A Guide To Snowfall In Dharamshala: Experience The Serenity Of This Hill Station

15 Nov 2021

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Dharamshala is an incredible hilly town situated at the edge of majestic Himalayas. Dharamshala happens to be the headquarters of Kangra district of the state of Himachal Pradesh. Located at picturesque surroundings this entrancing city gets stupefied with its natural beauty in the winters. Dharamshala has become extremely popular internationally because of this being home of Tibetan Monk Dalai Lama and the Tibetan government in exile. Situated at approximately 1455 meters of elevation from sea level this is an adorable hill station to spend some entrancing time in the snowy winters.

Weather In Dharamshala During Winters

The winters in Dharamshala starts from the month of October. Till March end the coldish period continues. One may encounter snowfall from late December to the month of February. The place gets decent snowfall and the mountain ranges nearby gets completely covered in white snow blanket. In peak winters temperature can get as low as – 1 degree celsius. Average temperature in winters will be around 12 degrees Celsius. The maximum temperature that you can expect during whole winters will be 18 degrees celsius.

Places To Visit During Snowfall In Dharamshala

Here is a list of some breathtaking attractions that you can visit when exploring the hill station of Dharamshala during the winters!

1. Triund Trek

This is a mind blowing snow covered trek located in Kangra Valley. The trek gets completely covered in snow during the peak winters and the views from the trek are ravishing. Winters is one of the best time to go for such a trekking adventure as the natural beauty surrounding the trek is unmatchable during this time. Total trek during snow time can be as much as 5 to 6 hours.

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2. Namgyal Monastery

This monastery is extremely important spiritual center for Tibetans and Budhists. The monastery has got monumental typical Tibetan architecture and will take you in the realms of peace and serenity. Surrounded by lush green cedar trees – this monastery is situated in a very picturesque setting on the top of the hill. Views from the monastery are heavenly in winters.

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3. Laka Glacier

This is a startling trek in winters with its exquisite views amidst snow-covered mountains and natural water bodies. If you love snow and trekking then this is one of the best treks Dharamshala can offer. Imposing white mountain peaks surrounding the trek will make the whole journey surreal.

4. Bhagsunag Falls

Bhagsunag falls near Mcleodganj is an ambrosila entrancing attraction of Dharamshala. Beauty of the falls gets enhance multi folds in winter months with lot of mist all around. The waterfall is from a height of approximately twenty meters. Near the fall there is also a major spiritual attraction – Bhagsunath Temple – an adorable place to visit and experience. Nearby area to this temple is full of lovely cafes and eateries – where you can refresh yourself with some zestful food and coffee.

5. Dal Lake

This is incredibly beautiful lake in the small village of Tota Rani near Dharamshala. This is a natural wonder with full of cedar, deodar trees surrounding the lake. This gorgeous kake derives its name from Kashmir’s magnificent Dal lake as the enchanting beauty of the lake resembles that of Kashmir’s highly famous Dal Lake.

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6. Dharamkot

Dharamkot is a fascinating small hill station which is located just above Mcloedgannj. This is at an elevation of little more than 2800 meters. Because of its elevation and its exquisite location amidst the mountain hills – this place received much more snowfall than the main city of Dharamshala. A perfect place to be at in winters to enjoy nipping snowy beauty that Dharamkot offers in winters. This place lately has become extremely popular among foreign tourists as well.

7. Indrahar Pass

This is an exalted mind numbing attraction near Dharamshala. Situated at an elevation of 4300 meters above seal – this mountain pass in the majestic Dhauladhar range is all covered with snow during winters. This pass is at the border of Kangra district with that of Chamba district in Himachal Pradesh. Although it is not a difficult trek but walking during the winters over snow blanket can get a bit challenging for newbie trekkers. But the trek will enthrall with its surreal beauty, surrounding snow covered peaks and the stunning breathtaking valley.

8. St. John Church

This is a historic heritage church which is standing tall amidst the wilderness. This monumental neo gothic church is the sign of its glorious past. One of the most seraphic monuments in Dharamshala this church is a must to visit here. The ambrosial surroundings of the church gets further enhanced and blissful during peak of winters.

