Dharamsala
Travel Guide > Asia > India > Himachal Pradesh > Dharamsala
In this Article
- Introduction
- Neighbourhoods
- Sights and Activities
- Events and Festivals
- Weather
- Getting There
- Getting Around
- Eat
- Drink
- Sleep
- Work
- Learn
- Keep Connected
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Introduction
Dharamsala is a small city in the northern Indian province of Himachal Pradesh. With a population of around 20,000 inhabitants, it is best known as being the home of the Dalai Lama. It is located in the upper reaches of the Kanga Valley.
Neighbourhoods
The town is divided into three parts
- Upper Dharamsala called McLeod Ganj
- The middle Kotwali Bazar
- The lower Kaccheri area
- Bhagsunag Fall and Temple, about 11 kilometres from Dharamsala
- Kunal Pathari, about 3 kilometres from Dharamshala
Sights and Activities
- Tsuglagkhang Complex
- Tibet Museum
- Tibetan Library
- Tibetan Institute of Performing Arts
Events and Festivals
- Dalai Lama Public Lectures - usually for about 10 days in February/March each year
Weather
Dharamsala is located between 1400 and 1750 metres above sea level and therefore has a climate that can best be described by being in between a typical Alpine climate and the climate found more to the areas to the south, which are hot and humid in summer. Dharamsala has summers from April to October when average daytime temperatures are between 25 and 31 °C and nights between 13 and 20 °C. Winters are much colder compared to areas to the south with days between 12 and 15 °C from December and February. Nights are just above zero during this time. October to December, as is April, are the driest months. From May onwards, precipitation increases dramatacially, peaking in July and August, which have a massive 800mm and 900mm respectively.
Getting There
By Plane
Gaggal Airport, also known as Kangra Airport or Dharamsala-Kangra Airport (DHM) receives few flights. Jagson Airlines has flights to Delhi, Chandigarh and Kulu, while Kingfisher Airlines only serves Delhi.
By Train
The nearest train station is Kangra Mandir, on the slow narrow-gauge line from Pathankot to Jogindernagar. Taxis to Panthankot take about 3 hours. There are comfortable night trains to/from Delhi, a much better alternative to the bus (see below).
By Car
By Bus
The main bus terminal is in Lower Dharamsala, but some public HRTC buses to Delhi and Pathankot go all the way to the main square of McLeod Ganj. Buses to Delhi take up to 13 hours and usually travel overnight.
By Boat
Getting Around
By Car
By Public Transport
Public buses to between McLeod and Dharamsala leave roughly hourly, autorickshaws ply the same route but are much more expensive.
By Foot
McLeod Ganj is small enough to be navigated on foot.
By Bike
Eat
Drink
Sleep
Budget
| Property | Address | Type | Popularity |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hotel Mount View (Dharamsala) | Jogiwara road near post office Mcleodganj Dhramshala | Guesthouse | 93 |
| Hotel Valley View Crest | Vill.Dhyal P.O.Totarani Via Dal Lake | Hostel | - |
| Jagatram Niwas Guest House | c/o Bavinder Singh, V&PO Bhagsunag, Tehsil Dharamsala, Distt. Kangra | Guesthouse | - |
| Silver Moon House | House # 318/02 Bhagsu Nag Upper Dharamsala | Guesthouse | 80 |
| Snow Crest Inn | Naddi village | Hostel | 94 |
| Surya Resorts | Main Road Mcleodganj | Hotel | - |
Mid-Range
Upscale
Work
Learn
This is version 4. Last edited at 19:10 on Nov 1, 09 by Utrecht (+2650). 2 articles link to this page.
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