dharamshala tourist point

You will be redirected to your dashboard shortly. We will also call you back in 24 hrs .

• 30 Amazing Places To Visit In Dharamshala In 2024

Dharamshala is a scenic and panoramic hill station, tucked away in the Himalayas. With the Dhauladhar ranges and thick deodar forests in the background, Dharamshala has become an important highlight in most Himachal tour packages. As the place of residence of His Holiness – the Dalai Lama – this picturesque destination is not only popular among tourists but among spiritual seekers and religious travelers. Dharamshala boasts of jaw-dropping backdrop, stunning lake, vibrant monasteries, colorful temples, sparkling waterfalls, and vintage forts & museums. To make your trip to Dharamshala more fascinating and organized, here is the list of places to visit in Dharamshala . And don’t just visit them; take time to explore and discover their real beauty and charm.

30 Best Places To Visit In Dharamshala

Dharamshala is a stunning place in the mountains in Himachal Pradesh. Head here during the summer with a group of friends or solo. From February to June is believed to be the best time to visit Dharamshala that will make you capture the best of this place! Find below the best places to visit there.

• Tsuglagkhang Complex : Visit This Religious Centre
• Namgyal Monastery : Most-Visited Tibetan Temple
• Kareri Dal Lake : Gape At The Surreal Beauty
• Bhagsunag Temple : Pay A Visit With Fam
• Bhagsunag Waterfalls : Watch The Water Cascading Down
• Gyuto Monastery : Built In The Memory Of Soldiers
• Kangra Fort : One Of The Oldest Forts Of India
• Kangra Art Museum : Delve Into Some Brilliant Artworks
• Masroor Rock Cut Temple : Admire The Rock Cuts
• Naddi Village : Explore The Remote Place
• St. John In The Wilderness Church : Pay A Visit
• Dharamshala Cricket Stadium : Highest Cricket Ground
• Library Of Tibetan Works And Archives : See The Amazing Museum
• War Memorial : A Tribute To The Martyrs Of Kangra
• Triund : Haven For Trekkers
• Jwala Devi Temple : A Place Of Beliefs
• Tibetan Art Museum : Get A Glimpse Of Tibetan Culture
• Aghanjar Mahadev Temple : Take Blessings From Lord Shiva
• Kalachakra Temple : See The Murals Of Wheel Of Time
• Dharmsala Tea Company : Admire Vast Plantations
• Dharamkot : A Quaint Hill Station
• Indrahar Pass : Trek Your Way To Beauty
• Hanuman Ka Tibba : Get Ready For Some Adventure
• Nechung Monastery : Take A Plunge Into The History
• Norbulingka Institute : Get In-Depth Knowledge Of Tibetan Life
• Lahesh Caves : Explore The High-Altitude Tourist Places
• Chinmaya Tapovan : Reside In A Tranquil Setting
• Naam Art Gallery : Admire The Artworks
• Chintpurni Devi Temple : Offer Prayers
• Tsuglag Khang: A Serene Temple

1. Tsuglagkhang Complex: Visit This Religious Centre

Image Source

Located on the Temple Road, the Tsuglagkhang Complex is a religious center and one of the important points of interest in Dharamshala. It was built when His Holiness the Dalai Lama visited India for the first time in 1959. The complex is one of the most important places to visit in Dharamshala in one day and comprises of Dalai Lama’s abode and monastery. Nowadays, this complex also houses public and private sessions of Dalai Lama along with numerous Tibetan dance and music performances.

Location: Dharamshala, Himachal Pradesh 176219 Don’t miss: Namgyal Monastery, the Tibetan museum, the in-house bookstore and library, monastery café, and the prestigious private residence of His Holiness Opening hours: 6 am to 7 pm Entry fee: Free entry for all

6 Adventure Sports In Dharamshala That Will Calm Down Your Adrenaline Rush

Himachal Holiday Packages On TravelTriangle

Himachal Family Tour Package 4D/3N @ Rs 8,750

Plan your trip today!

Pleasurable Himachal Family 5D/4N Package @ Rs 9,125

Get quotes from multiple travel experts.

Shimla Manali Tour Package 6D/5N @ Rs 12,900

Compare & customize quotes before booking.

Family Tour Package For Himachal 7D/6N @ Rs 18,700

Have Questions? Talk to our travel experts today.

Grand Himachal Honeymoon Package 8D/7N @ Rs 21,000

Best prices guaranteed. EMI option available.

See more at TRAVELTRIANGLE.COM

2. Namgyal Monastery: Most-Visited Tibetan Temple

As a major learning centre, Namgyal Monastery in McLeodganj is one of the most popular tourist places to visit in Dharamshala . With almost 200 monks, the famous monastery is the largest Tibetan temple outside the geographical boundary of Tibet. This monastery looks vibrant and pulls the crowd around the year. The prayer wheels, the décor, the Tibetan-style architecture, and the overall colour scheme is visually appealing and mesmerizing.

Location: McLeod Ganj, Dharamshala, Himachal Pradesh 176219 Don’t miss: The prayer room and meditation sessions of monks Opening hours: The monastery is open from 6 am to 7 pm and the café is open from 10 am till 10 pm, daily Entry fee: No cost

3. Kareri Dal Lake: Gape At The Surreal Beauty

Spread over 1 sq km, Kareri Dal Lake is named after its marvellous counterpart of Kashmir. Its spell-binding beauty and calm setting make it one of the most popular places to see in Dharamshala . The stunning lake is surrounded by lush green deodar vegetation and snow-capped mountains.

The lake is located at an elevation of 1775 m and its serenity and charm attract a lot of travellers. It is also a site of a base camp for trekkers leading to expeditions on nearby hills.

Location: Kangra district Don’t miss  Boating, picnic, and the Kali-Shiva temple located on the banks. You may be lucky to experience the gala annual fair held there while you’re sightseeing in Dharamshala . Opening hours:  Open 24 hours Entry fee: No entry fee

  10 Valleys In Himachal Pradesh That You Must Visit For Their Heavenly Landscapes!

4. Bhagsunag Temple: Pay A Visit With Fam

Bhagsunag temple, dedicated to Lord Shiva, is one of the most ancient temples and one of the most frequented tourist places to see in Dharamshala. Every year thousands of pilgrims flock to this temple, nestled in lofty hills and winding trails. The surrounding beauty of this temple has made it one of the most mesmerizing tourist attractions in Dharamshala.

Location: Palampur- Dharamshala Rd, Bhagsu Nag, McLeod Ganj, Himachal Pradesh 176216 Don’t miss  A holy dip in the freshwater man-made pool. If you happen to be there in September, do not miss the annual fair held in the Bhagsunag Temple. Opening hours: 6 am to 7 pm Entry fee: None

5. Bhagsunag Waterfalls: Watch The Water Cascading Down

Popularly known as the Bhagsu Falls, this scenic cascade is located few kilometres upslope from the Bhagsunag Temple. It is one of the most important Dharamshala sightseeing destinations. The waterfall is 20 m in height and surrounded by pristine natural beauty. The sparkling cascade of milky white water looks most charming during the monsoon. Hands down, its awe-inspiring natural surrounding makes it one of the best places amid the plethora of Dharamshala tourist places. It is one of the most famous places in the list of places to visit in Dharamshala in two days.

Also, Bhagsunag falls in McLeodganj is a popular trekking stretch and one of the splendid places to see in Dharamshala .

Location: Temple, near Bhagsunag, Dharamshala, Himachal Pradesh 176215 Don’t miss:  The mesmerizing natural beauty which surrounds the falls. Take a dip in the chilled water and refresh your mind and soul. You can enjoy a small picnic near the torrent and also try some munchies from the café located right next to it. Opening hours: NA Entry fee: None

15 Best Places To Visit Near Dharamshala That Make For Lovely Detours

6. Gyuto Monastery: Built-In The Memory Of Soldiers

This beautiful monastery is one of the best places to see in Dharamshala . Gyuto Monastery is the residence of Karmapa – the Head of the Kagyu Tibetan Buddhism. It is quite a popular place for sightseeing in Dharamshala courtesy of its research on Buddhist Philosophy, Tantric rituals, and Tantric meditation. This famous monastery was built in the memory of soldiers who devoted their lives to the Tibet Freedom War.

The monastery complex is serene and beautiful and its décor, style, and architecture look amazing. The monastery with the mesmerizing Dhauladhar in its background is one of the finest tourist places in Dharamshala .

Location: Sidhbari, Himachal Pradesh 176053 Don’t miss: The Image of Sakyamuni Buddha. Also, Karmapa’s speech every Wednesday and Saturday is not to be missed. Opening hours: 8 am to 11 pm Entry fee: None 

7. Kangra Fort: One Of The Oldest Forts Of India

Witness awe-inspiring history and marvellous heritage at Kangra Fort, which is one of the popular tourist places in Dharamshala . It is an ancient structure dating back to the 4th century BC. As one of the oldest forts in India and the largest fort in the Himalayas, this royal specimen of architecture was once an abode of the Royal family of Kangra – Katoch Dynasty. The ruins speak for the kind of historical incidents the fort has witnessed. Unveil the truth of Kangra fort history by visiting the place and listening to the stories aforesaid by the locals. This is one of the best places to visit near Dharamshala which offers a close look at the ancient fort. 

Location: Old Kangra, Kangra, Himachal Pradesh 176001 Don’t miss: The jaw-dropping view of Manjhi and Banganga River and Maharaja Sansar Chand Katoch Museum. The complex even houses many ancient temples. Opening hours: 9 am to 6 pm Entry fee: INR 150 per person for Indians and INR 300 per person for foreigners.

18 Secret Places In Himachal Tourists Haven’t Discovered Yet

8. Kangra Art Museum: Delve Into Some Brilliant Artworks

Located near the Dharamshala bus stand, Kangra Art Museum is a magnificent hub that displays the objects of Tibetan and Buddhist culture, dating back to many centuries. Due to its heritage value, it is one of the most popular places to visit in Dharamshala . The museum started its operation in 1990 and is now considered as one of the not-to-miss sightseeing in Dharamshala .

The museum is known for preserving the ancient traits and ethos of Kangra valley in the form of paintings, statues, fabrics, weapons, utensils, and temple figurines. The museum has one dedicated section for modern painters and sculptors as well.

Location: Kotwali Bazar Rd, Sudher, Dharamshala, Himachal Pradesh 176215 Don’t miss: Rare collection of coins, anthropological items, pottery, and tribal ornaments. Opening hours: 10 am to 1.30 pm and 2 pm to 5 pm. The museum is closed on Monday and on every public holiday. Entry fee: INR 10 per person for Indians and INR 50 per person for foreigners.

9. Masroor Rock Cut Temple: Admire The Rock Cuts

A historical site, the Masroor temple is known for age-old rock-cut temples that date back to the 8th century AD. This is an upcoming and one of the most liked tourist spots in Dharamshala. There are 15 monolithic temples depicting Indo-Aryan style architecture, depicting various tales of great Indian epics.

Masroor – one of the famous Dharamshala tourist places is mostly frequented by history lovers, art enthusiasts, painters, solo travellers, and nature admirers. The temple carvings are excellent and superbly detailed. They make the place a glorious site of Indian art and of course one of the major Dharamshala points of interest.

Location: Masroor, Lahalpur, Himachal Pradesh 176026 Don’t miss: Carvings depicting scenes from the Ramayana displaying Ram, Lakshman, and Sita Opening hours: 9 AM – 7 PM Entry fee: None

  A Weekend Trip To Dharamshala Is The Perfect Summer Getaway

10. Naddi Village: Explore The Remote Place

Naddi is a serene and absolutely charming village, located up the hill, far away from the chatter of the main town. One of the most picturesque places to visit near Dharamshala . Naddi hill point is located in a remote village that offers a mesmerizing view of the lofty mountains, deep plush Kangra valley, and luxuriant deodar forests. On a clear day, you can also view snowy peaks of the Dhauladhar ranges which is why it’s one of the most charming visiting places in Dharamshala.

Location:  Himachal Pradesh Don’t miss: The panoramic view of the surrounding – that is what makes it a perfect place to relax and rejuvenate for families and friends. Stay overnight to experience the most photogenic sunrise. Opening hours: Entry fee: None

11. St. John In The Wilderness Church: Pay A Visit

This is an ancient church that was built in 1852 and is located near Dharamshala on the way to Mcledoganj. The church flaunts the neo-Gothic form of architecture and is famous for its Belgian stained-glass windows. Also, there is a church by the same name in Nainital too, which was built in 1844 and is among the most delightful places to visit in Dharamshala, Himachal Pradesh. Spend some peaceful time here.

Location: Road to Naddi Village from McLeod Ganj, McLeod Ganj, Dharamshala, Himachal Pradesh 176215 Don’t miss:  The brilliant architecture Opening hours: 8 am to 6:30 pm Entry fee: Free

  13 Wildlife Sanctuaries In Himachal Pradesh To Treat Your Inner Adventurer

12. Dharamshala Cricket Stadium: Highest Cricket Ground

Situated in the mountains in the quaint town of Dharamshala is the Dharamshala Cricket ground which is the top attraction in the city. It ranks as one of the top places to visit in Dharamshala, Himachal Pradesh. As it is located at a height, it is also one of the highest cricket grounds in the world. It is at an altitude of 1,457 meters. The surroundings of the Dharamshala stadium add to the beauty of the place. It is one of the most boosted places by Dharamashala tourism.

Location: Tehsil, HPCA Cricket Stadium, Distt-Kangra, Dharamshala, Himachal Pradesh 176215 Don’t miss: The awesome views from this point Opening hours: 9 am to 6 pm Entry fee: Free

13. Library Of Tibetan Works And Archives: See The Amazing Museum

Image Source The Library of Tibetan Works and Archives is one of the best places to visit in Dharamshala . Founded by Tenzin Gyatso, this is a Tibetan library in the beautiful town of Dharamshala. This library is an interesting place for the history buffs, as it has books and sources that were saved and relocated during the escape of 1959. One can head here to enhance their knowledge and learning. It is definitely a must-visit place and tops our list of Dharamshala visiting places.

Location: Gangchen Kyishong, Dharamshala, Himachal Pradesh 176215 Don’t miss: The ancient Tibetan artefacts Opening hours: 9 am to 5 pm (Sunday closed) Entry fee: None

  8 Churches In Himachal Pradesh That Are Perfectly Enveloped Within Hills

14. War Memorial: A Tribute To The Martyrs Of Kangra

The War Memorial is one of the best Dharamshala tourist places that is located amidst the lush green forests of this hill town. The memorial was established to pay tribute to the martyrs of Kangra who lost their lives during the Indo-China War that took place in 1947, 1962, 1965, 1971 and UN Peace Operations. The place is surrounded by pine trees and you can also visit the nearby cafe offering delicious snacks and beverages. It is one of the most famous visiting places in Dharamshala

Location:  Dharamshala Don’t miss: Nature walks Opening hours: 8:00 AM – 8:00 PM Entry fee: INR 10 per person

15. Triund: Haven For Trekkers

You can take a trek to Triund while staying in Dharamshala. This is one of the best places to visit in Dharamshala which gives you a perfect chance to catch the glimpse of the majestic Himalayas. Located at an altitude of 2828 meters, Triund is truly a delight for trekkers and nature lovers while people can also experience camping in Dharamshala . Please note that camping is currently not allowed in Triund and you need to trek back to your stay the same day. It is very much promoted by Dharamshala tourism. 

Location: Kangra, Himachal Pradesh Don’t miss: Galu Temple, Rhododendron, and Oak forest Opening hours: 7:00 AM – 7:00 PM Entry fee: No entry fee

Discovering Pleasure In The Pathless Woods: Shekhar’s Solo Trip To Dharamshala & Dalhousie

16. Jwala Devi Temple: A Place Of Beliefs

Jwala Devi temple in Kangra lures travellers from across the country which is also called one of the best places to visit in Dharamshala . Don’t miss out on visiting the temple while holidaying in Dharamshala. The temple is located at a distance of 56 kilometres from Dharamshala and experiences regular connectivity. This temple in Kangra is dedicated to Jwala Devi and the flames here are lighting miraculously from previous centuries. 

Location: Shaktinagar, Sonbhadra district, Uttar Pradesh Don’t miss: Aarti Opening hours: Summer: 5:00 AM – 10:00 PM and Winter: 6:00 AM – 9:00 PM Entry fee: No entry fee

17. Tibetan Art Museum: Get A Glimpse Of Tibetan Culture

Tibetan Art Museum is located in the suburban district of McLeodganj and is one of the most popular Tibetan Museums in the country. While exploring places on Dharamshala sightseeing this one place will surely give you a true glimpse of Tibetan culture and its development with the passage of time. The museum is maintained by the Central Tibetan Administration Department of Information and International Relations and is located in proximity to Dalai Lama Temple. 

Location: Near Dalai Lama Temple, McLeod Ganj, Dharamshala, Himachal Pradesh 176219 Don’t miss: Enormous collection showcasing the true Tibetan culture Opening hours: April – September: 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM, October – March: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM  (Closed on Monday, 2nd Saturday and 4th Saturday of every month) Entry fee: No entry fee

  Top Things To Do In Dharamshala: A Mix Bag Of 22 Popular And Offbeat Activities

18. Aghanjar Mahadev Temple: Take Blessings From Lord Shiva

Aghanjar Mahadev Temple is located at a distance of merely 5 kilometres from Dharamshala at the foothills of Dhauladhar. The temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva and is believed to be constructed in the early 19th century. Apart from the magnificent architecture of the temple, the prime attraction of this temple is the waterfall that accentuates the beauty of this serene place. If you are visiting during the best time to visit Dharamshala then the tranquil ambience will make you fall in love with this place. 

