In a significant step towards promoting digital tourism, Dharamshala, Himachal Pradesh’s Kangra district, inaugurated its official tourism website “VisitDharamshala.com” on Friday.
A new milestone in presenting the area’s natural beauty and cultural legacy to the world was reached when the Dalai Lama, a Tibetan spiritual leader, opened the portal with a soft-launch ceremony at his McLeodganj home.
The Dharamshala Hotel and Restaurant Association is leading the program, which aims to give tourists a one-stop internet platform to plan, explore, and enjoy the best of Kangra Valley.
Ashwani Bamba, the president of the Association, Chairman Onkar Nehria, District Tourism Officer Vinay Dhiman, members of the association’s executive committee, local business owners, adventure operators, Waste Warriors representatives, and other guests attended the inaugural ceremony.
The website is “A milestone effort that will further strengthen Himachal’s tourism footprint on the global map,” the Dalai Lama said, expressing gratitude for the initiative.
President Ashwani Bamba later told the media at a press conference that the new portal would act as a comprehensive tourist guide, providing real-time weather updates, authentic travel information, and hotel booking services throughout the district, from the tranquil Pong Dam Lake to the snow-capped Dhauladhar ranges.
“Our goal is to promote responsible and eco-friendly tourism while also providing livelihood opportunities for local communities,” Bamba stated.
“To ensure transparency and reliability, only verified hotels, guesthouses, and service providers will be featured on the platform,” he stated.
He added that a digital gateway that makes the area more accessible and visitor-friendly would now supplement Dharamshala’s worldwide appeal, which was already strengthened by the presence of his holiness the Dalai Lama.
The website provides comprehensive details about adventure activities, lakes, waterfalls, monasteries, temples, food, crafts, and cultural experiences. More than 100 certified hotels, including well-known 3-star and 4-star facilities, allow guests to book rooms directly. Booking confirmations are sent directly to the individual businesses.
Dharamshala hopes to establish itself as a leader in smart and sustainable tourism in the Himalayas by fusing tradition and technology with this digital project.
The district tourism officer stated that Kangra, which is home to two significant monasteries and three Shakti Peethas, has been designated as a “tourism district” by the state government.
According to the officer, “VisitDharamshala.com” would act as a crucial digital link between tourists and the area’s natural beauty, spirituality, and hospitality.
