Dharamsala

Dharamsala is a hill town in Himachal Pradesh, India, located in the upper reaches of Kangra district at the foot of the Dhauladhar range. The town sits at an altitude of about 1,457 meters (4,780 feet) above sea level and is known for its pine and cedar forests, scenic valleys, and mountain vistas. It serves as the administrative headquarters of Kangra district and a gateway to the surrounding hills and trekking routes.

The city is notable for its sizable Tibetan exile community. After the 1959 Tibetan uprising, the Dalai Lama and the Tibetan government-in-exile established a major presence in the area, particularly in the suburb of McLeod Ganj. The Central Tibetan Administration’s headquarters are based here, and the region hosts Buddhist monasteries, educational institutes, and residences focused on Tibetan culture and religion.

Key cultural sites include the Tsuglagkhang complex, which houses the Dalai Lama’s temple and the Namgyal Monastery, and the Tibet Museum. The Norbulingka Institute and numerous Tibetan meditation centers contribute to the town’s reputation as a center for Buddhist arts and education. Local crafts, shops, and Tibetan cuisine also attract visitors.

Dharamsala draws tourists for trekking, hill-walking, and its distinctive hill-town atmosphere, with McLeod Ganj acting as a major hub. The economy is driven largely by tourism and services, with Tibetan-run organizations and handicraft workshops shaping the local character.

Transport links connect Dharamsala by road to other Himachal towns, with the nearest major railway station at Pathankot and the nearest airport at Kangra Airport in Gaggal. The climate is temperate highland, with warm summers, cool winters, and heavy monsoon rains from July to September.