Location: Khanyara – Dari Rd, Dharamshala, Himachal Pradesh 176215 Don’t miss: nearby waterfall Opening hours: 5:00 AM – 9:00 PM Entry fee: No entry fee

19. Kalachakra Temple: See The Murals Of Wheel Of Time

Kalachakra Temple is located within the temple complex of the Thekchen Choling temple is one of the famous tourist places in Dharamshala . The temple was built in the year 1992 and houses the astounding murals of ‘Wheel of Time’. The temple is used as a center of public teaching by his holiness Dalai Lama and the beautiful architecture of the temple exhibits the rich ethnicity of the Tibetan culture. 

Location: McLeod Ganj, Dharamshala, Himachal Pradesh 176219 Don’t miss: Beautiful architecture especially on the pillars and walls of the temple, fresco decorations, and Kalachakra image. Opening hours: 5:00 AM – 9:00 PM Entry fee: No entry fee

  Don’t Miss Out On These 18 Awesome Things To Do In Kasol On Your Getaway To Himachal Pradesh!

20. Dharmsala Tea Company: Admire Vast Plantations

The tea garden is one of the must-visit tourist places in Dharamshala . It is considered the smallest tea region of India which is located close to the Kangra Valley. Beautifully organized and spread across a vast area, this tea plantation is known for producing good quality tea which can be purchased from many shops across Dharamshala and Mcleodganj.

Location: Distt. Village Narghota Near BSNL office, Dharamshala, Himachal Pradesh 176215 Don’t miss: The tea tasting session Opening hours: 9 AM – 5 PM Entry fee: INR 300 (starting price)

21. Dharamkot: A Quaint Hill Station

Image Source If you are looking for a quaint place near Dharamshala then you must consider exploring Dharamkot which is located in the Kangra Valley. It is one of the best places to stay as it receives less footfall and is surrounded by greenery. If you want to have the best experience then the best time to visit this place is in the months of April & May.

Location:  Kangra, Himachal Pradesh Don’t miss: Explore the cafes and savour dishes with a view. Opening hours: NA Entry fee: NA

10 Hotels Near Dharamshala That Offer A Perfect Alternative To Overbookings

22. Indrahar Pass: Trek Your Way To Beauty

Image Source Another one on the list of places to visit in Dharamshala is Indrahar Pass which is one of the top trekking trails in the whole of Himachal Pradesh. This pass is located at an altitude of 4,500 feet above sea level in the Dhauladhar Ranges. People from all around the world come and opt for trekking both at Indrahar Pass and Triund Hill. If you are fond of natural beauty then you must include Indrahar Pass in your itinerary.

Location: Dhauladhar range of the Himalayas Don’t miss: Trekking experience Opening hours:  NA Entry fee: INR 8000 approx for the trek

23. Hanuman Ka Tibba: Get Ready For Some Adventure

Image Source Sightseeing in Dharamshala is incomplete without exploring Hanuman ka Tibba which is the highest hill nestled in the Dhauladhar ranges. You might not be aware of the fact that this place is located at a height of 19,000 feet and all adventure fanatics head to Hanuman ka Tibba for activities like mountaineering, trekking, and more. If you also fall in the same category then this is the place to visit on your trip.

Location: Trail to Triund Hill, Dharamshala, Himachal Pradesh 176219 Don’t miss: Watch a sunset from the ranges. Opening hours: 6 am – 8 pm  Entry fee:  None

Manali Vs Dharamshala: Choose Your Escapade For Next Summers

24. Nechung Monastery: Take A Plunge Into The History

Image Source Wondering what to see in Dharamshala ? How about this beautiful monastery that is counted among the top places here? Nechung Monastery is the best place if you are looking for an ultimate spiritual experience. It is believed to be the home of an oracle who was and is the ultimate guide of all the monks living there. Moreover, the monastery also houses a library which gives an insight into the religion and history of Tibetan people.

Location: Upmuhal, Dharamshala, Himachal Pradesh 176219 Don’t miss: The morning prayer Opening hours: 9 am – 5 pm (Mon-Sat) Entry Fee: Free

25. Norbulingka Institute: Get In-Depth Knowledge Of Tibetan Life

Image Source Counted among the top visiting places in Dharamshala , Norbulingka Institute gives an insight into the culture and Tibetan life in India. While exploring the monastery, you will also get a chance to witness the murals and art that represent Tibetan religion, food, and lifestyle. If you want to witness a surreal experience then you must visit the Tibetan temple on the premises and seek blessings.

Location: Palampur – Dharamshala Rd, Sidhpur, Himachal Pradesh 176057 Don’t miss: Deden Tsuglagkhang Temple, Doll Museum, and Souvenirs Shop Opening hours: 9 am – 5:30 pm (all days) Entry Fee: INR 20 (Indians), INR 50 (Foreigners)

  15 Hill Stations Near Dharamshala: Visit For Total Rejuvenation

26. Lahesh Caves: Explore The High-Altitude Tourist Places

Image Source This is one of the lesser-known visiting places in Dharamshala which is mostly explored by adventure buffs. Located at a height of 11,482 feet above sea level, Lahesh caves offer a commendable trekking experience. If you like to experience something out of this world then you must visit these caves. They are surrounded by hilly terrains and coniferous forests which adds to the beauty of this little tourist attraction in Dharamshala.

Location: Trail to Lahesh Caves, Dharamsala, Himachal Pradesh 176219 Don’t miss: Explore viewpoints while trekking. Opening hours: Open 24X7 Entry fee:  None

27. Chinmaya Tapovan: Reside In A Tranquil Setting

Image Source On your Dharamshala sightseeing tour, you must head to Chinmaya Tapovan which has recently made it to the list of tourist places in Dharamshala. It usually attracts peace-seekers as it offers a tranquil setting to tourists. Here, you will find a huge statue of Lord Hanuman and a meditation complex along with a recreation centre and a school. It is one of the famous Dharamshala visiting places . 

Location: Sidhbari, Kangra, Himachal Pradesh 176057 Don’t miss: The tranquil ambience Opening hours: 7 am – 7 pm Entry fee:  NA

  Experience The Tranquility Of Dharamshala In Summer On Your Next Blissful Getaway

28. Naam Art Gallery: Admire The Artworks

Image Source This is one of the best places for art lovers to admire some beautiful artworks that are done by Elizabeth Buschmann, the founder of the gallery. You will also find some paintings that are made up by A.W. Hallett, an English painter. There is no doubt in the fact that it is one of the best places for sightseeing in Dharamshala .

Location: Sidhbari, Chamunda Main Road, Dharamshala, Himachal Pradesh 176057 Don’t miss: Tibetan paintings Opening hours: 10 am – 7:30 pm (Closed on Monday) Entry fee: INR

29. Chintpurni Devi Temple: Offer Prayers

Chintpurni is among the most wonderful and peaceful places to see in Dharamshala for those looking for some spiritual guidance and blessings from Goddess Chintpurni. It is said that Goddess Chintpurni was the youngest of the 9 Devis owing to which it is very easy to please her with a little pampering! Locals say that she will easily grant all your wishes provided what you wish for is honest and positive! It is because of this myth (or reality!) that this small temple is frequented by devotees and worshippers from around the country and makes this spot one of the best places to visit near Dharamshala , Himachal Pradesh.

Location: Vpo chintpurni, teh Amb, Moien, Chintpurni, Himachal Pradesh 177110 Don’t miss: The stunning views of the hill station from this point Opening hours: 4:30 AM – 10 PM Entry fee:  None

  Shopping In Dharamshala: 7 Places Where You Can Splurge Your Money

30. Tsuglag Khang: A Serene Temple

Image Credits: Liz Highleyman for Wikimedia Commons

Tsuglag Khang is one of the significant temples for the pilgrims, monks and other tourists in the search of peace and quiet. Tsulag Khang is loved by every traveller, thanks to its serene aura and natural surroundings. This temple is where you can find the perfect blend of calmness and the picturesque views that Dharamshala and McLeodganj always have to offer to tourists.

Location: McLeod Ganj Don’t miss: The Tsuglagkhang, Namgyal Gompa, and the Tibet Museum, which is famous for several ancient articles Opening hours: 6 am – 6 pm Entry fee: None

With the list, now you have a fair idea about the places to visit in Dharamshala and Mcleodganj. So to excuse the sultry weather, block your leaves and plan for a fabulous summer vacation to this quaint and charming hill station right away. Plan your trip to Dharamshala with Traveltriangle now! Also, do not forget to share it with your friends and folks.

For our editorial codes of conduct and copyright disclaimer, please click here

Frequently Asked Questions About Places To Visit In Dharamshala

What are the top attractions to visit in Dharamsala?

There are numerous places that you can visit in Dharamshala. Some of these include: 1. Dharamshala Cricket Stadium 2 McLeod Ganj 3. Bhagsunath Temple 4. Bhagsu Waterfall 5. Kangra Valley 6. Dharamkot 7. Triund Hill 8. Dal Lake 9. Dalai Lama Temple Complex 10. Gyuto Monastery

What are the best day trips from Dharamsala?

Palampur, Chamba, Triund, Bir, Khajjiar, Dalhousie, Barot, etc. are some places near Dharamshala where you can go for a day trip.

Is it safe to travel to Dharamshala during COVID times?

You need to follow all the mandatory guidelines mentioned by the government such as maintaining social distance, wearing a mask at public places, washing or sanitizing hands after entry & exit, etc. Get yourself tested before leaving for the journey and carry your negative RT-PCR report.

What is special about Dharamshala?

Dharamshala is known for the mesmerizing backdrop, stunning lake, vibrant monasteries, colourful temples, sparkling waterfalls, vintage forts, and museums. Moreover, the pleasant weather throughout the year is what attract vacationers from far and wide.

What is the best time to visit Dharamshala?

The best time to visit Dharamshala is during spring and early summer when the weather is pleasant with a maximum temperature of 25 degrees Celsius. Notably, Dharamshala can be visited all throughout the year.

How many days are enough for Dharamshala?

2 days are quite sufficient for Dharamshala but if you would also like to explore Dalhousie you could easily need another 2 days.

What is there to do in Dharamsala?

Some of the top things to do in Dharamshala for an adventurous vacation are: 1. Paragliding in Bir Billing 2. Camping 3. Trekking 4. Rock climbing 5. Cycling 6. Trekking

Is there snowfall in Dharamshala?

Yes. Dharamshala experiences snowfall during the months of December and January. If you love snowfall, Dharamshala can be an amazing place to visit to watch the annual snowfall.

How to reach Masroor Rock Cut Temple from Dharamshala?

The Masroor Rock Cut Temple is located at a distance of 43 km from Dharamshala. You can easily hire a car or a shared taxi to reach this ancient temple.

Looking To Book A Holiday Package?

Spellbinding Cochin Family Tour 2D/1N Package @ Rs 2,750

Exciting Andaman Family Trip 5D/4N @ Rs 10,250

Gangtok & Darjeeling Tour Package 5D/4N @ Rs 13,000

Wonderful Goa Family Package 3D/2N @ Rs 6,500

Best prices guaranteed.

Riveting Rajasthan Vacation 3D/2N Package @ Rs 6,499

EMI option available.

Enchanting Uttarakhand Tour 4D/3N Package @ Rs 7,199

Explore best destinations with our experts.

Delightful South Weekend Tour 3D/2N Package @ Rs 4,999

Thrilling weekend full of fun.

Marvelous Gujarat Tour 3D/2N Package @ Rs 4,999

Talk to our experts today.

People also read:

Places To Visit In Manali Places To Visit In Shimla Places To Visit In Mcleodganj

Sukanya Sen

A book lover and fun-loving, overtly emotional mom with a wanderlust soul, Sukanya has completed her Master Degree in Geography and currently perusing her passion for writing as a profession. Nothing detoxes her more than trying new recipes and travelling to offbeat places is ultimate Therapy for her.

Places to visit in India

• 30 Best Places To Visit In Bangalore In...
• 64 Best Places To Visit In Kerala For...
• 39 Best Places To Visit In October In...
• 101 Places To Visit In India Before You...
• 20 Places To Visit In Sakleshpur In 2024...
• 35 Exotic Places To Visit In December In...
• 32 Best Places To Visit In January In...
• 20 Best Places To Visit In Meghalaya For...
• 12 Places To Visit In Punjab To Witness...
• Unravel Places To Visit In Uttarakhand For A...
• 26 Best Places To Visit In Jammu For...
• 29 Places To Visit In Monsoon In India...
• Best Places To Visit In August In India...
• 36 Beautiful Places To Visit In Kashmir One...
• 55 Fascinating Places To Visit In Hyderabad In...
• 35 Ultimate Places To Visit In July In...
• 72 Places To Visit In Rajasthan In 2024
• 42 Best Places To Visit In Pondicherry In...
• 33 Spectacular Places To Visit In Mumbai On...
• 43 Places To Visit In West Bengal In...
• 41 Best Places To Visit In June In...
• 35 Best Places To Visit In Mysore In...
• 35 Places To Visit In Coorg For A...
• 54 Best Places To Visit In India In...
• 8 Places To Visit In Jibhi For A...
• 64 Best Tourist Places To Visit In Goa...
• 25 Best Places To Visit In Visakhapatnam In...
• 16 Places To Visit In Lucknow That Showcase...
• 60 Best Places To Visit In Kolkata That...

International Places To Visit

• 35 Best Places To Visit In Japan That...
• 40 Best Places To Visit In Canada In...
• 28 Places To Visit In October In World...
• 28 Stunning Places To Visit In South Korea...
• 25 Places To Visit In Manila In 2024...
• 19 Best Places To Visit In Morocco In...
• 34 Best Places To Visit In Austria In...
• 82 Best Places To Visit In Turkey That...
• 10 Breathtaking Places To Visit In The World...
• 22 Best Places To Visit In Netherlands: The...
• 24 Fabulous Places To Visit In Ireland: The...
• 19 Best Places To Visit In London In...
• Discover 24 Places To Visit In Switzerland In...
• 17 Mystical Places To Visit In Egypt In...
• 15 Places To Visit In United Kingdom That’ll...
• 33 Best Places To Visit In Amsterdam On...
• 19 Best Places To Visit In Kuala Lumpur...
• 42 Best Places To Visit In Bangkok In...
• 11 Popular Places To Visit In Doha For...
• 26 Places To Visit In Germany In 2024...
• 32 Places To Visit In Belgium That Make...
• 15 Places To Visit In USA That Reflect...
• 37 Best Places To Visit In Dubai At...
• 15 Top Places To Visit In Asia To...
• 20 Must-See Places To Visit In Milan In...
• Top 27 Places To Visit In Greece In...
• 31 Places To Visit In Abu Dhabi In...
• 25 Places To Visit In August In The...
• 15 Best Places To Visit In Chicago That...
• 14 Places To Visit In Berlin You Must...

Things To Do

• 40 Things To Do In Pondicherry In 2024...
• 12 Best Things To Do In Matheran In...
• 23 Intoxicating Things To Do In Turkey In...
• Top 14 Interesting Things To Do In Kanyakumari...
• 38 Things To Do In Gokarna To Escape...
• 12 Best Things To Do In Varanasi For...
• 21 Remarkable Things To Do In Krabi In...
• 16 Things To Do On Honeymoon In 2024
• 23 Things To Do In Chennai To Explore...
• 20 Things To Do In Ahmedabad For An...
• 30 Best Things To Do In Wayanad For...
• 37 Amazing Things To Do In Kerala For...
• Top 39 Things To Do In Jaipur
• 19 Things To Do In Mussoorie For A...
• 33 Best Things To Do In Kolkata In...
• Top 25 Things To Do In Kodaikanal For...
• 32 Things To Do In Ooty That Will...
• 15 Things To Do In Srinagar That Will...
• 20 Things To Do In Darjeeling
• 27 Kickass Things To Do In Malaysia
• 25 Best Things To Do In Phuket That...
• 18 Awesome Things To Do In Kasol On...
• 27 Exciting Things To Do In Chikmagalur
• 9 Things To Do In Mathura For An...
• 23 Things To Do In Lonavala For A...
• 10 Best Things To Do In Lakshadweep For...
• 30 Joyful Things To Do In Bhutan
• 38 Exhilarating Things To Do In Udaipur In...
• 18 Best Things To Do In Chandigarh
• 29 Amazing Things To Do In Shimla
• 30 Things To Do In Dehradun In 2024
• 7 Incredible Things To Do In Vrindavan For...

Recent Posts

Find The Best Hotels Near Manikaran Sahib For An Ideal Stay In 2024

Explore The Beautiful Jana Waterfall In Himachal Pradesh In 2024

7 Spectacular Hotels Near Kullu That Are Known For Their Affordable Stay In 2024

Witness The Miraculous Flames Of Jwala Ji Temple In 2024

Embark On A Spiritual Journey To Explore The Tashi Jong Monastery In 2024

Explore The Picturesque Masrur In 2024 On Your Next Himachal Trip

Trending Blogs

20 Mysterious Places In India To Visit In 2024 More Bizarre Than The Bermuda Triangle

10 Scariest Roads In India That Are A Driver’s Nightmare

101 Places To Visit In India Before You Turn 30 in 2024

35 Exotic Places To Visit In December In India 2024 To Enjoy A Surreal Vacation

64 Top Honeymoon Destinations In India In 2024

95 Best Honeymoon Destinations In The World In 2023 For A Romantic Escape!

Best Places To Visit In India By Month

Best places to visit outside india by month.

