrahar Pass Trek- It’s a destination known for its picturesque trekking trail starting from McLeodganj via Lahesh and the caves of Triund, covering a trek of 14 km. The trek is most conveniently visited from April- October.
6. Kangra Fort- The fort of Kangra i situated on the trances of Kangra town which emphasizes the golden period of thousands of years ago with its witnesses of invasion, warships, wealth making and the evolution over time. The origin of this fort dates back to the epic period of the Mahabharata which was known as the fort of Trigarta Kingdom in ancient times.
7. Kalachakra Temple- Built inside the temple complex of Thekchen Choling in McLeodganj is a Tibetan significance temple that has stunning mural paintings of the wheel of time which is known as Kalachakra (linked to the Avalokitesvara through which the manifestation of Dalai Lama occurs).
8. Jwala Devi Temple- Dedicated to the Hindu goddess Jwala Devi, who depicts the eternal flames and is one of the 52 known Shaktipeethas where mata Sati’s tongue fell. You must join the aarti performed inside the temple.
9. Masroor Rock Cut Temple- 32 km from the Kangra district, this spot is situated on the Nagrota Surian Link Road it’s a ruin’s architecture that stands as its exemplar from the age of the Indo-Aryan era built in the 8th century.
10. McLeodganj Markets- Famously known for its crafts, arts, culture, cuisines, etc, the local markets of McLeodganj are a hub for culture shopping for Tibetan mats, rugs, carpets, and so on amid the beauty of Nature’s lap.

Must-Visit Places Near Dharamshala

These are the places that you must visit around Dharamshala:-

• McLeodganj
• Bir
• Manali
• Shimla
• Dalhousie
• Prashar Lake
• Chamba
• Khjjar
• Triund
• Kangra Fort
• Naggar

What is the Best Time to Visit Dharamshala

From the month of October to June

Cuisines of Dharamshala You Must Have

You are in Dharamshala and you can not miss out on the authentically delicious cuisines of Dharamshala, the most famous and delish cuisines you must try in Dharamshala are:-

1. Madra
2. Dhaam
3. Thukpa
4. Tudkiya Bhat
5. Bhagsu cake
6. Momos
7. Maggie and tea
8. Mittha
9. Shapta
10. Alu Phing Sha

How to Reach Dharamshala

You can reach Dharamshala by the mode of Airways, Roadways, and by Train:-

By Air

Nearest airport- Gaggal Airport or Kangra Airport (domestic)

Distance between Dharamshala and Kangra Airport- 15 km

For tourists coming from other parts of India, take a cab from Gaggal airport to reach Dharamshala. There are multiple flights from different cities of India and from Delhi.

And if you’re traveling from a country other than India, take a flight to Indira Gandhi International Airport. From IGI Airport, you can book a connecting flight or a direct domestic flight to Gaggal Airport/Kangra Airport.

By Train,

There is no direct railway station or a mode of transport with trains in Dharamshala. But the nearest railway station to Dharamshala is Pathankot railway station in Punjab and the distance between Pathankot railway station and Dharamshala is around 86 km. One can cover the after-train distance by a cab or by a public bus as it runs from Pathankot bus stand daily to McLeodganj. After this, you can book a cab ride to Dharamshala once you reach McLeodganj.

Another nearest station is Chandigarh, after which you can book a taxi or a direct bus from Chandigarh bus stand.

By Road,

The roadways to Dharamshala are the most renowned by tourists from across the world, as it’s accessible and lashed with nature’s essence. You can take a road trip on NH 154 & NH 503 to reach the stunning city of Dharamshala. You can drive your own car towards the city book a ride or hire an agency to get to the destination. If you are coming from Delhi, take a bus to Dharamshala directly from ISBT Kashmere Gate of Delhi and you’ll reach Dharamshala in just a journey of 10-11 hours.

Do’s & Don’ts in Dharamshala That You Must Be Aware of!

-Do’s of Dharamshala

• Visit all the places when they are open
• Have delish Maggie in the mountainous spots
• Shop souvenirs from authentic locale
• Take a cab when you feel you won’t be able to trek, after all, we got there to enjoy the weather and the scenery right?
• Gossip with your group or your friends instead of going to a pub at night. Enjoy the nightlife of McLeodganj
• Ask for a 40-50% bargained price while shopping

Dont’s of Dharamshala

• Going to a pub in Dharamshala is not suggested as the city itself will blow your mind with its beauty without paying a penny
• Don’t bargain at the shops that say fixed price as they’ll not give you a discount on stuff anyway
• The sunset point, Naddi is not recommended to visit on a rainy day
• Don’t indulge in finding a room or guide after reaching out there, instead, it’s better that you plan your trip in advance and get your rooms in the hotel booked in prior. Otherwise, you’ll have to spare a hefty amount on room rent.