Dharamshala Travel Guide

Dharamsala is located in the district of Kangra in Himachal Pradesh. What many people don’t know is that there are two parts of the city. One is known as Lower Dharamshala, which is its commercial center and dotted with markets, courts and the famous Kotwali Bazaar, where you come across items of everyday use. Upper Dharamshala is home to Mcleodganj as well as other structures which remind you of its colonial past. The two different parts of the city have something different to offer. As a tourist, it offers you the opportunity to unwind and take in the beauty of the surroundings.

The colossal snow dressed peaks of Dhauladhar Range overlook Dharamsala at all times. The much talked about Tibetan Buddhist culture can be seen at Mcleodganj, which is dominated largely by the Tibetan community. It is a suburb of the city, and is situated at an impressive height of 2,082 meters. Here, the main street is dotted with shops selling Tibetan arts & crafts, along with eateries that serve a variety of Tibetan dishes, from Thenthu to momos. Most of the market centers around the Tsuglagkhang Complex, which is the official home of the 14th Dalai Lama. Naturally, it is a pilgrimage site for Tibetan exiles. Tourists visit it to see the Dalai Lama, explore the museum, watch the monks debate and just revel in the positive vibes exuded by the place.

After you are done seeing the Tibetan side of Dharamshala, head towards the St. John’s Church in the Wilderness, which is a grand structure from the days of the British Raj. Constructed in 1852, it is built in the neo-Gothic style of architecture. It is one of the few buildings in the region which remained intact despite the devastating earthquake of 1905. Lord Elgin was buried in its compounds. While visiting it, watch out for its Belgian stained glass windows.

Bhagsunag Falls is another place to visit during your trip to Dharamsala. From a distance, it resembles a long white silk sheet which is split in two as it approaches the base. It lies in close proximity to Mcleodganj and the Bhagsunag Temple. It is best to visit the waterfall from July to September. Dharamshala has a rich past, and visitors are introduced to it at Kangra Art Museum. To reach it, you have to head towards Kotwali Bazaar. It is not big in size, but contains an interesting collection of items. Some of these are the famous miniature paintings of Kangra, arts and crafts, and sculptures that date back to the 5th century.