The high snow clad Dhauladhar ranges of the Himalayas form a magnificent backdrop to the hill resort of Dharamshala. This is the principal township of Kangra and overlooks the wide spread of the plains. With dense pine and deodar forests, numerous streams, cool healthy air, attractive surroundings and the nearby snowline, Dharamshala has everything for a perfect holiday. It is full of life and yet peaceful. And not surprisingly, the headquarters of His Holiness the Dalai Lama is here. Covering a wide area in the form of a twin settlement, Lower Dharamshala (1380 m) is a busy commercial center, while Upper Dharamshala (1830 m) with the suburbs of McLeodganj and Forsythganj, retains a British flavour and colonial lifestyle.

The charming church of St. John in the wilderness is situated here and this is final resting place of Lord Elgin, a British Viceroy of lndia during the l9th century. There is also a large Tibetan community who have made this their home. Numerous ancient temples like Jawalamukhi, Brijeshwari and Chamunda lie on the plains below Dharamshala.

Altitude: Varies between 1,250 meters to 1,650 meters.
Temperature: Summer - Max.38°C, Min.8°C & Winter - Max.10°C, Min.-10°C.
Clothings: Summer - Light woollens, Winter - Heavy woollens.
Best Season: January to June and September to December.
Languages Spoken: Himachali, Hindi..
STD Code:01892.

TRANSPORT AND COMMUNICATION
Air :Nearest airport is Gaggal airport located 15 km. from Dharamshala. Other airports having regular service are : Jammu 200 km., Amritsar 210 km. and Chandigarh 260 km.
Rail:Nearest broad gauge railhead is Pathankot 95 km. A narrow gauge railway line between Pathankot and Jogindernagar passes through Kangra, 17 km. from Dharamshala.
Road:Almost each and every part of the state is linked by roads. The Himachal Road Transport Corporation is running its buses covering the whole state. There is huge network of HRTC to cater the needs of the people.

DISTANCE
Chandigarh 239 km., Delhi 514 km., Nangal 145 km., Jalandhar 166 km., Hoshiarpur 128 km., Mandi 147 km., Jwalamukhi 55 km., Kullu 214 km., Manali 252 km., Chamba 192 km. and Shimla 322 km.

SHOPPING
Offers great opportunities to tourists from across the globe to explore a wide range and variety of handicraft items. The Kotwali Bazaar is the prime shopping area in the Dharamshala town. It reflects the simple lifestyle of the town. Macleodganj is another important market area of the town. Generally, exotic Tibetan items are available in these markets of Dharamshala.
Embroidery items of Dharamshala are also famous among the women visitors. The designs of these embroidery items are generally based on the Chamba and Kangra School of paintings. TCV Handicrafts, Norsang Handicrafts, Mcleodeganj, Tibet Quality Shop and Jogibara Road are the most favoured destinations for the handicraft shopping in Dharamshala. The exquisite works of the Chamba and Kangra School of miniature paintings are well known for their depiction of court and romantic scenes.

Metal wares, jewellery, hand-knitted cardigans, gloves, shawls, pullovers and caps are the other items of shopping in Dharamshala. Local pickles, squashes and jams are also very popular among the tourists of Dharamshala. Jogibara Road is the main place for shopping at the street side stalls.

FOOD & RESTURANTS
You can get to entertain your taste buds in the restaurants in Dharamshala. A wide range of mouth-watering Tibetan delicacies like momos, thenthus, Yak butter tea and thukpa are served in the restaurants of Dharamshala.

Nestled among the mighty ranges of lower Himalayas in Himachal Pradesh, Dharamsala is the abode of faith, peace and knowledge. Considered to be one of the most sought after spiritual destinations, this place is the perfect location to go on sightseeing tours. A tour to Dharamshala will rejuvenate not just your body and mind, but your soul too. This place offers the best combination of breathtaking views and soul satisfying experiences. Check out major tourist attractions in a tour to Dharamshala.

Mcleod Ganj:
Dharamsala is divided into two main parts namely, upper and lower. While the lower part shows Indian elements, the upper part is essentially known as Mcleod Ganj. This is the abode of His Holiness, the Dalai Lama, who settled here after the Chinese invaded Tibet. This place is definitely worth a visit to experience peace, tranquility and check out the breathtaking surroundings. .

Dalai Lama Temple:
It is situated at a short walking distance; hardly 10 minutes walk from the main square in Mcleodganj. The Dalai Lama Temple also known as Namgyal Monastery is the nerve centre. Since the activities of the temple starts early in the morning hence early morning visit is the best time to see monks praying and rotating the heavy prayer wheels. The temple overlooks the residence of the Dalai Lama.

Bhagsu Falls & Bhagsunath Temple:
It is situated 11 Kms from Dharamshala known for its old temple, fresh water spring and waterfalls. It is a serene village situated near the Mcleodganj city center. It has breathtaking waterfall known as Bhagsu falls. There is Bhagsunath Temple and a small charming pool. It is an enchanting location close to the nature. The temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva and has great historical significance. The temple attracts local devotees in large numbers for its healing powers and faith.

St. John's Church:
8 km. from Dharamshala town the church lies in the forest between Mcleod Ganj and Forsyth Ganj. It has a monument dedicated to Lord Elgin, one of the viceroys of India, who died at Chauntra ( Mandi district ) and was buried here in 1863 A.D. The Church has lovely spotted glass windows and there is a Christian cemetery around it. It is ideally situated in the majestic 'Deodar' forest.

Dharamkot:
It is situated on the crest of a hill, this favourite picnic spot affords a panoramic view of the kangra valley and the Dhauladhar ranges. One can reach Dharamkot by a simple trek from Bhagsu. Various small restaurant type of shops are situated in the path for a quick relaxation and bevarages. The scenery from Dharamkot is simply breathtaking and you also meet the Gaddi folks.

War Memorial:
Situated in Dharamshala town. The memorial is situated near the entry point to Dharamshala commemorates the memory of those who fought valiantly for the honour and defence of the mother land. The place is ideally located in the pine forest. There is also a cafe just close to War Memorial serving fast food and baverages.

Dal Lake:
Lies amidst hills and deodar tress and is 11 km. from Lower Dhramshala. It is a starting point for excursion and trekking and is located next to Tibetan children's village.

Triund:
17 km. from Dharamshala town, at an altitude of 2,827 metres. The snowline starts just 5 km. from Triund and affords a breathtaking view of the snows above and the valley below. It is a popular picnic and trekking spot. Those who want to do a return trek in one day are advised to start early. Is is the famous trek route for local people as well as for tourists.