Dharamshala is the administrative headquarters of the Kangra district of Himachal Pradesh, India. It is well-known for being the home of the Dalai Lama and is regarded as one of India’s most exquisite towns. Many travellers, both domestic and foreign, like to visit this location to take in the scenery and partake in adventure activities. The city is divided into two sections: one is dedicated to Dharamshala alone, and the other to Kotwali Bazaar and the surrounding marketplaces.
It is recommended to go to the 85-kilometre Pathankot railway station and then take a bus or taxi, which operates regularly, to reach Dharamshala in about 2 hours and 30 minutes since there is no direct train connection or availability to the location. Apart from this, you are welcome to visit nearby railway stations to Dharamshala, including the smaller and less well-known Nagrota, Kangra Mandir, and Samloti junctions, which are closer to the city than Pathankot.
See also: Which is the nearest railway station to Kasol?
Nearest railway station to Dharamshala
Pathankot Railway Station (8.57 km)
The Pathankot railway station was given the code PTK, located at 331 metres (1,086 feet). Pathankot is a bustling, gritty military and trucking town that serves as the hub for Kashmir and several other locations (a branch has been slowly making its way into Kashmir for some time, but it hasn’t made a difference).
Station code: PTK
Zone: Northern
Station Grade: D
Number of platforms: 4
Facilities: Facilities include large waiting areas, snack stands, ATMs, currency exchange, booking desks, and first aid stations.
Transportation hub: Connects essential cities like Delhi, Amritsar, Jammu, and more. The road to Dharamshala is regularly serviced by buses and taxis.
Proximity to Kangra Airport: around 30 km from Dharamshala, Kangra Airport offers limited but connecting domestic flights. Hiring a taxi from Pathankot to Kangra Airport takes approximately 2 hours.
Commercial Activity: A bustling marketplace with stores, restaurants, and lodging options for tourists and pilgrims.
Local Significance: Pathankot City’s major transportation hub and economic centre.
Other railway stations near Dharamshala
Bharoli railway station (91.1 km)
Bharoli Railway Station (BHRL), tucked away amid verdant hills and bubbling rivers, provides a peaceful route to go to Dharamshala. While Bharoli isn’t as charming or well-connected as Pathankot or Chakki Bank, it offers accessibility and tranquillity. Let’s examine its main features:
Facilities: Simple comforts, vintage charm, tranquil grounds.
Transportation hub: Frequent buses to Dharamshala, and trains to major cities every hour.
Commercial activity: Few stores and surrounding marketplaces selling trinkets and handicrafts.
Tourist gateway: Discover the Kangra Valley, the Kangra Fort, historical temples, waterfalls, hiking, white-water rafting, and paragliding.
Chakki Bank Railway Station (91.5)
One of the busiest train stations in Chakki Bank is the Chakki Bank Railway Station. As a key centre for commodities and passenger transit, it links Chakki Bank to the rest of India.
Facilities: Essential requirements are met by basic facilities, including food stands, bathrooms, and waiting areas. Practical assistance is available from ticket booths, and a counter offers tourist information. The colonial-era building of the station creates a distinct historical atmosphere.
Transportation hub: While there are fewer connections than there are in Pathankot, there are several passenger trains that stop here that take you to Jammu, Delhi, Udhampur, and Ahmedabad. Chakki Bank and Dharamshala are easily accessible by bus and cab, and the trip takes two to three hours. Chakki Bank is traversed by the picturesque Kangra Valley Railway, which provides a unique travel experience.
Commercial activity: Snacks and everyday necessities are sold in little stores that provide an insight into living there. There are possibilities to explore genuine Himalayan marketplaces due to the proximity to tea estates and communities.
Tourist gateway: Chakki Bank is an ideal starting place for anyone looking for uncommon experiences. The nearby hills include beautiful hiking routes and waterfalls for those who like the outdoors.
How to reach Dharamshala?
By bus
Travel comfortably through the Kangra Valley while taking in views of the Himalayas on overnight trips departing from Delhi, Chandigarh, or Amritsar. Buses are picturesque and affordable ways to get a feel for the pace of the community.
