In 1849, Dharamshala originated as an army subsidiary cantonment for troops stationed at Kangra and adopted its name from an old Hindu sanctuary, called 'Dharamshala'. In 1959, His Holiness, the Dalai Lama, came to Mcleodganj in Dharamshala as he had to flee from Tibet and the Prime Minister of India allowed him and his followers to settle here and they formed the Government-in-exile in 1960.
Geographically, Dharamshala is divided into Lower Dharamshala, the commercial base and the Upper Dharamshala including Mcleod Ganj and Forsyth Ganj.
Surrounded by the sparkling white snowline of the Dhauladhar Mountains, McLeodganj bears the British architecture and lifestyle.
Dharamshala abounds in places of religious significance, natural beauty, commercial activity and adventure.
Spread across the slopes of the Dhauladhar Mountain Range and streets of Dharamshala are innumerable temples and monasteries having invaluable historical significance. Some of these include the Adi Shakti Temple at Naddi, Indru Nag Temple, Masrur (rock cut temple), Namgyal Monastery, Norbulingka Institute and the St. John’s Church. The most famous places for pilgrimage are the temples of Jawalamukhi, Chamunda Devi and Briheshweri Devi. You’ll find temples, shrines and monasteries at Chinmaya Tapovan, Kunal Pathari, Nurpur and Trilokpur.
You’ll surely hold your breath when you take in the awe-inspiring sceneries at Dharamkot and the Dal Lake or visit the beautiful hot springs at Tatwani and the magnificent waterfall at Machrial. The Pine forests and green meadows mark the beauty at the Kareri Lake and its adjacent guest house. The snow-capped mountains at Triund are a treat for the eyes and a favourite Trekking spot.
Trekking, Rock climbing, Mountaineering and Fishing are the most popular activities among tourists. From steep mountains to straight inroads, Dharamshala offers all kinds of terrain for trekking and Rock climbing. The smaller treks are organized around Toral Pass, Bhagsu, Dharamkot. The longer ones route to Triund and Ilaqa.
You can also plan some trips, across Bhimghasutri Pass (five to six days trip), with steep ascents and tough Gorges. An easier four to five days trip enroutes Bleni Pass, crossing woods and streams till Dunali.
Fishing is popular in the 20-km stretch of the river Beas between Nadaun and the Pong Dam.
You must pay visit to the War Memorial, a monument built to honour the post independence war heroes of Himachal Pradesh. There is also the Library of Tibetan Works and Archives, housing over 80,000 manuscripts and other resources on Tibetan history, politics and culture. The Library was opened in 1970 by the Dalai Lama, Tenzin Gyatso.
You can shop at the Kotwali Bazar for paintings, sculptures, pottery, coins, jewellery, Shamianas, manuscripts and other traditional artefacts. Held every Sunday, the McLeodganj flea market is a colourful and fascinating collection of Tibetan flavours. Here, you will find local Tibetan food, wine, curios, garments, duvet covers, fur hats, singing bowls and lots more.
In 1849, Dharamshala originated as an army subsidiary cantonment for troops stationed at Kangra and adopted its name from an ....