44-609: McLeod Ganj or McLeodganj (pronounced / m ə ˈ k l aʊ d ˌ ɡ ʌ n dʒ / ) is a suburb of Dharamshala in Kangra district , Himachal Pradesh , India. It is known as "Little Lhasa " or "Dhasa" as the Tibetan government-in-exile is headquartered here and there is a significant population of Tibetans in the region. McLeod Ganj was named after Donald Friell McLeod , a Lieutenant Governor of Punjab during British colonial rule in India;
88-634: A collection of Tibetan artifacts and photographs showing Tibetans' struggle and their way of life. Ogyen Trinley Dorje , the 17th Karmapa lives near Dharamshala, in Gyuto monastery in Sidhbari . St. John in the Wilderness is an Anglican church located near Forsyth Ganj. The neo-Gothic stone building was constructed in 1852 and hosts a graveyard and a memorial to the British Viceroy Lord Elgin . Dal Lake
132-459: A major hill station and spiritual center. It has been selected as one of a hundred in India to be developed as a smart city under Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi 's flagship " Smart Cities Mission ". Dharamshala ( Devanagari : धर्मशाला; ITRANS : Dharmashala; IAST : Dharmaśālā) is a Hindi word derived from Sanskrit that is a compound of the words dharma (धर्म) and shālā (शाला), literally 'House or place of Dharma'. In common usage,
176-705: Is a 2 ft 6 in ( 762 mm ) gauge railway that runs from Pathankot, Punjab to Jogindernagar through the Kangra Valley with the nearest station to Dharamshala being Chamunda Marg, located about 22 km (14 mi) southeast. A 1.8 km (1.1 mi) long ropeway called Dharamshala Skyway connecting Dharamshala and Mcleodganj via cable car was inaugurated in January 2022. Major educational institutions include Central University of Himachal Pradesh and Government College of Teacher Education Dharamsala . Himachal Pradesh Cricket Association Stadium
220-632: Is a cricket stadium located in Dharamshala. Situated at an altitude of 1317m, it is one of the highest altitude cricket stadiums. It has a capacity of 23,000 and serves as the home ground to the Himachal Pradesh cricket team and IPL team Kings XI Punjab . Traditional shopping streets are located in Kotwali Bazaar. Malls and multiplex cinemas are found on the National Highway Road in
264-623: Is a small lake about 3 km from McLeod Ganj, next to one of the Tibetan Children's Villages schools. An annual fair is held there and there is a small spring and an old temple near the lake. Bhagsu is an area with a temple dedicated to Bhagsu Nath (Lord Shiva ). Bhagsu falls is a waterfall about 20 meters tall near the temple. The Dharamshala International Film Festival (DIFF) is held annually. Dharamsala, Himachal Pradesh Dharamshala ( / ˈ d ɑːr ə m ʃ ɑː l ə / , Hindi: [d̪ʱərmʃaːlaː] ; also spelled Dharamsala )
308-593: Is a town in the Indian state of Himachal Pradesh . It serves as the winter capital of the state and the administrative headquarters of the Kangra district since 1855. The town also hosts the Tibetan Government-in-exile . Dharamshala was a municipal council until 2015, when it was upgraded to a municipal corporation . The town is located in the Kangra Valley , in the shadow of the Dhauladhar range of
352-574: Is currently located in Mcleod Ganj , Dharamsala , India . It is the personal monastery of the 14th Dalai Lama . Another name for this temple-complex is Namgyal Tantric College . The monastery's key role is to assist with rituals involving the Dalai Lama of Tibet . Its main tantric practices reportedly include those of Kalachakra , Yamantaka , Chakrasamvara , Guhyasamaja , and Vajrakilaya . Founded in either 1564 or 1565 as Phende Lekshe Ling (on
396-505: Is located in the Kangra Valley , in the shadow of the Dhauladhar mountains and forms a part of the town of Dharamshala . NH 503 starts from Dharmashala and connects the town to Hoshiarpur in Punjab via Kangra. State highways link the town with NH 154 running from Pathankot to Mandi, Himachal Pradesh . Buses connect the town with other major locations nearby. The region is served by Kangra Ghaggal airport located about 12 km to
440-517: Is located in the Kangra Valley , in the shadow of the Dhauladhar mountains. The town is divided into two distinct sections "Lower Dharamshala" and McLeod Ganj with a narrow road surrounded by pine , Himalayan oak , and rhododendron connecting the regions. Dharamshala has a monsoon influenced, humid subtropical climate ( Köppen : Cwa ). Summer begins in early April and peaks in May when temperatures can reach 36 °C (97 °F) and lasts until
484-507: Is one of the most important institutions for Tibetology . Several thousand Tibetan exiles have now settled in the area where monasteries, temples and schools have come up. It has become an important tourist destination with many hotels and restaurants, leading to growth in tourism and commerce. In 2017, Dharamshala was made the winter capital of Himachal Pradesh with the legislative assembly located at Sidhbari . McLeod Ganj has an average elevation of 2,082 m (6,831 ft). McLeod Ganj