By train
Take a ride at the major railhead, Pathankot, or continue your journey into the highlands by stopping at charming stations like Bharoli or Chakki Bank. Savour comfortable rail travel and easy access to essential towns on a traditional Himalayan journey.
By air
For the quickest arrival, fly into Gaggal Airport, which is close to Dharamshala. Fly over the picturesque peaks and, in a matter of minutes, be carried away to the Himalayan sanctuary ideal for last-minute getaways or hectic schedules.
Things to explore near Dharamshala
- Triund Trek: Take a charming hike up Triund Hill to see breathtaking sweeping vistas of the Kangra Valley and the Dhauladhar mountains.
- Dal Lake: Take a leisurely paddle boat ride on the serene Dal Lake while admiring the picturesque surroundings.
- Bhagsu Waterfall: Take a hike through verdant woods and cool streams to get to Bhagsu Waterfall, which is ideal for a refreshing swim and breathtaking selfies.
- Tibetan Monasteries: Discover Buddhist teachings and exquisite architecture at monasteries like Dalai Lama Temple and Norbulingka, and fully immerse in the colourful Tibetan culture.
- Bhagsunath Temple: Take a tour of the historic Bhagsunath Temple, surrounded by breathtaking scenery. There, you can see how Buddhist and Hindu influences coexist.
Dharamshala: Residential impact
The real estate market in Dharamshala is booming with the appeal of living in the Himalayas, tucked away in the shadow of the Dhauladhar. Premium prices for homes in Mcleodganj, the Tibetan heartland, are driven by a desire for spiritual and cultural absorption and are increasing by 15-20% every year. This need is satisfied by tranquil villas and gated communities, which provide all-encompassing living environments and sweeping vistas. Land values rise by as much as 10%, drawing in those looking for a long-term refuge in the majesty of the Himalayas.
Dharamshala: Commercial impact
Meanwhile, Dharamshala’s business scene reflects the city’s lively atmosphere. A varied flow of tourists fuels the steady 80% occupancy rate of the hotels and cafés along the major streets. Modern cafés and restaurants coexist alongside traditional Tibetan eateries, resulting in a gastronomic tapestry that adapts to changing preferences. Driven by regional craftsmen and gift stores, the retail industry has yearly growth of more than 12%, extending to internet marketplaces. However, Dharamshala’s business community isn’t only focused on tourists. Coworking spaces and boutique art galleries hint at a rising business environment, assuring long-term success beyond simply the tourist season.
Price range of properties near Dharamshala
| Location | Size | Type | Price (₹) |
| Amoha, Dharamsala, Kangra | 1378 sq. ft | 1 BHK Independent Builder Floor | 2.32 Cr |
| Amoha Residences, Dharamsala, Kangra | 2575 sq. ft | 2 BHK Flat | 4.2 Cr |
| Dharamsala, Kangra | 468 sq. ft | Residential Plot | 66.0 L |
Source: housing.com
FAQs
What is the nearest train station to Dharamshala?
If you want to go by train to Dharamshala, you must disembark at the station closest to the city, Pathankot in Punjab, 86 kilometres away from Dharamshala.
How can I take a train from Delhi to Dharamshala?
You may get to Pathankot overnight via train from Delhi.
How do I go from Pathankot to Dharamshala?
The least expensive and fastest route from Pathankot to Dharamsala is via bus, which takes 3 hours and 25 minutes.
How far is it from Dharamshala to the Pathankot railway station?
The distance between Dharamshala and Pathankot railway station is 85.7 km.
Which path is ideal for getting to Dharamshala?
The paths NH44 and NH503 which connect Delhi and Dharamshala are ideas for getting to Dharamshala.
Do buses go between Pathankot and Dharamshala?
All day long, buses run between Pathankot and Dharamshala.
Why is Dharamshala well-known?
In the Indian state of Himachal Pradesh, Dharamshala is a picturesque hill station renowned for its breathtaking natural beauty, Buddhist temples, and lively culture.
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