Dharamshala is a city in the Indian state of Himachal Pradesh. Surrounded by cedar forests on the edge of the Himalayas, this hillside city is home to the Dalai Lama and the Tibetan government-in-exile.
The best way to reach Dharamshala is to take an overnight private bus from Delhi, which is 520 km away. An overnight train journey is an excellent option to reach Dharamshala. The nearest major railway station is at Pathankot which is 85 kilometres away. Nearest airport is Gaggal Airport in Kangra Valley which is 15 km away from Dharamsala. Taxi/cab services are available from the Airport. International travellers have to reach Delhi Airport and then board domestic flight to reach Dharamshala.
The best time to visit Dharamshala between mid-February to mid-July (spring and summer) when the weather is pleasant with a temperature ranging between 21-34 degree Celcius. Winters here are frigid with occasional snowfalls; however, it makes the valley look much more beautiful. Monsoons (late July - Early September) can be avoided as it might hamper your travel plans, but this place does not receive very heavy rainfall unlike other parts of Himachal and Uttarakhand.
Dharamshala or Dharamsala city is located in Kangra district at a distance of 18 km from Kangra city. Dharamsala is separated as upper and lower divisions with different altitudes. The lower division is the Dharamsala town itself whereas; the upper-division is located 3km away and popularly known as Mcleodganj. Dharamsala is prominently visited for the bus connections and the bustling market.
Dharamsala is the home to Dalai Lama, the Buddhist leader who runs his government in exile from Dharamsala. Now, what better place on earth than this little town set on the foothills of Dhauladhar ranges to experience the rich and regal Tibetan culture. In the year 1959, Dalai Lama came to India with his followers and settled, rather beautified the town of Dharamsala, transforming it into the little Lhasa. Dharamsala, for many years, has been a centre of meditation and peace, with thousands of people from around the world coming here to seek Nirvana.