Fire Devastates Dharamshala’s Heritage Dhauladhar Hotel, No Casualties Reported

Late last night, panic swept through Kotwali Bazaar as a massive fire tore through the iconic Dhauladhar Hotel, a heritage property nestled in the popular tourist zone of the Dhauladhar ranges. Families staying at the hotel were rushed out as the blaze, suspected to have started from a gas cylinder explosion, engulfed the rooftop and spread quickly across the building.

Owned by the Himachal Pradesh Tourism Development Corporation (HPTDC), the hotel has long been a landmark in Kangra district. RS Bali, chairman of HPTDC, along with senior district officials, rushed to the scene to oversee rescue and relief operations. Firefighters battled the inferno for hours before finally bringing it under control.

The damage, however, is extensive. The hotel’s lobby and several rooms were gutted, with renovation work worth nearly ₹1 crore destroyed in the flames. Despite the chaos, no casualties have been reported, thanks to the swift action of hotel staff, local residents, and authorities who worked together to evacuate guests.

Security has since been tightened around the site, and temporary assistance is being provided to those affected. A detailed investigation into the cause of the fire is underway.

Officials estimate the financial loss at nearly ₹100 crore. The Dhauladhar Hotel, one of HPTDC’s oldest properties, housed 27 rooms, a restaurant, and a large meeting hall—making its destruction a significant blow to the region’s tourism infrastructure.