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Dharamshala Tourism

Dream-like dwelling 

A gothic church hiding in the confines of a verdant forest. A Tibetan monastery situated atop a lofty hill. A cricket stadium suspended in the sky. This is just a small snippet of what Dharamshala tourism is all about. An ethereal hill station that calls out to travellers with the promise ofread more

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Best time to visit in dharamsala

Home to the world’s most peace loving individual, the Dalai Lama, it’s no surprise that travellers are drawn to this mountainous paradise. Nestled in the northern state of Himachal Pradesh, Dharamshala is a place of immense beauty, spirituality, history, culture and recreation. A former British summer resort, it has centuries of experience in serving individuals with the finest of offerings. Currently a major tourist destination, it continues to please its guests with a heady blend of nature and entertainment. From religion to art, cuisine, sports and shopping, the city culminates into one enriching vacation spot!

When it comes to the climate, Dharamshala follows that of any other hilly terrain in the Himalayan mountain ranges. Its winters are piercing, its summers are mild and its monsoons are variable. And, with each period comes unique and unparalleled beauty attached to it. As such, when it comes to the best time to visit Dharamshala, one must delve deeper into each season.

Thomas Cook has done just this! Read further for a concise break up of each of the region’s pronounced seasons and all that comes with it. 

Peak Season – March to June

Shoulder Season – December to February 

Low Season – July to September 

 

Travel Seasons

Min/Max Temperature

Season

March to June

20-35°C

Summer - Pleasant

July to September

18-22°C

Monsoon -High rainfall

December to February

4-7°C

Winter - Freezing

 

 

 

 

 

Dharamshala in Summer (March to June)

Temperature – The air temperature during the season of summer fluctuates between 20°C and 35°C. 

Weather – The weather of Dharamshala during summer is perfectly pleasant. The sun shines with contentment and the flowers bloom joyfully. The climate is comfortable and the atmosphere is pleasing. In-fact, this is the best climate to visit Dharamshala for trekking and sightseeing! 

Significance – The season of summer is the most delightful time to sightsee, wander and navigate this former British colony. From quaint colonial bungalows to beautiful churches and monasteries, colourful bazaars, fascinating art museums and rejuvenating Yoga institutes, Dharamshala is filled with exquisite places to traverse. And, let’s not forget the adrenaline pumping adventure sports! 

Why you should visit now – If you’re seeking adventure and thrills, this season is yours for the taking. From trekking to paragliding, zip lining, rappelling, camping and cable car riding, Dharamshala offers an exciting itinerary of activities. Some of these may not be operable during winter and definitely not during monsoon, so take this into consideration when identifying your best time to visit. 

Things to know before the visit – This is peak tourist season for obvious reasons. Hence, accommodation will be more expensive, sightseeing queues will be longer and guided tours may be booked out. Weekends are a particularly crowded time. Make sure to plan well in advance as this season welcomes throngs of travellers. 

Tips – Due to the elevation of this city, the sun’s rays are direct and can be harsh. Make sure you strap on some sunscreen and throw on a hat! Keep your clothing light and airy, but make sure they include long sleeve t shirts and pants. Always carry a cardigan, just in case it gets chilly. 

 

Dharamshala in Monsoon (July to September)

Temperature – The air temperature during the season of monsoon fluctuates between 18°C and 22°C. 

Weather – Dharamshala during monsoon is a rainy-romantic affair! The showers rejuvenate the surroundings, rending everything green and lush. While days are humid, evenings are a particularly lovely time to enjoy the cool breeze. Rainfall is high and can be particularly unforgiving if not dealt with properly. 

Significance – Just because it’s raining cats and dogs outside, doesn’t mean there’s nothing to do inside. Dharamshala’s resorts offer a unique blend of activities and facilities for a relaxed and fun holiday. What’s more? You can visit the charming cafes and book stores during this time. If the weather permits, there are scenic walking/driving routes and panoramic viewing points for you to enjoy. 

Why you should visit now – The monsoon season can be a great time to go café hopping and initiate good conversation with fellow travellers. What better way to have unique experiences? Share a cup of steaming chai with someone from another country, as the rain creates its own symphony outside. Enjoy what the sparkling water does to the emerald surroundings, it is genuinely magnificent! 

Things to know before the visit – The monsoon season brings with it, certain risks. Heavy rainfall can lead to landslides, road blockages and loss of communication. As such, adventure sports are not permitted nor recommended during this time. The precarious nature of this period renders it an off season, due to which travel and accommodation may be more affordable. 

