Set
against the snow-clad Dhauladhar mountains, Dharamshala nestles on the high
slopes in the upper ranges of Kangra valley. It is a picturesque town set
among thick conifer forests. Dharamshala, where the celebrated Dalai Lama
has settled in exile is a spectacular Tibetan township. Blessed with
marvellous landscapes, Dharamshala is a travellers paradise with lofty snow
peaks, deep gorges, lush green valleys, gushing rivers, enchanting mountain
lakes, flower-adorned meadows, beautiful temples and striking monasteries,
it feels like you have stepped back in time. Dharamsala offers sightseeing
which ranges from temples, churches and monasteries to museums, ancient
towns to places of natural beauty.
Best Season To Visit : April to June
Sightseeing at Dharamshala -
Tsuglagkhang Temple : Tsuglagkhang Temple is the most known Buddhist
site in McLeodganj. Here are three majestic images of Buddha, including a
gilded statue of Shakyamuni, statues of Valokitesvara and Padamasambhava, or
Guru Rinpoche, the Indian scholar who is attributed with the introduction of
Buddhism and Tantric teachings to Tibet in the 8th century.
Kalachakra Temple : Set next to the Tsuglagkhang Temple, the
Kalachakra Temple is open to the public as the center for pilgrimage.
Because of its murals and architecture, it also serves as a representation
of Tibet’s rich spiritual and artistic ethnicity. The Dalai Lama uses
this temple as the center for public teaching.
The Namgyal Monastery : Established by the 3rd Dalai Lama, this
monastery serves exclusively the Dalai Lamas. A unique feature of this
monastery is its diversity of practice. Namgyal monks perform prayers and
rituals of all the major schools of Tibetan Buddhism.
Dip Tse-Chok Ling Gompa : This beautiful little gompa is situated at
the base of a steep track. The main prayer hall contains an image of
Shakyamuni, as well as two enormous drums covered in goat skin and painted
around the rim, which were made by monks at the gompa. Here you will also
find some superb butter sculptures, which are made during Losar. Fine and
detailed sand mandalas are also made here.
Reaching Dharamshala -
Air : The nearest airport is at Gaggal, 13 km from the town. Indian
Airlines flies to Dharamshala thrice a week from Delhi.
Rail : The nearest broad gauge railhead is at Pathankot and a
railway booking office can be found close to the bus stand. Rail route
though is picturesque and worth the extra time it takes.
Road : National Highway 1 and National Highway 1A connect
Dharamshala to Pathankot and Jalandhar. Dharamsala is also well connected by
road to other places in Himachal. There are several buses a day to and from
Mandi, Shimla, Chandigarh and Delhi.
ISD/ STD Code for Dharamshala -
If dialing from within India ------- 01892(number)
If dialing from outside India --------++ 91 - 1892 (number)
Shopping in Dharamshala -
This treasure trove of the Kangra Valley boasts of excellent form of arts,
crafts and a rich past, displaying artifacts that dates back to the 5th
century. It includes a gallery of Kangra's famous miniature painting and a
representative collection of sculptures, pottery and anthropological items.
Mcleodganj : The large Tibetan community and the presence of
traditional architectural designs drawn from Tibet has influenced the area.
Tibet handicrafts, and garments are available on sale on every Sunday at
this place. One might also visit Kotwali bazaar, 3 kms from Kunal Pathri (a
rock temple).
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 SUGGESTED
TOURS |
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Himachal the
Abode of Dalai Lama : (14 Nights / 15 Days)
Delhi / Amritsar / Dharamsala / Pragpur / Manali / Shimla /
Nalagarh / Chandigarh / Delhi
Himachal
Pilgrimage : (09 Nights / 10 Days)
Delhi - Chandigarh - Rewalsar - Kullu - Manikaran - Dharamshala
- Una - Chandigarh - Delhi
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Dharamshala Attractions
