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Kangra Sees Record Tourist Influx Post-Covid, Boosted by Dalai Lama & Cricket

Kangra district in Himachal Pradesh has recorded its highest tourist numbers since the Covid pandemic, with 15 lakh domestic and 30,000 foreign visitors in 2025. A key driver was the spiritual sessions held by the Tibetan spiritual leader, the Dalai Lama, in Dharamshala. The year presented significant challenges, including a security situation in May that led to evacuations and monsoon-induced landslides. Despite these setbacks, the region's relative safety and major attractions led to an encouraging and record-breaking trend in arrivals.

Key Points: Kangra Hits Highest Tourist Numbers Since Covid Pandemic

  • Record tourist footfall since Covid
  • Dalai Lama's sessions a major draw
  • Cricket matches also attracted visitors
  • Tourism overcame security and monsoon challenges
3 min read

Himachal's Kangra gets highest number of foreign, domestic tourists since Covid

Kangra district records 15 lakh domestic and 30,000 foreign tourists in 2025, driven by the Dalai Lama's sessions and cricket, despite challenges.

"About 30 thousand foreign tourists arrived here in 2025, and it is the highest number after Covid. - Vinay Dhiman"

Dharamshala, February 27

A footfall of 15 lakh domestic tourists and 30,000 foreign tourists has been recorded in Dharamshala and other parts of Kangra district during the year 2025, which is the highest number of tourists arriving since the Covid pandemic.

The major reason for the arrival of foreigners was due to the spiritual sessions of the Tibetan spiritual leader, the Dalai Lama. Many people visited here for the cricket match as well. Though there were many challenges for the tourism industry last year, despite that, a large number of tourists arrived here.

Vinay Dhiman, district tourism development officer Kangra, told ANI, "From a tourism point of view, the year 2025 was quite challenging for the entire state of Himachal Pradesh as there was a warlike situation in May 2025. We had to stop a cricket match due to blackout conditions on the 8th of May, and till the next morning, the entire town of Dharamshala and adjoining regions were completed vacated. All the tourists returned due to the panic situation."

He further stated that we also saw a large number of cancellations of pre-bookings of hotels, etc., but due to the teachings and sessions of the Tibetan spiritual leader, the Dalai Lama, in Dharamshala, that lead to an increase in tourism.

"Soon after the monsoon started at the end of May, and it continued till mid-September, the situation during the monsoon was also not favourable. It was an unfortunate part to see lots of landslides in Mandi, Shimla, and in some parts of Kangra, but fortunately, there were teachings and other sessions of the Tibetan spiritual leader, the Dalai Lama, in Dharamshala," Dhiman added.

Dhiman said that this region was comparatively safer, and a lot of foreign and domestic tourists arrived here, and we saw an encouraging trend.

"Around 8 lakh domestic tourists and 26k foreign tourists stayed in our units during the normal situations of the year 2024, whereas despite so many challenges in 2025, we have recorded an increase in the tourist arrival here. Around 40Lakh people, including locals and tourists, visited our temples in Kangra Valley, out of which about 15Lakh tourists stayed in various units, "Dhiman added.

"About 30 thousand foreign tourists arrived here in 2025, and it is the highest number after Covid. Tourists visited this place due to the cricket match and mainly due to the audience of the Dalai Lama. A large number of people from Southeast Asia and European countries visited Dharamsala," said Dhiman.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

R
Rohit P
Great to see tourism bouncing back! But as a local, I hope this growth is managed sustainably. The infrastructure in Kangra, especially the roads, needs serious improvement to handle this influx. Last monsoon was a nightmare with landslides. Development should not come at the cost of the environment or local peace.
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David E
Visited Dharamshala last autumn. The combination of cricket energy at the stadium and the profound tranquility at the monasteries is unique. It's a special place. The article rightly points out the challenges, but the destination's appeal is undeniable. Congrats to the locals for hosting so many visitors.
A
Ananya R
15 lakh domestic tourists is massive! Shows how much we Indians love exploring our own country. Himachal has always been a favourite, but the focus on spiritual tourism alongside adventure is a smart move. More power to the homestay owners and small businesses who benefited from this.
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Varun X
The mention of a "warlike situation" in May 2025 causing a blackout and evacuation is concerning. While tourism numbers are good, the article glosses over this serious security issue. Authorities need to ensure such panic situations don't recur. Safety is the foundation of a stable tourism industry.
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Sneha F
Jai Himachal! 🏔️ This is fantastic. Dharamshala is not just a tourist spot; it's a center for peace and Tibetan culture. The increase in foreign tourists, especially from Southeast Asia and Europe, helps share our diverse cultural fabric with the world. Hope the hospitality was up to the mark!

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