Dharamsala

A hill town in northern India where the Dalai Lama and the Tibetan government-in-exile are based, with pine forest and views of the Dhauladhar range.

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Dharamsala is a town in Kangra district, Himachal Pradesh, in northern India, and the district headquarters. It sits in the Kangra Valley below the Dhauladhar range. The Upper town, around McLeod Ganj and Forsyth Ganj at about 1,830 m, sits above the commercial Lower town at about 1,380 m, and a narrow road links the two. The Dalai Lama lives in the Upper town, and the Central Tibetan Administration, the Tibetan government-in-exile, has been based here since 1960.

Go for the Tibetan monasteries and the Tibet Museum in McLeod Ganj, the Bhagsu Nath Temple about 2 km above it, and sunrise views from Naddi Viewpoint over the snow-capped Dhauladhar range. Treks run from the town across the Himalayas toward the upper Ravi Valley. Autumn, from October to late November, is the mildest season, with average temperatures around 16 to 17°C. The monsoon, from June to mid-September, is heavy, and winter brings snow to the Upper town.

Dharamsala in five

Stay in McLeod Ganj, not lower DharamsalaMcLeod Ganj sits higher, with the Tibetan temple complex, cafes and trailheads, while lower Dharamsala is the administrative town. Choose the upper town for atmosphere.McLeod Ganj
Hike Triund in the dry monthsThe trek from McLeod Ganj is a short, steep day hike with views of the Dhauladhar range. Start early, carry water and check the weather; the trail can be slippery after rain.
Expect heavy monsoon rainDharamsala is among the wetter parts of Himachal. July and August bring landslides that can close roads, so avoid the peak monsoon unless you are flexible.
Take the overnight bus or a short flightOvernight buses from Delhi take about 10 to 12 hours. Kangra airport at Gaggal is about 13 km from town, with limited flights. Pathankot is the nearest broad-gauge railhead.Getting around India
Add Kangra Fort or Bir for a dayKangra Fort and Masroor's rock-cut temples are easy day trips, and Bir is known for paragliding. Ask local operators about conditions.Manali

Things to do in Dharamsala

See all attractions in Dharamsala

Temple · DharamsalaNechung Monastery

Landmark · DharamsalaDal lake Mcleodganj

Museum · DharamsalaThe Tibet Museum

Free trip plannerPlan a trip to DharamsalaPut the places you like in Dharamsala on a map, give them days, and let one button order each day. Free, with no account.Plan a trip

Need to know

Airport: Kangra-Gaggal (DHM), about 13 km; limited flights
Getting there: Overnight bus from Delhi (about 10–12 hours) or rail to Pathankot
Getting around: Walking in McLeod Ganj; shared taxis and local buses
Best base: McLeod Ganj for cafes, monasteries and Triund trailheads
Time needed: 2–3 days; 4–5 with Triund and Bir

Weather by month

Rainy days
Days with storms

Best
Good
Mixed
Poor

JanuaryClear8 rainy daysHigh18°Low8°Cold, snow peaks
FebruaryClear6 rainy daysHigh22°Low10°Cool, clear
MarchClear7 rainy daysHigh27°Low14°Pleasant
AprilClear7 rainy daysHigh33°Low19°Warm, clear
MayClear8 rainy daysHigh37°Low23°Warm, crowded
JuneClear8 rainy daysHigh38°Low26°Pre-monsoon
JulyRain24 rainy days1 day with stormsHigh34°Low26°Heavy monsoon
AugustRain24 rainy days1 day with stormsHigh32°Low25°Heavy monsoon
SeptemberRain13 rainy days1 day with stormsHigh32°Low23°Monsoon ends
OctoberClear3 rainy daysHigh30°Low18°Clear, crisp
NovemberClear3 rainy daysHigh25°Low14°Cool, clear
DecemberClear3 rainy daysHigh20°Low9°Cold, clear

Average daily high and low in Dharamsala, 2016–2025. Rainy day: 1 mm of rain or more.

Right now in Dharamsala

Local time, today's weather and the exchange rate, refreshed through the day.

Feels like: 15°
Humidity: 45%
Wind: 2 km/h
Chance of rain: 0%

Mcleod Ganj

02:44 AM

Tuesday, November 3

GMT+5:30

Today23°14°0%Tuesday: Cloudy. High 23°, Low 14°. Chance of rain 0%.
Wed23°14°0%Wednesday: Cloudy. High 23°, Low 14°. Chance of rain 0%.
Thu23°14°0%Thursday: Cloudy. High 23°, Low 14°. Chance of rain 0%.
Fri23°14°0%Friday: Fog. High 23°, Low 14°. Chance of rain 0%.
Sat23°13°0%Saturday: Clear. High 23°, Low 13°. Chance of rain 0%.
Sun23°14°0%Sunday: Clear. High 23°, Low 14°. Chance of rain 0%.

Updated 11:42 PM local time · Weather data by Open-Meteo.com

Money

Mid-market rate1 USD = 95.08 INR

Amount

Converted to

INR · Indian Rupee

Rates from Nov 2, 2026 · Rates By Exchange Rate API

Day trips by train

Triundabout 3–4 hours up, plus the returnA moderate day hike with views of the Dhauladhar range.
Kangra Fortabout 1 hour by roadA hilltop fort above a river valley, with a small museum.
Birabout 2–2.5 hours by roadA paragliding town with a Tibetan settlement and tea gardens.

Before you go to Dharamsala

Stays in McLeod GanjGuesthouses with mountain viewsCheck availability

Triund and monastery day tourGuide, trail and local stopsCompare day trips

eSIM for HimachalSignal is patchy on the Triund trailRead the guide

Cover for trekking and landslidesHiking injuries and closed roadsRead the guide

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Rules for Dharamsala, checked

Foreign nationals need an Indian visa or e-Visa. Check eligibility and apply only through the official Indian e-Visa portal.Source
Dharamshala sits in earthquake zone IV, and the 1905 Kangra earthquake destroyed much of the town. Find the exits in your hotel on arrival.
At monasteries and temples, dress modestly and walk clockwise around stupas and prayer wheels.
The Dharamshala Skyway cable car links the town with McLeod Ganj and avoids the steep, narrow roads. Check its current service times on arrival.

Plan around Dharamsala

McLeod Ganj

The Tibetan quarter and trailheads above town

Read the guide Amritsar

The Golden Temple, a long day away

Read the guide Manali

Himalayan adventure town further north-east

Read the guide Chandigarh

Planned city and rail gateway to Himachal

Read the guide All of India

Regions, seasons and routes

Read the guide India e-Visa

Apply online before flying into Delhi

Read the guide

Dharamsala FAQ

How many days do you need in Dharamsala?

Two to three days cover McLeod Ganj, the Tibetan temple complex and one hike. Add two more for Triund, Bir or Kangra Fort, and a day to rest after an overnight bus.

Is Dharamsala the same as McLeod Ganj?

Not quite. Lower Dharamsala is the main town, while McLeod Ganj is a hill suburb above it that holds the Tibetan quarter. Most visitors stay in McLeod Ganj and pass through Dharamsala only on the way.

What is the best time to visit Dharamsala?

March to May and October to November, when it is mild and clear. Winters are cold with snow on the peaks, and July to September bring heavy monsoon rain and landslides.

How do I get from Delhi to Dharamsala?

By overnight bus in roughly 10 to 12 hours, by train to Pathankot and then a road transfer, or by flight to Kangra with a short taxi ride. Buses are the cheapest and most direct.

Is Triund hard?

It is a moderate, steep day hike on a well-used trail, not technical. Start early, wear proper shoes, carry water, and turn back if weather changes.