Hill Station Dharamsala

Dharamsala is a hill station in Himachal Pradesh, famed for its large Tibetan community centered around the Dalai Lama.

The Tibetan Buddhist roots of Dharamsala stretch back into the 8th century. "Dharamsala" literally means an "inn attached to a temple", and it was so until the district headquarters in Kangra became too crowded and the British moved two of their regiments in the late 1840s
to what is now Dharamsala.

This over the years grew to be district headquarters of Kangra, and the very location is now known as the Police Lines.

Currently, it is a very popular hang-out for foreigners and students of Buddhism. Indeed, it is now perhaps a little too popular - many would say the town (esp. McLeod Ganj) is little more than a backpacker ghetto. Don't come here expecting calm and tranquillity.
Tsuglagkhang Complex, Temple Road. This is the largest Tibetan temple outside Tibet, and it has a large meditation hall containing some beautiful statues and thangkas, as well as a Kalachakra temple with beautiful murals. It is the monastery of His Holiness, the Dalai Lama, and is located just in front of his residence. On the basement level of the complex you will also find the Namgyal Cafe, which is run as a work-training center for Tibetan youth
with daringly fusionesque if often unremarkable food, but great atmosphere in the evenings.

Tibet Museum
Small but interesting museum on the history of Tibet and its people.

Tibetan Library, near the Tibetan Government in Exile, with a small but interesting museum.

Tibetan Institute of Performing Arts (TIPA). Stages performances of traditional Tibetan dance, music, and theatre.

Palampur, 50 km from Dharamsala. Famous for its tea gardens. The best Kangra tea is available at the Agricultural University at Palampur.

Visit the 17th Karmapa at his temporary residence at the Gyuto Tantric University in the town of Sidhbari near McLeod Ganj.

Bhagsu Waterfall, 3 km from Dharamsala.
An easy walk down Bhagsu Road through the village of the same name, then 1 km up to the waterfall itself. Despite a sign advising visitors not to venture further, the path to the waterfall is in reasonable shape, except for the final 50 meters which are distinctly dodgy,
especially in slippery weather.

If you are in for a brisk walk, climb the hill beyond Dharamkot to Triund with a beautiful view of the first peaks of the "real" Himalayas, and a wide view over the plains at its feet. As the peak is over 3000 meters, make sure to wear good shoes, carry water (some food if you like) and an extra vest or coat. At the top, even in summer, the weather can change from hot and sunny into a small snowstorm very quickly. Every year some tourists get themselves into serious trouble
this way, wearing only sandals and a T-shirt.If you want to warm up before the Triund trak, try the trek to Guna temple ( 5 km one way, through jungle and quite a climb, but you will see nature at it's best)

Dal Lake, 4 km from Dharamsala (past Naddi). Fairly well signposted, this thoroughly anticlimactic sacred pond is the color and texture of its yellow lentil namesake. Don't bother.

Newly upgraded Gaggal Airport (IATA: DHM) in Kangra, 10 km away, has flights from Delhi.The main bus terminal is in Lower Dharamsala, but some public HRTC buses to Delhi and Pathankot go all the way to the main square of McLeod Ganj.The nearest broad gauge railhead is at Pathankot and the neighboring small station of Chakki Bank, a comfortable overnight journey from Delhi. A taxi from Pathankot to McLeod Ganj takes about 3 hours.