Dharamsala is situated in the northern Indian state of Himachal Pradesh. It lies on a spur of the Dhauladhar range, the Pir Panjal region of the outer Himalayas and commands majestic views of the Kangra Valley. Dhauladhar means 'white ridge' and this breathtaking snow-capped range rises out of the Kangra Valley to a height of 17,060 ft.

Though a little modern now, original Tibetan culture remains intact here with streams of Tibetan refugees and Buddhists from all over the world flocking here to receive blessings and teachings from the Dalai Lama and to experience the rebirth of an ancient and fascinating civilization

Dharamsala is divided into two very different parts. Kotwali Bazaar and areas further down the valley at 4,101 ft are called Lower Dharamsala, while McLeod Ganj at 5,905 ft and the surrounding areas are called Upper Dharamsala. While inhabitants of Lower Dharamsala are almost all Indians, McLeod Ganj is primarily a Tibetan area.

A visit to the Namgyal Monastery founded by the third Dalai Lama in the late 16th century is one of the most well known monasteries in Dharamsala. Since its establishment, it has exclusively served the Dalai Lamas. The Center of Tibetan Studies can be found within the Monastery. The Monastery is situated next to Tsuglag Khang (Central Cathedral). It houses three main images, the Sakyamuni Buddha, Padmasambhava and Avalokitesvara, the Buddha of Compassion, of whom the Dalai Lama is the current emanation. The main image of Sakyamuni Buddha measures almost 10 ft and is made of gilded bronze. The images of Padmasambhava and Avalokitesvara both facing Tibet with the latter's image made of silver and has eleven faces, a thousand arms and a thousand eyes.

The Residence of the Dalai Lama is opposite the Tsuglag Khang. He often receives visitors in public audiences. For an audience with the Dalai Lama, special permission needs to be taken with a proper request in writing at the security office near Hotel Tibet. The best time to see him is after the Tibetan New Year in March when he gives spiritual discourses for 10 days.

Surrounded by prayer wheels, Namgyalma Stupa is located in the center of McLeod Ganj. Erected as a memorial to those Tibetans who lost their lives fighting for a free Tibet, it has a statue of the Sakyamuni Buddha enshrined in a small chamber.

Festivals:

Losar (Tibetan New Year): The celebrations continue for three days and the occasion is marked by a series of customary gatherings and rituals that encompass both riotous gaiety and pious solemnity.

The best time to visit Dharamsala is April to June and September to November.