Dharamshala: Welcome to Kangra Valley

Dharamsala is situated in Kangra Valley in Himachal Pradesh. It commands majestic views of the mighty Dhauladhar ranges above, and the Kangra Valley below. Dhauladhar means "white ridge" and this breathtaking, snow-capped range rises out of the Kangra Valley to a height of 5,200 meters (17,000 feet).The Kangra Valley is a wide, fertile plain, crisscrossed by low hills.

Dharamshala has recently a spectacular International Cricket stadium build and is proud for hosting various matches including 2 IPL matches.

Mcleodganj: Dalai Lama's Residence and Monastery

Dharamshala is often called the Little Lhasa in India. The residence of His Holiness, The Dalai Lama is located at McLeodganj, about 12 km from the resort. The Tibetan Government in exile has been head quartered here for over three decades. The impressive monastery at McLeodganj has larger than life images of the Buddha, Padmasambhava and Avaloktwshwara.

A large Tibetan community and the presence of traditional architectural designs drawn from Tibet have enhanced the area. Tibetian handicrafts and garments are available on sale every Sunday. The Tibetian Institute of Performing Arts is just a km away and organises a ten day festival from the second Saturday of April.

Hindu Pilgrimage

SightSeeing at Dharamshala Hotel

Dharamshala is also home to many Hindu pilgrimage sites like Bhagsu Temple and Waterfall as well as Chamunda Devi Temple. About two kilometers from McLeod is Bhagsu, a holy pilgrim site for Hindus, known for an ancient Shiv temple and the Dal lake known for its sacred waters. The Chamunda Devi Temple, one of the four temples for 'Devi Darshan' is located 10 km west of Palampur in the Kangra area of Himachal Pradesh.

Adjoining Attractions

Picnic Spots near Dharamshala Hotel

A memory of the British Raj is the church of St. John, in the wilderness, just 8 km from Dharamsala on the way to McLeodganj. Just 3 km from Mcleodganj is the famous location called Naddi, where you can see the Mount Dhauladhar very near and the sunset is worth seeing in the the evening. Triund is a popular picnic spot at a height of 2827 m. The area is on the foothills of Dhauladhar range and is 17 km from Dharamsala. The snow line starts at Illaqua, 5 km from Triund.

Norbulingka Institute

Norbulingka Institute near Dharamshala Hotel

Just 4-kms from Dharamsala, Norbulingka was established to preserve and teach the ancient Tibetan arts. Here one can watch the wooden carvings and the tangka paintings, golsithing and embroidery being done. The nunnery close to the institute is a place where women are taught the advanced levels of Buddhist philosophy.Their rock garden cafe serves some of the best banana bread in the valley.The Institute also has a doll museum,gift shop and a beautiful temple.