About Dharamshala Tourism
Nestled in the mystic hills of Himachal Pradesh, Dharamshala is a hill town that has all the right reasons to captivate tourists. Blessed with an abundance of picturesque natural beauty, this place is known for offering a rare blend of Tibetan, British, and Himachali cultures. Dharamshala is also home to the largest Tibetan temple outside of Tibet and is famous for its religious iconography worldwide. Other than this, this town is equally popular among thrill seekers as they can indulge in several exciting adventurous activities such as trekking, paragliding, river rafting, camping, etc.
With so much to offer, Dharamshala is an integral part of Himachal Pradesh tourism. If you’re planning a trip on which you can rejuvenate yourself amidst nature and experience a unique spiritual energy, this is just the right place for you.
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Best Time to Visit Dharamshala
The peak season for Dharamshala tourism is from mid-February to late July. During these months, the weather remains pleasant, with average day temperatures ranging between 21-34° C . So, you can head out for sightseeing and indulge in several other outdoor activities as well.
Although this town can get very cold during winters with occasional snowfalls, you can definitely plan a trip in this season. This is considered a good time to admire the natural beauty Dharamshala offers. However, it is best to avoid a trip to Dharamshala in the monsoon, just like any other hill station. Although this town doesn’t receive heavy rainfall, even moderate rains can make it difficult to go from one place to another.
Things To Do In Dharamshala
This fascinating hill town offers several exciting experiences that you can indulge in and make memories that will last a lifetime. Here are a few must-try activities to include in your Dharamshala tourism itinerary:
Visit the Namgyal Monastery
Namgyal Monastery was founded by the 3rd Dalai Lama in 1575. It was originally established in Tibet but was relocated to Dharamshala during the 1959 Tibetan uprising. Currently, this monastery is home to more than 200 monks and serves as the personal monastery of the 14th Dalai Lama. Boasting a strategic location and stunning architecture, this monastery enthrals a large number of visitors on a daily basis. If you want to take a break from sightseeing and spend a peaceful day in calm surroundings, this is the right place to visit.
Explore the Tsuglagkhang Temple Complex
The Tsuglagkhang Temple is another major tourist attraction in Dharamshala. It is the largest Tibetan temple outside Tibet. Since this temple complex is the official residence of Dalai Lama in India, it is also known as Dalai Lama Temple. Housed in a beautiful building with intricate carvings, this temple is visited by a large number of tourists and pilgrims from all over the world.
Paragliding
The hilly terrain of Dharamshala makes it the perfect spot for adventure sports like paragliding. If you want to experience some adrenaline rush, this is one of the best activities to indulge in. It allows you to enjoy stunning panoramic views of the Shivalik and Dhauladhar Himalayan ranges. Bir Billing and Indru Nag are two popular spots where you can enjoy paragliding.
Plan a Visit to McLeod Ganj
Also known as Upper Dharamsala, McLeod Ganj is a picturesque town approximately 10 kilometres uphill from Dharamshala. Apart from its natural beauty, this place is also known as the home of the 14th Dalai Lama. Due to the large Tibetan population, McLeod Ganj is also known as ‘Little Lhasa’. If you want to know more about Buddhism and Tibetan culture, you should definitely cover this place on your Dharamshala trip.
How To Reach Dharamshala
Being one of the most popular tourist destinations in North India, Dharamshala is easily accessible from other parts of the country. Here’s how you can reach there:
By Air: Kangra Airport, also known as Gaggal Airport, is located at a small distance of 12 kilometres from Dharamshala. You can find direct/connecting flights to this airport from all major Indian cities. After reaching there, you can either take a bus or hire a private taxi to reach Dharamshala.
By train: Located at a distance of approximately 85 kilometres from Dharamshala, Pathankot is the nearest major railway station to Dharamshala. You can find several express and superfast trains at this station, and upon reaching here, you can take a bus or taxi to Dharamshala.
By Road: If you’re coming from a nearby city like Chandigarh, Delhi, Shimla, etc., you can reach here by either bus or car. There are well-maintained roads that connect Dharamshala to other Indian cities.
