The best time to visit Dharamshala depends on the type of vacation you want. A charming town nestled in the Dhauladhar Range in Himachal Pradesh, Dharamshala, or Dharamsala, attracts a lot of visitors throughout the year. With a rich cultural heritage, adventurous outdoor activities, and stunning natural beauty, it is a popular destination among tourists. Read on to find out the best time to visit Dharamshala.
Winter season in Dharamshala (October to March)
Dharamshala becomes a snowy wonderland during winter. As the temperatures start dropping to around 1 to 15 degrees Celsius, the landscape gets covered in a blanket of snow. If you want to experience winter in all its beauty, this is the best time to visit Dharamshala.
Enjoy outdoor activities like snow trekking,skiing, and paragliding. Visit the beautiful Namgyal Monastery in McLeod Ganj, Gyuto Monastery, and Norbulingka Institute, and be awed by the breathtaking views. Don’t forget to try the local cuisine like momos, thukpa, and Tibetan butter tea, guaranteed to warm you right up.
This is not the peak tourist season in Dharamshala, but you will still find a lot of tourists here who come to experience the winter beauty of the region. Make sure to carry warm woollens, thermals, winter jackets, and snow boots. Apply moisturizer and lip balm as well. Before booking accommodations, check if they provide heating and hot water facilities.
Read more: Things to do in Dharamshala
Summer season in Dharamshala (April to June)
Summer is one of the best times to visit Dharamshala. The temperatures range from 22 to 35 degrees Celsius, and the weather is extremely pleasant. This is when the snowy peaks melt into vibrant landscapes, making it perfect for exploring and sightseeing.
Explore the beautiful monasteries, colonial bungalows, and magnificent churches. Visit the art museums or stroll along the vibrant markets of Dharamshala. And if you want an adrenaline rush, Dharamshala offers some of the best adventure activities in the summer season. Go for treks and hikes in the mountains or try zip lining, rappelling, cable car riding, paragliding, and camping. The Triund Trek is particularly popular in Dharamshala.
Needless to say, this is the peak tourist season in Dharamshala. Keep in mind that you will get more crowds and expensive accommodations, so plan and book everything in advance. Carry light and breathable long-sleeved clothes, a light sweater or jacket, and a cap and sunglasses. If you plan on trekking or hiking, carry sturdy footwear. Apply plenty of sunscreen and stay hydrated throughout the day.
Triund Trek (Picture credits: Trekyaari)
Monsoon season in Dharamshala (July to September)
The monsoon months from July to September completely transform the landscape of Dharamshala. Cool climate, misty scenery, roaring waterfalls, and lush forests are a beautiful sight, and temperatures remain between 18 and 22 degrees Celsius, although the humidity is high. Dharamshala often gets heavy rains, which is why it is an off season for tourism. There is a possibility of landslides, waterlogging, and road blocks.
However, you can definitely enjoy a leisurely vacation here during the monsoon season. Visit the tea estates of Kangra Valley, quaint cafes and bookstores, take walks along scenic trails and routes, and sip on a hot cup of chai. The Bhagsu Waterfall is stunning during the rains, although you need to be very careful. You can also explore the beautiful Namgyal and Gyuto monasteries in Dharamshala.
If you don’t mind the rains, this is not a beautiful time to visit Dharamshala. Carry an umbrella or raincoat, sturdy rain-proof footwear, and extra clothes. Be prepared for delays and cancellations in plans, and stay updated with the weather forecast before planning your days.
Events and festivals in Dharamshala
Losar: The Tibetan New Year Losar takes place in February or March. Celebrated over 15 days, Losar in Dharamsala features traditions, processions, music, dances, food, and more.
International Himalayan Festival: The International Himalayan Festival takes place in December. Organized by the Indo-Tibetan Association, the beautiful festival showcases the Himalayan culture through music, dance, local cuisine,, and traditional arts and crafts.
Dharamsala International Film Festival: Taking place in October or November, the Dharamshal International Film Festival promotes independent cinema. A panel of filmmakers and audience of film enthusiasts come together to discuss cinema and more in this festival/
Tibetan Shoton Festival: The Tibetan Shoton Festival takes place in May at Tibetan Institute of Performing Arts in Dharamshala. Known as the Yogurt Festival, it celebrated the rich heritage of the region through musical performances, storytelling, and theatre.
Buddha Purnima: Celebrated in April or May, Buddha Purnima is an important festival in Dharamshala, since it marks the birth, enlightenment, and death of Lord Buddha. It takes place at the Dalai Lama Temple with prayers, chants, and traditional rituals.
Losar Festival (Picture credits: lchangnang)
So, when will you be visiting Dharamshala? Let us know! At India Someday, we create personalized trips to India for you based on your likes and preferences. Contact us and together we can plan the perfect trip to India for you!
Frequently Asked Questions
March, April, and October are the best months for Dharamshala if you want to explore the beautiful region and enjoy some fun outdoor activities. For a snowy experience, January and February are the best months.
You need at least 3 to 4 days to experience Dharamshala. Explore the major attractions, participate in adventure activities, and get a glimpse of the local culture.
Dharamshala experiences snowfall from December to February, especially in McLeod Ganj and Triund, which are high-altitude regions.
About Aishwarya Shete
Aishwarya Shete is a content writer at India Someday. Her passions are writing, photography, and more importantly, food. She hopes to travel the world someday and document it through her pictures and words.
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