Dharamshala
Dharamshala is a town in the Indian state of Himachal Pradesh.
It serves as the winter capital of the state and the administrative headquarters of the Kangra district since 1855. Since 1960, the town has hosted the 14th Dalai Lama and the Tibetan government-in-exile.
Getting to Dharamshala
Kangra Airport (DHM IATA) is at Gaggal near Kangra, a distance of 15 km from McLeod Ganj by road on MDR44 and NH 154.
- 01Dharamshala ISBT Bus Stand
Most people arrive in Lower Dharamsala by bus.
- 02Dharamsala Private Volvo Stop
Worth seeing
- 01HPCA Cricket Stadium
- 02Kunal Pathari
People come to this temple every day to pray to the Goddess.
- 03Dal Lake
An anticlimactic sacred pond is the colour and texture of its yellow lentil namesake.
- 04Naddi View Point
This is an ideal place for a complete scenic view of snow covered Dhauladhar range.
- 05Peak Art Gallery
Temple Rd, McLeod Ganj (1/2 way down Temple Rd, below Cafe Nirvana).
- 06Rakkar
A picturesque hamlet on the outskirts of Lower Dharamsala, perched on the foothills of the snow capped Dhauladhar range of the Himalayas in the Indian state of Himachal Pradesh.
Things to do
Roam around. McLeod Ganj is a beautiful place to roam around on foot. Hotels made on the slope of Dhauladhar range, market decorated with colourful Tibetan flags, hand made goods and stalls of tasty food makes it more beautiful.But also Dharamkot offers many small cafés and place to take a rest and watch the world go by.
- 01Bhagsu Temple Swimming Pool
Go swimming in Bhagsu's very own swimming pool.
- 02Bhagsu Waterfall
Has many waterfalls, an ancient temple, numerous slate quarries and a fresh water spring.
- 03Galu Waterfall
Also a nice hike, but first you will have to climb 300 m altitude from Bhagsu to the saddle behind Haini.
- 04Triund
If you are in for a brisk walk, climb the hill beyond Dharamkot to Triund ridge.
- 05Indrahar
Further up from Triund, this is alpine hiking and you will probably need to book a tour to do it.
- 06Toral Pass
It begins from Tang Narwana (1,150 m) that is nearly 10 km from Dharamshala.
Where to eat
The momos sold by numerous Tibetan street vendors usually sell at ₹80 for 8 pieces. These are safe to eat and acceptable to the Western palate even if they cannot be expected to match the level of culinary delicacy of those offered by some of the best establishments listed below.
- 01Common Ground Café
Tushita Rd (100 m uphill from main square or chowk of McLeod Ganj), +91 1892220264.
- 02JJI Exile Brothers Mom's Kitchen
Bhagsu Rd (a short walk from McLeod Ganj's central square or chowk, on the right-hand side, between Peace Coffee House and Kunga Guesthouse).
- 03McLLeo Momos
Tipa Rd (just above the main square or chowk of McLeod Ganj, the first house, or rather shack, on the right).
- 04Nick's Italian Kitchen
Kunga Guesthouse, Bhagsu Rd (5 min walk from McLeod Ganj's main square or chowk).
- 05Takhyil Peace Café
Getting around Dharamshala the local way
- Get inIn Kangra walk or take a rickshaw to the bus stop from where buses to Dharamsala go.
- Get aroundDharamsala is divided into several distinct areas that are separated by a 15 min or 12 km bus or jeep ride at most: – Consists of most of the government offices, Schools, the local hospital, and commercial areas.
- Get aroundBetween McLeod Ganj and Dharamkot shared taxis run roughly hourly and cost ₹20 (2023) Be prepared to bargain.
- Get aroundChartered auto-rickshaws charge around ₹250.
- Get aroundThere are separate counters for auto-rickshaws and taxis near the center square.
From Wikivoyage: Dharamsala, CC BY-SA. Not yet checked by us. Last edited 2026-09.
Text adapted from Wikipedia and Wikivoyage, CC BY-SA 4.0. Photograph: Bernard Gagnon (CC BY-SA 4.0), Wikimedia Commons.
