Welcome to Dharamshala - the land of nature & peace !
Dharamshala has an average elevation of 1457 metres (4780 feet). The area covered by Dharamshala is almost 29 km. Dharamshala is located in the Kangra Valley, in the Dhauladhar mountains, and became the capital of the Kangra District in 1852. It is accessible from Pathankot which is 120 km away. The nearest railway connection to Dharamshala is Kangra. The nearest airport is Gaggal at Kangra, which is just 15 km away. There is a daily flight from Dharamshala to Delhi. The town is divided between McLeodGanj or Upper Dharamshala (which retains a British colonial atmosphere), and Lower Dharamshala (the commercial centre). Upper Dharamshala (elevation about 1,700 m or 5,580 ft) is about 9 kilometers (5.6 miles) from Lower Dharamshala by road and is some 460 m (1,510 ft) higher. Dhauladhar means "white ridge" and this breathtaking, snow-capped range rises out of the Kangra Valley to a height of 17,000 feet. They form a treacherous range creating unpredictable weather, but passes of 8,900 feet provide route for the herdsmen of the Ravi Valley beyond. The Kangra Valley is a wide, fertile plain, criss-crossed by low hills.
Tsuglagkhang Temple :
The Tsuglagkhang Temple is the most renowned Buddhist monument in McLeodganj. There are three magnificent images of Buddha, including a gilded statue of Shakyamuni, statues of Valokitesvara and Padamasambhava.
Norbulingka Institute:
Just 4-kms from Dharamsala, Norbulinka was established to preserve and teach the ancient Tibetan arts. The shady paths, wooden bridges, small streams tiny water falls make this place look like heaven.
Gyuto Monastery
Sidhbari is where is located the Karmapa (Ogyen Trinley Dorje)'s temporary residence, at Gyuto monastery. Sidhbari is about six kilometers from Dharamsala. Karmapa means "the one who carries out buddha-activity" or "the embodiment of all the activities of the buddhas."
Triund:
Triund is a popular picnic spot at a height of 2827 m. The area is on the foothills of Dhauladhar range and is 17kms from Dharamsala. The breathtaking view of the mountains and the valleys makes Triund an ideal picnic spot and trekking destination.
St. John's Church:
One of the most poignant memories of the British Raj is the church of St. John, situated in the wilderness. This charmingly dressed stone church is located just 8-kms from Dharamsala on the way to McLeodganj.
Bhagsu Temple and Water fall
About two kilometers from McLeod is a holy pilgrim site for Hindus. Bhagsu, as it is better known has an ancient Shiv temple. It is a treat for tourist making it to Dharamsala during the hot months.
Chinmaya (Tapovan)
Nestled in the spectacular Dhauladhar ranges of the Himalayas is the Chinmaya Tapovan Ashram. It is, one of the main retreats of the Chinmaya Mission. It is important as a center of the Sandeepany Vedanta course, meditation camps, vedic teachings.
Naddi & Dal lake
Just 2 kms from Mcleodganj is the sacred Dal lake known for its religious water. The lake is regarded is the lake of Lord Shiva. One kms ahead is the famous location called Naddi, where you can see the Mount Dhauladhar very near and the sunset is worth seeing in the the evening
The Kangra Fort
The Kangra Fort is located 20 kms from the town of Dharamsala on the outskirts of the town of Kangra, India. the fort is thought to date back to 1009 AD. The Kangra Fort was built by the Royal family of Kangra (The Katoch Dynasty), which traces its origins to the ancient Trigarta Kingdom, mentioned in the Mahabharata.