About Dharamsala

Covering less than 28 sq. km, Dharamsala is situated in the northern state of Himachal Pradesh, India and received little attention from the outside world for most of its history. Things changed however in 1960: fleeing persecution in his homeland, His Holiness the Dalai Lama moved the Tibetan Government-in-Exile to Dharamsala. Today, more than 15,000 Tibetan refugees consider Dharamsala their second home.

Set amidst the magnificient deodar and pine forests of the Western Himalayas, Dharamsala’s spectacular backdrop is the Dhauladhar mountain range. The snow-capped mountains and numerous streams contribute to the beauty of the landscape. Lower Dharamsala (1380 m) is the commercial centre while Upper Dharamsala (1700 m), with its suburbs of McLeod Ganj and Forsythgunj, has a distinct British flavour. While inhabitants of Lower Dharamsala are almost all Indians, McLeod Ganj is primarily a Tibetan area. Dharamsala and Mcleod Ganj now have many religious, educational, and cultural institutions built by and for the Tibetan people. Tibetans have created a vibrant, democratic community in Dharamsala despite exile from their homeland.

Today, Dharamsala attracts streams of Tibetan refugees to receive blessings and teachings from His Holiness the Dalai Lama, and tourists from all over the world. For visitors who want to learn more about Tibetan culture and connect with the Tibetan people, there are many options: teaching English to newly arrived monks or nuns from Tibet, studying Buddhism or yoga at one of the retreat centers, enrolling in cultural study programs, or volunteering at one of the Tibetan organizations.

Places of Interest in Dharamsala

Thangde Gatsal Thangka Painting Studio
If you are planning to come to Dharamsala, you can visit Thangde Gatsal in person and see our work in progress. The drive to the school is quite scenic and the trip is a wonderful way to see the countryside and observe local culture.

Directions: From Dharamsala hire a taxi. Ask the driver to take you to Khandi on lower Khanyara Rd.. After about five minutes of driving you will pass Whispering Winds Resort and then Vidya Niwas Guest House. Park the car right after Vidya Niwas. Directly on your left you will see a set of cement stairs leading up the mountain to our home and studio. Please call our mobile if you have any difficulty. If you see the beginning of a three storey high cement building on you left you have gone too far.

Norbulingka Institute
Located 4 kms from Dharamsala, Norbulingka was established to preserve and teach the ancient Tibetan arts. Shady paths, wooden bridges, and small streams and waterfalls characterize the heavenly setting of the Instuitute. The skills preserved and passed on at Norbulingka include statue making, thangka painting, appliqué and tailoring, woodcarving, carpentry and metal craft. Visit web site.

Kangra Art Museum
The Kangra Art Museum displays an excellent collection of Kangra Valley arts, and crafts, some that date back to the 5th century! The museum also includes a gallery of Kangra's famous miniature paintings and a collection of sculpture, pottery, and anthropological items.