Visiting Dharamsala

A small town but a big passion for Tibet

Visit Dharamsala because it is worth the detour if you want to understand India even if this region has more the colors of Tibet. Since the arrival of the Dalai Lama in the 1950s, the city has been covered with Tibetan flags and monks in burgundy outfits parade through the streets of Dharamsala. We hardly dare believe that we are still in the country when arriving there from the bus station or the airport. To get there, these  two ways are the easiest from Delhi. The bus is less expensive and goes through Chandigart but will cost you 12 hours of travel time including traffic jams. If you opt for the plane, count on €150 one way but 1h30 to be there.

Dharamsala is a relay between its city center and the real village where the Dalai Lama lives. You can read the article on macleod Ganj and my meeting with the 14th Dalai Lama. It is the village where the concentration of Tibetans is the highest in the Indian mountains. The Tibetan government lives in Macleod Ganj but the monks often move between the village and Dharamsala.

Visit Dharamsala, but what can I do?

Like all cities in India, linger on the temples. They are pretty and discreet in this region and open you up to other traditions. Visiting Dharamsala is mainly because its holiness is present in the region. But not only that, because it is also popular with hikers and trekking fans. If you like mountain landscapes, you have chosen a good stopover on the road to Rishikesh. And if you want to go further, Nepal opens its doors to you through the mountains.

For me, it is only a step on a mountaineer’s journey, because tourist activities are restricted in Dharamsala. I had the opportunity to go see waterfalls in the mountains, see a church lost in the forest or even meet villagers. This city is a beautiful bubble of calm, greenery and tranquility in the land of horns. Little pollution, little noise from cars and above all lots of breathtaking landscapes to practice yoga. You find Ashrams on the road to accommodate you and put your life on hold. Yoga session with all the sauces and classes on inner meditation.

Yoga and Tibetan culture

Between India and its yoga and Tibet and its cuisine, you don’t have to choose. The two are complementary and nothing requires you to be on a diet. In the streets, you can smell the good smells escaping from the restaurant kitchens. and I invite you to taste the famous “Tibetan momos”. See the recipe in the article

Stroll through the streets and enjoy the special atmosphere of this region to buy scarves, sweaters, or even Tibetan hats. Colors everywhere, red, yellow, blue, green just like the flag of Tibet. I would add that if you want to go to Tibet later, I advise you to talk about it at the administrative center located a little further down the street. You should know that the Chinese government dominates the region. Political tension is high and tourism is strictly regulated because you will not be able to be free in your actions. Chinese officers will check you every day to see what you do and what you say. Human rights do not apply in this former country claimed by China as a region.

LINK:  See also Tripadvisor to do like me. Search word: Dharamsala