Tips – Pack an umbrella, windcheater and sturdy rain shoes such as gumboots. Plan your day according to the weather forecast, so that you can take advantage of periods of drizzles. Do not attempt to navigate the roads by yourself. 

From mid-September to November, the rainfall diminishes to an inevitable halt. This period marks the confluence of the monsoon and winter season. During this beautiful passage, the climate is cool and pleasant. However, nights drop to bitter-biting degrees! 

 

 

Dharamshala in Winter (December to February)

Temperature – The air temperature during the season of winter fluctuates between 4°C and 7°C. 

Weather – Like other cities in the Indian state of Himachal Pradesh, Dharamshala experiences bitter biting winters. With temperatures landing the minus scale, the atmosphere is coated in thick layers of frost and fog. Strong gusts of winds add to the chill in the air. The landscape is blanketed in glistening snow, magic to the naked eye.  

Significance – The season of winter is ripe for exploration and wanderlust – with the backdrop of the snowy mountains and crystalline waterfalls. One can visit McLeod Ganj, a suburb in Dharamshala, which is ideal for nature and culture enthusiasts. Shops, cafes and farms lend an air of authenticity and warmth. Lakes, valleys and trails create the most stunning setting for backpackers.  

Why you should visit now – Winter is the best season to visit Dharamshala, if you’re looking to cosy up and enjoy some of its most gorgeous resorts. With indoor activities galore and sightseeing tours, you will have the opportunity to experience the best of both worlds. And, if you’re brave enough, this is the time to engage in some thrilling winter sports such as skiing. 

Things to know before the visit – All hotels will offer electric heating and hot water facilities, but make sure you triple check. As this is mid-season, travel and accommodation prices will fall somewhere in between. With that being said, tourists still flock to the city to enjoy the snow and slate!  

Tips – Make sure you’re geared up for the freezing climate. Which means having woollen sweaters, scarves, mufflers, a proper winter jacket, socks and snow boots. Invest in some thermals too! Carry protective inner wear such as vests, to keep your chest warm. Moisturiser and lip balm will be your best friends during this time! 

Are you ready to experience the glory of this fine hilly haven? Sift through Thomas Cook’s Dharamshala tour packages to begin your holiday planning! 

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Dream-like dwelling 

A gothic church hiding in the confines of a verdant forest. A Tibetan monastery situated atop a lofty hill. A cricket stadium suspended in the sky. This is just a small snippet of what Dharamshala tourism is all about. An ethereal hill station that calls out to travellers with the promise of excitement and adventure. And let’s not forget the plate of steaming momos!

Dharamshala Tourism: A Quick View of the City
State Himachal Pradesh
Official Language Hindi, English
Dial Code 1892
Population 53,543 (as of 2015)
Currency Indian Rupee (INR)
Time Zone GMT +5:30 (IST)
Area 27.60 square kilometres

Highlights of Dharamshala: Live and Learn 


Culture 

Dharamshala Cricket Stadium is one of the highest sports grounds in the world! Quaint, colourful, and serene, with the backdrop of the majestic and mesmerising Himalayan Peaks. Undoubtedly, one of the best places to visit in Dharamshala, for its cool-cucumber winds, post-card sceneries and unobscured views of the ground.

Library of Tibetan Works and Archives will give you rare insight into the sacred and beautiful religion of Buddhism. With over 80,000 manuscripts, 600 artefacts – including silk applique thangkas and a 3-D wooden mandala of Avalokiteshwara, your religious curiosity will be piqued.

Tibet Kitchen, in Upper Dharamshala, creates beautiful plates of warmth. You must gorge on the steamed vegetable dumplings, soupy noodles, and golden fried baby corn that is to die for. 


Spirituality

St John in the wilderness Church is akin to a forgotten castle in an enchanted forest. Its grey-black stone façade exemplifies neo gothic architecture. Built in honour of John the Baptist, it is one of the most significant churches in Himachal Pradesh. Tourism in Dharamshala brims with profound places of worship, such as this.

Gyuto Monastery is synonymous with its tantric meditation and philosophy. Founded in 1959, it preserves the tradition of black magic, fighting to dispel the notion that it is evil. According to teacher Ksongkhapa, Black magic can be used for the well being of people. The monastery houses a magnificent gold statue of Buddha that glistens brilliantly as the sun shines on it.


History 

Ensconced within the forest of this hilly oasis is War Memorial. It was built in memory of the soldiers who fought in the Indo-China war of 1947-1948, 1962, 1965 and 1971. 3 panels of glossy black stone spear into the air at 24 ft. Once you’ve walked through the lush pine forests and have read the names of the martyrs, stop by the little café and indulge in some delicious snacks.