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#1732856171333528-690: Is part of the Dharamshala Assembly constituency that elects its member to the Himachal Pradesh Legislative Assembly and Kangra Lok Sabha constituency that elects its member to the Lok Sabha , lower house of the Indian Parliament . The economy of the region is highly dependent on agriculture and tourism . The main crops grown in the valley are rice , wheat , and tea . Dharamshala has many tea plantations which produce
572-522: Is the most followed religion followed by Buddhism . Hindi is the official language while other languages spoken include Gaddi , Kangri , English , Lhasa Tibetan , Nepali and Pahari . Dharamshala became a municipal corporation in 2015; before that it had been a municipal council . The corporation has 17 wards under its jurisdiction. The current mayor is Onkar Singh Nehria of the Bhartiya Janata Party (BJP), elected in 2022. The town
616-500: The Dalai Lama 's temple with the statues of Shakyamuni , Avalokiteśvara and Padmasambhava is an important Buddhist site in the town. Other Buddhist and Tibetan sites include the Namgyal Monastery , Gompa Dip Tse-Chok Ling monastery, Library of Tibetan Works and Archives , Gangchen Kyishong (Tibetan government-in-exile), Mani Lakhang Stupa, Nechung Monastery and Norbulingka Institute . The Tibet Museum, established in 1998 has
660-656: The Gaddis , a predominantly Hindu group who traditionally lived a nomadic or semi-nomadic transhumant lifestyle. The region was subject to attacks from Mahmud of Ghazni in 1009 and Firuz Shah Tughlaq in 1360. In 1566, Akbar captured the region and brought it under the Mughal rule. As the mughal rule disintegrated, Sikh chieftain Jai Singh brought the region to his control and gave it to Sansar Chand of Katoch dynasty, legitimate Rajput prince in 1785. Gurkhas invaded and captured
704-628: The Himalayas at an altitude of 1,457 metres (4,780 ft). References to Dharamshala and its surrounding areas are found in ancient Hindu scriptures such as Rig Veda and Mahabharata . The region was under Mughal influence before it was captured by the Sikh empire in 1785. The East India Company captured the region for the British following the First Anglo-Sikh War of 1846, from when it became part of
748-598: The Kangra tea which has been granted geographical indication status. Dharamshala is a major hill station and spiritual center. It hosts a number of trekking trails across the Himalayas into the upper Ravi Valley and Chamba district . Trekking trails include hikes to Indrahar Pass (4,342 meters or 14,245 ft) Toral Pass (4,575 m or 15,010 ft), Bhimghasutri Pass (4,580 m or 15,030 ft), Dharamshala—Bleni Pass (3,710 m or 12,170 ft), Kareri Lake, Himani Chamunda, Thatarna and Triund . National Highway NH 503 starts from Dharmashala and connects
792-620: The Namgyal Monastery Institute of Buddhist Studies . On 8 February 1996, the monks of Namgyal Monastery's Institute of Buddhist Studies offered their first "Blessing of Cyberspace" as part of the "Twenty-four Hours in Cyberspace" event. In 1998, Namgyal incorporated a Tibetan monastery in Bodhgaya , India, called Gendhen Phelgyeling . That monastery is now known as Namgyal (Bodhgaya), and has 45 monks. Namgyal (Dharamsala) also manages
836-512: The Tibetan uprising of 1959 , Namgyal Monastery relocated to Dharamshala , India, where it continues, active, to this day. According to Namgyal's website, Namgyal (Dharamshala) has "nearly 200" monks (up from 55 in 1959), representing all four main Tibetan monastic lineages. In 1992, on the advice of the present Dalai Lama , Namgyal established an American branch in Ithaca, New York , including within it
880-631: The British Indian province of the Punjab . Post Indian Independence in 1947, it remained as a small hill station. In 1960, the Central Tibetan Administration was moved to Dharamshala when the 14th Dalai Lama Tenzin Gyatso established the Tibetan administration-in-exile after he had to flee Tibet . The economy of the region is highly dependent on agriculture and tourism . The town is now
924-521: The Chilgari area, near Kotwali Bazaar and the main bus stand. DIFF was established in 2012 to promote contemporary art, cinema and independent media practices in the Himalayan region. Hari Kothi is a historic property located in the town. Namgyal Monastery Samding Dorje Phagmo Namgyal Monastery ( Tibetan : རྣམ་རྒྱལ། , Wylie : rnam rgyal ) (also often referred to as "Dalai Lama's Temple")
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#1732856171333968-639: The Gurkhas were part of the Indian National Army founded by Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose taking part in the Indian Independence movement . Post Indian Independence in 1947, it remained as a small hill station. On 29 April 1959, the 14th Dalai Lama Tenzin Gyatso established the Tibetan administration-in-exile in Mussoorie when he had to flee Tibet . In May 1960, the Central Tibetan Administration
