Dharamshala Overview
A Tibet in India
Best time to visit (High & peak months) :
All the year round except for the monsoons
Experiences :
Tibetan culture
City calling code :
01892
Recommended no. of days for a tourist :
2 days
Best buys :
Tibetan carpets and handicrafts, statuettes, sleeping bags, fruit preserves, bottled produce
Essentials to be carried along :
Light woolens for summers and heavy for winters (November-March). Extra pairs of shoes if you are planning to go for hikes or adventure sports. The organizers provide most other gear.
All about the city :
Popularly known as the Scotland of India, Dharamshala is one of the 80 hill stations that were established during the colonial era. The town is divided into two areas - the lower Dharamshala that houses the government buildings and the upper Dharamshala or the Mc Leodganj (only place in India after Leh where the foreign tourists outnumber their Indian counterparts). The Tibetan culture that pervades the entire place is the strongest factor in pulling the visitors. The residence of Dalai Lama, the Buddhist head, has made it a magnet for Buddhist devotees who call it 'The Little Lhasa of India'.
The town is hemmed with snow-capped mountains that appear to be standing at a knocking distance- a feature that sets it apart from others. The destination offers a pack of adventure activities ranging from rock climbing to rappelling and trekking in the Dhauladhar ranges. The paragliding heaven of Bir and Billing are also not far away from here.