Musroor Rock Cut Temple consists of 15 little shrines designed in the Indo-Aryan style of architecture. Believed to have been built in the 8th century, these shrines have been carved out of a single monolithic rock. They celebrate the Gods – Shiva, Vishnu, Devi and Saura.


Nature 

Bhagsu Falls ranks high on the list of Dharamshala famous places. An ideal spot for picnicking and quiet contemplation. Marvel at the glittery-cascading waterfall that gushes, whooshes and splashes animatedly. It falls at a staggering height of 30 ft. Don’t forget to visit the Bhagsunath temple, from where the waterfall flows through.

A 9km trek from Upper Dharamshala will lead you to Triund. Here, you will be surrounded by snow, rocks, trees and the infinite blue. The perfect choreography for nature’s dancers. The night sky is absolutely breath-taking. Purplish-black velvet, dotted with tiny diamonds. 

 

Interesting facts about Dharamshala: Discovering Treasures 

  • The people of Dharamshala are praised for being extremely warm and peace-loving. This is one of the reasons why Dharamshala tourism is so renowned.
  • Dalai Lama stepped foot in the region in 1959, infusing every nook and corner with immense spirituality. He marked the city as one of the centres of Buddhism.
  • Dharamshala is home to the largest Buddha Temple, outside of Tibet.
  • In 2017, Chief Minister - Virbhadra Singh declared Dharamshala as the second capital of the state of Himachal Pradesh. 

 

Location: ‘Little Lhasa’

Dharamshala is situated in the Kangra district of the north Indian state - Himachal Pradesh. It serves as the headquarters of said district as well as for the Central Tibetan Administration. With an average elevation of 1,457 metres, the city sits within the Kangra Valley. The Dhauladhar mountains watch over protectively. The region is divided into 2 distinct sections – Lower Dharamshala and Upper Dharamshala - McLeod Ganj. The latter is further north of the mountains, obscured by pine, Himalayan Oak and rhododendron.

Click here to view Dharamshala on Google Map

 

Timings: Best time to visit

Dharamshala is truly special all year round. If you’re planning to visit this delightful city, here’s a snapshot of each season and what it has to offer. April to mid-July basks in the beauty of summer. With temperatures averaging 22 to 35 degrees Celsius, this is the perfect time for outings to the hills. Explore Dharamshala during this pleasant period and engage in some magical sightseeing! July to September is drenched in exquisite mist. This is one of the best places to experience the monsoons in. You can avail of amazing off-season deals.  A word of caution - It is advisable not to trek during this time because of landslides. October to March witnesses the gorgeous chill of the winters. With temperatures fluctuating from sub-zero to 7 degrees Celsius, you will have the opportunity to marvel at the caps of the snow studded mountains, whilst cosying up to a bonfire. 

 

How to Reach Dharamshala 

By Road – Dharamshala is well connected to destinations such as Pathankot, Jalandhar, Amritsar, Shimla and Delhi. Delhi is 520 km away. You can opt for an overnight bus, from there, which will take approximately 13 hours. Several state and private buses ply between the state of Himachal Pradesh and major cities within India. You may also choose to self-drive or hire a taxi. 

By Rail – An overnight train to Pathankot Railway station is a convenient way to reach Dharamshala. Upon arrival, you can opt for a taxi or a bus to reach the city. The station is 85 km away and offers direct trains to and from major railway heads around the country. Kangra Mandir is 22 km away from the city, but its connectivity is very limited. 

By Air – The airport at Gaggal is a mere 13 km away. It offers flights to and from Delhi via Air India and Spice Jet. Tourists may find Chandigarh Airport more convenient because of its connectivity, and regularity. Upon arrival, they can book a bus or a taxi to Dharamshala. 

 

History: Connecting Dots 

Up until the British Raj, Dharamshala was ruled by the royal Katoch Dynasty of Kangra. It was recognised as a part of the undivided province of Punjab. The city as can be seen today, came into being with the settlement of the Gurkha Rifles on the slopes of the Dhauladhar Hills. The establishment was near a Hindu sanctuary, from where Dharamshala gets its name. However, the Gurkhas referred to the region as Bhagsu, due to an ancient Shiva Temple. In 1848, the region was annexed by the British. It was utilised as a lovely summer resort. Eventually the city was hit by a devastating earthquake in 1905. The popularity of Dharamshala decreased significantly until the arrival of the Dalai Lama and Tibetan refugees in 1959.

Language Spoken

English, Hindi

Currency used:

Indian Rupee (INR)

DEC-FEB 5oC
MAR-JUL 20oC
JUL-SEP 15oC

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