9. Naddi View Point

This is an astonishing little village in the lap of angelic mountain ranges. Naddi village has now become famous for its enthralling stunning natural beauty and adorable views of the lush green valley covered with snow in winters. Highest point in the village is Naddi view point. There is an awe inspiring trek to climb up to the view point. The views from the trek and from top are are bewildering and unmatchable in their beauty. One of the best top to experience the nipping snow of this dazzling hill station.

10. Dalai Lama Temple

Any visit to Dharamshala is not complete without a visit to this ambrosial temple complex – abode of Dalai Lama. This is an extremely serene place with angelic vibes to it. A wonderful place to meditate amidst the stunning serenity of this sacred place. The views are exquisite from the temple complex in winters.

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11. Kalachakra Temple

Another very holy place in Dharamshala – Kalachakra Temple was dedicated to Lord Buddha. The temple has amazing artworks and murals of glorious Tibetan art. The temple is situated at approximately 4 kms from the bus stand in Dharamshala.

12. Tsuglagkhang Complex Dalai Lama Temple

This Biddha temple is another important sacred Buddhist temple in Dharamshala. This temple is an important cultural center for Tibetans and one may see Tibetan music and folk dances happening frequently at this place. Architecture of this temple is beautiful and majestic. This serene tranquil temple is just 1 km walk from the main market at Mcleodganj. Inside the complex you can also buy spiritual books and items. This is also a wonderful spot to experience the stunning winter sunset in Dharamshala.

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How To Reach Dharamshala

By road: New Delhi is well connected to Dharamshala by road. The road trip is via Chandigarh. The total journey from New Delhi would be around 520 kms from New Delhi. There are plenty of state buses as well as private Volvos as well that one can hire to travel to this scenic mountain place.

By train: Nearest major railway station to Dharamshala is at Pathankot. The railway station is around 85 KM. One can easily hire taxis or even a bus from the railway station to reach Dharamshala.

By air: Gaggal Airport at Kangra is the domestic airport connecting Dharamshala to other major cities of the country. This airport at Kangra is only 13 km away and it takes about 30 minutes to reach Dharamshala from the airport.

The whole hill station of Dharamshala is extremely peaceful and serene with high spiritual vibes. Best time to visit this enthralling place is during the snowfall and when you are here amidst the snow clad mountains, this place will simply take you by surprise. A place full of temples, monasteries, tea plantations, glorious snow covered mountains and stunning valleys, a visit to this place is a must if you’re exploring different towns during your Himachal trip.

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Frequently Asked Questions About Snowfall In Dharamshala

Is Dharamshala safe in winters?

Dharamshala is extremely safe to travel in winters – that is if you are afraid of penetrating freezing cold and snow bank all around.

What is the best time to visit Dharamshala?

Winters is perhaps the best time. The beauty of this whole place during snowfall is of different level, unmatchable.

How many days are good enough for Dharamshala in winters?

2 to 3 days are good enough for Dharamshala and you will be able to travel to almost all the major attractions in and around Dharamshala.

What are the winter sports one can participate in Dharamshala?

You can go for paragliding at Bir Billing, snow trekking at near by snow covered treks, cycling, skiing, camping, bonfire and rock climbing.

What is the distance between Dalhousie and Dharamshala?

Dharamshala is almost 42 km from Dalhousie.

How far is Dharamshala from Chandigarh?

Dharamshala is approximately 240 km away from the city of Chandigarh. It will take around 5 to 6 hours of driving to reach Dharamshala from Chandigarh.

Which is the nearest airport to Dharamshala?

Gaggal airport at Kangra is the nearest domestic airport. Airport is only 13 km away from Dharamshala and it takes half an hour drive to reach.

What should one pack while travelling to Dharamshala in winters?

As the winters can be shivery cold here, ensure that you keep enough warm clothes with you. Padded thick jackets are a must to keep oneself warm. Do pack your woolen caps, mufflers and neck warmers.