Dharamsala lies on a rising slope, upwards to McLeodganj. There are forests all around. Along a spur of the Dhauladhar Range, it is close to the snow line. The altitude here ranges from 1300 metres to 1700 metres. The lower Dharamsala has shopping complexes and the upper regions consist of Forsytheganj and McLeodganj.
McLeodganj, also callled the Little Lhasa, is the centre of the Tibetans in exile. Buddhist monks in red robes are a common sight. It is also the headquarters of the Dalai Lama, who settled here following Chinese invasion of Tibet. The Tibetans keep theplace clean and healthy and they also provide cheap and good hotels. Tibetan handicrafts and traditional medicine are
major attractions.
The Namgyal Monastery, opposite Dalai Lama's residence, has a centre for Tibetan studies. It has large bronze statues of Buddha, Avalokeswara and Padmasambhava. The Dalai Lama holds prayers at his residence and visitors can meet him when he is here.
The Church of St John-in-the Wilderness (8 km) has the grave of Lord Elgin, a British Viceroy who died here in 1863.
The Nechung Monastery in Gangchen Kyishon has a Tibetan library. The central Tibetan administrative offices are located here. Lectures and classes on Tibetan culture and Buddhism are held here frequently.
Two-km walk away is Bhagsunag spring. Dharamkot is three km. Ten km from McLeodganj is Dal Lake. Nearby are picnic spots Naddi and Talnu. Triund (17 km) is at the foot of Dhauladhar Range. Five km from here is the snowline. A little further is Kareri Lake. Chinmaya Tapovan (10 km) was established by the late Swami Chinmayananda as a meditation centre.
HOW TO REACH
By air one can reach Kangra and see Dharamsala and other places in Kangra district and elsewhere by bus. Or, go via Pathankot to Kangra by train and take the journeys inside the circuit by bus, which gives a better experience. Dharamsala can be reached only by road. It is 514 km from Delhi, 235 km from Chandigarh, 252 km from Shimla, and 85 km from Pathankot.
Rail: Pathankot, 85 km from Dharamsala, has a broadgauge rail station. A narrow gauge rail runs from Pathankot to Jogindernagar through Kangra Valley. This narrow gauge line has a station in Kangra, 18 km from Dharamsala.
Air: There is an airstrip at Gaggal near Kangra town. It is 12 km from Dharamsala.
TRAVEL INFO
Climate: Summer is pleasant, wear light cotton. In winter it's very cold and heavy woollens are needed. Rains are heavy.
Time to visit: All-weather destination; Heavy rains in monsoon during July-Sept
EXCURSIONS IN DHAULADHAR:-
Himachal Pradesh - Destinations:
