Trekking in Dharamsala

The picturesque peaks, plains and valleys of the Dhauladhar Range provide for an ultimate experience of trekking in Dharamsala. Owing to its location in the beautiful Kangra Valley, this region is also noted for its ethereal beauty. Hordes of travellers frequent this place drawn by its natural beauty and scenic surroundings. However, this place in recent times has emerged as a hotspot for trekking among adventure seekers. The diverse terrain of this trek test your strength while offering you some immensely beautiful views of the snowy mountain ranges.

About Dharamsala

Formerly referred to as Bhagsu, Dharamsala is a beautiful township in the Kangra district of Himachal Pradesh. At a distance of about 18 km from the Kangra district, this place used to be the official residence of Dalai Lama. Covering a huge area in the form of twin settlements named Lower and Upper Dharamsala, this place serves as a shelter to a large community of Tibetans.

At an elevation of about 1380 metres, Lower Dharamsala serves prominently as a commercial centre. While the upper Dharamsala, at an average altitude of about 1830 metres, with the suburbs of Forsytheganj and Mcleodganj, reflects the British colonial lifestyle. The St. John Church, which is the resting place of Lord Elgin – the British Viceroy of India, is also situated here.

This place boasts a wide variety in tourist attractions, ranging from churches and temples to museums, monasteries and ancient towns. Some of the popular attractions of the place you can visit during trekking in Dharamsala are Kangra Art Museum, Dal Lake, Bhagsunath and temples of Chamunda Devi and Jwalamukhi Devi.

Dharamsala Trek: Perched on high slopes of the Kangra Valley, Dharamsala Trek is set against the backdrop of the snow-clad Dhauladhar Range. With dense forests of deodar and pine, this trek presents a wonderful trail to meander through. Nearby snowline, numerous streams and crispy cool mountain breeze add to the beauty of the trek. This trek has everything that trekkers search for during their trekking expedition.

The breathtaking terrain of the rugged mountains of the Kangra Valley, provides for a perfect platform for mountaineers, rock climbers and trekkers, who wish for some thrilling action. From easy meandering to muscle straining ascending and descending sections, trekking in Dharamsala is sure to provide you a variety of things to indulge into.

Best Time to Visit Dharamsala

• March to mid-July: If you wish to escape from the scorching summers of plains, then these months are the best to go. During this period, flowers are in their full bloom, making the hills much more beautiful. Thus, it is also the best time to go for trekking in Dharamsala.
• Mid-July to mid-September: These months are ideal for those who intend to enjoy the rainfall here. At this time, the terrain is at its greenest. Be prepared as the continuous rainfall may lead to road blockage.
• Mid-September to November: This is the time when you can best enjoy sightseeing in the place. Trekking can also be enjoyed to its best during this period.
• December to February: It is this time when winters enter the region, and make for an ideal period to enjoy the panoramic scenery of snow-capped mountains.

Flora and Fauna of Dharamsala

• Flora: Oak, deodar, fir, pine and spruce are the dominant species of the region. The place also has an abundance of fruits like peaches, apples, berries and plums. Lush meadows can be seen all along the hillocks and valleys.
• Fauna: The region is rich in terms of biodiversity, which also include some of the rare species. The fauna of the region include ghoral, blue mountain sheep, black bear, panther, snow leopard, spotted deer, sambar, porcupine and flying squirrel. Some other species that are found in this region are jackal, langur, fox and Himalayan pine martin.

A sizeable population of birds finds its shelter in the region, including those like spotted dove, parrot, green pigeon, woodpecker and vulture.