• TravelTriangle
• Dharamshala »
• Tour Packages
• Honeymoon Packages
• Family Packages
• Budget Tour Packages
• Luxury Tour Packages
• Adventure Tour Packages
• Group Tour Packages
• Kerala Tour Packages
• Goa Tour Packages
• Andaman Tour Packages
• Sikkim Tour Packages
• Himachal Tour Packages
• Uttarakhand Tour Packages
• Rajasthan Tour Packages
• Tour Packages From Delhi
• Tour Packages From Mumbai
• Tour Packages From Bangalore
• Tour Packages From Chennai
• Tour Packages From Kolkata
• Tour Packages From Hyderabad
• Tour Packages From Ahmedabad
• Kerala Tourism
• Goa Tourism
• Sikkim Tourism
• Andaman Tourism
• Himachal Tourism
• Uttarakhand Tourism
• Rajasthan Tourism
• Hotels in Kerala
• Hotels in Goa
• Hotels in Sikkim
• Hotels in Andaman
• Hotels in Himachal
• Hotels in Uttarakhand
• Hotels in Rajasthan

Things to do in Dharamshala for a Thrilling Hill Town Vacay

Top hotel collections.

5 Star Hotels

Dharamkot Hotels

Naddi Hotels

Top things to do in Dharamshala

Here is the list of 15 things to do in dharamshala for a thrilling hill town vacay, 1. peek into the buddhist culture at gyuto monastery.

Gyuto Monastery is a Buddhist Monastery in Dharamsala focusing on Tantric meditation and ritual arts. The complex boasts of beautiful architecture and has a serene ambiance and aura. The monks have their houses along the path of the monastery. Visiting at the peaceful monastery is one of the top things to do in Dharamsala.

2. Explore the Dalai Lama Temple Complex

Replete with Tibetan culture, Dalai Lama Temple Complex also known as Tsuglakhang Temple is a politico- religious centre in Dharamsala. Ideal for peaceful meditation and religious rumination, the temple is full of lamas at all points of the day chanting on prayer wheels or beads. In addition to this, the peaceful environs and ataraxy attracts tourists from all over the world. Visiting here is one of the top things to do in Dharamsala.

3. Experience the Exciting Trek to Triund

Triund is a 9-km trek, 7 kms away from Dharamsala. It is situated at a great height and provides a mesmerizing view of the Moon Peak-Indera Pass. This is an ideal spot for picnics and the clean and pristine environment will surely rejuvenate your senses. If you are an adventure enthusiast or even a nature nature, trekking the trails at Triund should definitely be there on your bucket list of things to do in Dharamsala.

4. Gorge on Delicious Tibetan Food

One of the topmost things to do in Dharamsala is tasting the delectable Tibetan food. One can find a lot of restaurants and cafes here which serve decent food. Being dominated by the Tibetan culture one will mostly find Tibetan cuisine being served. Do try the momos, thukpas and other Tibetan dishes. Another speciality of this place is honey ginger lemon tea which is a very refreshing drink.

Dharamshala Travel Packages

Compare quotes from upto 3 travel agents for free

Dharmshala Himachal Pradesh Tour Packages

Amritsar dalhousie dharamshala tour package: family edition, dharamshala weekend getaway tour package from delhi, dharamshala dalhousie sightseeing package by volvo, exciting dharamshala & dalhousie 5 nights tour, dalhousie tour package for couple with dharamshala, 5. take a walk in the resplendent tea gardens.

The smallest tea region of India, Dharamshala has beautifully lined and organized tea gardens across the Kangra Valley. It is known for its good quality tea and is available for purchase in many shops across Dharamshala and Mcleodganj. Walking down the tea gardens and trying the premium quality tea is one of the top things to do in Dharamsala.

6. Find Peace at St. John in the Wilderness Church

This neo-gothic church was built in 1852 and is one of the most important churches in Himachal Pradesh. Located near Dharamshala and on the way to Mcleodganj, this church was built in dedication to John the Baptist. It is the oldest built structure of Dharamsala.  Boasting of being one of the top tourist attractions in the city, visiting here is one of the prime things to do in Dharamsala.

7. Watch a Match at Dharamshala Cricket Stadium

Nestled in the lap of the majestic Himalayan mountain range of Dharamshala lies a quaint little cricket stadium. Located at the height of 1,457 meters above sea level, it is one of the highest sports grounds in the world. Visiting a cricket stadium while in Dharamshala may sound like a strange thing to add to one’s itinerary, but the magnificent natural backdrop and the cool winds constantly drifting across the grounds is what makes a trip to HPCA Stadium (as it is also known) worth it. 

8. Boating at Dal lake and Nadi

Dal lake is 11 km from lower Dharamsala and lies in between hills and deodar trees. This is a starting point for trekking and excursion, which is covered around the lake to make the walk memorable. Small Shiva Temple is also situated on the banks of this lake. A lively fair is held here every September annually. Boating is a popular activity here and one of the best things to do in Dharamsala.

9. Trek to Bhagsu Falls

Set amidst lush greenery and nature in its most pristine form, these falls are majestic and grand and should not be missed by all tourists travelling here. This place is spread over a vast expanse of land and can be reached through a short trek which is ideal even for amateurs.  Trekking here amidst surreal surroundings id one of the most thrilling things to do in Dharamsala.

10. Visit the Famous Aghanjar Mahadev Temple

Located 5 kms away from the town of Dharamsala in Khaniyara, at the foothills of Dhauladhar, Aghanjar Mahadev Temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva. Believed to have been built around 500 years ago, the temple is nestled amidst bounteous forests and emerald mountain peaks. Other than the idyllic setting, a tiny cascading waterfall accentuates the beauty of the shrine. Be sure to include visiting here in your top list of things to do in Dharamsala.

11. Pay Your Respects at War Memorial

War Memorial is situated in the pine forests near Dharamshala town and the journey itself to this place is totally worth it. There is the beautiful GPG College which was made during British Era. This is the memorial which has been made at the entrance point to Dharamsala in the memory of those who fought for saving our motherland. Be sure to include this in your top list of things to do in Dharamsala.

12. Offer Prayers at the Jwalamukhi Devi Temple

Legends speak of a time when evil spirits landed the mountains and harassed the Gods. The gods decided to vanish them, directed by Lord Shiva. All the powers of the different Gods were focused and a huge flame rose from the base of the Earth. It is believed that Sati's tongue fell at Jwalaji from about 610 meters above the sea level and the goddess is manifested here and later a temple was created. Even the Pandavas are regarded to have visited this sacred place.

13. Admire the Relics at Kangra Art Museum

The Kangra Museum is dedicated to the brilliant marvels of Tibetan and Buddhist artwork and their rich history. Its is situated near the bus station of Dharamshala. Among the variety of its precious collectibles are jewelry, rare coin memorabilia, paintings, sculptures and pottery. The essence of tribal culture is beautifully reflected in the exquisite pieces of art on their culture. Visiting the museum is one of the prime things to do in Dharamsala.

14. Seek Blessings at Bhagsu Nath Temple

This temple is located at a height of 1770 m above sea level. Surrounded by beautiful pools and lush greenery, this temple attracts a lot of devotees and tourists throughout the year. The pools around this temple are believed to be sacred and contain miraculous powers of healing. The temple was built by King Bhagsu and is dedicated to Lord Shiva.

15. Paragliding in Dharamshala

Dharamshala is known for its scenic panoramic views, and paragliding is one of the best activities to do here. Bir Billing is the best place to take up paragliding sessions and have a lifetime experience.

This post was published by Aqsa Aleem

Share this post on social media Facebook Twitter

Top Hotels In Dharamshala

₽ 2,694 onwards

₽ 1,552 onwards

₽ 177 onwards

₽ 330 onwards

₽ 721 onwards

₽ 166 onwards

Related Collections

Cricket Match is Happening in Dharamshala! Here is a Quick Way to Plan an Amazing Trip to the Hills

Experiences

Experience Cinema At 1,400 Ft With the Dharamshala International Film Festival 2023!

Comments on this post

Browse package collections, dharamshala package collections.

Dharamshala Packages from Delhi

Dharamshala Honeymoon Packages

Nearby Destinations for Packages

Bir Billing

Top Listed Packages

Himachal Pradesh Itinerary: Dalhousie, Dharamshala, Shimla & Manali

Dharamshala Dalhousie Tour Package - Fun-Filled Tour

Browse Hotel Collections

By hotel type.

Best Resorts In Dharamshala

Resorts In Dharamsala

Best Places To Stay In Dharamsala For A Quaint Getaway

By Budget Category

Cheap Hotels In Dharamshala

By Star Category

Best 5-Star Hotels in Dharamshala to Hit For Summer!

With Specific Facilities

Homestays In Dharamkot

Hotels In Dharamshala With Swimming Pool

Resorts In Dharamshala With Swimming Pool

Pet-Friendly Hotels In Dharamsala

Near Landmarks

Hotels In Dharamkot

Hostels In Dharamkot

For Special Purposes

Workation in Dharamshala

Top Places in Dharamshala

Get the best offers on Travel Packages

Compare package quotes from top travel agents

Compare upto 3 quotes for free

• India (+91)

*Final prices will be shared by our partner agents based on your requirements.

Log in to your account

Welcome to holidify.

Forget Password?

Share this page

The Best Travel & Tourism Blog of India

India Tours

• International Tours
• Destination Wedding
• Medical Tourism

Plan Your trip

Top 14 best places to visit in dharamshala mcleodganj, himachal pradesh.

Soul of Tibetans, Dharamsala in Himachal Pradesh is one of the best places for rejuvenating and fine tuning your spirit if you are looking for space to dip your mind in a river of calmness and serenity. Being the most prominent Buddhist pilgrimage center, each mile here reveals a sense of peace and bliss.

Near the upper Dharamshala , you will see beautiful little Lhasa, Mcloedganj which is a serene residence of his holiness Dalai Lama dotted with lush greenery and majestic hills. It’s not wrong to say that Mcloedganj has the most scenic landscapes that remain etched in your heart if it comes to the Dharamshala holiday tour. Near it you will also witness the gorgeous Kangra Valley, Triund and serene monasteries which attracts thousands of International as well as Indian tourists over the year. The reason why Mcloedganj is mentioned especially in this blog is that it’s the central hub of Tibetan community which beautifies the ambiance and culture of Dharamshala.

Apart from their spiritual side, the delightful vistas of Dhauladhar mountain ranges, magnificent conifer, pine and deodar forests, lush tea gardens and stunning hill sides which offers best opportunities for nature walks, picnics and adventurous treks. Be it a family, devotee, solo traveler or couple, Dharamshala is a chocolate chip in the cake of life. There is something for every kind of traveler. One must not miss Dharamshala tourism for an awesome holiday vacation if they are planning to visit Himachal Pradesh.

Dharamshala Travel & Tourism Quick Information

Here is a delightful list of top tourist attractions to explore in Dharamshala – Mcleodganj-

• Namgyal Monastery
• Bhagsunag Waterfalls
• Dharamsala Tea Company

Norbulingka Institute

Dharamshala cricket stadium.

• Tsuglagkhang Complex
• Lahesh Caves

Popular Himachal Dharamshala Tour Packages

• 3 Nights 4 Days Dharamshala Hill Station Tour
• 6 Nights 7 Days Shimla Manali Dharamshala Tour with Amritsar
• 10 Nights 11 Days Best of Himachal Tour
• 6 Nights 7 Days Exotic Himachal Pradesh Tour

Renowned as a home of his holiness Dalai lama, Namgyal Monastery is one of the most prominent religious tourist attractions in Dharamshala if they have a spiritual bent of mind. Namgyal monastery also has a tantric college to practice ritualistic tradition if you are interested in Buddhism. Many young monks are involved in promoting unique Tibetan traditional Buddhist practices and studies. The college has several branches in Delhi, Bodhgaya, Ithaca, Shimla etc. located 157km from Chamba, one would find here a different cultural experience and it also offers stunning vistas of snowcapped mountains and lush greenery all around.

Famous For – Spirituality, serenity and nature sightseeing

Other Interesting Blogs to Read

• Best Snow Tourist Destinations in Himachal
• Top Winter Treks in Himachal Pradesh

Located near Bhagsu Village, Bhagsunag Waterfalls is a serene high-altitude waterfall which will definitely give you a nectar of tranquility if you are looking for a place away from the chaos of the world. The major attraction here is the magnificent temple of Bhagsunag which is dedicated to Lord Shiva. It houses the very rare Panch Mukha Lingam. The spiritual ambiance, mystical vibes, the refreshing vibes and the beauty of nature makes this place one of the best beautiful places to visit in Dharamshala. If you view the sight of nature from the top you will behold stunning Kangra Valley and gives you an amazing opportunity for nature photography. The 30-foot cold, freezing and fresh water of the waterfall’s beauty makes it worth a visit.

Famous For – Spirituality, nature sightseeing, Mcloedganj Food and Ethnic handicraft products.

• Best Summer Treks in Himachal Pradesh
• Top Tourist Places in Shimla

Dharamsala Tea Company/Tea Gardens

Your family vacation in Himachal Pradesh will be one of a kind if you consider Dharamshala Tea Garden for a visit. Located in the upper region of Kangra Valley, Dharamshala Tea Garden is a hub of breathtaking landscapes and fairytale-like setting. The tea gardens here are very different from the tea gardens of Assam. The emerald plantations are decked with snow-capped mountains. From an altitude of 4780 ft the stunning views of Dhauladhar mountain ranges, different exotic birds, pleasant weather, lush greenery and colorful monastery flags along with picturesque views will make your day very delightful in this scenic space. Also, don’t forget to see the star of the show Kangra Tea which is manufactured near Narghota, it will be an amazing experience if you are enjoying a family vacation in Dharamshala.

Famous For – Nature photography, Tea tasting and nature walks

• Best Places to Explore in Manali
• Top 20 Hill Stations in Himachal for Summer Vacations

Norbulingka Institute is one of the most popular tourist destinations to visit in Dharamshala if you are looking for something different in a tourist place. You will be amazed to see how this institute has kept the traditional Tibetan art’s legacy intact by self-preserving means for so many years. It also provided jobs to a community of 300 Tibetans. It is named after the summer residence of Dalai Lama at Lhasa and has a stunning scenic repose. Surrounded by gorgeous gardens, Dhauladhar mountain ranges, streams, waterfalls and ponds. If you are looking for a unique experience which includes learning about Tibetan culture and art style as well as sightseeing then you must visit Norbulingka Institute in Dharamshala. Moreover, it is built in traditional Tibetan architectural style which offers a visual appeal to the tourists.

Famous For – Learning about Culture, Nature sightseeing and photography

• 10 Things to Do on a Family Vacation in Shimla
• 100 Interesting Facts about Himachal Pradesh

The quaint Himalayan Cricket Stadium of Dharamshala also known as Himachal Pradesh Cricket association will absolutely take your breath away as it is surrounded by gorgeous Dhauladhar Himalayan mountains. It is one of the highest sports grounds in the world which will amaze your mind and captivate your senses in terms of beauty. Moreover, if you are a sports lover, you will definitely relate to this place. You can enjoy great cricket matches along with stunning mountain views. The sitting area is fence less which offers hassle free viewing of the match. The Tibetan style construction of the Cricket stadium is another interesting aspect to look at. It is a beautiful amalgamation of beauty, culture and sports. The fun of watching cricket increases when the view is so stunning. Indeed, it is one of the top travel destinations to visit in Dharamshala.

Famous For – Cricket sports and nature sightseeing

• Top Tourist Destinations of Himachal Pradesh
• A Trip to Kinnaur to See Another Paradisiacal Side of Himachal Pradesh

Peace and serenity are the best trademark of Tsuglagkhang Complex in Dharamshala. It is a private residence of his holiness Dalai Lama. It is a must visit place in Mcloedganj if they are interested to know deeply about the experiences, life and culture of Tibetans. In its ambiance, you will observe harmony, learning opportunities and divine peace. You can interact with the monks when they are free from their duties and learn about their life experiences. You can also enjoy delicious cakes made at the bakery which sells vegetarian food only. The center of attraction is the blissful statue of Sakyamuni Buddha, bronze faces of Padmasambhavna and Avalokitesvara and Mangyal Gompa – the symbols of divine peace, love, compassion and spiritual wisdom. Also indulge yourself in a sacred practice followed by Buddhists known as Kora, it will be a delightful experience.

Famous For – Spiritual worship, Lord buddha, Tibetan culture and lifestyle

Timing – 5:00 AM to 8:00 PM

• Whimsical Weekend Trip to Bir Billing, Himachal Pradesh
• Best Places to Explore in Kasauli

Lahesh Cave Trek

A trek to the Lahesh Cave would be one of the most spine-chilling experiences in Dharamshala. It’s a perfect tourist attraction for honeymoon couples in Dharamshala. There is a touch of romance in its air and the healing touch of nature to rejuvenate your senses. The stunning and picturesque landscapes attract lots of couples for adventure activities. The warm hospitality of Phadi people will make your day. During summer you will see shepherds grazing their sheeps here. It is also an amazing camping ground to spend some memorable moments with your loved ones. The panoramic views of gorgeous Dhauladhar mountain ranges and thrilling trekking opportunity makes this place one of the tourist attractions to visit in Mcloedganj.

Famous for – Trekking, Camping, nature sightseeing and photography

• Top Weekend Treks from Delhi in Himachal
• Chitkul- The Most Scenic & Remotest Village in Himachal You Must Visit

Popular Tourist Attractions Near Mcleodganj Dharamshala

Masroor Rock Cut Temple

Naggar village, chintpurni devi temple.

