Feel like you can touch the sky when you visit Dharamshala. With a backdrop of the Dhauladhar mountain range, this town sits at an elevation of 4,000 to 5,000 feet above sea level. Breathtaking views of the flora and fauna within and surrounding this town are possible during almost every season. Because of its elevation, Dharamshala's summers aren't too hot, and the winter offers snow-capped mountains worthy of a photograph.
Get to know Dharamshala by walking through the town. Start in Lower Dharamshala where you'll find a bustling marketplace. Here, shopping, dining and many urban delights attract visitors and locals alike.
Next, walk up the hilly slopes into Upper Dharamshala. Also known as McLeod Ganj, this elevated section is home to many tree species, including oak, cedar and pine. Nestled within the trees is the home of His Holiness The Dalai Lama. Without a doubt, Upper Dharamshala is a place for reflection and meditation because exiled Tibetans often congregate here.
With the rain runoff from the mountainous terrain above, Dharamshala has fertile land that's mainly farmed on the hillsides. Locals take painstaking care of these farming slopes with tea, wheat and rice grown throughout the year.
Naturally, visitors flock to Dharamshala for outdoor adventures. Hiking along well-worn paths is a popular pastime, for instance. Travelers might trek to hill stations, temples, monasteries and other landmarks. From the War Memorial to the Dharamshala Cricket Stadium, this community is home to many different attractions for every age.
When you visit Dharamshala, you'll hear many different languages, too. Indeed, Punjabi, Hindi, Kangri, Tibetan and English are heard throughout this town, depending on the person's background. Luckily, many locals speak English to welcome visitors to the attractions.
The Best Time to Visit Dharamshala
There are many highlights, activities and landmarks to enjoy in and around the city. Knowing when to visit is the next challenge. Plan your trip to Dharamshala by focusing on the seasons in Northern India.
Springtime Warmth
Unquestionably, between March and June is the most popular time to visit Dharamshala. With temperatures between 70 and 95 degrees Fahrenheit, this region blossoms with activity, flowers and a swelling population. If you want to try zip lining, paragliding or a comfortable hike, spring is the optimal time. The weather is warm but not too hot. Rain is rare, too.
In addition, breathtaking performances occur during the spring. During April, experience the Saka Dawa Festival, which celebrates Lord Buddha. Alternatively, the Tibetan Institute of Performing Arts offers an opera that spans 10 days.
Ideally, plan your adventures during the spring's weekdays. Weekends tend to be crowded near the area's major landmarks. Also, booking popular activities before you arrive is a clever way to secure your reservation before these experiences sell out.
Monsoonal Adventures
From July through September, the annual monsoons move through Dharamshala. Typically, this period is considered the off-season. However, visitors who are happy with rainy conditions will appreciate the lower prices and available hotel rooms.
Because most outdoor activities are closed, make this vacation a relaxing reprieve. Pick a favorite cafe, bring a book and enjoy the rainfall outside, for example. Strike up a conversation with a fellow traveler, too.
When the sun breaks through the monsoons, you can take a walk outside and see the flora flourish from all the rainfall. Certainly, you might enjoy a day trip to Dal Lake. Here, the Dal Fair takes place every August as religious believers bathe in the water.
Wintry Wonderland
Between November and February, Dharamshala is under frigid temperatures. It doesn't normally snow within the town's limits, but the hillsides nearby receive a solid layer annually. Without a doubt, skiing is a popular activity in the winter. Certain ski operators offer plenty of room to fly down the hillsides with the snow-capped Himalayas in the background.
During the winter, visitors take advantage of the shopping, cafes and indoor attractions, too. Remarkably, many sightseeing tours are in business during the winter. Simply bundle up when you head outdoors.
If you want to brave the cold even further, consider a hike along many of the trails nearby. Alternatively, visit the neighborhood of McLeod Ganj where many Tibetan refugees live. Here, you can meditate with nature's wintry environment surrounding you.
If you visit Dharamshala during a particular season and love every minute, consider another vacation during a different time of year. Truthfully, the town seems to evolve with the seasons, which means your experience may be entirely different next time. Overall, Dharamshala is a community worth exploring as the Himalayas overlook the land.
