Dharamshala Tourism

The wonders of Dharamshala tourism include captivating mountains, picturesque landscapes and several spiritual, historical and cultural landmarks. But what is the best time to visit Dharamshala? The peak season for tourists is usually between March and June. These summer months have pleasant and cool temperatures with loads of opportunities for both sightseeing and trekking. The monsoon season between July and September is colder and more romantic with the lush greenery and vegetation all around. However, this season witnesses high rainfall in Dharamshala. Outdoor activities may be slightly limited in this period due to landslides and other aspects. The winter season between December and February is a great time to visit for snow lovers! The natural landscapes look truly magnificent while skiing and other winter sports activities are also available for tourists.

If you are planning to book a Dharamshala tourism package, then you should map out the route carefully. The nearest airport from Dharamshala (13 km) is in Gaggal. This airport has plenty of flights from Delhi. You can also fly to Chandigarh and then take a cab to Dharamshala (275 km). There are bus services to Dharamshala from several North Indian cities including Delhi (520 km away from Dharamshala). You can also take a train to Pathankot railway station (85 km away from Dharamshala). Thereafter, take a bus or cab to reach your destination in about three hours. Taxis are available for Dharamshala from the Gaggal Airport. You can drive down to Dharamshala from Delhi in 12-13 hours approximately.

Booking a Dharamshala tourism package from Delhi makes for an enchanting weekend holiday! You can fly to the Gaggal Airport from Delhi, which is just 15 km away from the hill station. You can also take a train to Pathankot and then cover the distance of 85 km (three hours approximately) by cab. There are direct bus services to Dharamshala from Delhi and the journey takes approximately 10-13 hours.

Many people often combine their Dharamshala tourism packages with other destinations like Manali. The latter is not very far from Dharamshala. There are direct bus services to reach Dharamshala from Manali. The journey time is approximately 9 hours. You can also take a taxi to Mandi from Manali and then take a bus to Dharamshala. This journey will take you less than 7 ½ hours. The route from Dharamshala to Manali covers places like Palampur, Jogindernagar, Mandi and Kullu. You can also rent a taxi to reach Dharamshala from Manali.

Your Dharamshala tourism package should be planned for at least 3-5 days. This will give you ample time to explore Triund, Kangra Fort, Palampur Tea Garden and other nearby landmarks like McLeodganj. Dharamshala itself requires 2-3 days to be explored. If you only have a day in hand for Dharamshala, then you should cover Bhagsu Nag, the Tibetan Market and the Dalai Lama Monastery.

Dharamshala tourism encourages local artisans and craftsmen to showcase their diverse wares for tourists. You should certainly check out the lovely Tibetan artifacts and handicrafts on sale here including lamp covers, wind chimes, wall hangings and cushion covers. You may also buy Buddhist prayer wheels and Buddha statues to take back home. Singing bowls are another interesting souvenir here for tourists. They produce soothing music when you rub them with a wooden stick. Dharamshala is also famous for its traditional and offbeat junk jewellery and metallic accessories. Handmade paper and diaries are also popular souvenirs for visitors along with fantastic books on Tibetan culture, history and spirituality. Several enlightening books on Buddhism are also available here along with a wide range of fiction and non-fiction titles.

When you book your Dharamshala tourism package, make sure that the major attractions in the area are included in the same. These include the Triund Hill, which is a paradise for trekkers at 2850 meters above sea level. The views and surrounding landscapes are simply astounding to say the least! Camping here at night is a popular activity for tourists as well. You will also fall in love with the pristine Dharamshala Cricket Stadium at 1457 meters above sea level. It is the world’s highest cricket stadium. Other key landmarks include the historic St. John in the Wilderness Church that was built in 1852. It lies 8 km away from the town on the way to McLeodganj. The neo-Gothic design motifs will take your breath away along with the tranquil vibe of the place. Dharamshala’s War Memorial is also a must-visit and commemorates the courageous Kangra soldiers who laid down their lives in several wars and other military operations. The Bhagsunag Temple is an ancient spiritual landmark that is visited by several tourists annually. It has a swimming pool and holy water body, which has healing powers as per believers. The Bhagsunag Waterfalls also lie nearby, making for a spectacular sight indeed.

If you plan in advance, then you can experience the best of Dharamshala tourism on a platter. The local cuisine of the region is scintillating and draws foodies in large numbers. Tudkiya Bhat is a Pulao version that has several ingredients including organic spices and bay leaves along with garlic and potatoes. Do not miss the hearty Thukpa or noodle soup here, which uses diverse ingredients. Locals also love the Shapta in Dharamshala, which is traditionally devoured with the Bao or Tingmo. The town is famous for its piping hot momos that are served with irresistible sauces! Mittha is another traditional dish that will please dessert lovers and is made with sugar/white jaggery, raisins and dry fruits. Dham is also a quintessential Himachali preparation that includes moong dal, rajma, kali dal, rice, yogurt and imli chutney.

Your Dharamshala tourism package should include visits to some of the popular markets in the town. The Kotwali Bazaar is a great place to shop for woollen clothing, Tibetan artifacts, trinkets, sweaters, cardigans, Buddha statues, carpets, rugs and a lot more. For more authentic Tibetan souvenirs and other items, visit Semshook Tibetan Handicraft for its statues, Thangkas, rugs, drapes and more. Another fabulous pit-stop is Divine Buddha Handicrafts, where you will discover varied handicrafts, Buddha statues, handmade sculptures and much more. Book lovers should head to the Namgyal Book Shop for picking up rare Buddhist and Tibetan books. Green Shop in Dharamshala offers organic condiments, cosmetics and many other items which use 100% natural materials. Village Boutique is another famous shopping destination for singing bowls, books, wall hangings and other delights.

Your Dharamshala Tourism plan is incomplete without a perfect packing list. If you are going in winter, then make sure that you have woollen clothing including sweaters and cardigans along with mufflers, scarves, gloves, jackets and thermal inners. You should also have rugged walking and snow boots for the season along with lip balm and moisturizer. For monsoons, include suitably warm clothing along with a windcheater, umbrella and gumboots. For summers, sunscreen and a cap/hat are a must along with light and more comfortable clothing. Do include pants and long-sleeved t-shirts for summers.