Popular Himachal Tour Packages

• 6 Nights 7 Days Himachal Honeymoon Tour
• 7 Nights 8 Days Himachal Hill Station Tour
• 3 Nights 4 Days Dharamshala Volvo Tour Package
• 2 Nights 3 Days Dharamshala Weekend Tour

Masroor Rock cut temple is amazing and comes first in the list of top 10 popular tourist attractions to visit around Dharamshala. This 8th century old rock cut cave temple in Kangra region will shine bright in your memory even after you have left this place. The north Indian Nagara architecture style has a unique charm which is irresistible.

It is said that the southeast and northwest side of the temple is still incomplete as the artisans and architects of that time had much greater ambitions. Much of the reliefs and sculptures have been lost and damaged due to natural calamity like earthquakes. Symmetrically laid on a square grid, this temple reveals the brilliance of engineering skill of architects of that time. The Temple complex showcases reliefs which tell stories of Vedic and Puranic gods, goddesses and legends from various Hindu texts. It is one of the top Hindu temples to visit around Dharamshala.

Famous For – Spiritual pursuits, History Buffs, architecture and nature lovers

Other Interesting Blog to Read

• Best Places for Couples Planning Honeymoon Tour in Himachal and Uttarakhand

While enjoying the Dharamshala sightseeing Tour, don’t ignore the beauty of nearby attractions like Manali . This place needs no introduction when it comes to Himachal tourism. It is in fact one of the best hill stations to visit in Himachal Pradesh. It is an ideal place for every kind of traveler, be it a couple, family or solo backpackers. Manali is a combination of beautiful natural vistas, adventure, solace inducing landscapes, serene temples, monasteries, colorful markets, lofty mountain passes and apple orchards. It is a must visit place to visit near Dharamshala to make your Himachal Pradesh tour the most memorable tour out of all destinations you have traveled so far in India.

Famous For- Nature photography and sightseeing, temples and monasteries, adventure and shopping.

• Top Things You Can Do on Family Holidays in Himachal Pradesh

Kullu region of Himachal Pradesh is a place which you must plan to include in your Dharamshala Travel itinerary as Naggar Valley’s Charm will never disappoint you. Snowcapped mountains, Deodar forests, icy glaciers, soothing peace is what makes this piece of land a giver of bliss. The stunning Beas River, the magnificent Naggar fort, enchanting trekking trails, scenic villages of Rumsu, Khaknal, and Sajla, delightful camping opportunities, delightful Gauri Shankar Temple for self-introspection, lip smacking cuisines and mind-boggling art and culture of the place will never make you feel bored here. A day spent in Naggar Village will be the most memorable day of your life.

Famous for – Camping, Trekking, Fishing, Heritage Sightseeing, Photography and Village Walks

• Must Visit Temples in Himachal
• Kareri Lake Trek

If you are an adventure lover and solace seeker, you must consider Kareri in your Dharamshala sightseeing tour. It is one of the most popular trekking tourist attractions to visit near Dharamshala. Surrounded by enchanting Dhauladhar mountain ranges, Kareri Lake trek is one of the best things to do if you are in Himachal.

The Lake remains frozen from early December to March- April. The temple of Shiva and Shakti on the hill makes this place mystical. The melted snow from Dhauladhar ranges is the main source of the lake and the stream which is highly visible. In your trekking tour you will come across beautiful forests, streams, alpine grasslands, lofty mountains, dense conifers, Chilgoza pines which will bring you close to nature. Your heart will dance with joy to see such wonderful vistas in this enchanting trekking trail.

Famous For – Trekking and nature sightseeing

Also Check Out: Popular Trekking Destinations in Himachal

Fly like a wild bird and conquer the entire sky for a while in Bir, it will be the most amazing experience you can ever have. Bir is one of the top tourist places to visit near Dharamshala. It is known as the flying capital of India. Tourists from all across the globe come to Bir for paragliding. Bir is very popular for its thermal and ridge lift techniques. March and early June is an ideal time to visit here as the weather condition is favorable for paragliding. In October 2015 Bir held the first Paragliding World Cup of India. Apart from Paragliding tourists can also enjoy the fun and thrill of trekking, mountain biking, angling and camping. Dharamshala is just 70km away from Bir.

Famous For – Camping, Paragliding, Trekking, Angling and Sightseeing.

Also Read: Paragliding Adventure in Himachal

Barot Valley

At an elevation of 1835 meters above sea level Barot stands with an abundance of natural beauty on the banks of Uhl river. Decked with lush greenery all around, it is also a fantastic spot to enjoy wildlife as it is the gateway to the Nargu Wildlife Sanctuary. Here you will witness exotic wild animals like Monal, black bear, wild cats and monkeys. If you are interested in trekking, Barot is an amazing base route for enchanting trekking trails to Kullu and Kangra valley. Apart from that, camping and fishing are some of the best things to do here. It is one of the best places to visit near Dharamshala for an exciting and adventurous holiday in Himachal Pradesh.

Famous For – Camping, Fishing, Wildlife and Nature Sightseeing

Also Read: Wildlife Tourism in Himachal Pradesh

Take divine blessings from one of the supreme incarnations of Adi Shakti, Devi Durga – Maa Chintpurni. It is said that Maa Chintpurni relieves a person from all worries and fulfills their desires. That is why she is known as Maa Chintpurni (Remover of Worries- Chinta). Maa Chintpurni Temple is one of the most popular religious places to visit in Hoshiarpur Dharamshala Road. It is a major Shakti Peetha. This temple is located 78 km away from Dharamshala. Visiting here would be a life changing experience for spiritual wisdom. It is indeed one of the best places to visit near Dharamshala.

• Popular Hindu Temples in Himachal
• Popular Churches in Himachal
• Popular Monasteries in Himachal
• Popular Gurudwaras in Himachal

Dharamshala is a combination of nearly everything. It has places for spiritual bliss, adventures, shopping and nature sightseeing. It will not be wrong to say that it is a complete package for a wonderful family vacation in Himachal Pradesh. What one finds unique here is the amazing Tibetan culture experience which is one of a kind. Visiting Dharamshala will enable you to see India from a different perspective culturally.

Other Important Himachal Tourism Links

• Best Time to Visit Dharamshala
• Himachal Complete Tourism Guide
• Water Adventure in Himachal
• Skiing in Himachal Pradesh
• Fishing and angling in Himachal
• Himachal Tour Packages

Travel Guides: Shimla Tourism | Kullu Manali Tourism | Chamba Tourism | Khajjair Tourism | Chail Tourism | Kufri Tourism | Kalpa Tourism | Sangla Tourism | Kasauli Tourism | Lahaul & Spiti Valley Tourism

Like & Follow our social media accounts at Twitter , Facebook , Linkedin & Instagram for getting the latest updates & offers on holiday packages .

Disclaimer: We do not take credit for some of the licenced paid images used in our blogs, whether from Google Images, Fotolia & Shutterstock. All such images are the copyrights of their respective owners and we try to provide credit for them wherever we can. If, however, any copyright image has been used on our blog, the concerned person can either mail us directly to remove the image or provide credit to whomsoever the image may belong to.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is dharamshala famous.

Dharamshala is one of the best hill stations to visit in Himachal Pradesh. It is a home to his holiness Dalai Lama. You will also see an influence of Tibetan culture. It is also an important Buddhist pilgrimage site. Moreover, there are so many beautiful places for nature tourism.

What is the best time to plan a holiday vacation to Dharamshala?

Summers (March to July) are said to be the best time to plan a wonderful vacation in Dharamshala. In the midst of nature and exotic flowers, trekking is an ideal thing to do here during this time. The temperature ranges from 22-degree Celsius to 35 degree Celsius.

What is the distance between Manali to Dharamshala?

Distance between Manali from Dharamshala- 239 Km by road

What is the distance between Dalhousie and Dharamshala?

What is the best way to reach dharamshala.

• By Air - Gaggal Airport is the nearest airport to reach Dharamshala which is a domestic airport serving Dharamshala. You can easily get taxis and buses to reach Dharamshala from the airport.
• By Road- Buses are available from Pathankot which is well connected to the cities of North India. One can easily get buses from Delhi, Chandigarh, Jalandhar, Shimla and Pathankot.
• By Train- Pathankot is the nearest railway station to reach Dharamshala which is well connected to all the parts of the country.

Which are the top tourist attractions in Dharamshala?

• Kangra Fort
• Dharamshala Tea Estates
• Gyuto Monastery

Which are the top activities to do in Dharamshala?

• Paragliding
• Nature Walks

How are the accommodation facilities for tourists in Dharamshala?

Depending on your budget and choice Dharamshala offers wonderful accommodation to the tourists. From budget homestays to luxury hotels and resorts there is no dearth of good accommodation in Dharamshala.

• Surbhi Guest House
• Varada Homestay
• Wood Forest Homestay
• Shiva’s Nest
• Dharamshala- The Sanctuary
• Royal Palace Resort
• Leisure Vacations Karnika Resort
• Snow Hermitage Resort

How many days are required to explore the best of Dharamshala tourism?

You can explore Dharamshala in 2 days easily. However, if you are involved in any adventure activity like Trekking as there are many beautiful trekking trails in Dharamshala then the duration will increase.

What are the popular treks to do in Dharamshala?

• Chamba Trek
• Indrahar Pass Trek
• Dal lake Trek
• Triund Trek

Published: 24 Feb, 2022

About the author

Pallavi Roy

She is a candle who burns and melts in the chaos of infinity, from where her visceral whistles and leaves an imprint of desire in her heart to know the map of an Island where there are different sunrises and sunsets. Her curiosity brightens to conquer the hearts unrelieved and sometimes mysterious. Her name is - Pallavi Roy - A traveller by soul and a writer by Profession.

Recent Trending Posts

August 20,2024

10 Best Temples to Visit in Rishikesh, Uttarakhand

July 29,2024

10 Best Places to Visit in Kerala, God’s Own Country

July 16,2024

13 Best Nature Weekend Tour in & around Karnataka

• Hill Stations
• Travel Deals
• Amazing Facts
• Travel Experience
• Travel Tips
• Travel Alerts
• Travel Videos
• Edu-Tourism
• Inspirational People

Popular Posts

May 30,2014

20 Highway Dhabas that You Must Stop By

February 12,2014

Top 15 Places for Honeymoon in North East India

September 6,2014

12 Best Beaches in Maharashtra

October 31,2013

Top 15 Wildlife Sanctuaries and National Parks in Kerala

Top 10 Places for Spa Services in Delhi

International posts.

November 8,2023

10 Best Beaches in Thailand

November 3,2023

Tourism Update – Enjoy Visa Free Holiday Travel in Sri Lanka

Thailand Tourism Update- Indian Travelers Now Get a Visa-Free Entry to Thailand!

Explore best places to visit in india by month.

Best Places in January

Best Places in February

Best Places in March

Best Places in April

Best Places in May

Best Places in June

Best Places in July

Best Places in August

Best Places in September

Best Places in October

Best Places in November

Best Places in December

India tourism important information resources, north india.

• Uttarakhand
• Jammu & Kashmir

South India

• Pondicherry
• Andhra Pradesh
• Mahararashtra
• Dadra Nagar Haveli
• Daman & Diu

Luxury Trains

• Maharaja Express
• Palaces on Wheels
• The Golden Chariot
• The Deccan Odyssey
• Majestic Tourist Train

Quick Links

• Kumbh Mela Haridwar 2021
• MICE Tourism

20 Best Places To Visit In Dharamshala: Gateway to Himalayan Wonders

February 22, 2024

Are you interested in a quick getaway this winter? Embark on a journey to the hills to soothe your Winter blues in the most popular tourist place in Dharamshala, Himachal Pradesh.  With winter, snowfall has arrived in November. Though it is a popular tourist spot all year, snow lovers find winter to be the best time to visit Dharamshala. Being the birthplace of the Dalai Lama, it is also a place of culture, spirituality, and history covered in the blanket of snow. This makes the hill station all the more appealing as one of the best places to enjoy snowfall in February in India .

Among the numerous hill stations, history and art lovers travel because of the spectacle of the mountain ranges, the fountains, and the famous temples of Dharamshala.

If you are a connoisseur of beautiful sightseeing and adventure, check out the list of places to visit in Dharamshala. 

1. Triund Hill, Dharamshala

A tiny hill station located about 17 km away from Dharamshala shows a spectacular view of its hilltop. It is a great place to go for a trekking adventure. If you want cozy things to do in Dharamshala, many families or friend groups also come here for picnics. 

The Triund Hill is located between the heavenly views of Kangra Valley and the Dhauladhar range. It is also a greenery set, especially in the summer, with Deodar, Oak, Rhododendrons, and Pine Valley of Dharamshala covering the scene.

Location: Dharamshala, Himachal Pradesh 176215 Don't miss: the Tibetan Museum, Bhagsu Waterfall, Kalachakra Temple, Bhagsunath Temple, Naddi View Point, and Guna Devi Temple. Opening hours: 6:00 am to 7:00 pm Entry fee: Rs 999 per person

Also Read:  25 Offbeat Destinations In Himachal Pradesh: Discovering Hidden Gems

2. Dharamshala Cricket Stadium, Dharamshala

If you are a cricket fanatic (or not), take advantage of the world's highest cricket stadium, Dharamshala. One of the specialties of this stadium is its ryegrass, which keeps the stadium covered in its brightest green even during winter, making it a popular Dharamshala stadium in winter. Location: Himachal Pradesh Cricket Association Stadium, University Road, Police Line, Dharamshala, Himachal Pradesh 176215 Don't miss:  The awesome views from this point Opening hours: 9:00 am to 6:00 pm Entry fee: Rs 30 per entry

Also Read:  35 Best Places To Visit In March In India 2024

3. St John in the Wilderness Church, Dharamshala

Constructed in 1852, John in the Wilderness Church is one of the most popular churches in Dharamshala, dedicated to St John the Baptist. It is a Protestant church located amongst the lush green of the Deodar forest. In Dharamshala, the best time to visit the church is in the mornings.

Location: McLeod Ganj, Dharamshala, Himachal Pradesh 176215 Don't miss: Its neo-gothic architecture, the Deodar forest, Memorial stones, and the Churchyard, which is also the resting place of Lord Elgin. Opening hours: Monday to Saturday- 7:00 am to 6:30 pm, Sunday- 9:00 am to 6:30 pm Entry fee: Free

Also Read:  30 Best Places to Visit in November in India You Must Visit

4. War Memorial, Dharamshala

The main focus of the Dharamshala War Memorial is its main monument, which is covered by walls on three sides, curved in black marble. It holds the memories of all War Heroes who sacrificed their lives for the country. It is one of the best historical Dharamshala tourist places.

Location: Kachehri Road, Jawahar Nagar, Dharamshala, Himachal Pradesh 176215 Don't miss: The mural, The Main Monument, with names of the War Heroes, Garlands, and medals offered to the Heroes. Opening hours: 8:00 am to 8:00 pm Entry fee: Rs 20 per person, free for children up to 5 years

5. Library of Tibetan Works and Archives, Dharamshala

Though known as a library, the Library of Tibetan Works and Archives also functions as an archival museum and a hub of academic courses. It holds at least 80,000 books and manuscripts. 

Besides, it also protects about 600 statues, thangkas, and other Buddhist antiquities. History lovers find it one of Dharamshala's most important tourist places to visit in Himachal Pradesh . Location: Gangchen Kyishong, Upmuhal, Dharamshala, Himachal Pradesh 176215 Don't miss: The Tibet Museum, Dalai Lama Temple, Tibetan artifacts Opening hours: 9:00 am to 1:00 pm and 2:00 pm to 5:00 pm (Closed on Saturday and Sunday) Entry fee: Free

Also Read:  30 Best Places To Visit In Winter In India

6. Bhagsunag Temple, Dharamshala

The 5100-year-old Bhagsunag temple, established in the valley of Kangra, is one of the popular Dharamshala tourist places. After the 1905 earthquake, it was obliterated but was later rebuilt. The temple is believed to possess miraculous healing power.

Location: Manisha Rd, Bhagsu Nag, Dharamshala, Himachal Pradesh 176219 Don't miss: Dal Lake, Kotwali Bazaar Opening hours: 5:00 am to 8:00 pm Entry fee: Free

Also Read:  25 Famous Temples In Himachal Pradesh For Spiritual Bliss

7. Gyuto Monastery, Dharamshala

One of the most loved tourist places to see in Dharamshala for spiritual people is the Gyuto Monastery. It is a popular center for the study of Tantric Meditation. Surrounded by buildings, it is a space of peace and order. One can visit the Monastery to observe the monks' daily habits. Location: Sidhbari, Dharamshala 176219 Don't miss: Tantric meditation, Tantric ritual arts, Buddhist philosophy Opening hours: 5:00 am to 4:30 pm and 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm Entry fee: Free

Also Read:  30 Best Hill Stations in India You Must Visit

8. Kareri Dal Lake, Dharamshala

A famous trekking destination in Dharamshala is near the Kareri Dal lake. It takes one to cover 10 kilometers of challenging trekking to reach the clean stream of water. During the winter months, however, the lake remains frozen. For couples, Kareri Dal Lake makes one of India's most loved honeymoon destinations in India in low budget . Location: Kareri, Himachal Pradesh 176218 Don't miss: Trekking, View of mountain ranges Opening hours: 7:00 am to 8:00 pm, preferably Entry fee: Free

Also Read:  30 Best Places To Visit In India In January For A Memorable Experience

9. Dharamkot Studio, Dharamshala

Dharamkot Studio is an art studio designated solely for pottery lovers. Often overlooked by many tourists, it is built in a small village. Remember to dirty your hands and create beautiful clay pieces if you visit. With the end of winter, it is one of the art lovers' favorite places to visit in India in February . Location: Dharamkot Studio Rd, Dharamkot, Dharamshala, Himachal Pradesh 176219 Don't miss: Bhagsunath Temple, Tibetan Museum Opening hours: 10:00 am to 6:00 pm, closed on Thursdays Entry fee: Rs 2200 per person for workshops

Also Read:  35 Best Wedding Destinations in India for Your Dream Celebration

10. Kangra Fort, Dharamshala

The Fort of Kangra has its origin in the ancient Trigarta Kingdom. It is the largest Fort built in the Himalayas by the royal family of Rajputs. The Fort is about 3,500 years old. This makes Kangra Fort to be one of the most artistic places to see in Dharamshala.