1012-487: The Mughal rule. As the Mughal rule disintegrated, Sikh chieftain Jai Singh brought the region to his control and gave it to Sansar Chand of the Katoch dynasty, legitimate Rajput prince in 1785. Gurkhas invaded and captured the region in 1806 before being defeated by Ranjit Singh in 1809. The Katoch dynasty was reduced to the status of jagirdars under the treaty of Jawalamukhi signed between Chand and Singh in 1810. Post
1056-531: The Tibetan exile administration in Mussoorie when he had to flee Tibet . In May 1960, the Central Tibetan Administration was moved to Dharamshala when Jawaharlal Nehru , then Prime Minister of India allowed him and his followers to settle in McLeod Ganj. There they established the " government-in-exile " in 1960 and the Namgyal Monastery . In 1970, Dalai Lama opened the Library of Tibetan Works and Archives which
1100-409: The area under the administration of the municipal body was expanded with a revised population of 53,543 in 10,992 households. Males constituted 55% of the population and females 45%. Dharamshala has an average literacy rate of 87%, higher than the national average of 74.04%: male literacy is 90% and female literacy is 83%. 9% of the population is under 6 years of age with a sex ratio of 941. Hinduism
1144-459: The area where monasteries, temples, and schools have come up. It has become an important tourist destination with many hotels and restaurants, leading to growth in tourism and commerce. In 2017, Dharamshala was made the winter capital of Himachal Pradesh with the legislative assembly located at Sidhbari . Dharamshala has an average elevation of 1,457 m (4,780 ft), covering an area of almost 8.51 km (3.29 sq mi). Dharamsala
1188-448: The correct native pronunciation, 'Dharam sh ala' [dʱərəmˈʃaːlaː] or 'Dharm sh ala' ( [dʱərmˈʃaːlaː] ). Regardless of spelling variations, the correct native pronunciation is with the sh sound ( /ʃ/ ). References to Dharamshala and its surrounding areas are found in ancient Hindu scriptures such as Rig Veda and Mahabharata . There are mentions of the region by Pāṇini in 4th century BC and by Chinese traveler Heun Tsang during
1232-522: The death of Chand, Ranjit Singh annexed the region into the Sikh empire. The East India Company captured the region following the First Anglo-Sikh War of 1846. Under the British Raj , the regions were part of the undivided British Indian province of the Punjab , and were ruled by the governors of Punjab from Lahore . In 1860, the 66th Gurkha Light Infantry was moved from Kangra to Dharamshala, which
1276-561: The foundations of the since defunct monastery called Phende Gon ) by the second Dalai Lam Gendun Gyatso , Namgyal Monastery was renamed in honour of the female long-life deity Namgyälma in 1571. Since the completion of construction on the Potala Palace (begun by the Fifth Dalai Lama ), Namgyal was traditionally housed in the red section at the top of that building in Lhasa . Following
1320-477: The infrastructure in the region killing nearly 20,000 including 1,625 at Dharmasala including 15 foreigners and 112 of the Gurkha garrison." Many of the Gurkhas were part of the Indian National Army founded by Subhas Chandra Bose taking part in the Indian Independence movement . Post Indian Independence in 1947, it remained as a small hill station. On 29 April 1959, the 14th Dalai Lama Tenzin Gyatso established
1364-494: The region in 1806 before being defeated by Ranjit Singh in 1809. The Katoch dynasty was reduced to status of jagirdars under the treaty of Jawalamukhi signed between Chand and Singh in 1810. Post the death of Chand, Ranjit singh annexed the region into the Sikh empire. The British captured the region following the First Anglo-Sikh War of 1846. Under the British Raj, the regions were part of undivided province of Punjab , and
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1408-427: The reign of king Harshavardhana in 7th century AD. The indigenous people of the Dharamshala area (and the surrounding region) are the Gaddis , a predominantly Hindu group who traditionally lived a nomadic or semi-nomadic transhumant lifestyle. The region was subject to attacks from Mughal rulers Mahmud of Ghazni in 1009 and Firuz Shah Tughlaq in 1360. In 1566, Akbar captured the region and brought it under
1452-475: The start of June. From June to mid-September is the monsoon season , when up to 3,000 mm (120 in) of rainfall can be experienced, making Dharamshala one of the wettest places in the state. Autumn is mild and lasts from October to the end of November. Autumn temperatures average around 16–17 °C (61–63 °F). Winter starts in December and continues until late February. Snow and sleet are common during
