Dharamsala is divided into an animated economic center, called the lower Dharamsala, and the one above, Mc Leodganj where most of the Tibetan refugees live. Their influence is visible everywhere, from the construction of temples, to schools, to monasteries and meditation centers. Mc Leodganj is known worldwide as the Indian residence of the current Dalai Lama. Some of the magnificent places to visit are the Dalai Lama's residence, the Namgyal Monastery and the Tsuglagkhang Chapel, and some impressive buildings from the British colonial era, such as the Anglican Church of Saint John the Baptist in the desert.
Dharamsala is the starting point for many walks in the surrounding green mountains. The best time for hiking is from mid-August to the end of October. The treks are made on the rocky ridges of the Dhauladhar mountain range which rise abruptly behind the Kangra valley to a height of 4600 m. Dharamsala has many opportunities for easy and short hiking. Among them is the Toral Pass (4575 m) which begins at Tang Narwana (1150 m) at 10 km from Dharamsala. A 2 km walk will take you to Bhagsu, and from there take a 3 km long path to Dharamkot. A little further on, an 8 km trek leads to Triund. The limit of snow at Ilaqa Got is only 5 km.