Location: Old Kangra, Kangra, Himachal Pradesh 176001 Don’t miss: the Banganga River, Manjhi River, Kangra Valley Opening hours: 9:00 am to 7:30 pm Entry fee: Rs 150 per person

Also Read:  20 Best Snowfall Places In India You Must Visit 

11. Tsuglagkhang Temple, Dharamshala

Tsuglagkhang, or the Dalai Lama Temple Complex, is known for homing the Tibetan spiritual leader Dalai Lama. It is also among the best places to visit in Dharamshala because of its majestic architecture.

The Tsuglagkhang Temple was built in the 7th century, which makes it a famous temple in Dharamshala.

Location: McleodGanj, Dharamshala, Himachal Pradesh 176219 Don't miss: Photang, Tibet Museum, Namgyal Gompa Opening hours: 5:00 am to 8:00 pm Entry fee: Free

Also Read:  55 Best Places To Visit In North India With All Tourist Attractions

12. Bhagsu Waterfall, Dharamshala

The photogenic view of the 20-metre-tall cascade makes it a great place for a picnic spot. To reach the destination, you have to cover a mild 30-minute trek. It is a well-maintained spot for newlyweds and is often included in honeymoon packages in India .  Location: Bhagsu Nag Waterfall Pathway Himachal Pradesh 176219 Don't miss: Nadi View Point, Guna Devi Temple, Bhagsunath Temple Opening hours: 7:00 am to 9:00 pm Entry fee: Free

Also Read:  Explore The 30 Best Honeymoon Places in India 

13. Jwala Devi Temple, Dharamshala

Dedicated to Goddess Jwalamukhi Devi, the Goddess of light, it is highly popular amongst the religious masses. The Jwala Devi Temple is among the 52 Shakti Peethas spread across India, thus making it an attraction in the Himachal tour package . The temple is believed to be a sacred place, blessed by the presence of Shakti. Location: Jwalamukhi, Dharamshala, Himachal Pradesh 176219 Don't miss: Kangra Fort, Baijnath Temple, Indrahar Pass Opening hours: 5:00 am to 8:00 pm Entry fee: Free

Also Read:  15 Best Places To Visit In Summer In India

14. McLeod Ganj, Dharamshala

One of the most popular hill stations in Dharamshala, Kangra district, McLeod Ganj, is home to famous spots of temples, monasteries, hotels, and food places. Many tourists choose McLeod Gunj as the perfect place to stay as it is close to all major sightseeing spots. To reach McLeodGanj, you can take the train to Dharamshala. Your destination will be a 20-minute driving distance. It is popularly known as the shopping spot. Many tour packages also include the McLeod Gunj Cultural tour. Walking Tour events are arranged from the nearest railway station to Dharamshala.

Location: Kangra, Himachal Pradesh 176219 Don't miss: Namgyal Monastery, Kalachakra Temple, Naddi View Point Opening hours: Open all times Entry fee: Free

Also Read:  30 Most Romantic Places In The World

15. Kalachakra Temple, Dharamshala

To learn more about the beauty of Tibetan architecture, prayer wheels, and murals, visit the Kalachakra temple at the heart of the McLeodGanj. It is a fairly new temple, as it was established in the early 1990s. One of the most interesting attributes of the temple is its "Clock of Time'' walls.

Location: McLeod Ganj, Dharamshala, Himachal Pradesh 176219 Don’t miss: Tsuglagkhang Temple, Bhagsu Nag Temple Opening hours: 5:00 am to 9:00 pm Entry fee: Free

Also Read:  Best Places To Visit In India In April

16. Chinmaya Tapovan

Surrounded by lush, the Chinmaya Tapovan is a peaceful spot. It is located near the Dhauladhar Mountain range and offers beautiful sightseeing opportunities. Tourists, both young and older, can enjoy the breathtaking view while bathing in the serenity.

Location: Tapovan, Sidhbari, Kangra, Himachal Pradesh 176057 Don't miss: Dhauladhar Mountain Range, Gyuto Tantric Monastery Temple Opening hours: 9:00 am to 5:00 pm Entry fee: Free

Also Read:  30 Best Places To Visit In December In India

17. Lahesh Caves

The Lahesh Caves, located in the Dhauladhar Range, is a popular trekking destination. Situated at a height of about 3,500 metres, it also provides a majestic panoramic view. Lahesh Caves is a great choice for adventure-loving newlyweds.  If you are looking for a trek, it starts from the McLeodGanj Bus Stop and covers 12 kilometres of trekking distance. To ensure proper safety and a good time, find the best deals on honeymoon packages in India.

Location: Trail to Lahesh Caves, Dharamshala, Himachal Pradesh 176219 Don't miss: Triund Trekking, Bhagsu Nag Temple, Bhagsu Waterfall Opening hours: 24 hours Entry fee: Free

Also Read:  30 Best Places To Visit In October In India

18. Nechung Monastery

Nechung Monastery, or the Nechung Gompa, allows visitors to observe the daily life of the Tibetans. It comes with the best tour packages in India . It is a center for Buddhist schooling about spirituality, history, and culture. The Monastery can be found just below the Library of Tibetan Works and Archives. 

Location: Upmuhal, Dharamshala, Himachal Pradesh 176219 Don't miss:  Library of Tibetan Works and Archives, Rock Cut Temple Opening hours: 5:30 am to 8:00 pm Entry fee: Free

Also Read:  30 Best Places to Visit During Monsoon in India

19. Chintpurni Devi Temple

Located near the border of Punjab, the temple resides above 977 meters above sea level. The Chintpurni Devi Temple is covered with stone. Like many other temples of Himachal Pradesh, this temple also marks the beauty of its architecture.  Location: Chintpurni, Himachal Pradesh 177110 Don't miss: Thaneek Pura, Sheetla Devi Temple, Vajreshwari Devi Temple, Pong Dam Opening hours: 24 hours Entry fee: Rs 1100 for up to 5 people

Also Read:  What Is The Best Time To Visit Manali For Snowfall

20. Hanuman Ka Tibba

Another trekking site that offers guided treks, Hanuman Ka Tibba, falls on the trail to Triund Hill. It is an expedition trek conducted in Manali's Pir Pinjal Range. If you are trying out trekking for the first time, it is recommended to avoid Hanuman Ka Tibba as it requires high fitness and prior experience. Definitely add this to the list of best places to visit in India before you turn 30.

Location: Dhauladhar Range, Himachal Pradesh 148025 Don't miss: Manali, Dhundi, Beas Kund Glacier Opening hours: 24 hours Entry fee: Free entry with Trekking fees

How Do Trip Planners India Help You?

Places in Dharamshala are filled with numerous culture-heavy spots. Trip Planner India helps you navigate your interests and list the places you would like to visit.  Every traveler looks for a unique experience. To cater to their needs, the best trip planners in India help them find tickets, book hotels, and find the best tour packages. 

If you are looking for a quick gateway to the hill stations, check with a tour planner today to figure out the essentials. Knowing about the place, its heritage, and crucial itinerary information including the nearest station to Dharamshala will be important. 

With a proper travel planner, learn about the top Dharamshala trip packages , which can decrease your traveling costs by a mile. 

So, here’s your chance to immerse in the ethereal spirits of this beautiful destination. List the places to go and things to see in Dharamshala before Winter ends. Happy Vacation!  

What is Dharamshala famous for?

Dharamshala is renowned for its breathtaking Himalayan landscapes, the residence of the Dalai Lama, and a vibrant Tibetan culture. The town offers spiritual retreats, trekking opportunities, and a tranquil ambiance, making it a popular destination for nature lovers, adventure seekers, and those seeking spiritual enlightenment.

What is special food in Dharamshala?

Dharamshala is known for its delectable Tibetan cuisine, with momos (dumplings), thukpa (noodle soup), and tingmo (steamed bread) being popular choices. The blend of Tibetan flavors and local ingredients creates a unique culinary experience, reflecting the town's rich cultural diversity.

Is snowfall in Dharamshala?

Yes, Dharamshala experiences snowfall during the winter months, typically from December to February. The picturesque landscapes are adorned with snow, creating a magical atmosphere for visitors. The snow-capped mountains and chilly weather add to the charm of this Himalayan destination.

What is the best time to visit Dharamshala?

The best time to visit Dharamshala is during the spring and autumn months, from March to June and September to November. The weather is pleasant, with blooming landscapes and clear skies, offering ideal conditions for exploring the scenic beauty and engaging in outdoor activities.

How to meet Dalai Lama?

To meet the Dalai Lama, check his schedule for public teachings or events in Dharamshala. Attend teachings at Tsuglagkhang Complex, visit Namgyal Monastery, or participate in public gatherings. However, it's crucial to check his availability and any entry requirements in advance.

Why is Mcleodganj famous?

Mcleodganj, a suburb of Dharamshala, is famous for being the residence of the 14th Dalai Lama. It's a hub of Tibetan culture and Buddhism, attracting visitors with its monasteries, Tibetan markets, and the serene atmosphere amidst the picturesque Dhauladhar mountain range.

What is the Speciality of Dharamshala?

Dharamshala's specialty lies in its unique blend of stunning natural beauty, Tibetan culture, and spiritual ambiance. Home to the Dalai Lama, it offers a serene escape in the Himalayas, with picturesque landscapes, monasteries, and a warm embrace of diverse traditions.

Your Other Best Selling Packages ?

• Udaipur 3 night 4 day package
• 3 nights 4 days package in Maharashtra
• Karnataka tour packages for 3 days
• Darjeeling tour packages from Mumbai
• Rajasthan tour packages from Hyderabad
• Maharashtra Darshan tour package
• Kashmir tour packages from Hyderabad
• Andaman tour packages from Hyderabad
• Manali packages from Hyderabad
• Palampur tour packages for family
• Amarnath Yatra package from Ahmedabad
• Kedarnath tour packages from Vadodara
• Amarnath Yatra package from Mumbai
• Goa tour package from Kolkata
• Manali packages from Bangalore
• Shimla tour package 3 nights 4 days
• Goa packages from Hyderabad
• Udaipur 2 night 3 days package
• Darjeeling tour package from Delhi
• Rajasthan tour package from Bangalore
• Goa packages from Chennai
• Kashmir packages from Bangalore
• Kedarnath package from Mumbai
• Kedarnath tour package from Jaipur
• Kedarnath package from Hyderabad
• Bali honeymoon package 3 days 2 nights
• Tour packages to Goa from Bangalore
• Hyderabad to Goa packages for couple
• Jaipur tour package for 4 days
• Rishikesh package for 2 nights
• Rajasthan tour packages from Chennai
• Chikmagalur trip for 3 days package
• Andaman and Nicobar tour package from Mumbai
• Manali packages from Mumbai

Fill the Form to Get Free Quote

Leave Review

• Get A Free Quote

Whatsapp Click to Chat

Get FREE Quote upto 40% Off

• Get FREE Quote

15 Places to Visit in Dharamshala: Admire the Blend of Cultures and Cherish the Enchanting Landscape

Resides in the Dhauladhar Range of the Himalayas, amidst dense deodar forests, Dharamshala is a picturesque hill station that captures tourists' attraction. It became most significant since His Holiness the Dalai Lama chose this place as his home. The city is around 1457m above sea level and is a blend of Tibetan and Kangra cultures. The most popular places to visit in Dharamshala boasts to offer marvelous scenery of surroundings and a beautiful lake, serene monasteries, vibrant temples, waterfalls, and historic forts and museums.

15 Places to Visit in Dharamshala: Explore the Serenity Amidst Himalayan Beauty

Dharamshala, a peaceful and lovely hill station in the northern Indian state of Himachal Pradesh, is a great retreat for people seeking peace and solace. When touring the town, tourists will be treated to beautiful views of the Himalayan ranges due to its location high in the mountains. The town is separated into two sections: lower Dharamshala, a commercial center, and upper Dharamshala is home to lovely little Lhasa or Mcloed Ganj, a calm residence of His Holiness the Dalai Lama surrounded by lush flora and spectacular hills. The town is popular not just with visitors, but also with spiritual searchers and religious travelers. Here are the top 10 places to visit in Dharamshala .

1. Triund Hill: A True Paradise for Trekkers

Triund is a popular trekking destination in Dharamshala. It is located at an altitude of 2,875 meters above sea level and offers breathtaking views of the Himalayan ranges. The trek to Triund is relatively easy and takes around 4-5 hours. Tourists can also camp overnight at Triund and enjoy the starry night sky. The trail itself is so beautiful and it offers the best Dharamshala sightseeing opportunity to trekkers. Enjoy the breathtaking scenery from the top of the hill as trekking is one of the most enjoyable adventure activities when you come to explore the best places to visit in Himachal Pradesh .

Location: Kangra, Himachal Pradesh

Best Time to Visit: March-May, September- December

Visiting Time: 7 am to 7 pm

Ideal Stay Duration: 5-6 Hours

Famous Attractions: Galu Temple, Rhododendron, and Oak Forest

Things to do: Trekking, Sightseeing, Photography

2. Dharamshala Cricket Stadium: Competition amidst Marvelous Hills

Built at an altitude of 1457 m above sea level, the Dharamshala Cricket Stadium is one of the most popular Dharamshala tourist places . It carries the pride of being the highest cricket ground in the world.  This magnificent stadium is nestled among the greens of the Himalayan Dhauladhar range, and its allure is beyond words. The most interesting part of the stadium is it’s Tibetan-style architecture. The stadium is designed in a way that the thrill of sports and the charm of nature coexist.

Location: K Tehsil, HPCA Cricket Stadium, Distt-Kangra, Dharamshala, Himachal Pradesh 176215

Best Time to Visit: March- Mid July (Depends on scheduled matched)

Visiting Time: 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM

Ideal Stay Duration: 30 mins- 1 hours

Famous Attractions: Cricket sports and nature sightseeing

Things to do:  Watching Cricket, Sightseeing, Photography

Suggested Read: Places to Visit In Shimla: Indulge Yourself in the Serenity and Adventure at the Queen of Hills

3. McLeod Ganj: Meditate and Pray at the Home of Dalai Lama

This is one of the best tourist places in Dharamshala. McLeod Ganj is the residence of the Dalai Lama and a significant Tibetan settlement in India. It is located in the upper part of Dharamshala, and tourists can visit the Dalai Lama temple, which is a place of worship for Buddhists. The temple has a beautiful statue of Lord Buddha, and tourists can also see the Tibetan monks meditating in the temple complex. Popularly known as Little Lhasa or Dhasa, this picturesque small town allows tourists the best things to do in India : adventure excursions, exploring enchanting natural wonders, and seeking tranquility.

Location: McLeod Ganj, Dharamshala, Himachal Pradesh 176219

Best Time to Visit: Throughout the year

Visiting Time: For the monastery- 6 am to 7 pm, for the café- 10 am to 10 pm

Ideal Stay Duration: 2- 3 days

Famous Attractions: Namgyal Monastery, Nechung Monastery, Naddi Viewpoint and Minikiani Pass, Dharamshala International Film Festival

Things to do: Prayer, Sightseeing, Photography

4. Namgyal Monastery: The Largest Monastery Outside of Tibet

The Namgyal Monastery, located in McLeod Ganj and is the largest Tibetan monastery outside Tibet and more than 200 monks practice Buddhism here. It was established in 1575 by the third Dalai Lama and is a significant center of learning and meditation for the Tibetan community. Tourists can witness the daily prayers and rituals performed by the monks at the monastery. As one of the most alluring places to see in Dharamshala , it provides a unique cultural experience as well as dazzling views of snowcapped mountains and lush flora all around.

Best Time to Visit: September to October

Visiting Time: 5 am to 8:30 pm

Ideal Stay Duration: 1-2 hours

Famous Attractions: The prayer room, prayer wheels and scriptures, and meditation sessions of monks

Suggested Read: 10 Best Places to Visit Manali: Discover the Enchanting Beauty of Seren Wonderland

5. Bhagsu Waterfalls: Inhale the Mystical and Spiritual Vibes

The Bhagsu waterfall is located near the Bhagsunath temple in McLeod Ganj. It is a popular tourist destination and is known for its picturesque beauty. The waterfall is surrounded by lush greenery, and the sound of the water cascading down is very soothing. Tourists can spend some time playing in the lake formed by the waterfall. The best time to visit Dharamshala for discovering this thrilling waterfall is between June to September when the weather is pleasant. The splendor of the waterfall's 30-foot cold, chilling, and refreshing water makes it worth a visit giving mystical and spiritual vibes makes it one of the most popular places to travel in India in summer while traveling to Dharamshala.

Location: Bhagsunath Temple, Dharamshala, Himachal Pradesh 176215

Best Time to Visit: June to September

Visiting Time: N/A

Famous Attractions: Prayer in temple, Surrounding natural vista, Picnic and Eateries

Things to do: Enjoying waterfall, Sightseeing, Photography

6. Kangra Fort: Witness the Marvelous Heritage

Kangra Fort is one of the best places to see near Dharamshala, as it is very close to Dharamshala . It is one of India's oldest forts and a renowned tourist site. The Katoch dynasty constructed the fort in the 4th century BC, and tourists may see the remnants of the fort as well as the wonderful view of the surrounding area from the fort. The fort has a small museum, three temples known as Ambika Devi Temple, Lakshmi Narayan Temple, and Shitlamata Temple, as well as numerous other monuments. Climb the highest point for breathtaking views of the luscious green surroundings and nearby flowing rivers.

