About Dharamsala
1) Location
Known as the Little Lhasa of India, Dharamsala is home to His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama and the Tibetan Government in Exile. It is situated in the northern Indian state of Himachal Pradesh.
Dharamsala is divided into two very different parts. Kotwali Bazaar and areas further down the valley (at the average height of 1,250 metres) are called Lower Dharamsala, while McLeod Gunj (at the height of nearly 1,800 metres) and surrounding areas are known as Upper Dharamsala.
It lies on a spur of the Dhauladhar range, the Pir Panjal region of the Outer Himalayas; and commands majestic views of the mighty Dhauladhar ranges above, and the Kangra Valley below. Dhauladhar means “white ridge” and this breathtaking, snowcapped range rises out of the Kangra Valley to a height of 5,200 meters (17,000 feet).
2) Altitude
Between 1,250 to 1,800 metres above sea level
3) Weather
July to September is the monsoon season. Therefore, please bring along an umbrella or raincoat and wear shoes that are either waterproof or easy to dry.
Temperature ranges between 14 and 24 Degree Celsius in August/September.
4) Communication
Roaming services are available via the India telephone operators. A short term pre-paid SIM card can also be purchased at a reasonable price in Dharamsala.
You are required to submit a colour photo and a printed copy of your passport in order to purchase SIM.
Internet cafes are a plenty and at reasonable cost (approximately Rs 30 per hour) in Dharamsala.
5) Foreign Exchange
Money changers are readily available in Dharamsala. Major currencies such as US Dollars, Great British Pounds, Euros and Singapore Dollars are largely accepted by the money changers.
6) Travel to Dharamsala
There are many ways to reach Dharamsala. Listed below are some of the more common routes used.
Delhi – Dharamsala
From Delhi Airport, you can take a prepaid taxi (at the airport taxi counter) to Majnuka Tila, the Tibetan settlement. From Majnuka Tila, there are a number of 40-seater coaches which will depart for Dharamsala at 6.30pm on a daily basis.
The coach ride from Delhi to Dharamsala in approximately 12 hours barring unforeseen traffic conditions and circumstances.
Jammu – Dharamsala or ;
Amritsar – Dharamsala
You will need to arrange for a transport to pick you up from the airport or hotel for transfer to Dharamsala.
Following is the approximate travel time, barring unforeseen traffic conditions and circumstances.
From Jammu is 3 – 4 hours
From Amritsar 6 – 7 hours
From Delhi: 12 – 14 hours
Should you require any further assistance in your travelling itinerary, you may contact the local agent:
Name: Jamyang
Email address: jamyang.gyatso@gmail.com
7) How to Get around Dharamsala
Below is a reference Map of the Dharamsala area. Latest map can be viewed at:
https://www.google.com/maps/d/viewer?hl=en&mid=1fYtTZEe2HSJ9ypXBtUBBkGOVIXI
