Dharamshala, the headquarters of Kangra district and the main city of the valley, lies on the southern spur (lateral ridge) of Dhauladhar.

[2] The valley witnessed a devastating 7.8 magnitude earthquake at 6:19 am on 4 April 1905, as a result of which about 19,800 people were killed and thousands were injured in the Kangra area.

The highest peak on the Dhauladhar, White Mountain, marks the boundary between the valley and Chamba, and reaches 15,956 ft (4,863 m).

The peaks of the range are approximately 13,000 ft (4,000 m) above the valley floor, rising sharply from its base with no low hills in between.

The main town in the valley and the capital of the district, Dharamshala, is one of the most visited hill stations in Himachal Pradesh and India.

Mcleodganj is the current residence of the Dalai Lama and the centre of Tibetan community in exile in India, and draws tourists from all over the world.