Introduction
Delhi is a big city in India. It is also the capital of India. It is a busy and crowded city with many people. All the main government offices are here. People from all parts of India live here. Delhi has a mix of old buildings and modern places.
Dharamshala is a small and beautiful town in Himachal Pradesh. Dharamshala is surrounded by big green mountains called the Dhauladhar hills. People love to visit Dharamshala for trekking, camping, and enjoying nature. The weather in Dharamshala is mostly cool and pleasant, even in summer.
In this article you will find details about routes you should consider while traveling to Dharamshala from Delhi , Distance you need to cover ,best time to visit Dharamshala and some important travel tips.
Delhi to Dharamshala Distance
| Mode of Transport | Distance | Duration |
| By Road | 470 Km | 9 to 10 hours |
| By Train (to Pathankot) | 470 km + 85 km (by road) | 6 to 8 hours (train) + 2 to 3 hours (road) |
| By Air (to Kangra Airport) | 475 km | 1 hour (flight) + 30 mins (road) |
Modes of transport
By Bus
Many Volvo and deluxe buses run from Delhi ISBT (Kashmiri Gate) to Dharamshala every day. Buses available are Volvo Buses, Deluxe/Non-AC Buses, Government Buses.
Most buses start from Kashmiri Gate ISBT . Some private buses also pick up from Majnu Ka Tila or RK Ashram Marg. Buses drop you at the Dharamshala Bus Stand or sometimes at McLeodGanj.
By Car / Taxi
Hiring a taxi/cab is the most easy and comfortable option. It will take 9 to 10 hours to reach the destination. If you have your own car, it will be the best way to travel from Delhi to Dharamshala. This gives you flexibility to stop and enjoy the view.
By Train
Trains are the best option for Budget travellers. You can board a train from Delhi to Pathankot, which is Nearest Railway Station to Dharamshala. From Pathankot, you travel by bus or taxi to Dharamshala which is 85 km.
Book your ticket from the IRCTC website or visit the ticket counter.Popular trains on this route are :
| Train Names | Frequency | Duration |
| Jammu Mail | Daily | 9 hours 10 mins |
| Andaman Express | Mon, Thu, Sat | 10 hours 15 mins |
| Delhi Pathankot Superfast Express | Mon, Wed, Fri | 8 hours 20 mins |
| SVDK Vande Bharat Express | Daily (except Wed) | 7 hours 25 mins |
By Flight
Flights are the fastest option to travel. You can take a direct flight from Delhi (IGI Airport) to Kangra Airport (also called Gaggal Airport). It takes 1 hour to reach Kangra airport. From Kangra Airport, Dharamshala is only about 15 km away. You can take a taxi or cab, and it takes around 30 minutes to reach the town.
Best Routes by Road
Route 1 via Ambala – Chandigarh
This is the most commonly used route. It is recommended for scenic views. Roads are good ,mostly highways. It is most preferred by tourists and buses. Delhi to Dharamshala distance via this route is 470 km. The journey takes 9 to 10 hours. The route is as follows:
Delhi > Sonipat > Panipat > Ambala > Chandigarh > Una > Kangra > Dharamshala
Route 2 via Karnal – Kurukshetra
This is the alternative route from Delhi to Dharamshala , which passes through rural areas. This route has slightly narrow roads in some areas. People choose this route as it is less crowded than the Chandigarh route. Delhi to Dharamshala distance via this route is 480 km. The journey takes 9.5 to 11 hours. The route is as follows:
Delhi > Karnal > Kurukshetra > Nangal > Una > Kangra > Dharamshala
Route 3 via Shimla – Mandi
This route is Very scenic and hilly. Great if you want to stop at Shimla or Palampur. But this route is not ideal for fast travel. Delhi to Dharamshala distance via this route is 520 km. The journey takes 11 to 12 hours. The route is as follows:
Delhi > Shimla > Bilaspur > Mandi > Palampur > Dharamshala
Best Time To Travel
Summer season (March to June) and Winter season (October to February) are the best months to travel from Delhi to Dharamshala. The weather is pleasant and you can enjoy cool weather and it’s perfect for sightseeing, trekking, and outdoor activities.
Avoid the Monsoon season(July to August) .There is risk of landslides and slippery roads.Some tourist spots may be closed.
Travel Tips
- Start your journey early in the morning or late evening to avoid city traffic.
- Carry woollen clothes,it can be very cold over there especially in the morning and evening.
- If you are traveling by road,make sure to fill your fuel tank as there are a limited number of fuel stations on hills.
- Book your hotel or resort in advance, especially during peak season.
- Check Weather Before You Go,especially in monsoon season.
- Do not forget to download offline maps for remote areas.
- Avoid driving at night due to poor visibility and risky roads.
- Remote areas do not accept digital payments,carry cash with you.
- Carry basic medicines for motion sickness, cold, or allergies.
FAQs
Where is Dharamshala?
Dharamshala is a small town in Himachal Pradesh, India.
What is the best time to visit Dharamshala?
Best time is from March to June or September to November.
Can I see snow in Dharamshala?
Yes, you may see snow in December to February, mostly in McLeod Ganj and nearby hills.
How far is the airport from Dharamshala?
The airport is called Kangra or Gaggal Airport, and it is about 15 km from Dharamshala town.
Can I find food easily?
Yes, there are many cafes and restaurants.
Conclusion
Dharamshala is a peaceful and beautiful place in the mountains. It is perfect for relaxing, seeing nature, and learning about Tibetan culture. You can go by bus, train, or flight. The best time to visit is from March to June or September to November.
Plan your trip well, pack the right clothes, and enjoy the clean air, tasty food, and amazing views. Dharamshala is a place where you can rest, explore, and feel happy.
