Description of Dharamshala

Dharamshala is a city in the higher spreads of the Kangra Valley and is enclosed by thick coniferous forest consisting mainly of stately Deodar cedar trees. The suburbs include McLeodGanj, Bhagsunath, Dharamkot, Naddi, ForsythGanj, Kotwali Bazaar (the main market), Kaccheri Adda (government offices such as the court, police, post, etc.), Dari, Ramnagar, Sidhpur, and Sidhbari (where the Karmapa is based).

The village of McLeodGanj, lying in the upper reaches, is known worldwide for the presence of the Dalai Lama. On 29 April 1959, the 14th Dalai Lama (Tenzin Gyatso) established the Tibetan exile administration in the north Indian hill station of Mussoorie. In May 1960, the Central Tibetan Administration (CTA) was moved to Dharamshala.

Dharamshala is the centre of the Tibetan émigré world in India. Following the 1959 Tibetan uprising, there was an influx of Tibetan refugees who followed the 14th Dalai Lama. His presence and the Tibetan population have made Dharamshala a popular destination for Indian and foreign tourists, including students studying Tibet.

One of the main magnetism of Dharamshala is Triund hill. Jewel of Dharamshala, Triund is a one-day trek at the upper reaches of McLeod Ganj, about 9 km from McLeod Ganj.

History of Dharamshala

Dharamshala is the centre of the Tibetan émigré world in India. Following the 1959 Tibetan uprising, there was an influx of Tibetan refugees who followed the 14th Dalai Lama. His presence and the Tibetan population have made Dharamshala a popular destination for Indian and foreign tourists, including students studying Tibet.

One of the main magnetism of Dharamshala is Triund hill. Jewel of Dharamshala, Triund is a one-day trek at the upper reaches of McLeod Ganj, about 9 km from McLeod Ganj.

Geography of Dharamshala

Dharamshala has an average elevation of 1457 meters (4780 feet), covering an area of almost 8.51 km².^[

Dharamsala is located in the Kangra Valley, in the shadow of the Dhauladhar Mountains.

The city is divided into two distinct sections. Kotwali Bazaar and the surrounding markets are referred to as "Lower Dharamshala" or just "Dharamshala." Further up the mountain is McLeodGanj separated in between by the village of Ganchen Kyishong, the home of the Tibetan government-in-exile. A sharp, narrow road connects McLeodGanj from Dharamshala and is only accessible to taxis and small cars, while a longer road winds around the valley for use by buses and trucks. McLeodGanj is surrounded by pine, Himalayan oak, and rhododendron.

Weather of Dharamshala

Summer: The maximum and minimum temperature observed in this season are 31°C and 16°C.

Winter: The maximum and minimum temperature in this season are 25°C and 6°C.

Best Time to Visit Dharamshala

The Temperature is very pleasant in a day at Dharamshala and nights are cool, and so the always lots of tourist rush is in this gorgeous hill station. In the months between March and June, last week are the best time to visit Dharamshala as it doesn't get too cold or hot during this season. For those who love the rainy season, visit this hill station in the months of July and August. Winter is also the best time to visit Dharamshala, especially for those who want to experience snowfall. The temperature even drops to very low in winter.

How to reach Dharamshala

By Road

Buses of all types deluxe, air-conditioned, are running daily between Dharamshala and major cities as like Chandigarh, Delhi, and Shimla NH 503. All the buses each night connect McLeodGanj with Majnu Ka Tila in Delhi.

By Air

Dharamshala is reached by Kangra Gaggal Airport and about 12 km. And about 10 km from Kangra, Himachal Pradesh. To reach Dharamshala by train, one has to reach Kangra, Himachal Pradesh town by Kangra Valley Railway line from Pathankot 94 km away and then take a bus or a taxi

By Rail

Pathankot is a broad gauge railway Station. There is another narrow-gauge railway line from Pathankot to Jogindernagar. The nearest station to Dharamshala on this line is Chamunda Marg, half an hour away. Shree Chamunda Devi shakti pith is situated hear.