Dharamshala, where the celebrated Dalai Lama has settled in exile is a spectacular Tibetan township. Blessed with marvellous landscapes, Dharamshala is a travellers paradise—lofty snow peaks, deep gorges, lush green valleys, gushing rivers, enchanting mountain lakes, flower-adorned meadows, beautiful temples and striking monasteries, it feels like you have stepped back in time.

Set against the snow-clad Dhauladhar mountains, Dharamshala nestles on the high slopes in the upper ranges of Kangra valley. It is a picturesque town set among thick conifer forests and is divided into two major areas, namely Lower Dharamshala (1250 m) and Upper Dharamshala (1982 m). While Lower Dharamshala is a busy commercial area with the government offices, the bazaar and the bus stand, Upper Dharamshala is bordered by the tiny dwellings of Forsythganj and McLeodganj, which have retained the British flavour and colonial lifestyle.

Places of tourist interest.

Triund
Triund is on the foothills of Dhauladhar range and is 17 km from Dharamshala and a 9 km trek from McLeodganj passing through Dharamkot and Rakkar at a height of 2,827 mtrs. The breathtaking views of the mountains and the valleys make Triund an ideal spot. A ropeway is available from Dharamshala to Triund and accommodation is available at the forest rest house at Triund.

Tsuglagkhang (Dalai Lama's Temple)
Tsuglagkhang is the most important Buddhist monument in McLeodganj. It enshrines three magnificient images, including an enormous gilt statue of Shakyamuni, statues of Valokitesvara and Padamasambhava, or Guru Rinpoche, the Indian scholar who introduced Buddhism and Tantric teachings to Tibet in the 8th century.

Church Of St. John: In The Wilderness
Fifteen minutes' walk from McLeod Gunj, the Anglican church lies in the forest near Forsyth Gunj. This neo-Gothic stone church was built in 1852 and has some fine Belgian stained-glass windows.

Dal Lake
About three kilometers from McLeod Gunj and next to the Tibetan Children's Village, this small lake is brownish in colour and not nearly as impressive as the name and reputation suggest.