Dharamsala is a tale of two cities. The one part has the rustic character of a Himachali town while the other offers a mini-Lhasa experience. With Dharamsala, visitors are not only treated to the beautiful town but also the unique suburb of McLeod Ganj, which is a unique destination in itself.
Situated at an altitude of 1,457m Dharamsala is a quaint little town in Himachal Pradesh which witnesses a lot of travellers every year. The lower Dharamsala which houses the bustling markets and hotels offers you a comfortable stay, markets and everything you need from a city. Before you move to the upper side, the town offers you an opportunity to explore Chamunda Devi Temple and Kunal Pathri Temple, which are the biggest tourist attraction in Dharamsala.
Move to Upper Dharamsala which is home to McLeod Ganj, the landscape changes completely. His holiness the 14th Dalai Lama’s presence can be felt all through the suburbs with numerous monasteries offering a spiritual journey. The major religious and spiritual attractions in Dharamsala are HH Dalai Lama Temple or Tsuglagkhang Complex, Dip Tse Chok Ling, Gyuto Monastery. As you proceed into McLeod Ganj you will busy street shops being replaced by Tibbetian eateries and local markets selling unique products. The monastery, which is one of the biggest attractions of Dharamsala is nestled deep in the suburb and once you are done exploring them, the famous Bhagsunag Fall and temple will offer you the relief you need. Trek to the top of the fall and you would be treated to the amazing view of McLeod Ganj.
While the life on the roads of the town is quite engaging, it’s the mesmerizing Dhauladhar peaks that would invite you to give serious trekking a try. The famous trails of Triund top start from McLeod Ganj, taking you to Triund top and further to Dhauladhar Mountain if you wish to go there. If the travel bug in you expects more tourist attractions in Dharamsala, you can explore Dal Lake, Sunset Point and St. John’s Church.
Dharamsala is two distinct yet similar cities fused in one. While one part witnesses the hustle of city life, the other one offers spiritual redemption to the ones who seek.
Food in Dharamsala: Dharamsala is a complete holiday destination in Himachal, as it offers the best of both worlds. McLeod Ganj provides you with an opportunity to explore Tibetan food while the lower Dharamsala will cater to all your dietary needs.
With the heat rising, it is the right time to visit the cool and pi...
Indulge in the splendors of North India: A summer odyssey beyond im...
Want best packages handpicked just for you?
Fill the form and get a callback from our holiday experts
Tell us about your travel needs so we can get you in touch with the right expert
Make your tour a memorable one with the assistance of a travel specialist
Get ready to enjoy your tour
Located at a moderate altitude, Dharamsala weather is tricky in itself. You will feel a temperature difference as you move from Lower Dharamsala to Upper Dharamsala(McLeod Ganj). However, the weather season remains the same and the summer and spring seasons are the best time to visit Dharamsala. Although, it is pleasant during these seasons, winter in Dharamsala is a unique experience for the ones who rush to the mountains in winters.
Summer Season in Lahaul & Spiti: Summer season in Dharamsala starts around April and lasts till June. The days are warm and sunny with temperatures in the season ranging between 25-35 degrees Celsius. However, you might find McLeod Ganj slightly cooler during the summer season.
Monsoon Season in Lahaul & Spiti: Starting July till September, the monsoon season in Dharamsala brings moderate to heavy rainfall. Although, if you are looking for some cinematic shots, this is your best time to visit Dharamsala. With the famous Triund trek offering picturesque sights of mountains below you during the monsoon season, this can be a unique experience for the ones who seek an adrenaline rush.
Winter Season in Himachal Pradesh: Officially the winter season starts in October and lasts till March. The winter brings in snow, making it a popular romantic destination for a honeymoon. The temperature ranges between 20-degree Celsius to 7-degree Celsius during the day with night temperature touching the zero degrees mark.
With the heat rising, it is the right time to visit the cool and pi...
Indulge in the splendors of North India: A summer odyssey beyond im...
Want best packages handpicked just for you?
Fill the form and get a callback from our holiday experts
Tell us about your travel needs so we can get you in touch with the right expert
Make your tour a memorable one with the assistance of a travel specialist
Get ready to enjoy your tour
Dharamsala is a popular tourist destination in Himachal Pradesh, making it well-connected via all means. If you are planning a trip to Dharamsala, we will help you understand how you can reach Dharamsala.
By air: The nearest airport to Dharamsala is Gaggal Airport also known as the Kangra Airport, which is roughly 15 km from Dharamsala. The airport is well connected to other cities including Delhi and Mumbai. From the airport, you can either take a cab to Dharamsala.
By train: Dharamsala doesn’t have a railway station of its own. The nearest train station to Dharamsala is in Pathankot, which is close to 85 km away. You can take a bus from Pathankot to reach Dharamsala or book a taxi to reach Dharamsala.
By road: Dharamsala, being a popular tourist destination among both domestic and foreign travellers, is well connected via National and State highways. It is well connected from Delhi and Shimla and if you plan to travel by bus, you will find a lot of options available with the Himachal State-run buses.
With the heat rising, it is the right time to visit the cool and pi...
Indulge in the splendors of North India: A summer odyssey beyond im...
Want best packages handpicked just for you?
Fill the form and get a callback from our holiday experts
Tell us about your travel needs so we can get you in touch with the right expert
Make your tour a memorable one with the assistance of a travel specialist
Get ready to enjoy your tour
Dharamsala offers the best of two distinct worlds fused in one. With McLeod Ganj, travellers get to experience the Tibetan heritage and spiritual retreat whereas Dharamsala offers a city-like experience. There are numerous temples and monasteries you can visit in Dharamsala including Bhagsunag Temple, HH Dalai Lama Temple, Dal Lake in McLeod Ganj and Chamunda Devi Temple and Kunal Pathri Temple in Dharamsala.
With the heat rising, it is the right time to visit the cool and pi...
Indulge in the splendors of North India: A summer odyssey beyond im...
Want best packages handpicked just for you?
Fill the form and get a callback from our holiday experts
Tell us about your travel needs so we can get you in touch with the right expert
Make your tour a memorable one with the assistance of a travel specialist
Get ready to enjoy your tour
If you are looking for popular things to do in Dharamsala, the options are infinite. From shopping to exploring heritage sites to trekking in the wilderness, Dharamsala has something for everyone.
With the heat rising, it is the right time to visit the cool and pi...
Indulge in the splendors of North India: A summer odyssey beyond im...
Want best packages handpicked just for you?
Fill the form and get a callback from our holiday experts
Tell us about your travel needs so we can get you in touch with the right expert
Make your tour a memorable one with the assistance of a travel specialist
Get ready to enjoy your tour
The weather at Dharamsala and McLeod Ganj may vary by 3-5 degrees Celsius. Pack your clothes accordingly.
With high elevation, tourists might face the issue of altitude sickness. Carry the required medicine to avoid headaches. With cold temperatures, tourists might not notice the signs of dehydration, however, it is necessary to keep yourself hydrated, especially while trekking and long day travel.
If you are travelling by public transport, make sure your travel plans fall are during the day as the frequency of autos and taxis from McLeod Ganj to Dharamsala decreases after sunset.
With the heat rising, it is the right time to visit the cool and pi...
Indulge in the splendors of North India: A summer odyssey beyond im...
Want best packages handpicked just for you?
Fill the form and get a callback from our holiday experts
Tell us about your travel needs so we can get you in touch with the right expert
Make your tour a memorable one with the assistance of a travel specialist
Get ready to enjoy your tour