Location: Old Kangra, Kangra, Himachal Pradesh 176001

Best Time to Visit: March to August

Visiting Time: 9 am to 6 pm

Famous Attractions: Manjhi and Banganga River and Maharaja Sansar Chand Katoch Museum, and temples complex.

Suggested Read: 22 Places To Visit In May In The World That True Explorers Should Know About

7. Bir: The Paragliding Capital of India

It will be the most incredible experience of your life to soar across Bir's skies like a wild bird. Located around 70 km from Dharamshala, Bir is one of the most popular places to visit near Dharamshala . As the capital of flying, Bir attracts travelers from all around the world who want to paraglide. Bir is well known for its use of thermal lift and ridge lift techniques. The best months to visit are between early March and late May since the weather is great for paragliding. The Paragliding World Cup of India is getting held each year in Bir as this is among the most thrilling things to do in Himachal Pradesh. Tourists may also experience the excitement and enjoyment of hiking, mountain biking, fishing, and camping in addition to paragliding at the various gorgeous places to visit in Bir Billing.

Location: Joginder Nagar Valley, Himachal Pradesh

Best Time to Visit: May to July

Ideal Stay Duration: 2-3 days

Famous Attractions: Dharamshala, Buddhism monasteries in Bhattu, Choggan tea garden, Dharmalaya Institute, Deer Park Institute and Chauntra Bhattu colony

Things to do: Trekking, paragliding, mountain biking, and hand gliding Sightseeing, Photography

Suggested Read: Top Things To Do In Kerala: Delight In God’s Own State

8. Kareri Dal Lake: Cherish the Surreal Beauty of the Pristine Water

Dal Lake is a small lake located in the lower Dharamshala area. It is surrounded by magical hills and is an incredible picnic spot for tourists. The lake is circled by cedar trees, and tourists can also take a boat ride on the lake. The lake stays frozen from December to March, so if you are looking for adventure and peace, you should include Kareri Dal Lake in your list as it is one of the most offbeat places near Dharamshala . The glaciers of Dhauladhar Hills are the main source of water in the lake. You can reach the lake by hiking through stunning woods, streams, alpine grassland, deep slopes, and Chilgoza pines.

Location: Kangra, Himachal Pradesh 176001

Best Time to Visit: March to May, October

Visiting Time: 7 am to 8 pm

Ideal Stay Duration: 1 hours

Famous Attractions: Natural surroundings

Suggested Read: Nightlife In India: Get Overwhelmed With Newfound Side Of The Country

9. Dharamsala Tea Gardens: Admire the Taste of Tea amidst Lush Green Landscape

Dharamshala tea garden is a serene haven for tea enthusiasts, nestled in the gorgeous Kangra Valley. The garden is spread across a lush green landscape and is home to excellent tea plants that produce some of the world's finest and freshest tea leaves. The spectacular snow-capped Dhauladhar mountain range that rises towering in the background adds to the visual appeal of the tea plantation. The tranquil setting and invigorating perfume of tea leaves make the tea garden one of the must-see Dharamshala tourist places in the midst of nature.

Location: Dharamshala, Himachal Pradesh (about half an hour from McLeod Ganj)

Best Time to Visit: March- April

Famous Attractions: Natural surroundings, Tea Garden

Things to do: Tea tasting, Sightseeing, Photography

Suggested Read: Top Places to Visit in Gangtok: Spend a Few Days in the Lap of the Eastern Himalayas

10. Library of Tibetan Works and Archives: Discover the House of Precious Tibetan Collection

The Library of Tibetan Works and Archives (LTWA) is a world-renowned Tibetan literature, art, and culture institution in Dharamshala. The library is one of the must explore places to visit in India , contains a large collection of rare manuscripts, books, and thangka paintings that give insight into Tibet's rich cultural past. The LTWA, founded in 1970 by His Holiness the Dalai Lama, also provides courses in Tibetan language, history, and culture, making it a center for Tibetan studies and this is the reason why Dharamshala tourist places list cannot complete without exploring LTWA. The library is a popular location for scholars, researchers, and visitors interested in learning more about the Tibetan people's old wisdom, traditions, and customs.

Location: Gangchen Kyishong, Dharamshala, Himachal Pradesh 176215

Visiting Time: 9 am to 1 pm and 2 pm to 5 pm (Closed on Sunday)

Famous Attractions: The ancient Tibetan Statues and other artefacts and more than 80,000 manuscripts

Suggested Read: Things to Do in Chittorgarh: Are You Ready for a Royal Adventure?

11. St. John in Wilderness Church: Pray amidst Nature

Explore the tranquility of St. John in Wilderness Church, nestled amidst the beauty of Dharamshala, Himachal Pradesh. The church, famed for its gorgeous design, is nestled within deodar woodlands and is filled with memorial stones of British soldiers who were stationed here.  It may appear to be an ancient and abandoned edifice from the outside, yet the insides are still extremely well maintained and highly lively, making it one of the most scenic Dharamshala sightseeing places.

Location: Road to Naddi Village from McLeod Ganj, McLeod Ganj, Dharamshala, Himachal Pradesh 176215

How to reach: The nearest airport is Gaggal Airport, approximately 18 kilometers away from Dharamshala. Visitors can also reach Dharamshala by road from nearby cities and towns.

Best time to visit: March to June and September to November

Visiting Time:

• Sunday: Sunday Mass at 10 am in English, 11 am in Hindi
• Monday to Saturday: 7 am to 6 pm

Ideal stay duration: 2-3 hours

Things to do: Exploring the church, nature walk amidst pine forests, picnic, and photography

Places to visit near St. John Wilderness Church: Kareri Lake Trek, Kangra Valley, Bhagsu Waterfall, Triund Hill, Tsuglagkhang, Dharamkot

Proximate Entry Charge: No charge

Suggested Read: A Complete Guide to the Char Dham Yatra: A Union with the Divine

12. War Memorial: Pay Tribute to the Soldiers

Pay tribute to the brave soldiers at the War Memorial, one of the most popular Dharamshala tourist places . Reflect in the peaceful atmosphere, surrounded by landscaped gardens and memorial walls inscribed with names. War Memorial Dharamshala timings is suitable for tourists coming here any time of the day to discover the museum showcasing historical artifacts and exhibits related to the Indian armed forces.

Location: Kachehri Road, Jawahar Nagar, Dharamshala, Himachal Pradesh 176215

How to reach: Visitors can reach Dharamshala by air, with Gaggal Airport being the nearest airport. Road transport is also available from nearby cities and towns.

Visiting Time: 8 am to 7 pm

Things to do: Pay respects to the fallen soldiers, stroll in the gardens, explore artifacts, and learn about the history of Indian Army

Proximate Entry Charge: INR 10 per adult

Suggested Read: Things to Do in Mount Abu: Add an Adventurous Page to Your Vacation

13. Gyuto Monastery: Step into the Land of Buddha

Immerse yourself in the spiritual ambiance of Gyuto Monastery near Dharamshala. Witness captivating rituals, chants, and ceremonies performed by resident monks. Marvel at the monastery's intricate murals and explore the library's vast collection of Buddhist scriptures.

Location: 59P9+XG6, Sidhbari, Kangra Valley, Himachal Pradesh, India

How to reach: The nearest airport is Gaggal Airport. Visitors can also reach Dharamshala by road from nearby cities and towns.

Best time to visit: March to June and September to November (specially on Buddha Poornima)

Visiting Time: 5 am to 4:30 pm, and 6 pm to 8 pm

Things to do: Witness the rituals and ceremonies performed by the resident monks, explore the monastery's architecture and murals, and visit the library housing Buddhist scriptures.

Proximate Entry Charge: Entry to Gyuto Monastery is usually free, but donations are appreciated.

Suggested Read: Places to Visit in Kovalam: A Tourist Destination Exuding Charm and Elegance

14. Tsuglagkhang Temple: Indulge in Serenity

Experience the spiritual richness of Tsuglagkhang Temple, known as the Dalai Lama's Temple, one of the best tourist attractions in Himachal Pradesh . Discover resplendent Buddha statues, witness serene chants, and explore the museum showcasing Tibetan art and relics. Find inner peace and gain insights into Tibetan Buddhism.

Location: McLeod Ganj, Dharamshala, Himachal Pradesh, India.

How to reach: By air (Gaggal Airport), by train (Pathankot), or by road.

Best time to visit: March to June and September to November.

Visiting Time: Generally, from 6:00 AM to 8:00 PM.

Ideal stay duration: 1-2 days.

Things to do: Visit the main temple, explore the Tsuglagkhang Complex, attend spiritual discourses, explore McLeod Ganj, trekking and nature walks.

Proximate Entry Charge: No entry fee, but donations are welcome.

Suggested Read: Best Places to Visit in Jibhi: Explore the Mesmerizing Little Gateway

15. Jwala Devi Temple: Soak in the Spiritual Energy

Ascend the scenic hill to Jwala Devi Temple in Kangra which is one of the most sacred religious tourist attractions in Dharamshala . Pay homage to the Hindu goddess and witness the eternal flame that has burned for centuries. Absorb the spiritual energy and soak in the panoramic views of the surrounding landscapes.

Location: Kangra district, Himachal Pradesh, India.

How to reach: By air (Gaggal Airport), by train (Jwalamukhi Road Railway Station), or by road.

• Summer: 5 am to 10 pm
• Winter: 6 am to 9 pm

Arti Timings:

• Mangal Aarti - Summer: 5 am to 6 pm, and 6 am to 7 pm
• Panjupchaar Pujan - After Mangal Aarti
• Bhog Aarti - Summer & Winter: 11 am to 12 pm
• Evening Aarti- Summer: 7 pm to 8 pm, and Winter: 6 pm to 7pm
• Shaiyan Aarti - Summer: 9 am to 10 pm, and Winter: 8 pm to 9 pm

Ideal stay duration: 1 day.

Things to do: Seek blessings at the temple, explore the surrounding area.

Proximate Entry Charge: No entry fee.

Additional Information about Dharamshala

These places to visit in Dharamshala must have tempted you to go there and explore every nook and corner. If you have already started planning in your mind, take a few more minutes and read some additional information to have a hassle-free tour of these hypnotic attractions in Dharamshala:

How to reach Dharamshala:

• By Air: Dharamshala can be reached via Gaggal Airport, which is approximately 15 kilometers away
• By Train: The nearest major railway station is Pathankot, around 85 kilometers from Dharamshala
• By Road: The city is well-connected by road, and buses are available from various nearby cities and towns

Best time to visit Dharamshala: March to June and September to November

Best time for snowfall in Dharamshala: December to February

Best things to do in Dharamshala: Explore the serene places like Tsuglagkhang Complex, and Namgyal Monastery, enjoy a peaceful walk at Dal Lake, go trekking in Triund, indulge in adventure activities like paragliding and camping, and immerse yourself in the rich Tibetan culture and spirituality.

Dharamshala is famous for: Dharamshala is famous for being the residence of the Dalai Lama and the headquarters of the Tibetan government-in-exile. It is also known for its stunning natural beauty, serene monasteries, and vibrant Tibetan culture.

Dharamshala is ideal for: Dharamshala is an ideal destination for nature lovers, adventure enthusiasts, and spiritual seekers. It offers breathtaking landscapes, thrilling outdoor activities, and a peaceful atmosphere for those seeking solace and tranquility.

Best food in Dharamshala: Tibetan cuisine, Momos, Thukpa, and local Himachali dishes. Don't miss trying the delicious butter tea and local sweets like Tibetan butter cookies.

Best hotels in Dharamshala: Dharamshala offers a wide range of hotel accommodations, from inexpensive guesthouses to luxury resorts. Fortune Park Moksha, The Pavilion, Asia Health Resorts & Spa, and The Exotica are some of the most popular places to stay in Dharamshala.

Best restaurants in Dharamshala: Enjoy a delightful culinary experience at restaurants like Lung Ta Japanese Restaurant, Tibet Kitchen, Nick's Italian Kitchen, and Illiterati Books & Coffee.

Famous adventure activities in Dharamshala: Paragliding, camping, trekking, rock climbing, and river rafting in and around Dharamshala.

Famous Treks in Dharamshala: Some popular treks in Dharamshala include Triund Trek, Kareri Lake Trek, Indrahar Pass Trek, and Bhagsu Nag Trek.

Famous Markets in Dharamshala: McLeod Ganj Market, Kotwali Bazaar, and Tibetan Handicrafts Center are famous to shop for Tibetan artifacts, handicrafts, jewelry, clothing, and souvenirs.

To experience the tranquil ambience and learn about Tibetan culture, one must keep these amazing places to visit in Dharamshala including the famous Dalai Lama Temple Complex. Some other notable sites in the vicinity are the Bhagsu Nag Temple and Waterfall, Triund Trek, Namgyal Monastery, and Kangra Fort. McLeod Ganj, with its busy marketplaces, cafés, and scenic views. One can indulge in a plethora of adventure sports such as Paragliding, Camping, Trekking, Rock climbing, Cycling, and Trekking in the hills and meadows. Overall, Dharamshala provides an enthralling combination of culture, adventure, and natural beauty that you can explore by availing yourself of the best Dharamshala tour packages .

The best time to visit Dharamshala is between February to July when the weather is mild. Though you can travel here in the months of December and January too if you like cold weather and winter excursions.

Dharamshala is well connected by the major cities, one may travel to the town through Gaggal Airport or Pathankot railway station followed by taxis and buses, or by private vehicle.

Some of the best things to do in Dharamshala for an exciting holiday include:

• Bir Billing Paragliding
• Going camping
• Climbing on rocks

Dharamshala is a gem in the heart of Himachal Pradesh with some famous places to visit, such as:

• Dharamshala Cricket Stadium
• McLeod Ganj
• Bhagsu Waterfall
• Kangra Fort
• Triund Hill
• Library of Tibetan Works and Archives

Dalhousie is situated nearby many beautiful hill stations in Himachal Pradesh, some of them includes:

• Mcleod Ganj - 5.2 kms
• Manali - 234 kms
• Bir - 64 kms
• Shimla - 236 kms
• Prashar Lake - 166 kms
• Dalhousie - 116 kms
• Khajjiar - 117 kms

Yes. During the months of December and January, Dharamshala experiences snowfall. If you enjoy snowfall, Dharamshala might be a wonderful destination to come to witness the seasonal snowfall.

Dharamshala is easily explored in two days. But, if you participate in any adventurous activity, such as trekking (there are many magnificent trekking paths in Dharamshala), the period will be extended.

Dharamshala has many trekking trails from beginner level to Pro level. Some popular trekking trails include:

• Kareri Lake Trek
• Chamba Trek
• Indrahar Pass Trek
• Dal lake Trek
• Triund Trek

Tulika Pandey

I am a travel enthusiast, who likes to move on wheels with a backpack to meet new people and explore new places. I like to share my experiences through words and pictures with the world.

Recent Posts

Try out these top 10 cafes in beirut to savor delectable food.

Top 5 Beaches in Ajman Promising a Memorable Vacation

10 Popular Malls in Ankara: A Guide to Best Shopping Centers

Top 10 Restaurants in Ankara: Enjoy Authentic Food of Turkey

Top 10 Places to Visit in Trabzon: Explore Beauty and History All at One Place

Top 10 Things to Do in Bursa: Experience the Best of Bursa

10 Luxury Hotels in Doha: Choose Your Perfect Premium Stay

Popular Food in Antalya: A Food Lover’s Paradise

10 Best Places to Visit in Buraidah: A Guide to this Arabian Gem

Best Food in Cairo: Enjoy Egyptian Delicacies

• Top 15 Places to Visit in Dharamshala: Escape to the Land of Monasteries

You Might Be Interested In

Char dham yatra: a complete guide for a union with the divine, honeymoon in shimla: bloom your romance amidst the picturesque landscapes, 12 jyotirlingas in india: the ultimate source of divine grace, honeymoon in ooty: where love blooms amidst scenic beauty of majestic hills, best things to do in ankara: relish a fun-filled turkish vacation, places to visit in ayodhya: a timeless journey to the ramayana period, top places to visit in shillong: for a heartful holiday in nature's arms, places to visit in jaipur: land where majestic architecture meets delicate craftsmanship, museums and cultural attractions in al wakrah to discover the heritage of qatar.

Dharamshala Tourism

• Dharamshala
• John in the Wilderness
• Dal Lake Dharamshala
• Tea Gardens of Dharamshala
• War Memorial
• Dhauladhar Range
• Chamunda Devi Temple
• Nechung Monastery
• Sunset View Point
• Library of Tibetan Works and Archives
• Tibetan Institute of Performing Arts
• View all 30 places
• Things to do
• Best time to visit
• How to Reach
• Tourist Map
• within 25kms
• within 50kms
• within 100kms
• within 150kms
• within 200kms
• within 250kms
• within 300kms
• within 500kms

Explore Places to Visit Near Dharamshala by Type

Other Suggested Reads for Dharamshala

• Places To Visit in Dharamshala
• Things to do in Dharamshala
• How to Reach Dharamshala
• Best time to Visit in Dharamshala
• Dharamshala Tourism History
• Food in Dharamshala
• FAQS about Dharamshala
• Dharamshala Tourist Map

Get free quote in 1 minute on Whatsapp

• Search Please fill out this field.
• Newsletters
• Destinations
• Himachal Pradesh

The Complete Guide to Dharamshala, India

Dharamshala is a picturesque hill town in the lap of the Dhauladhar range. Located in the upper reaches of the Kangra valley, it serves as the winter capital of the Himachal Pradesh state. Often overshadowed by the more popular suburb of McLeodganj, Dharamshala is more of a laid-back and calm destination to spend a long weekend. Plan your trip to Dharamshala with this comprehensive guide.

