Dharamsala is a hill station, located at an average altitude of 1457m (4780ft) in the Kangra Valley. The town consists of Lower Dharamsala and Upper Dharamsala (also known as McLeod Ganj). Dharamshala is the centre of the Tibetan exile in India. The residence of Dalai Lama and the headquarters of Central Tibetan Administration are located in McLeod Ganj. It is home to Tsuglagkhang Complex – the largest Tibet temple outside Tibet. McLeod Ganj is a touristic place with hotels, coffee shops, international cuisine, markets. It can get crowded during the season. Dharamsala is also the starting point to a number of trekking trails. Kangra town with tea estates is only 20 km away.
Major tourist sites in around Dharamsala: Kalachakra Temple, Tsuglagkhang Complex, Tibetan Museum, Tibetan Library, Tibetan Institute of Performing Arts, Naam Art Gallery, Bhagsunag Fall, Kunal Pathari, Dharamkot, Peak Art Gallery, Kangra valley, etc.

Tourism Board Website

 
When to visit: best time to visit March to June and October to November. June to September is monsoon season. December to February is winter season.

HOW TO REACH

Nearest railway station: Dharamsala is not directly connected by railway. Pathankot train station is about 85 km away.

Nearest airport: Kangra Airport in Gaggal is about 13 kilometres away from Dharamshala. Domestic flights connect Gaggal with Delhi.

Buses: Himachal Road Transport Corporation (HRTC) buses as well as private operators connect Dharamsala to the major cities in North India. There are overnight buses from Delhi. Most buses stop at the main bus terminal in Lower Dharamshala, but there are also some HRTC buses that go to the main square of McLeod Ganj.

By road: The distance from Pathankot to Dharamsala is about 88 km via NH154. It takes around 2-3 hours.
The distance from Delhi to Dharamsala is about 471 km via NH 44 and NH503. It takes around 9-10 hours.
The distance from Chandigarh to Dharamsala is about 241 km via NH503. It takes around 5-6 hours.
The distance from Shimla to Dharamsala is about 239 km via NH205. It takes around 7 hours.
The distance from Dalhousie to Dharamshala is about 116.8 km via NH154. It takes around 3-4 hours.
The distance from Kangra to Dharamsala is about 21 km via NH503. it takes around 1 hour.