Subhash
raman Staff answered 5 months ago
Reaching Dharamshala involves several transportation options, depending on your starting point. Here’s a comprehensive guide for first-time visitors:
By Air
Nearest Airport:
Gaggal Airport (DHM): Located about 13 km from Dharamshala. It is also known as Kangra Airport.
Airlines:
Regular flights connect Gaggal Airport with major cities like Delhi, Chandigarh, and Pathankot.
Airport to Dharamshala:
Taxi: Taxis are available at the airport for a direct transfer to Dharamshala.
Bus: Some local buses and shared cabs also operate from the airport to Dharamshala.
By Train
Nearest Railway Stations:
Pathankot Railway Station: About 85 km from Dharamshala.
Kangra Railway Station: About 22 km from Dharamshala, with limited services.
Train to Pathankot:
Trains from major cities like Delhi, Amritsar, and Chandigarh arrive at Pathankot.
Pathankot to Dharamshala:
Taxi: Taxis and cabs are readily available at the Pathankot Railway Station.
Bus: Regular buses run from Pathankot to Dharamshala.
Kangra to Dharamshala:
Taxi or Auto-rickshaw: Available from the railway station to Dharamshala.
By Bus
From Major Cities:
Delhi: Several private and state-run buses operate from Delhi to Dharamshala. The journey takes around 10-12 hours.
Chandigarh: Buses from Chandigarh to Dharamshala take about 5-7 hours.
Amritsar: Buses from Amritsar to Dharamshala take approximately 6-8 hours.
Types of Buses:
Volvo Buses: Offer comfortable, semi-sleeper, and sleeper options.
Deluxe and Ordinary Buses: More affordable but less comfortable than Volvo buses.
Bus Stations:
Dharamshala Bus Stand: Main bus terminal in Dharamshala.
By Road
Self-Drive:
Route from Delhi: Via NH44 and NH154, the distance is approximately 480 km. The drive takes around 10-12 hours.
Route from Chandigarh: Via NH154, the distance is about 235 km. The drive takes around 5-7 hours.
Rental Cars and Cabs:
Renting a car or hiring a cab is a convenient option for personalized travel.
Local Transportation in Dharamshala
Taxis and Auto-rickshaws:
Widely available for local travel within Dharamshala.
Local Buses:
Buses connect major areas of Dharamshala and nearby towns.
Car Rentals:
Available for exploring the region at your own pace.
Travel Tips
Weather: Check the weather forecast before traveling, as the region experiences cold winters and monsoon rains.
Health: Carry essential medicines and be prepared for the high altitude if you are not used to it.
Cash: Although many places accept cards, carrying some cash is advisable for local transactions.
By considering these transportation options and tips, you can plan a smooth journey to Dharamshala and enjoy your visit to this beautiful hill station.
Amit Khanna Staff answered 3 months ago
Dharamsala, located in the Kangra Valley of Himachal Pradesh, is a popular hill station known for its stunning natural beauty and its status as the residence of the Dalai Lama. It can be reached by several modes of transportation:
1. By Air
Nearest Airport: Gaggal Airport (Dharamsala Airport), located about 13 km from Dharamsala.
Flights: Gaggal Airport is connected to major cities like Delhi, Chandigarh, and Kullu. However, flights are limited.
Airport to Dharamsala: Taxis are readily available at the airport to reach Dharamsala. It takes about 30-40 minutes to reach the town.
2. By Train
Nearest Railway Station: Pathankot Railway Station, located around 85 km from Dharamsala.
Pathankot is well connected to major cities like Delhi, Amritsar, and Jammu.
From Pathankot to Dharamsala:
You can hire a taxi or take a bus to Dharamsala, which takes around 2-3 hours.
There are also local trains from Pathankot to Kangra Mandir Railway Station, which is about 22 km from Dharamsala.
3. By Road
Dharamsala is well connected by road to major cities and can be reached via the following ways:
From Delhi:
Distance: 490 km (around 10-12 hours by road).
Buses: Several government and private buses (Himachal Road Transport Corporation) run from Delhi ISBT Kashmere Gate to Dharamsala. Volvo and deluxe buses are available.
By Car: You can also drive or hire a taxi from Delhi. The drive goes through picturesque views of the hills.
From Chandigarh:
Distance: 240 km (around 5-6 hours).
Buses and taxis are available from Chandigarh to Dharamsala.
From Amritsar:
Distance: 200 km (around 5 hours).
Buses and taxis are available from Amritsar to Dharamsala.
4. By Bus
Government/Private Buses: You can take Himachal Pradesh Transport or private buses from nearby cities like Delhi, Chandigarh, Pathankot, Manali, and Shimla.
Types of Buses: Options include luxury Volvo, deluxe, semi-deluxe, and ordinary buses.
5. Local Transport in Dharamsala
Once you reach Dharamsala, taxis, auto-rickshaws, and buses are available for getting around the town and exploring nearby places like McLeod Ganj (9 km from Dharamsala), Triund, and Bhagsu.