Historically, the Kangra valley was part of the ancient Trigarth region that extended from the plains of Punjab to the hills of Himachal. It was ruled by the Katoch dynasty until the British invaded in 1810. In the year 1860, the 66th Gurkha light infantry moved to the site of an old rest house at the seat of Dhauladhar range—known in local parlance as Dharamshala—and converted it into a subsidiary cantonment. This soon grew into a cluster of 14 Gurkha platoon villages, and the battalion later became the 1st Gurkha Rifles. The town of Dharamshala was thus established.

In 1959, thousands of Tibetans, along with their leader His Holiness Dalai Lama, fled their homeland due to Chinese invasion and atrocity. They were given refuge in India, and resettled in the upper reaches of Dharamshala that has eventually come to be known as McLeodganj . Over the years, several Tibetans have settled here, establishing schools, monasteries, and temples.

The cantonment still exists in Dharamshala, coexisting with the Tibetan settlement and the local pastoral Gaddi tribe villages.

Best Time to Visit

The best time to visit Dharamshala is from March to July and again from September to November. The months of December through mid-March are the coolest months, with temperatures dipping to single digits and heavy snowfall hitting upper Dharamshala.

The annual Dharamshala International Film Festival is an unmissable event held every year in the first week of November. It's a perfect time to catch exceptional Indian and international movies, documentaries, and workshops.

Things to Do

Stroll through the lush forested town and visit the Neo-gothic 19th-century St. John in the Wilderness church, nestled amidst oaks and pines. A little further along, you'll stumble upon Dal Lake, which draws tourists with its 200-year-old temple dedicated to Lord Shiva as well as boating facilities.

In the upper reaches of Dharamshala is the Tibetan settlement of McLeodganj , dubbed Little Lhasa. Be sure to check out the Tsuglagkhang Complex , the temple and monastery where the 14th Dalai Lama currently resides, before visiting the Tibet Museum and grabbing a helping of momos (Tibetan dumplings) at one of the local restaurants.

Drive down the hills of Dharamshala to watch a match at the HPCA cricket stadium . Even if you're not into the game, it's worth stopping to get a glimpse of it at the very least; with the Dhauladhar mountain range in the backdrop, it is one of the most picturesque cricket stadiums in the world. 

Further down (4.7 miles from Dharamshala) is the Gyuto monastery , where you can get a glimpse into Buddhist tantric rituals and traditions. Nearby is the supposedly 500-year-old Aghanjar Mahadev temple; also dedicated to Lord Shiva, it draws many devotees who seek spirituality and serenity. At a 1.9-mile distance from the Mahadev temple is the Norbulingka monastery.

Located on the banks of the rivulet Bindusaras, the Chinmaya Tapovan , Sidhbari (5 miles from Dharamshala) is the perfect place to attend spiritual classes and meditate. The ashram complex includes a Rama temple; meditation hall; 30-foot-high statue of Lord Hanuman; and the samadhi hall of Swami Chinmayananda, a noted exponent of the Bhagavad Gita. 

A detour from Sidhbari takes one to Kangra valley (12 miles from Dharamshala). Perched high on a hill overlooking this valley is the Kangra fort; considered one of the oldest forts in India, it offers spectacular views of the surrounding mountains. Don't miss the 8th-century Masrur rock-cut temples, around 21 miles from the Kangra fort and 25 miles from Dharamshala.

Learn pottery at India's first pottery studio, Andretta artist village, which is around 28 miles from Dharamshala and near Palampur and Bir Billing. While you're here, you may want to visit the 13-century Baijnath temple, where Lord Shiva is prayed to as the god of physicians.

Dharamshala is also the perfect place to complete the pilgrimage circuit road tour of ancient and revered temples, including Bajreshwari temple in Kangra and Chamunda Devi temple near Palampur.

Foods to Try

Apart from the regular north-Indian fare, Dharamshala is famous for momos ; thukpas (Tibetan noodle soup), and hot tea with ginger, honey, and lemon. There are numerous food stalls and restaurants across town where you can find all of the above.

Where to Stay

There is no dearth of accommodation in and around Dharamshala. From guesthouses to homestays and five-star properties to dormitories, this Himachal town caters to every pocket. The Himachal Pradesh Tourism Department Corporation (HPTDC) runs government-owned guesthouses and hotels at different locations around town; online bookings are available and room rates start at around $22 a day.

The five-star Hyatt Regency at Dharamkot is a 20-minute uphill drive from Dharamshala. With well-appointed rooms and an in-house restaurant that serves international and Indian cuisine, it offers exceptional comfort amidst luxury, plus stunning views of the snow-capped mountains.

The tea plantations of Dharamshala and Palampur are quite famous, and many of them conduct guided tours. If you fancy staying in a beautiful resort with a revolving restaurant and tea plantation views, then look no further than RS Sarovar Portico in the beautiful town of Palampur (22 miles away from Dharamshala, near the Gopalpur zoo). Room rates start at $53 (excluding taxes).

However, if you plan to stay in a typical Himachali architecturally-styled home, then your best bet is the boutique property of The 4Rooms . It's run by Frank Schlichtmann, an Indo-German artist who also manages the 4tables cafe, located a stone's throw away from the property. It's located in the village of Gunehar, around 42 miles from Dharamshala and close to the paragliding site of Bir Billing.

Getting There

To get to Dharamshala, you'll first need to get to Kangra, which is 8 miles away. You can take a domestic flight from Delhi to Gaggal airport in Kangra; alternatively, you could board a train that takes you to Pathankot, then hop on a toy train that chugs through a scenic route on the way to Kangra.

From Kangra, you can either drive up to Dharamshala in a hired taxi or get into a comfortable minibus. If you're on a budget, you can board a government or private Volvo bus and travel directly from Delhi to Dharamshala.

Related Articles

More related articles.

6 Joyful Weeks in Dharamshala – Here’s What I Did

What does this travel guide to Dharamshala contain?

• My Dharamshala trip at a glance
• About Dharamshala District, Himachal Pradesh.
• My best things to do in Dharamashala.
• What is the best time to visit Dharmshala?
• How to reach Dharamshala, India?
• How to reach Dharmshala from Delhi?
• Where to stay in Dharmsala?
• How much would a Dharamashala trip cost?
• What to bring to Dharamshala?
• Is Dharamsala safe for solo travelers?

How to avoid the smoking culture of Dharamshala if you don’t want to be a part of it?

• How to go on a long trip to Dharamshala India?
• Around Dharmashala and further reading.

Things to do and places to visit in Dharamshala, Himachal Pradesh

This is not your typical Dharamshala travel guide.

During my six weeks in Dharamshala, I hardly ever searched for “things to do in Dharmshala” or “best places to visit in Dharmashala.”

What was I doing? I was busy taking my Dharamshala trip slow.

This might sound clichéd, but I was learning the art of doing nothing .

Visiting Places in Dharamshala and Doing Things at My Pace

I started my journey in Dharamshala by attending a Vipassana course in Dharamkot, one of the many green villages of the Dharamshala district. After a much-needed ten-day silence of body and mind, I packed my bags and headed out of the deodar forests of the Dharamkot Vipassana center. My plan was to stay for a week in upper Dharamkot. 

But something made me leave Dharamkot in two days. Was it the smoky air of my Dharamkot hostel or the hippies lining the cafes in Dharamkot market, I am not sure. I went to live on the other side of Dharamkot to Upper BhagsuNaag, another lush village in Dharmshala .

I had gone to Bhagsu for a week, and I didn’t know I would end up spending more than a month there. 

What was I doing in Bhagsu village for so long?

I was just being.

Soaking sunshine, breathing in fresh air wafting from the pea fields, reading, writing , hanging out with travelers from around the world, hiking in Dharamashala , learning the flute, understanding my body, doing Vipassana meditation, and practicing yoga were some of the things I did during my one-month stay in Bhagsu. (You might like my ideas on a happy, healthy, and aware life , too.)

Some days, I walked to Mcleodganj. On other days I hiked to Dharamshala city by finding obscure paths through the jungle. In Dharmsala, I saw my first movie alone in a theatre, devoured bowls of mushroom soups in local Tibetan stalls, gorged on parathas loaded with butter at Himachali food shops, and found green trails to discover a new village or practice flute with birds.

Even though writing, blogging , and learning new things occupied me, life in Dharamshala still felt slow.

If I couldn’t wander in the wild for whatever reason, my feet got itchy.

Exploring tiny trails through garlic fields, watching goats and sheep climb up and down, chatting away with the farmer ladies feeding the cows, watching children walking back home on treacherous paths, listening to loud streams gushing close by, choosing one from the hundred tiny mud paths all curling towards the same place, walking under the umbrella of the fragrant deodar and pine trees, admiring the blood-red rose bushes that jump out of nowhere, I didn’t realize how time went by.

At the end of the day, I often tucked up in bed with a piece of Bhagsu cake in hand and an Antman movie on my computer or a Ruskin Bond book (he inspired me to have fun at work ). If it rained, I ordered masala chai to warm my hands and soul.

Don’t judge me for too much chai. I needed those steamy cups on the moody days in Dharamshala in Himachal more than the French need their wine after work.

The weather in Dhramsala shifted like the mood of a disappointed life partner . Suddenly clouds would come floating close to my balcony. At other times it hailed as if someone had opened a door. I even ran downstairs to get hit by the icy balls in my head, but the young caretaker at my homestay scolded me and asked me to go back to my room. Then I sat around the restaurant kitchen to drink masala chai or rum and coke. At other times, I wore my pink rain jacket and walked to lower Bhagsu for a tattoo had to be made.

I haven’t told anyone about the tattoo bit yet. Sshh.

I might have lied a little when I said I was doing nothing. At least I felt I wasn’t doing much in Dhramsala.

Sometimes, I sat and admired the caravan of nature. On other days, I became a part of it. And why wouldn’t I? The scenery was breathtaking, the mood was vibrant, and the sun was generous, at least a few days of the week.

Whatever I did, the white-chocolate-sprinkled Dhauladhar range stood tall and peeked at us from everywhere in Dharamshala. Everything was ethereal.

At those heights, you rarely feel stressed. Life seems like a tiny spectacle in front of the gigantic mountains (one of the reasons I travel and live as an itinerant writer ).

People of Dharamshala don’t have an easy life.

I kept asking locals about their routines. If the restaurant people made enough money to support their families. If the guy who sold rudraksha malas in Mcleodganj  had enough. If the 20-year-old boy from Kashmir could study along with his day job that feeds his family back home.

Like everywhere else, some people in Dharmsala struggled more than others. Some hoped for a better tomorrow.

But none of them told me they wanted to go somewhere else. They were all content living in the mountains away from the chaos of cities.

When you travel to Himachal Pradesh, talk to some people there (if you don’t already). They have interesting stories to tell (this tale of a Himalayan woman in a small village taught me much about resilience and repetition).

Also see these 71 photos in which I remember my favorite moments from Himachal Pradesh

Even though it seems almost clichéd to say you should travel or visit the mountains to be free. To look at the bigger picture. To find yourself .

Looking down on the world while nestling in a sleeping tent on the top of the Himalayan peaks does add a skyline to the mundane.

So what do you say? Let’s visit some mountains this year. Let’s do the clichéd. Let’s get out and climb some hills. Who knows what we might find.

Travel can be the catalyst to a small change , which can in turn transform our life.

Though I am painting a fairytale picture here, over the past few years Dharamashala has been getting many more tourists than a village hamlet should. Israelis, Europeans, English, and North and South Americans all come here to live in peace, learn yoga in Dharamsala , and progress on the path of spirituality. But the exponential growth in Dharamshala tourism has its disadvantages.

Occasionally, you will find crowds of young Israelis playing loud music at 1 in the night. Your table and chair would disappear from your balcony or would be loaded with dirty plates some drunk people didn’t care to put in the kitchen. You would wake up to almost-naked men sun-basking as if they were in a private garden.

Travelers wouldn’t move for days and would smoke away expecting you to join. Your music teacher might not show up for classes no matter how many times you remind him. Someone would light a joint right after a yoga class at 10 in the morning. Even if you try to work, people would come over and sit at your table expecting you to expect company. They won’t move but you would have to.

I was able to thrust away some of this social conundrum. Some days it bothered me. Other times I joined. And some afternoons I quietly shifted to another table in the sun hoping to write the persuasion away .

Do what you have to do. Not wanting to smoke doesn’t make you uncool. Whatever you do, remember to not step over others’ space. 

Related Read: 15 things we overthink about

However hard the struggle to keep a peaceful environment might sound, I would have it no other way. This constant switch between comfort and discomfort makes me who I am .

At times I couldn’t stop smiling for serendipity unfolded and left me in the middle of amazing people.

On days, you would find yourself wandering in the woods while at times you would sit in your homestay watching the sky catch fire with a cup of tea and conversation with your host. You can eat paneer butter masala and roti for lunch while dinner could be a burger with salad and potato fries. You can sit with a laptop or you can meditate.

Everything is possible in Dharamashala.

About Dharmshala, Himachal Pradesh

Do you know Dharamshala city is the second capital of Himachal Pradesh after Shimla? The district headquarters of the Kangra district in Himachal, Dharamsala is also the Dalai Lama’s and thousands of Tibetans’ home after Tibet was occupied by China.

Surrounded by the snowy Dhauladhar ranges, Dhramshala is a peaceful place to visit.

My Best Things to do in Dharamshala

The location of Dharamashala makes the district an amazing place to hike, relax, eat, learn, read, and live. Some refer to Dhramshala as Dharamshala hill station, a place tucked away in the mountains.

This list will take you to the nooks and corners of Dharmshala and to some well-known places to visit in Dharamsala while making you feel you haven’t been doing much.

Remember there are a plethora of activities in Dharamshala to choose from. See what you like.

Let’s start.

1. Take a meditation course and change your life

My favorite meditation center, or to say realistically, the only one I tried was the Vipassana meditation center in Dharamkot.

Vipassana is an ancient meditation technique passed on by our beloved Buddha himself. I have yet to write an article on Vipassana, but for now, I would say meditation isn’t as fancy as it seems. You are basically trying to control your thoughts, body, and brain while focusing on your breath (and your body parts). You try to become mindful .

The ten-day-long Vipassana course at the Dhamma centers is good for beginner meditators or those who want to know more about meditation. Though Vipassana is a hard course and you have to sit on the floor to meditate for about fifteen hours a day, suffering is an intended part of the course. The pain arising from long sittings has to be observed until it passes. Whether it rains or hails, you meditate.

Vipassana doesn’t only help focus the mind and manage the pains, it also helps in rewiring our behavior. I still need to meditate more regularly. But since I have gone to the course, I don’t take many medicines for period pain. I know the pain is temporary and it will pass. Try the course if you want to use meditation techniques to live a more present life.

When to go: The Dharamkot Vipassana center is closed in the winter so the best time to go is March/April to September/October.

H ow to go: Apply on the Dhamma website . When you receive a confirmation, follow the steps in this article to travel to Dharamshala. Dharamkot is a small taxi or bus ride away from the Dhramsala bus stand.

2. Hike in Dharamashala – Best way to Visit Places in Dharamshala

My best way to travel in Dharamshala was to walk. And to your surprise, most places in Dharamshala (and Himachal) can be hiked up to by many different paths.

I am listing down all the places to see in Dharamshala and around I hiked to or lost my way. Feel free to go on some of these hikes or find your own.

You can read my guide to trekking in Dharamsala for complete information on all these treks.

• Kareri lake — Kareri Lake lies a trek away from the village of Kareri.   Located at a high altitude of 2934 meters, Kareri lake is a freshwater lake that is said to have the most gorgeous landscape. I almost went for this trek but my plan got canceled and I ended up in Amritsar instead. 
• Naddi — A village walkable from Mcleodganj. Go here for beautiful sunsets.
• Dharamkot or Bhagsu to Dharamashala city —   A long but beautiful walk. Take the road that forks from the Bhagsu-Mcleodganj road and goes down, and keep walking. Ask the locals for the way. You can also walk along the stream that goes down from Bhagsu waterfall and continues. Or you can choose to walk up the hills as I did. More details in the Dharamshala hiking guide.
• T o an unnamed waterfall in Dharamkot — One of my best places in Dharamshala to visit

A gorgeous waterfall (in which you can swim) lies a two-three-four hours hike (depending on your speed) from Dharamkot and Bhagsu. Walk up to the Gallu Devi temple (one of the many revered temples in Dharamshala) above Dharamkot and ask for the way. 

• To BhagsuNag waterfall by two different paths— Walk to the Bhagsu waterfall from either upper or lower Bhagsu. The upper part of the Bhagsunag waterfall is quieter than the lower.
• To the  Triund campsite and the snow-capped mountains of Dhauladhar — A six km uphill walk under the red rhododendrons from Upper Dharamkot would bring you to the Triund hill. Do it yourself or take a guide, the walk is pretty either way. More details on this are in the hiking guide.

One other things to do on your Dharamshala trip is to hike through the Indrahar pass. This trek takes about four days and three nights to complete.

Sightseeing in Dharamshala by hiking is much more interesting than taking a bus or a taxi. Walk it away. Remember, the altitude of Dharamshala is about 1450 meters, so if you start panting, don’t be hard on yourself. 

