Dharamshala is a popular hill station in Himachal Pradesh, India. It is famous for its scenic beauty, Tibetan culture, and the residence of the Dalai Lama. If you are planning to visit Dharamshala from Delhi, here are some of the things you need to know. The distance between Delhi and Dharamshala is about 480 km by road and 410 km by air. The travel time depends on the mode of transport, traffic, and weather conditions.
How to reach Delhi to Dharamshala
Dharamshala is a beautiful town in the foothills of the Himalayas in Himachal Pradesh, India. It is a popular tourist destination for its scenic beauty, pleasant climate, and Tibetan culture. Dharamshala is also the home of the Dalai Lama and the Tibetan government in exile.
There are three main ways to reach Dharamshala from Delhi: by Road, by train, and by air.
Delhi to Dharamshala By Road
Dharamshala is well connected by road from Delhi and other nearby cities. You can take a bus or a cab and follow the NH 154 and NH 503 highways. The road journey is scenic and enjoyable but may be affected by weather and traffic conditions. The distance between Delhi and Dharamshala is about 480 km and the travel time is about 11 to 12 hours. You can expect to reach Dharamshala from Delhi in about 11 to 12 hours by bus.
Delhi to Dharamshala By Train
There is no direct train from Delhi to Dharamshala. However, you can take a train from Delhi to Amb Andaura or Una Himachal, which are the nearest railway stations to Dharamshala. The train journey takes about 6 to 7 hours and costs around INR 300 to INR 1000 per person. You can book your train tickets online on websites like IRCTC or Cleartrip. The trains depart from New Delhi Railway Station (NDLS) and arrive at Amb Andaura Railway Station (AADR) or Una Himachal Railway Station (UHL). From there, you can take a taxi or a bus to reach Dharamshala, which is about 70 km away.
Delhi to Dharamshala By Air
The fastest way to reach Dharamshala from Delhi is by air. There are direct flights from Delhi to Dharamshala operated by SpiceJet, IndiGo Airlines, and Helitrans. The flight duration is about 1 hour and the fare ranges from INR 4000 to INR 15000 per person. You can book your flight tickets online. The flights depart from Delhi Airport (DEL) and arrive at Dharamshala Airport (DHM), also known as Kangra Airport or Gaggal Airport in Dharamshala. The airport is located about 15 km from Dharamshala town and you can take a taxi or a bus to reach your destination.
NH 154 and NH 503 Highway Status and Safety
The NH 154 and NH 503 are two of the national highways that connect Dharamshala to other cities in Himachal Pradesh and Punjab. The highway status between Delhi and Dharamshala depends on the weather and traffic conditions. Generally, the roads are well-maintained and smooth, except for some patches in the hilly areas. However, during the monsoon season (July to September), there may be landslides, roadblocks, or waterlogging on some parts of the highway. Therefore, it is advisable to check the highway status before you start your journey. You can get the latest updates on the highway status from websites like NHAI or HPPWD.
Guidance for Safe Travel between and Dharamshala
- Plan your journey in advance: Know your route and book your tickets in advance, especially during the peak tourist season.
- Choose a reputable mode of transportation: If you are traveling by bus or train, choose a reputable operator. If you are driving, make sure your vehicle is in good condition and that you have a valid driver’s license.
- Be aware of your surroundings: Be vigilant and take precautions to protect yourself from theft and other hazards.
- Take breaks: If you are traveling by bus, train, or car, take breaks every 2-3 hours to stretch your legs and rest your eyes.
- Be prepared for emergencies: Carry a first-aid kit and other essential items, such as water, snacks, and a flashlight.
Weather on Delhi Dharamshala National Highway Route
The weather on the Delhi to Dharamshala National Highway Route can vary depending on the time of year.
Summer (March to June) – The summers along the highway are generally warm and sunny, with temperatures ranging from 25 to 35 degrees Celsius. However, there can be occasional heat waves, with temperatures reaching up to 40 degrees Celsius.
Monsoon (July to September) – The monsoon season brings heavy rains to the region, which can cause landslides and road closures. The weather can also be quite humid during this time of year.
Winter (October to February) – The winters along the highway are cold, with temperatures dropping below freezing at night. There can also be snowfall in the higher elevations.
Short Stops and Sightseeing Along the Way
The Bhakra Nangal Dam: The Bhakra Nangal Dam is one of the largest dams in the world. It is located about 350 km from Delhi. The dam is a popular tourist attraction and offers stunning views of the surrounding countryside.
The Kangra Fort: The Kangra Fort is a historic fort located about 400 km from Delhi. It is one of the largest forts in India and has a long and rich history. The fort is a popular tourist attraction and offers stunning views of the Kangra Valley.
The McLeod Ganj: McLeod Ganj is a suburb of Dharamshala and is the home of the Dalai Lama and the Tibetan government in exile. McLeod Ganj is a popular tourist destination and is known for its Tibetan culture and beautiful scenery.
The Delhi to Dharamshala National Highway is a scenic drive through the foothills of the Himalayas. There are many places to stop along the way to rest, eat, and refuel, and there are also many sightseeing options. Whether you are interested in history, culture, or nature, you are sure to find something to enjoy along the way.
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