India is a country with diverse states that house some amazing and exotic locations that are must-seeing. Amidst them, the one state that has been a favorite of tourists, artists, filmmakers, and people of all age groups is Himachal Pradesh. The state of mountains, momos, and Maggi.

The beautiful Himachal has garnered popularity because of the incredible places that it houses. From Spiti to Shimla, to Kulu and Manali, every inch of Himachal is beautiful. When you plan to visit Himachal and chalk an itinerary, the one common question that everyone faces is Dharamshala or Dalhousie which is better to stay and explore the surroundings.

Was this exactly what you faced too??? So, here is a sneak-peek into what the two places have in store so that you know Dalhousie or Dharamshala.

Experience leisure and luxury at Dalhousie

About the place

Hidden in the Chamba district, Dalhousie is a place that has a history of being a favorite hill station since British times. Surrounded by snow-clad mountains and covered by green meadows, Dalhousie is like a painting in motion. The fact that the town is easily accessible from places like Delhi, Chandigarh and Jaipur make a lot of people from different walks of life visit Dalhousie. Complementing this beautiful place, Dalhousie Himachal tourism does a lot of promotions.

When in Dalhousie, what you shouldn’t miss??

Treks

When you are in Himachal, trekking is something that you cannot miss. Standing true to the notion, Dalhousie offers great trekking options. Khajjiar, Pir Pinjal peak, Dainkund, and more peaks offer you great trekking experiences. Complementing the treks, there are groups who also camp on these peaks. The fact that these treks can be easily tried by people makes them even more preferred. Most of the hotels and tourism sites offer Trekking packages.

Adventure

Though trekking is the most explored, Dalhousie also offers some adventurous attractions. When in Dalhousie you get access to paragliding, river rafting, and biking to some of the most intriguing tracks. Paragliding is accessible at Khajjiar. Whereas river rafting is done over the Saal and Ravi rivers. One interesting activity that Dalhousie offers is Zorbing wherein the individual slides into a plastic bubble. The bubble is then rolled down.

Leisure Time

If you are someone who is visiting Dalhousie to just sit back and relax, then the town has open meadows, and peaceful lakes that let you just reset your mind, rejuvenate your soul and relax your body.

Staying at Dalhousie

The town of Dalhousie with all its developments still retains the charm of the British era. This is clearly visible in the construction styles of the building and hotels in Dalhousie. It wouldn’t be an exaggeration if told that there are people who exclusively come to just check into a hotel and laze around. No wonder there are all kinds of hotels in Dalhousie that blend comfort, luxury, and leisure. Some of the most preferred stay options are Brij Villa, Elgin hall, Fortune park, Indraprastha, and more.

Experience tranquillity at Dharamshala

This tiny town that is 18kms away from Kangra is highly influenced by the Tibetan culture. Known to be the chosen place by the His Holiness 14th Dalai Lama, this place oozes the essence of peace and spiritualism. The colonial influence is greatly seen in the architecture seen around the town. Monks of all ages moving around with an aura and smile on their face is a common sight when in Dharamshala. Though reaching to Dharamshala happens via Dalhousie, Dharamshala too is a great place to stay.

When in Dharamshala, what you shouldn’t miss

Spiritual Awakening

There are many monasteries around Dharamshala that offer Yoga workshops and spiritual therapies. Also, most of the people who come to Dharamshala walk to these monasteries as the journey also is soul-stirring.

Trekking

Like the towns of Himachal, Dharamshala too offers great trekking options. Trekking to Triund and Naddi viewpoint are some of the famous trek points. Complementing the treks there are camping options too.

Biking Expedition

Bikers as such love Himachal for the curvy and tricky paths it offers. However, adding to the fun are the tracks that Dharamshala offers. Some of the most popular biking trails are The Dalai Lama Temple Loop, Indrahar Pass. Amidst the peaceful mountains, the only sound that you could hear is either the winds or the bikes buzzing through the valleys.

The Artistic Search

Dharamshala as a town has been a place of inspiration for many artists. Therefore, every year Dharamshala is flooded by filmmakers, writers, photographers, artists, and more staying long to create their masterpieces. Dharamshala also conducts film festivals that are attended by people from across the globe.

Dharamshala OR Dalhousie Place for everyone

Because the average age group that visits Dharamshala is between 25-35 and mostly, bikers and artists who relatively stay for a longer period, Dharamshala stay options are mostly hostels and budget-friendly. However, there are some good luxury hotels like the Radisson, Holiday Hill, and more that seek luxury in the hills.

Now with a close look at what Dharamshala and Dalhousie offer, you may have fairly managed to get some clarity on which place is better.

“We love both places,” you may say. We agree with you. So, the fact remains that both are amazing places, but what makes them better and choose is what you are seeking. If you are looking for a short vacation with leisure and adventure, then Dalhouse is better. But if you are someone looking for a long vacation then Dharamshala is better. That’s because compared to Dalhousie, reaching Dharamshala is slightly time-consuming. So, now that you are taking that much time and effort to reach Dharamshala, you would rather stay longer and make it worth it.

Bottom-line

Choosing between Dharamshala and Dalhousie in Himachal Pradesh can be difficult for travel enthusiasts. Both places have their own charm and appeal, making it difficult to decide which one to visit. Unlike Dalhousie, which provides adventure pursuits like river rafting, paragliding, and hiking, Dharamshala is well-known for its spirituality, bicycle trips, and trekking.   

In short, Himachal Pradesh is undoubtedly a traveller’s dream, with an abundance of beautiful natural scenery, comfortable weather, and kind locals. Whichever location you visit, Himachal Pradesh will wow you with its beauty and tranquillity, making it a once-in-a-lifetime experience. 

So, decide your vacation plan and get, set, go!!!!