Dharamsala

Introduction

meditation

© All Rights Reserved hilarypugh

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

Dharamsala

© All Rights Reserved yann

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

Mid-Range

Upscale

Work

Learn

Keep Connected

Internet

Phone

See also: International Telephone Calls

Post

India Post is the national postal service of India, and on their website you find details about prices to send postcards, letters and parcels, both domestically and internationally. For most postcards to send internationally, it is better to visit the post office before writing on the card as you may need quite a few stamps. Parcels must be taken to a tailor, he will then sew it up in white linen. Make sure he seals it with red wax, otherwise the post office may refuse to send it or try to get you to pay them to do it. Sewing up a parcel should only cost 50rs to 200rs. In general, post offices are open from 10:00am to 1:00pm and 1:30pm to 4:30pm in most bigger towns and cities, though there are regional variations and some might keep longer hours or be open during (part of) the weekend as well. Ask around.