1496-410: The suffix ganj is a common Persian word used for "neighbourhood". The region finds references in ancient Hindu scriptures such as Rig Veda and Mahabharata . There are mentions of the region by Pāṇini in 4th century BC and by Chinese traveler Heun Tsang during the reign of king Harshavardhana in 7th century AD. The indigenous people of the Dharamshala area (and the surrounding region) are
1540-564: The third syllable, the Devanagari श corresponds to the English sh sound, [ ʃ ] and thus शाला is transcribed in English as 'shala'. Therefore, the most accurate phonetic transcription of the Hindi धर्मशाला into Roman script for common (non-technical) English usage is either 'Dharamshala' or, less commonly, 'Dharmshala', both of which render the sh ( /ʃ/ ) sound of श in English as 'sh' to convey
1584-420: The town to Hoshiarpur in Punjab via Kangra. State highways link the town with NH 154 running from Pathankot to Mandi, Himachal Pradesh . Buses connect the town with other major locations nearby. The town is served by Kangra Ghaggal Airport located about 12 km (7.5 mi) to the town's south. Pathankot , 90 km (56 mi) away, is the nearest major rail head. The Kangra Valley Railway
1628-433: The town's south. Pathankot , 90 km away, is the nearest major rail head. The Kangra Valley Railway is a 2 ft 6 in ( 762 mm ) gauge railway that runs from Pathankot, Punjab to Jogindernagar through the Kangra Valley with the nearest station to Dharamshala being Chamunda Marg, located about 22 km southeast. A 1.8 km long ropeway connecting Dharamshala and McLeod Ganj via cable car
1672-482: The transcription of the word धर्म (dharma)—particularly the second syllable (र्म) and that of the third syllable (शा). A strict transliteration of धर्म as written would be 'dharma' [ˈdʱərmə] . In the modern spoken Hindi of the region, there is a common metathesis in which the vowel and consonant sounds in the second syllable of certain words (including धर्म) are transposed, which changes 'dharma' to 'dharam' pronounced somewhere between [ˈdʱərəm] and [ˈdʱərm] . Regarding
1716-461: The winter in upper Dharamshala (including McLeodganj, Bhagsu Nag, and Naddi). Lower Dharamshala receives little frozen precipitation except for hail. Historically, the Dhauladhar mountains used to remain snow-covered all year long; however, in recent years they have been losing their snow blanket during dry spells. As of the 2011 Census of India , Dharamshala had a population of 30,764. In 2015,
1760-542: The word refers to a shelter or rest house for spiritual pilgrims. When permanent settlements were established in the region, there was one such rest house from which the settlement took its name. Due to a lack of uniform observance of conventions for Hindi transcription and transliteration of the script used to write it, Devanagari , the name of the town has been variously romanised in English and other languages as Dharamshala , Dharamsala , Dharmshala and Dharmsala . These four permutations result from two variables:
1804-473: Was at first made a subsidiary cantonment . The Battalion was later renamed 1st Gurkha Rifles . Dharamshala became a popular hill station in the British Raj era. The 1905 Kangra earthquake devastated the Kangra Valley, destroying the cantonment, much of the infrastructure of the region, and killing nearly 20,000 people: 1,625 at Dharmasala, including 15 foreigners and 112 of the Gurkha garrison. Many of
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1848-504: Was inaugurated in January 2022. The region is a major hill station and spiritual center. It hosts a number of trekking trails across the Himalayas into the upper Ravi Valley and Chamba district . Major trekking trails include hikes to Toral Pass (4575m), Bhimghasutri Pass (4580m), Dharamshala—Bleni Pass (3710m), Kareri lake and Triund . It is a major center of Tibetan Buddhism and known for its Tibetan handicrafts, thangkas , Tibetan carpets, garments, and other souvenirs. Tsuglag Khang,
1892-554: Was moved to Dharamshala when Jawaharlal Nehru , then Prime Minister of India allowed him and his followers to settle in McLeod Ganj north of Dharamshala. There they established the " government-in-exile " in 1960 and the Namgyal Monastery . In 1970, the Dalai Lama opened the Library of Tibetan Works and Archives which is one of the most important institutions for Tibetology . Several thousand Tibetan exiles have now settled in
1936-402: Was ruled by the governors of Punjab from Lahore . In 1860, the 66th Gurkha Light Infantry was moved from Kangra to Dharamshala, which was at first made a subsidiary cantonment . The Battalion was later renamed 1st Gurkha Rifles . Dharamshala became a popular hill station during the British. In 1905, the Kangra Valley suffered a major earthquake destroying much of the cantonment and
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