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In Tourist Destinations Revisited-The Himalayas

Shimla and Dharamshala-The gateway to mighty Himalayas of India

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Shimla is the capital of the Himachal State of India, whereas Dharamshala is known for being the home to Dalai Lama and the highest cricket stadium in India.

Shimla has some good places to see, like Chail, Fagu, or taking a ride to Kalka by toy train. In contrast, Dharamshala is the gateway to Triund and Indrahar Pass treks which, in my opinion, are must-visits due to the immense natural beauty through McLeod Ganj.

8 Golden Reasons why you must visit Shimla and Dharamshala:

  • Shimla and Dharamshala being at height, are all-time cool hill stations and hence can be visited any time of the year except for monsoons when landslides are often.
Mall Road Shimla
Mall Road Shimla
  • The 6-hour train ride between Kalka and Shimla, covering 107 tunnels and bridges along with beautiful Shivaliks, is a compulsory activity when entering Himachal. It looks more beautiful post winters when there’s snow all around.
  • Chail and Mashobra are 60 km and 14 km from Shimla and are must-visits when you are in Shimla for the simple fact that you can walk in dense forests and get a view of vast meadows with the provision of pony rides. Cloud covers make the place go romantic!
  • McLeod Ganj in Dharmshala is a must-visit place for it is the second home of His Holiness Dalai Lama and is known as “Little Lhasa” due to the considerable population of Tibetans.
Chail
Chail
  • Dharamshala Cricket Stadium is a scenic cricket stadium where international matches do happen. Lush green forests and snow-capped mountains surround it.
  • The Bhagsu Waterfall near Dharamshala in Mcleodganj is a great place, especially post-monsoon.
  • Dharamshala is also the gateway to Indrahar Pass, Hanuman ka Dibba, Triund, and Lahesh caves treks. These treks require time, but the hikes are worth it-the views being tempting under clear skies.
  • This city is also home to several temples, with  Chamunda Devi Temple and Kunal Pathri Temple being the most revered ones.

Location  : Shimla is about 350 kms north of Delhi and Dharamshala is about 450 kms north of Delhi.

Triund-a nearby trek spot in Dharamshala
Triund-a nearby trek spot in Dharamshala

Tourist Attraction on the spot:

Dharamshala: Namgyal Monastery, Dharamkot-Bhagsunag Falls, Dharamshala Cricket Stadium; Shimla: Christ Church, Viceregal Lodge, Army Heritage Museum, Gorton Castle, Chail, Fagu

Tourist Attraction in Vicinity:

You can visit Tosh, Kangra, Kheerganga, Narkanda, Chandigarh, Kullu, Manali, Rohtang Pass, and Bir-Billing, which range from 150 to 400 km.

Tsuglagkhang Complex Dalai Lama Temple
Tsuglagkhang Complex Dalai Lama Temple

Distance Charts:(Shimla | Dharamshala)

Viceregal Lodge & Botanical Gardens
Viceregal Lodge & Botanical Gardens

How to Reach Shimla/Dharamshala:

Road Routes:

Delhi-Panipat-Kurukshetra-Chandigarh-Solan-Shimla-Hamirpur-Jwalamukhi-Kangra-Dharamshala-Mcleod Ganj

IMPORTANT NOTE FROM MY EXPERIENCE:

1)First and foremost, use the Kalka Shimla Toy train to be at Shimla; Book in advance from the first app, like 1-2 months in advance, and you’ll not regret this one bit-have a good phone or video camera to capture few highlights!

2)Shimla has little to offer regarding tourist places. Still, if you go to nearby places like Chail, Fagu, and Narkanda, you’ll surely love the places, especially in winters, due to the beautiful landscape and significantly fewer skyscraper madness!

3)Public transport will help you in most parts of either Dharamshala or Shimla. State buses run at regular intervals, so saving bucks is easy.

4)From Dharamshala, there is a beautiful trek to Triund and Indrahar pass taking you around 3-10 days depending on how far and how relaxed you want the trip to be.

This needs a different amount of time and stamina, though the trip isn’t that tough.

5) Research temples, monasteries, parks, and church times properly before getting in. In most cases, the morning and late afternoon slots are open, making for an ideal visit time to such places.

6)Bir-Billing, the paragliding paradise, is close to Dharamshala, so you can get some adrenaline rush!

7)Roads are pretty good, and eating options are healthy. Of course, having some snacks and water is good as always.

Kufri, Shimla

Kufri,Shimla
Kufri,Shimla

RAIL:Nearest railway station is Shimla for which toy trains run from Kalka/Chandigarh.

AIR:Chandigarh is nearest airport for both of the tourist spots.

ROAD:Simple answer is take a bus or car from Delhi (or Chandigarh) and in 6-8 hours you are at Shimla or Dharamshala. Dharamshala to Shimla will take around 7 hours. HRTC bus services are great and aplenty on offer.

Map:

Delhi Shimla Dharamshala Map
Delhi Shimla Dharamshala Map

Time to Visit:

April to June; September-October is the best time to be here.

Kangra Valley
Kangra Valley

Spend Time With:

Family, Friends, Solo, Couple, Groups

Food and Lodging:

Lodging isn’t trouble in Shimla and Dharamshala unless it’s peak season. For peak seasons, book in advance online on websites like Goibibo or Makemytrip, or Yatra at cheaper rates. Alternatively, do a night stay at Kangra /Kullu, where rooms are available for INR 700-800 in peak seasons. Food will never be a trouble, so be rest assured of it.

Expense:

A one-day trip to Dharamshala and Shimla, each without a trek, will cost:

Food: INR 150/person/day(3 times a day)X2

Transport: INR 400 from Delhi to Shimla and Shimla-Dharamshala will cost another INR 300 by HRTC state bus service. For Chail and Fagu, you’ll get shared cars and buses towards Narkanda and then need to hitchhike or book a private car-assume INR 400 both ways if you hitchhike and use public transport(else INR 3000 booking from Shimla) 

Lodging: INR 1000/day X2@ Shimla and Dharamshala(costly and tourist-bound areas)

Entry Fees include various places (varies): Entry fees applicable in a few places in Shimla-INR 200 approx.

Note: In case you trek, add two days for ground and seven days for Indrahar pass -the extra cost being 1000 INR for Triund and 6000 INR for Indrahar Pass, which includes staying guide and food.

Mcleodganj St John Church

Total: 4200 INR(goes up to INR 6800 if the private car for Fagu/Chail is booked)

Mcleodganj St John Church
Mcleodganj St John Churc

Nearby Attractions(Shimla|Dharamshala)

Bhagsunag Waterfalls,Dharamshala
Bhagsunag Waterfalls,Dharamshala

Bhagsunag Waterfalls,Dharamshala

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