Dharamsala is stunning in ways that are absolutely unable to be beaten, must be seen to be believed.

Is a stunning view of Dharamsala what you are looking for?  This city has long been known for being the home of the Dalai Lama and the exiled Tibetan government.  It is also known as the winter seat of the Himachal Pradesh government. This city is at the upper reaches of the Kangra valley and as such is singularly beautiful.

Geographic separation of the different parts of Dharamsala

Split into three distinct areas, Dharamsala has the distinct honour of housing the exiled government from Tibet, along with the Dalai Lama, and is known as the center for exiled Tibetans.  Their presence here has ensured that Dharamsala has been placed on the map as a tourist destination for domestic and international purposes and is even more popular for students who are studying Tibet.

Upper Dharamsala retains a somewhat British air about it, while lower Dharamsala is the commercial area of this development. They are separated by about 9km of road and about 460m in height.  Situated above is a stunning snowcapped range which soars above Dharamsala and makes it very difficult to predict weather.  The Kangra valley itself is a wide and fertile plain which has some low hills.  Dharmasala has an alpine climate that is influenced by the monsoon season and as such it is one of the wettest places in the state.

The Tibetan Influence on Dharamsala                

These days Dharamsala hosts several thousand Tibetan exiles that moved into the area from Tibet. In 1959 the Tibetan settlement began as the Dalai Lama and his followers fled from Tibet.  The prime minister allowed the exiles to settle in McLeod Ganj in upper Dharamsala, which was a former British summer picnic spot.  In 1960 these exiles established their government in exile.  However this is not the first Dharamsala had contact with Buddhists; many monasteries have been established here in the past by Tibetan immigrants who arrived in the 19^th century.  In the 1970s the Dalai Lama Tenzin Gyatso opened the library of Tibetan works and archives which is considered one of the most important institutions in the world for Tibetan history, politics, and culture.

Strolling down the streets of this part of Dharamsala is an experience of itself.  The Tibetans residing here, ever industrious as they are set up stalls along the narrow roads each morning that sell everything from apples to prayer beads and everything in between.

Tourism in Dharamsala

Dharmasala overlooks the plains and is surrounded by a dense deodar forest.  Nearby are numerous streams the snowline and all this adds up to an attractive surrounding which invigorates the onlookers.  This is a busy bazaar town and is an excellent place to base yourself if you want to do some trekking and explore the nearby mountains.  There are also the temples and churches as well as monasteries here for the tourist to explore during their vacation in Dharmsala. One you are not allowed to miss is Namgyal Monestery, residence of Dalai Lama, very sacred place for Buddhist pilgrims. Near this monastery is Tsuglagkhang Shrine, famous for its three meter tall statue of Buddha made of bronze.