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India » Dharamshala
 City Guide
 
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Above the Kangra Valley, high on the snowy slopes of the Dhauladhar Range Dharamsala is a spiritual paradise where Buddhism prevails and the Dalai Lama is larger than life. It is at once earthy and surreal. Its newest first citizen is none other than Hollywood star Richard Gere, who flies in regularly to attend prayer meetings and raise funds.
The upper town McLeodganj is where the Tibetans live amidst the backdrop of the sheer rock face of the Dhauladhar. Lower Dharamsala (1,380 m) is a busy commercial centre, while Upper Dharamsala (1,830 m), with the suburbs of McLeodganj and Forsythganj, retains a British flavour and colonial lifestyle
Dharamsala also serves as a base camp for several trekking expeditions across the Dhauladhar Range. Here, the scent of pine mingled with that of incense infiltrates your senses. This hill station is an invigorating experience for both the mind and the soul!
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AIR
Indian Airlines flies thrice a week from Delhi on Monday, Wednesday and Friday to Gaggal Airport. Airport about 11 km away from Dharamsala.
RAIL
The Jhelum-Jammu Express, Pathankot-Jammu and many other northern trains halt at Pathankot station, the most convenient railhead for Dharamsala. The remaining part of the journey can be covered by taxi or bus.
Railway station
Although the Kangra Mandir Railway Station, 22 km away, is closest to Dharamsala, Pathankot is more convenient with trains from Delhi, Punjab, Jammu and other cities arriving here.
ROAD
Linked by road to all major towns nearby, Dharamsala is just off the NH 20. The 85 km distance from Pathankot to Dharamsala can be covered by taxi (fare Rs 1,200) or deluxe bus (Rs 300).
Bus terminus
McLeodganj (Tel: 28 025) is the normal arrival point for luxury and deluxe buses from Manali and Delhi. State-run buses usually terminate at the bus stop at the southern end of Kotwali Bazaar.
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CLIMATE
The summer temperature ranges between 15°C and 30°C. The winter temperatures usually ranges between 8°C and 18°C.
STD CODE
01892
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War Memorial
Set amidst the pine groves is a war memorial built to commemorate the post-independence war heroes of Himachal.
Kangra Art Museum
Showcases miniature paintings, sculptures, pottery and dresses used by local nobility.
Kunal Pathri
A pleasant walk through the Kotwali Bazaar leads you to a temple made out of rocks set in serene surroundings.
Dal Lake
About 11 km from Dharamsala, the lake surrounded by deodar trees makes for an enchanting picnic spot.
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McLeodganj, also known as Little Lhasa, has its own charm and the Dalai Lama s residence to show off. Monasteries here are clustered with larger than life carved Buddhas, Padamasambhava and Avalokteshwara.
Church of St John is an 8-km drive out of Dharamsala, located between McLeodganj and Forsythganj. An awesome sight, it is entirely constructed in stone.
Chintpurni (74 km) is a holy destination for Indians, and one can spend an entire day there. Usually, people combine Jwalaji with this destination and the taxi fare works out to Rs 1,000.
Kangra Chamunda Devi Devi is another sightseeing option via taxi for Rs 700. Both the sights combine to make an enriching religious/ historical excursion.
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Typical souvenirs from Dharamsala include wooden carvings, silk and woven woollen scarves and Tibetan handicrafts. The more the workmanship, the higher the price you pay for it. All main streets are dotted with tiny stalls selling these trinklets and handicrafts. On Jogibara Road, you can pick up prayer bells, carpets, rugs and books. The Green Shop at Bhagsu Road sells recycled painted cards and other such stationery. Ancient Tibetan handicrafts in particular are a favourite with tourists. Women could even buy a bakku, a traditional Tibetan dress for women. The Tibetan Bookshop and Information Office has good books on Tibet and its history.
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