Located at a distance of about 185km from Shimla, the Himalayan pilgrimage town of Dharamshala overlooks plains surrounded by beautiful Deodar forests & pine trees.

A busy sacred town, Dharamshala today has become synonymous to Buddhist culture & religion. The spirituality, serenity & peacefulness of Dharamshala complimented by snowlined streams is what attracts thousands of tourists to this beautiful Himalayan destination.

While Dharamshala was once used only as the base camp for trekkers & mountaineers interested in exploring the mountains, the place today has established as a major Buddhist pilgrimage destination. The Gompas, colorful temples & places like Kotwali Bazar largely reflect the simple lifestyle, varying cultures & flavor of the place. While Dharamshala is mainly dominated by the Tibetan community, the place continues to retain the fervor & colonial lifestyle of the British.

Major Attractions in Dharamshala

St. John’s Church – Located in the wilderness just 8km from Dharamshala, the charming stone church of St. John brings back poignant memories of the British Raj.

Kangra Art Museum – The museum is truly a treasure trove of the rich culture, history, arts & crafts of the Kangra Valley. Displays include the famous miniature paintings of Kangra, pottery, sculptures & other artifacts dating back to the 5th century.

Norbulinka Institute - Located at a distance of 4km from Dharamshala, Norbulinka is a place dedicated exclusively to the preservation of ancient Tibetan art. What adds to the uniqueness of this attraction are the wooden bridges, shady paths & the tiny waterfalls. Displayed at the institute are several tangka paintings, wooden carvings, embroidery work, etc.

War Memorial – Built with the aim of commemorating the post-independence war heroes of Himachal Pradesh, the War Memorial is nestled amidst pine groves.