Dharamshala is a city in the state of Himachal Pradesh ,India. Surrounded by cedar forests on the edge of the Himalayas, this hillside city is home to the His Holiness Dalai Lama and the Tibetan government-in-exile. Dharamshala is the second capital of Himachal Pradesh and is located in the upper reaches of the Kangra Valley. Surrounded by dense coniferous forest consisting mainly of stately Deodar cedar trees, the city has many suburbs including McLeodGanj, Bhagsunag, Dharamkot, Naddi, ForsythGanj, KotwaliBazar, and Kaccheri Adda.
McLeod Ganj is known worldwide as the seat of DalaiLama,, where he has been residing since escaping the illegal Chinese occupation of Tibet after the 1959 revolt. On 29 April 1959, the 14th Dalai Lama or TenzinGyatso established the Tibetan government in exile in the hillstation of Mussoorie, Uttarakhand. In May 1960, the Central Tibetan Administration (CTA) was moved to Dharamshala, making it the center of the Tibetan exile world in India. Following the 1959 Tibetan uprising there was an influx of Tibetan refugees who followed the 14th Dalai Lama here, and now several thousand Tibetan refugees live here.
His presence and the Tibetan population have made Dharamshala a destination for Indian and foreign tourists, including students studying in Tibet. In 1970, the 14th Dala lama opened the Library of Tibetan Works and Archives, which houses over 80,000 manuscripts and other important resources related to Tibetan history, politics, and culture. The Thekchen Chöling Temple Complex is a spiritual center for Tibetan Buddhism, while the Library of Tibetan Works and Archives houses thousands of precious manuscripts.
A great place for meditation and learning about Buddhism and Tibetan culture. Known for its pleasant weather all around the year, Dharamshala provides a great view of the Dhauladhar mountain ranges. Summer months are perfect for a trip to visit Dharamshala when the temperatures range between 22°C and 35°C. It’s also the ideal time for trekking tours on scenic trails dotted with flowers in full bloom. Most tourists prefer going to Dharamshala at this time so it’s also the most crowded.
Dharamshala has several tea gardens that are known as Kangra tea, everywhere. And a variety of tea flavors are produced here including black tea, green tea, oolong tea, and white teas, in addition to the popular Kashmiri Kahwa and Masala Chai. The city got its name from Dharam shala refers to a shelter or rest house for spiritual pilgrims. Until the British Raj, Dharamshala and its surrounding area were ruled by the Katoch Dynasty of Kangra, a royal family that ruled the region for two millennia. The royal family still keeps a residence in Dharamsala, known as ‘Clouds End Villa’. The city is divided into two distinct sections.
Kotwali Bazaar and the surrounding markets are referred to as “Lower Dharamshala” or just “Dharamshala” and upper Dharamshala or places such as McLeodganj, Dharamkot, etc. There are several shops in upper Dharamshala owned by Tibetans that sell a variety of Tibetan-made products. mostly handicrafts, she owned by locals sell the famous miniature paintings of Kangra, arts and crafts, Dharamshala is a starting point to a number of trekking trails across Dhauladhar range into the upper Ravi Valley and Chamba district. the trekking routes are a nature lovers’ paradise filled with forests of deodar, pine, oak, and rhododendron. as well as lakes, waterfall, and glacier.
Trek to Bhagsu, and then to Dharamkot is considered the best route. Other routes are into Toral Pass, across Bhimghasutri Pass, to Blend Pass, to Triund-Thatri-Trek. and Kareri Lake. Interested can also go on paragliding and camng trips. Dharamshala is an ideal destination for rock climbing enthusiasts. One can go rock climbing over the ridges of the Dhauladhar range. Dharamshala is also famous for its cricket with the newly built stadium being the only one in the state to host international matches.
There are numerous places worth visiting in and around Dharamshala including. Norbulingka Institute, Triund Hill, Dalai Lama Temple Complex, HPCA Stadium,, Kangra Valley, Kangra Art Museum. Chamunda Devi Temple, Kunal Pathri Temple, Gyuto Monastery, Aghanjar Mahadev Temple, Tsuglagkhang Complex, Tushita Meditation Centre, Bhagsunag Waterfall and Temple, Naddi View Point, Triund, Tibet Museum, Tibetan Library, Tibetan Institute of Performing Arts, Naam Art Gallery, Dharamkot, War Memorial, Kunal Pathri Temple,, Church of St. John, and Namgyal Monastery.
Indirectly connected by rail through Pathankot the city is connected by road and air, Dharamshala sometimes called Little Lhasa in India has numerous hotels, resorts, and lodges that provide luxuriously, mid-range, and budget accommodation for tourist. The city has been a center of meditation and peace, with thousands of people from around the world coming here to seek Nirvana. Interested people can also volunteer for service at various centers. There are numerous restaurants in the city that sell delicious veg and non-veg Himachali and Tibetan cuisine at reasonable prices. Dharamshala can be used as the base to visit Kangra, Manali, palampur, and Mandi. Dharamshala is a place for those seeking spiritual solace or just in love with nature.
