Feel like you can touch the sky when you visit Dharamshala. With a backdrop of the Dhauladhar mountain range, this town sits at an elevation of 4,000 to 5,000 feet above sea level. Breathtaking views of the flora and fauna within and surrounding this town are possible during almost every season. Because of its elevation, Dharamshala's summers aren't too hot, and the winter offers snow-capped mountains worthy of a photograph.
Get to know Dharamshala by walking through the town. Start in Lower Dharamshala where you'll find a bustling marketplace. Here, shopping, dining and many urban delights attract visitors and locals alike.
Next, walk up the hilly slopes into Upper Dharamshala. Also known as McLeod Ganj, this elevated section is home to many tree species, including oak, cedar and pine. Nestled within the trees is the home of His Holiness The Dalai Lama. Without a doubt, Upper Dharamshala is a place for reflection and meditation because exiled Tibetans often congregate here.
With the rain runoff from the mountainous terrain above, Dharamshala has fertile land that's mainly farmed on the hillsides. Locals take painstaking care of these farming slopes with tea, wheat and rice grown throughout the year.
Naturally, visitors flock to Dharamshala for outdoor adventures. Hiking along well-worn paths is a popular pastime, for instance. Travelers might trek to hill stations, temples, monasteries and other landmarks. From the War Memorial to the Dharamshala Cricket Stadium, this community is home to many different attractions for every age.
When you visit Dharamshala, you'll hear many different languages, too. Indeed, Punjabi, Hindi, Kangri, Tibetan and English are heard throughout this town, depending on the person's background. Luckily, many locals speak English to welcome visitors to the attractions.
If you visit Dharamshala during a particular season and love every minute, consider another vacation during a different time of year. Truthfully, the town seems to evolve with the seasons, which means your experience may be entirely different next time. Overall, Dharamshala is a community worth exploring as the Himalayas overlook the land.
