Best Time to Visit Dharamshala

Located at the foot of the famous Himalayas, Dharamshala is a town that draws in visitors from around the globe. Undoubtedly, its most famous resident is His Holiness The Dalai Lama. However, there are many other highlights, activities and landmarks to enjoy in and around the city. Knowing when to visit is the next challenge. Plan your trip to Dharamshala by focusing on the seasons in Northern India.

Springtime Warmth

Unquestionably, between March and June is the most popular time to visit Dharamshala. With temperatures between 70 and 95 degrees Fahrenheit, this region blossoms with activity, flowers and a swelling population. If you want to try zip lining, paragliding or a comfortable hike, spring is the optimal time. The weather is warm but not too hot. Rain is rare, too.

In addition, breathtaking performances occur during the spring. During April, experience the Saka Dawa Festival, which celebrates Lord Buddha. Alternatively, the Tibetan Institute of Performing Arts offers an opera that spans 10 days.

Ideally, plan your adventures during the spring's weekdays. Weekends tend to be crowded near the area's major landmarks. Also, booking popular activities before you arrive is a clever way to secure your reservation before these experiences sell out.

Monsoonal Adventures

From July through September, the annual monsoons move through Dharamshala. Typically, this period is considered the off-season. However, visitors who are happy with rainy conditions will appreciate the lower prices and available hotel rooms.

Because most outdoor activities are closed, make this vacation a relaxing reprieve. Pick a favorite cafe, bring a book and enjoy the rainfall outside, for example. Strike up a conversation with a fellow traveler, too.

When the sun breaks through the monsoons, you can take a walk outside and see the flora flourish from all the rainfall. Certainly, you might enjoy a day trip to Dal Lake. Here, the Dal Fair takes place every August as religious believers bathe in the water.

Wintry Wonderland

Between November and February, Dharamshala is under frigid temperatures. It doesn't normally snow within the town's limits, but the hillsides nearby receive a solid layer annually. Without a doubt, skiing is a popular activity in the winter. Certain ski operators offer plenty of room to fly down the hillsides with the snow-capped Himalayas in the background.

During the winter, visitors take advantage of the shopping, cafes and indoor attractions, too. Remarkably, many sightseeing tours are in business during the winter. Simply bundle up when you head outdoors.

If you want to brave the cold even further, consider a hike along many of the trails nearby. Alternatively, visit the neighborhood of McLeod Ganj where many Tibetan refugees live. Here, you can meditate with nature's wintry environment surrounding you.

If you visit Dharamshala during a particular season and love every minute, consider another vacation during a different time of year. Truthfully, the town seems to evolve with the seasons, which means your experience may be entirely different next time. Overall, Dharamshala is a community worth exploring as the Himalayas overlook the land.