et against the snow-clad Dhauladhar mountains, Dharamshala nestles on the high slopes in the upper ranges of Kangra valley. It is a picturesque town set among thick conifer forests. Dharamshala, where the celebrated Dalai Lama has settled in exile is a spectacular Tibetan township. Blessed with marvellous landscapes, Dharamshala is a travellers paradise with lofty snow peaks, deep gorges, lush green valleys, gushing rivers, enchanting mountain lakes, flower-adorned meadows, beautiful temples and striking monasteries, it feels like you have stepped back in time. Dharamsala offers sightseeing which ranges from temples, churches and monasteries to museums, ancient towns to places of natural beauty.

Dharamsala or Dharmsāla, (literally; "Rest House") is a town and a municipal council in Kangra district in the North Indian state of Himachal Pradesh.

Dharamsala has been connected with Buddhism for a long time, with many monasteries having been established there in the past. In the 8th century, however, these monasteries are believed to have declined, with Hinduism experiencing a revival. The local Gaddi people are now almost all Hindu, and for the most part worship the goddess Durga.

In 1848, the area was annexed by the British, and a year later, a military garrison was established in the town. Dharamsala eventually became the administrative capital of Kangra District in 1852. It became a popular hill station for the British working in or near Delhi, offering a cool respite during the hot summer months.

However, the town was virtually destroyed in a massive earthquake in 1905, which killed an estimated 40,000 people. After this, the British moved their summer headquarters to Shimla (also written Simla) which, though not far away, is off the main fault line and, therefore, less likely to experience a serious earthquake. Dharamsala still experiences frequent minor earthquakes.

When the Dalai Lama left Tibet, Indian Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru offered to permit him and his followers to establish a "government-in-exile" in Dharamsala. Since that point, many Tibetan exiles have settled in the town, numbering several thousand. Most of these exiles live in Upper Dharamsala, or McLeod Ganj, where they established temples and schools. The town is sometimes known as "Little Lhasa", after the Tibetan capital city.

Dharmsala is located at 32.22° N 76.32° E[1]. It has an average elevation of 1457 metres (4780 feet).

Dharamsala is located in the Kangra valley, in the Dhauladhar mountains. It became the capital of the Kangra District in 1852.

Tsuglagkhang Temple

Tsuglagkhang Temple is the most known Buddhist site in McLeodganj. Here are three majestic images of Buddha, including a gilded statue of Shakyamuni, statues of Valokitesvara and Padamasambhava, or Guru Rinpoche, the Indian scholar who is attributed with the introduction of Buddhism and Tantric teachings to Tibet in the 8th century.

Kalachakra Temple

Set next to the Tsuglagkhang Temple, the Kalachakra Temple is open to the public as the center for pilgrimage. Because of its murals and architecture, it also serves as a representation of Tibet’s rich spiritual and artistic ethnicity. The Dalai Lama uses this temple as the center for public teaching.

The Namgyal Monastery

Established by the 3rd Dalai Lama, this monastery serves exclusively the Dalai Lamas. A unique feature of this monastery is its diversity of practice. Namgyal monks perform prayers and rituals of all the major schools of Tibetan Buddhism.

Dip Tse-Chok Ling Gompa

This beautiful little gompa is situated at the base of a steep track. The main prayer hall contains an image of Shakyamuni, as well as two enormous drums covered in goat skin and painted around the rim, which were made by monks at the gompa. Here you will also find some superb butter sculptures, which are made during Losar. Fine and detailed sand mandalas are also made here.

By Air

The nearest airport is at Gaggal, 13 km from the town. Indian Airlines flies to Dharamshala thrice a week from Delhi.

By Rail

The nearest broad gauge railhead is at Pathankot and a railway booking office can be found close to the bus stand. Rail route though is picturesque and worth the extra time it takes.

By Road

National Highway 1 and National Highway 1A connect Dharamshala to Pathankot and Jalandhar. Dharamsala is also well connected by road to other places in Himachal. There are several buses a day to and from Mandi, Shimla, Chandigarh and Delhi.

This treasure trove of the Kangra Valley boasts of excellent form of arts, crafts and a rich past, displaying artifacts that dates back to the 5th century. It includes a gallery of Kangra's famous miniature painting and a representative collection of sculptures, pottery and anthropological items.

Mcleodganj

The large Tibetan community and the presence of traditional architectural designs drawn from Tibet has influenced the area. Tibet handicrafts, and garments are available on sale on every Sunday at this place. One might also visit Kotwali bazaar, 3 kms from Kunal Pathri (a rock temple).