The ultimate travel guide for Dharamshala & Dalhousie.
All information you need to know about planning your perfect Dharamshala Dalhousie trip.
Dharamshala - Unplugged Beauty
Dharamshala is one of the best state of Himachal Pradesh. The Hindi word "Dharamshala," which means "spiritual inhabiting" or "rest house for pilgrims," is where the name Dharamshala comes from. It’s not just a tourist place, It's a rich mix of cultures, landscapes, and deep experiences. Dharamshala is situated 1,457 meters (4,780 feet) above sea level. In your Dharamshala trip you’ll get fresh mountain air, awesome views of the Dhauladhar ranges, and a climate that stays pleasant all year. According to old literatures Dhramashala was a part of the old Trigarta Kingdom. It is said that the Pandavas, who moved here, spent some time in this area.
how to reach? - By Air - Nearest is Gaggal airport, 15 kms from Dharamshala. You'll get regular flights from Delhi and Chandigarh or connecting flight from your city. By train - If you are planning coming through train then nearest railway station is at Pathankot.Pathankot is 85 kms from Dharamshala around 3-4 hrs journey depends on rush. By Bus - you'll get alot of semi sleeper volvo buses options ( private and HRTC ). From Delhi /Chandigarh or amritsar - you'll get volvo tickets from 1,000-1,500 INR depending on availability.
Best time to visit Dharamshala
From March-june is best time for visiting Dharamshala. pleasent weather (15-30°C) and clear skies. Also best time for treks like Triyund. Sep-Nov best time after monsoon to visit beautiful locations. Dec-Feb best time for snow lovers and Skii lovers, you'll get temp. from 0–15 °C around. Season time : May-june/ Dec-Jan & off season time : July to nov. If you are a budget traveller avoid season time then.
how to plan? - Plan for atleast 2-3 days for Dharamshala if you want to visit with a relaxed pace. You can come till Delhi/Chandigarh/Pathankot etc. after that you can hire taxi or take a bus to Dharamshala. Best option is to get a cab from a trusted travel agency registered under Himachal tourism like Mystical Himachal. Give one day for Dharamshala local sightseeing and day 2 for Mcleodganj and around. If you have 3rd day then you can visit Palampur and Bir billing side for more amazing views and adventure activities. Pleanty of good hotel options are available is Dharamshala on affordable prices. You'll get good hotels from 1500-2000 INR per night on double sharing basis which you can book online or through us. Rates depends totally on traveling date and availability.
Top Nearby Attractions of Dharamshala
- Dalai Lama Temple - Official residence of the 14th Dalai Lama, Witness massive Buddha statues, prayer wheels and a museum.
- St. John in the Wilderness Church- A neo-Gothic Anglican church built in 1852, situated in between deodar forests.
- Dharamshala Cricket Stadium- One of the world’s highest cricket grounds (1,457 m), surrounded by the Dhauladhar range.
- Gyuto Monastery- Established in 1959 for tantric studies( spiritual research), this monastery is known for its serene ambiance and ritual chants.
- Triund Trek - A modarate level 9 km trek from McLeodganj, visit for best evening and morning views.
- Kangra Fort - of 4th century BC, sprawling hilltop fortress - historical ruins and valley views.
- Masrur/Musroor Rock-Cut Temples - A cluster of 8th–9th century. Hindu temples carved from monolithic rock. Local says that this temple is build by Pandavas.
- Bhagsunag Falls & Temple- A sacred Shiva shrine beside a waterfall, popular for short hikes and pilgrimages.
- Namgyal Monastery- Personla Monastery of the Dalai Lama, featuring traditional Tibetan architecture and prayer halls.
- Dal Lake (Mcleodganj) A beautiful high-altitude lake surrounded by deodar trees, and a nearby Shiva temple on its bank. opening time - 7 am- 8 pm daily.
Dalhousie - Dreams & Bliss
A hill station established in 1854 as a summer retreat for British officials, Dalhousie was named after Lord Dalhousie, who was Governor General of India Back then. He acquired land form Raja of Chamba. First this place served as a sanatorium and a place for British officials to chill. Overtime it develops as a popular tourist destination known for it’s colonial architecture. Situated at 1,970m from sea level, Dalhousie offers best hospitality, lush greenry, authentic local food and Handicrafts.
how to reach? - You can come by air, train or road. If planning through plane then you can choose airport of chd/delhi/Pathankot. If planning from train then Pathankot JN. is the nearest railway station. If planning through bus the Delhi/Chd/Amritsar are some of the best locations to your first step. After reaching you can take a taxi/cab/bus from your location to Dalhousie.
Best time to visit Dalhousie
From March-june best time for visiting Dalhousie. pleasent weather (12-28°C) and clear skies. Sep-Nov best time after monsoon to visit beautiful locations and views. Dec-Feb best time for snow lovers and Skii lovers, you'll get temp. from -4 to 15 °C around. Season time : May-june/ Dec-Jan & off season time : July to nov. If you are a budget traveller avoid season time then.
how to plan? - Plan for at least 2 days. Dalhousie offers best colonial charm and landscapes. One day you can visit Dalhousie local places and Mini switzerland Khajjiar. And 2nd day you can visit Chambal local nearby places like Laxmi Narayan Temple, Kalatop etc. If you have one more day you can visit Chamera lake where you can do Boating, fishing etc. Ether you can choose a complete package from a Trusted agency or you can travel through local transports. Having a local taxi will be best for you so you can enjoy your time properly without wasting your time in searching mode. Starting price of local taxi in Dharamshala will cost around 2500-3000 INR per day as per sightseeing demands for sedan cabs. And best reasonable stay starts around 1000-1500 INR per night. Food options you'll get plenty by exploring markets. starts from 150-250 INR in local shops and from 500-1500 INR in fancy restaurents.
Top Nearby Attractions of Dalhousie
- Panchpula: Known for its "five bridges, tumbling waterfalls, and the samadhi of freedom fighter Sardar Ajit Singh.
- Dainkund Peak,The highest point in Dalhousie (2,755 m), provides a 360-degree view of the Pholani Devi temple and the Ravi, Beas, and Chenab valleys.
- The Kalatop Wildlife Sanctuary - a dense deodar forest with hiking trails that is home to a variety of birds, Himalayan black bears, and musk deer.
- Satdhara Falls- which are mineral springs that emerge from four natural chasmas and are used to treat joint and skin pain.
- St. John's Church - a mid-19th century neo-Gothic building surrounded by deodars trees.
- Khajjiar: Known as the "Mini Switzerland of India", a 920 meter lake surrounded by meadows is ideal for pictures and memories.
- Chamera Lake - A man-made lake on the Ravi River that is well-liked for fishing, boating, and camping.
- Subhash Baoli: Constructed in honor of Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose's in 1933.
- Beeji's Park : a memorial park dedicated to India's military, features decommissioned tanks and artillery among well-kept lawns.
