Dharamshala

Dharamshala (, Hindi:; also spelled Dharamsala) 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. Since 1960, the town has hosted the 14th Dalai Lama and the Tibetan government-in-exile.

The town is located in the Kangra Valley, in the shadow of the Dhauladhar range of the Himalayas at an altitude of 1,457 metres (4,780 ft). Upper Dharamshala, located at an elevation of approximately 1,830 metres, is home to the official residence and headquarters of the 14th Dalai Lama. This area, which includes the well-known suburbs of McLeod Ganj and Forsyth Ganj, still reflects a distinctly colonial character, echoing its British-era legacy. In contrast, Lower Dharamshala, situated at around 1,380 metres, has evolved into a bustling commercial hub, serving as the town's primary centre for trade and business.

The economy of the region is highly dependent on agriculture and tourism. The town is now a major hill station and spiritual centre.

As of 2024, Dharamshala is the second most populous city in Himachal Pradesh, with a population of approximately 53,543, ranking only after the state capital, Shimla.