Dharamshala: The hills are calling

| Read time: 8 minute(s)
Peace and fun, geography and history, shopping and chilling… if you want to explore all these things at one place, then head to Dharamshala now! Little Tibet, as the town is called, is a potpourri of diverse culture, people and food. Nestled in Himachal valleys of the great Himalayan range, Dharamshala has also become a weekend getaway for families, couples and wanderlusts alike. History But why Little Tibet you may ask. Well, then we need to dig into history. Tibet was a free region before Chinese Communist government put a claim on it in 1950. The head of the Tibetan community, called the Dalai Lama, had to leave the country with many followers after the Chinese refused to leave Tibet and a failed revolt in 1959. Since then, Tibet is an autonomous territory under Chinese rule. Which translates into… not a free country anymore. The Tibetans had nowhere to go. They live in exile even now. These Tibetan Buddhist were given shelter in India and they made Dharamshala their home. And what a beautiful home they have built! Township The town is divided into two twin settlements—the lower area holds local schools, government offices, colleges etc. The upper region, McLeod Ganj bustles with tourist activity, the Dalai Lama’s home and sacred monasteries. Lifestyle The locals in D-town include Tibetan Buddhist, monks in their ruby robes, migrants and native Pahadi folk. We’re talking simple and peace loving people whose healthy lifestyle is notable - These mountaineers often choose to walk even though there is ample transport all across the town. While you take a walk on the snaked roads, don’t miss those smiling wrinkled faces welcoming you with warm namaste! Environment Dharamshala is 1,457 m above sea level, giving you a bird’s eye view of the district. Popular in the town are the enchanting Buddhist monasteries that are open to all religions and walks of life. Speaking of which, Namgyal Monastery and Tsuglagkhang are two such esteemed religious santities in the district. Here you can perform the ritual of spinning the golden prayer wheel which is said to be as good as reciting prayers to Buddha. Food Circuit Foodies are in for a real treat as Dharamshala has a sprawling line of cafes and bakeries to help you work up an appetite! Some of the local foods in the region include piping hot Momos and a wholesome Tibetan broth known as Thukpas that will surely tickle the taste-buds! The interiors in Dharamshala’s eateries often showcase boards with positive sayings and colourful bookshelves. Sometimes even music and art follow. & More The day and night markets hold several family-run shops. Here you can buy cool clothes, funky accessories and unique local junk jewelry. Foreigners often fancy the souvenir shops from which they pick up small showpieces of Buddha for their home. The district is also famous for trekkers and nature enthusiasts who can visit The Bhagsu Waterfalls, Naddi Sunset Point or Dharamshala’s Dal Lake, a basin of emerald green waters. The pretty as a postcard mountain peaks and pleasant climate are great reasons to visit this beauty. Imagine being that close to the great Himalayan range - Now that is out of the ordinary! Now here’s a gift for you! Thanks to the folks at Orange Tiger Hospitality, you can avail a 20% discount on food at The Citrus Hotel, McLeod Ganj and Little Mastiff, Dharamshala (A Unit of Pong View) Use Coupon Code “Coup20” to avail this perk!

Peace and fun, geography and history, shopping and chilling… if you want to explore all these things at one place, then head to Dharamshala now!

Little Tibet, as the town is called, is a potpourri of diverse culture, people and food. Nestled in Himachal valleys of the great Himalayan range, Dharamshala has also become a weekend getaway for families, couples and wanderlusts alike. 

History

But why Little Tibet you may ask. Well, then we need to dig into history. 

Tibet was a free region before Chinese Communist government put a claim on it in 1950. The head of the Tibetan community, called the Dalai Lama, had to leave the country with many followers after the Chinese refused to leave Tibet and a failed revolt in 1959. 

Since then, Tibet is an autonomous territory under Chinese rule. Which translates into… not a free country anymore. The Tibetans had nowhere to go. They live in exile even now.

These Tibetan Buddhist were given shelter in India and they made Dharamshala their home. 

And what a beautiful home they have built! 

Township

The town is divided into two twin settlements—the lower area holds local schools, government offices, colleges etc. The upper region, McLeod Ganj bustles with tourist activity, the Dalai Lama’s home and sacred monasteries.

Lifestyle

The locals in D-town include Tibetan Buddhist, monks in their ruby robes, migrants and native Pahadi folk. We’re talking simple and peace loving people whose healthy lifestyle is notable – These mountaineers often choose to walk even though there is ample transport all across the town. While you take a walk on the snaked roads, don’t miss those smiling wrinkled faces welcoming you with warm namaste!

Environment

Dharamshala is 1,457 m above sea level, giving you a bird’s eye view of the district. Popular in the town are the enchanting Buddhist monasteries that are open to all religions and walks of life.

Speaking of which, Namgyal Monastery and Tsuglagkhang are two such esteemed religious santities in the district. Here you can perform the ritual of spinning the golden prayer wheel which is said to be as good as reciting prayers to Buddha.

Food Circuit

Foodies are in for a real treat as Dharamshala has a sprawling line of cafes and bakeries to help you work up an appetite! Some of the local foods in the region include piping hot Momos and a wholesome Tibetan broth known as Thukpas that will surely tickle the taste-buds! 

The interiors in Dharamshala’s eateries often showcase boards with positive sayings and colourful bookshelves. Sometimes even music and art follow.  

& More

The day and night markets hold several family-run shops. Here you can buy cool clothes, funky accessories and unique local junk jewelry. Foreigners often fancy the souvenir shops from which they pick up small showpieces of Buddha for their home.

The district is also famous for trekkers and nature enthusiasts who can visit The Bhagsu Waterfalls, Naddi Sunset Point or Dharamshala’s Dal Lake, a basin of emerald green waters.

 

The pretty as a postcard mountain peaks and pleasant climate are great reasons to visit this beauty. Imagine being that close to the great Himalayan range – Now that is out of the ordinary!

Now here’s a gift for you!  

Thanks to the folks at Orange Tiger Hospitality, you can avail a 20% discount on food at

The Citrus Hotel, McLeod Ganj and Little Mastiff, Dharamshala (A Unit of Pong View)

Use Coupon Code “Coup20” to avail this perk!

Citrus Hotel, McLeod Ganj:
https://www.citrushotelsindia.com/citrus-mcleodganj/

Little Mastiff, Dharamshala:
https://www.makemytrip.com/hotels/little_mastiff_dharamshala_unit_of_pong_view_hotel-details-dharamshala.html

Orange Tiger Hospitality:
https://www.othpl.com/

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