DHARAMSHALA

Dharamshala the district headquarters of the Kangra district lies in the upper reaches of the Kangra Valley surrounded by dense Deodars. Today, Dharamsala has become the synonymous to the Tibetan government in exile and the home of Tibetan leader Dalai Lama. Even if the Tibetan community dominates the town, still it has retained the colonial lifestyle and British fervour.

Dharamshala is devided into two distinct parts : lower Dharamshala the civil and business area with Courts and Kotwali bazar and upper Dharamshala composed of places like Mcleod Ganj and Forsyth Ganj.

How to reach Dharamshala?
 

How to Reach Dharamshala by Road?
There are frequent and direct bus services from Delhi, Chandigarh, Jammu, Shimla, Chamba and Manali. Taxis for Dharamshala are available at both places from Pathankot the drive takes about three hours. Drive from Delhi via Chandigarh, Kiratpur and Bilaspur takes about 8 hours.

How to Reach Dharamshala by Rail?
Pathankot is the nearest broad gauge railway terminal to Dharamshala. From Pathankot there is a narrow gauge railway line up to Kangra (94 km) and from here Dharamshala is 17 km by road.

How to Reach Dharamshala by Air?
The nearest airport is Gaggal Airport located at 15 km. from Dharamshala. Other airports having regular service are Jammu 200 km, Amritsar 210 km and Chandigarh 260 km.

Distance from Dharamshala

Dharamshala to Pathankot - 120 km      Dharamshala to Delhi - 520 km

Dharamshala to Chandigarh - 250 km     Dharamshala to Jammu - 210 km

Dharamshala to Shimla - 238 km           Dharamshala to Chamba - 185 km

Dharamshala to Manali - 240 km            Dharamshala to Kullu - 214 km

Dharamshala to Mandi - 147 km            Dharamshala to Jalandhar - 166 km

Dharamshala to Palampur - 34 km          Dharamsala to Jawalamukhi - 53 Km

Sightseeing in Dharamshala

McLeodganj - Often called the' Little Lhasa' at 1770 m, this is the residence of His Holiness the Dalai Lama and the Tibetan government-in-exile. The impressive monastery has larger than life images of the Buddha, Padmasambhava and Avalokteshwara. The large Tibetan community and the presence of traditional architectural designs drawn from Tibet have enhanced the area. Also on Sundays there is a flea market.

Tsuglagkhang Complex - The Tsuglagkhang Complex in Dharamsala is a sacred building complex enclosing the residence of Dalai Lama, the spiritual leader of Tibetan Government in exile. The complex is constructed in a location near Mcleod Ganj and is overlooked by the mountain ranges of Dhauladhar. Apart from the residence of Dalai Lama Tsuglagkhang Complex encloses a monastery, a Tibetan museum, a cafeteria, a book shop and library, prayer wheels and Buddhist shrines.

Norbulingka Institute - The Norbulingka Institute is located about 15 km from McLeod Ganj. Developed by the Dalai Lama as a center for the continuation and training of traditional Tibetan arts and crafts, the ground alone are testament to the Tibetan’s architectural and artistic skill.

Kangra Art Museum - The museum  is a reservoir of Kangra's rich cultural heritage displayed in its arts and crafts. Most of these date back to several centuries ago. The museum also has a collection of the famous Kangra miniature paintings, sculptures, and pottery.

St. John's Church - 8 km from Dharamshala, between Forsythganj and McLeodganj is the charming dressed- stone church of St. John in the wildness. Under the shade of deodar branches, a memorial has been erected over the body of the British viceroy, Lord Elgin who died at Dharamshala in 1863.

Masrur (or Masroor) - Masrur located 15 km south of Kangra has fifteen exquisitely carved monolithic rock temples dating back to 8th century. The carvings of these temples are similar to Kailash temple at Ellora. In the sanctum of the main temple, one can find images of  Lord Ram, Sita and Lakshmi.

Namgyal Monastery - Sonam Gyatso, the third Dalai Lama, founded Namgyal Monastery in the year 1575. During that time, it was situated at the Potala Palace in Tibet. Its purpose was to assist the Dalai Lama in his spiritual duties and public religious activities.

Gangchen Kyishong - The offices of the Tibetan government-in-exile and the Library of Tibetan Works and Archives are located here.

Bhagsu Waterfall -  This waterfall is situated at Bhagsu, 2 km from McLeodganj. It lies behind the Bhagsunag Temple. During Monsoon, the fall turns into a 30 feet cascade.

Bhagsunag Temple - The temple of god Shiva is situated around 2 km from McLeodganj Bazaar. Very next to Bhagsunag temple is a water fall, one of the major tourist attractions in Dharamshala.

Jwalamukhi Temple - It is nearly two-hour excursion would take guest to the famous Jwalamukhi Temple, dedicated to the Goddess of Light. There is no idol to worship as such in the temple. Rather a constantly burning blue flame emanating from inside the rocks is worshipped.

Trilokpur - On the way from Pathankot, 41-km from Dharamsala are the unique cave temples with a stalactite and stalagmites dedicated to Lord Shiva.

Kunal Parthi Temple - This temple is dedicated to Goddess Kalpeshwari, and is located 3 km from the Kotwali Bazaar.

Chamunda Temple - This temple is located around 15 km from Dharamshala on the right bank of river Baner on the Mandi-Pathankot highway. According to mythology, Goddess Kali killed the demons Chand and Mund at this place.
Dal Lake -  The Lake 2 km westward from McLeod Ganj Bazaar is spread in an area of 1 km . A fair is held at the Kali Temple near the Lake every year.

Naddi - This scenic picnic spot is located 5 km northwest of McLeod Ganj. Naddi offers a spectacular view of the Kangra valley. You can trek to Kareri Lake, Triund, and Guna Devi from here. It's a must see for nature lovers.
 

                                                 Treks from Dharamshala
 

The trekking season starts from May and goes on to October. The most frequented route from Dharamsala to the Chamba valley is over the Indradhar Pass (4350m).

One-day trek to Triund
Take a picturesque trek through rhododendron and deodar woods, to Triund, located at an altitude of 2,827 mts with great views of the Dhauladhar Mountains. Tirund is about 17 km from Dharamshala.

3-Day Trek to Indrahar
This is a centuries-old route followed by the Gaddi shepherds who graze their sheep in the high altitude pastures. Indrahar Pass is 4,350m high.

6-Day Trek To Macchetar
This trek is quite difficult in patches, but gives you magnificent views of the Pir Panjal peaks. Once you reach there you can return back from the Chamba roadhead.

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