3. Sign up for a yoga course in Dhramshala

Due to the scenic Dhauladhar Himalayas enveloping Dharamshala from all sides, the Dalai Lama, and the mediation centers around Dharamashala, yoga has become a popular activity to do in Dharamshala.

Yoga is such a trend in Dhramsala that everyone who goes there has yoga added to their itinerary. Due to the demand for yoga classes in the area, many yoga centers have opened up and they run on run on donation-based hourly yoga classes.

Though new yoga teachers have opened up yoga centers for different kinds of yoga, many old yoga centers still thrive in the area. 

My guide to Dharamshala yoga (which also includes an introduction to yoga in India) will help me fully understand the yoga scene in Dhramshala. It also lists many yoga centers and how to find a yoga center if you are looking for one.

4. Live in a village in Dharmashala

What is better than waking up to a silent village, a few birds chirping to wake up the world, and a misty view from your balcony?

I lived in Bhagsu village for more than a month (linked is the narrative) doing the many things I mentioned above. If you love a location-free lifestyle, just hop onto one of the many villages in Dharamshala and see how life goes on in Himachal.

But having said all the nice things about a village stay, let me tell you the unlimited self-growth classes – music, yoga, meditation, and healing have sort of compromised on the local feel of the Himachali villages. Sometimes you would feel as if you are in Europe or some other cosmopolitan place outside India.

Amongst the tonnes of self-improvement classes, travelers forget to go out in nature and see how healing nature can be. By stepping aside from the main paths, find the magic of the Himalayas on your own.

5. Practice a musical instrument, and, again, change your life 

Many classical musicians and singers from around India flock to Dharamshala not only for some respite from city life but also to teach aspiring singers and musicians.

Go try the Jolly music shop at the center of Dharamkot. It is easy to find. You get to choose an hourly class of an instrument of your choice. The price per class is around 400-500 rupees.

Sit out in the many classical music festivals held at restaurants and cafes at night and get inspired to learn.

Update 2022: I’m sad to inform you that Jolly baba is no more, as all of us lovingly called him. Hope he took the music with him.

6. Enjoy Tibetan and Nepali food while not forgetting we have also got parathas and rajma chawal in Dhramsala 

Food is westernized and expensive in Dharamshala villages. As few Indians stay put in a destination for long, restaurants make food for an international palette. The almost bland food processed by these restaurants is sometimes thought of as real Indian food by foreign tourists.

Request the restaurant to balance spices in your curries while you order. Mcleodganj has more local, simple, and cheaper food options than the villages.

My favorite places to eat in Dharamashala,

• Roja Cafe, Upper Bhagsu — Home-grown wheat chapati and aloo gobhi. Poori sabzi (dry veggies with pooris). And more.
• Jungle Calling, Upper Bhagsu — Chocolate balls. Hundred rupees for one piece (woah).
• Tibet Kitchen, Mcleodganj, Dharamshala — All Tibetan thukpas, momos, and finger-licking.
• Bishnu Trekkers tea house — Small Himachali stall near Mcleodganj Square. Thali or the Himachali Dham for rupees 61. Unlimited food but please pay more for you can only get so much in 61.
• White Rabbit, Upper Bhagsu — For authentic Indian thali and crispy dosas.
• Evergreen Cafe — Upper Bhagsu. Spinach burger with fries. All things Indian are good here. Their sister also runs a place called Evergreen on the way from Dharamkot to Bhagsu. All good food and ginger lemon honey. 
• Bodhi Greens, Dharamkot — Good sandwiches and cakes.
• The Yak Cheese Sandwich shop — Dharamkot. For fresh yak cheese sandwiches and all things sweet.
• Heena Cafe— Upper Dharamkot near Bunker hostel. For good Indian and Tibetan food.
• Brahma Cafe — Upper Bhagsu. For Indian thali and garlicky palak paneer.
• Namgyal cafe — For those days when you need good crunchy pizza.
• Samosa and tiki shops in Mcleodganj on the Dalai Lama temple road.
• Small stalls in Mcleodganj – For kadhi chawal, rajma chawal, and aloo paranthas. If you want simple and cheap food, Mcleodganj is your best bet.

Places I didn’t like :

Little Buddha, on the way from Upper to Lower Bhagsu – Food was very average here though the place was always crowded.

Trimurti gardens in Dharamkot — I liked this place but I didn’t understand the hype.

Trek and Dine – A very popular place in Dharamkot but I found the food to be average. Also, the place was full of people (ahem Israelis) who rudely always shifted places as they liked and didn’t respect anyone else.

To name a few.

7. Try your hands at photography under Dharamshala’s deodars and pines

Chase those birds but from a distance. Capture that golden sunset. Set up the tripod and trace those stars in the sky. This is the time.

8. Get acquainted with Buddhism and the simple way of living

The Dalai Lama stays in Dhramshala in the Dalai Lama main temple (one of the best p laces to visit in Dharamshala and Mcleodganj ). Along with him came many of his followers from Tibet, and Tibetans now have their own government in exile in Dharmshala.

Dharamsala has been a spiritual center for decades now. Tushita meditation center in Dharamkot is next to the Vipassana meditation center.

You can sign up for a ten-days introductory course to Buddhism three or attend some open and free meditation classes in the morning.

Walking around Dharamshala is also a great way to interact with the monks and understand their life. You can strike up a conversation in the Dalai lama temple (a good place to visit in Mcleodganj) or in the streets of the district.

Staying close to people living such humble lives is eye-opening.

Also, the simple lives of the people of Himachal are no less than guidance in our 21st century. Most of the people of Himachal are quite well-doing and have multiple homes and farmlands. But you would never see them sitting idle, hiring many machines to do their work, engrossed with the phone, or showing their money in jewelry or expensive things – women were especially hard workers as far as I noticed.

Their simple lives would help you focus on what’s important.

9. See some crazy art performances from around the world — One of the many intriguing activities in Dharamshala.

Dharamashala is a spiritual place that attracts all kinds of travelers and non-travelers from around the world.

You can be part of a lot of spiritual and art activities in Dharamasala. Regular messages are posted on the Dharamkot information board. Or join the Bhagsu, Dhramkot, or Dharamsala Facebook group and stay updated.

Slow travel is the best travel in Dharamshala.

And if you are in a rush, pick a few things from this list and do as much as you can. Or practice the art of doing nothing. You can also opt for this GetYourGuide full-day Dharamshala tour with a local guide who will help you navigate the city and show some of its must-sees in a day while providing local insights.

What is the best time to visit Dharamsala, India?

The weather in Dharamshala shifts quicker than you can imagine.

The best time to visit Dharamshala in Himachal Pradesh is summer which lasts from mid-April to June/July when the monsoon begins. Though the summer months are supposed to be dry, Dharamshala receives heavy rainfall and hailstorms even in summers. So be prepared. 

In the summers in Dharamshala, you can manage during the day with a shawl or a light jacket. But the evenings can get chilly so carry a thick jacket. Don’t worry about things to bring to Dharamshala for I have covered them later.

In winters, Dharamshala gets covered under heavy layers of snow, and many businesses shift to Goa to cater to the customers there. If you plan to visit Dharamshala in December or any other winter months, inquire first about the availability of places and guesthouses.

Most dangerous are the months of July, August, and September when Dharamshala receives heavy rainfall making landslides a common scene. Please take extra care during these months, stay alert with news, and ask locals for advice.

How to reach Dharmsala, India?

The nearest airport to Dharamshala is the Dharamshala airport. Fly to Dharamshala from Delhi or take any other domestic flight. 

Traveling to Dharamsala is also convenient from Pathankot and Amritsar, cities in Punjab. So fly to these cities or reach them via a bus or train. Then you can either fly from Pathankot and Amritsar or take another bus to Dharmshala. Pathankot to Dharamshala distance is approximately 85 km but do keep a buffer for local buses have their own moods and stops.

You can also travel to Dharamashala by bus from many other places such as Bhuntar, Manali , Shimla, and other cities in Himachal.

Book your HRTC or private buses on Redbus . If you don’t see many buses, check on Cleartrip, Yatra, and other websites. When I was traveling in Himachal, I realized all the Himachal and Punjab buses weren’t listed on Redbus.

Please note – Dharamsala doesn’t have a railway station, and the nearest railway station to Dharamshala is Pathankot in Punjab. 

Taking a taxi up to Dharamshala is also a good way to travel if you are short on time or don’t want to enjoy the experience of traveling in an ancient bus on curvy paths on the Himalayas.

Mcleodganj and Dharmshala are connected by buses and shared taxis which don’t run at night. Get a private taxi at night from the Dharamshala bus stand. Taxi prices are fixed, and Dharmshala to Mcledoganj is about 350/400 rupees during the day/night.

Don’t forget to download an offline Google map of Dharamshala.

How to reach Dharamshala Hill Station from Delhi?

Delhi to Dharamshala by Bus — This is the most common option for traveling to Dharamshala from Delhi. Get an overnight bus from either old or New Delhi to Dharamshala city. The Delhi to Dharamshala journey would take about 14 hours.

Delhi to Dharamshala by Train — You can only travel until Pathankot. Then either take a taxi, bus, or flight to Dharamshala. 

Delhi to Dharamshala by taxi or self-driving — A good option always. Be prepared to drive on mountainous roads. 

Delhi to Dharamshala by Air — Fly to Dharamshala airport.

If you are planning a trip to Mcleodganj from Delhi, get a direct bus from Delhi that goes until Mcleodganj.

Where to stay in Dharamshala?

Even though Dhramshala is a great place to stay, not all homestays in Dharamshala are really homestays. Locals have commercialized their places and the homestays have become more like hotels where you come, go, and live independently and don’t spend much time with a Himachali family.

I was not particularly excited by this commercialization of Dharamsala homestays as I like to know the locals and spend time with them. But I had to instead focus more on interacting with locals outside my home for homeowners seem to have had enough of tourist interaction. Of course, this isn’t true for all the homestays, and especially new guesthouses are more inclusive.

Having said that, you can find places to stay in Dharamsala just by walking around. But do book a place to stay for your first night if you are arriving late. If you are heading straight away to villages, book a place in either Bhagsu or Dharamkot. The taxis can come up to a certain point and then you’ll have to walk.

Book a place in Dharamashala here on Booking . R emember most of the places the website shows come up in Bhagsu, Mcleodganj, or Dharamkot. If you are arriving late at night, ask your guesthouse about how to reach the place at night.

After spending a day, feel free to walk around, lose your way in the hidden trails of the valley, and ask for availability and prices. Many guesthouses aren’t registered on any tourism website so your best bet to find an affordable place is by walking and asking around.

My guides on finding home accommodations in India and affordable Indian guest houses might help too.

I liked Bhagsu and Dharamkot better than Mcleodganj for living. Mcleodganj was louder and had a fast-moving influx and outflow of tourists.

Dharamkot is a nice area to stay in if you like to stay close to the action. Upper Dharamkot is more peaceful than lower.

Upper Bhagsu is less crowded and more peaceful than lower Bhagsu, which is visited by a lot of tourists coming in to pray at the Bhagsunag temple.

Guesthouses in Dharamshala are of many kinds. Homestays are easy to find by asking around and so are hostels and hotels. I chose to stay in a homestay for a month at the price of almost 15k per month (discounted from 700 rs to 550 and am sure I could have gotten it for 500). The room has an attached balcony and a toilet with 24-hours hot water. I used to get a bird’s eye view of Dharamshala from my balcony so it was worth it.

For me, the best place to stay in Dharamshala would be Upper Dharamkot or Upper Bhagsu.

On that note, here are some hotels, home stays, and guesthouses I like in Dharamshala,

Bhagsu homestay in Upper Bhagsu

Minhas Homestay in Dari village  of Dharamshala

Prakriti Aalay in Dharamshala city

Buddha House Himalayan Brothers , again in Dharamshala town

S amdupling Himalayan Brothers in Dharamshala

Farm’s Nature Nest in Dharamshala city

How much would a Dharamshala trip cost?

I spent about five hundred rupees on my stay, and about five hindred more on food, coffee, and daily necessities. 

Additional costs:

A hatha yoga class for one and half hours — two hundred rupees minimum donation.

A flute lesson — four hundred rupees per class for a one-hour class.

Fruits – Few apples, bananas, and mangoes cost about two hundred rupees, maximum of three dollars, in lower Bhagsu.

Taxis and autos run on fixed prices. Though you wouldn’t be able to take them much as the roads aren’t always motorable. Also, walking around Dharamsala was so much fun and a natural exercise I almost always walked on my Dhramshala solo trip.

If you are visiting many places near Dharamshala, hop onto buses, a fun way to explore Himachal.

What to bring to Dharamshala, Himachal Pradesh?

• Bring along a  rain jacket . 
• Reliable  walking shoes  and  flip-flops . 
• Comfortable track pants (both thin and thick) for walking.
• A few t-shirts, thick ones if you come in the winter and thin ones for the summer. 
• Some warm clothes as the weather gets colder in the evening. You would also need those warm clothes or at least a  woolen shawl  or a  jacket . (I brought a sweater, too, but I sent it back because I didn’t need one in the summer.) You can buy a shawl from Dharamshala, too.
• Your  toiletries  and  sunscreen  and a  hat  for the sun. 
• A  headlamp  or  torch  for night walks through the mountains. 
• Bring a  mosquito repellent . 
• Long socks , a  full-sleeved shirt , and  full-length trousers  for treks.
• Bring  binoculars . A  good camera . Ask that friend for his heavy lens, you might need it to click a whistling thrush.
• Basic  medicines .
• Yoga matt or buy one from Dharmshala.
• A refillable water bottle. You have to pay 10 rupees for a bottle of filtered water at most of the guesthouses. But my  LifeStraw bottle filters water on the go and has saved me much money. I fill it up from any community tap around the village as the water comes directly from the Himalayas. Even if it was not coming from the mountains, Lifestraw has a strong filter. No more buying plastic water bottles. 
• Some lovely  books  to read.

Is Dharamshala Safe for solo travelers?

I was never scared to walk alone in Dharmsala. Himachal Pradesh — in general — is a pretty safe place even for a solo woman. 

Having said that, please do take the basic precautions every traveler needs to take. Don’t venture out late at night alone. Bring a torch. Ask the locals for help. Let someone know if you are heading out to one of the places to visit near Dharamshala. See the weather and then plan the hike of the day.

I have written more safety tips on traveling alone and in a group in my Dharamshala trekking guide .

Smoking h*** is a culture in Dharamshala.

Remember if you don’t like to smoke, you can always say no. You don’t become less cool if you don’t smoke. Do what you have to do. You would have to find your space and also be ready to feel out of the group (not always and you might want to stay away from groups who don’t respect your choices).

If you want to smoke, do it responsibly and while being respectful to the locals. 

How to go on a long trip to Dharamshala?

My digital nomad lifestyle allows me to travel.

But if you have a job, how can you visit any place for longer?

Combine holidays. Think about long weekends and join them together with your other holidays. Take sabbaticals. Get a break in between jobs. Give yourself a chance to see the world after graduation. Ask your partner to plan a trip with you. Pamper your child with a getaway to the grandest mountains  of the world.

Well, you get the idea.

Places to visit near Dharamshala and further readings.

You have access to many places around Dharamshala for you are in the mighty Himalayas.

Here are some of the places near Dharamshala I visited on my Himachal trip:

Spiti Valley

Traveling Alone in Spiti – My Travel Guide to Spiti Valley

Surreal Spiti in Photos – Everyday Pictures of Spiti – Photos of Spiti that show regular Spitian life

Parvati Valley

Kalga Village, Parvati, Himachal – My favorite village in Parvati

Kalga to Bunbuni Pass and then to Kheerganga – Hiking on offbeat paths in Parvati

Manikaran Sahib, Parvati valley – A timeless village in Parvati

Running away from Shilha village – Escaping the loudspeakers in Parvati

Travel guide to Kasol village in Parvati – Only the gateway to Parvati valley

An honest travel Guide to Parvati Valley – No sugarcoating but only the real scene of Parvati and peaceful places to go.

My offbeat travel guide to the best places to visit in Manali

Travelogue of Naggar , a small village near Manali

Some other places to visit and things to do in Himachal Pradesh,

• Hiking down to the leopards in a Shimla village
• Living in Shakrala village of Shimla (in the lockdown)
• Making a picnic at Kanag Devi temple , on top of one of the hills in Shimla
• Why not to visit Fagu village in Shimla
• Admiring the blood moon From Mashobra, Shimla
• An Itinerant Writer’s life in Mashobra, Himachal
• No one knows about these Shivpur temples in Mashobra
• Why I loved Pangna village in Mandi
• Daring to hike Shikari Devi temple on our own, in Mandi
• Plucking apples with Himachal Pradesh families
• How a dam destroyed Tattapani hot water springs
• Roaming around Karsog to buy shoes, Mandi district

Did you like my Dharamshala blog? Let me know in the comments.

Like my guide! Please pin it.

Want similar inspiration and ideas in your inbox? Subscribe to my free weekly newsletter "Looking Inwards"!

28 thoughts on “6 Joyful Weeks in Dharamshala – Here’s What I Did”

Wow, thanks a lot for sharing! Planning my first trip to India and Dharamshala will definitely be on my list 🙂 Not sure if you check comments section still but how is WiFi there? I am working remotely so I am trying to understand whether it’ll be comfortable to work there or should I take a few days off… I would appreciate if you could share your experience.

Thanks, Eugeniya

hey, thanks for your comment. Yes, wifi works well in Dharamshala. If a place doesn’t have internet, one can always use phone’s 3G/4G which connects well. Enjoy your trip 🙂

This is one of the best tour guides about Dharamshala. You know I took inspire from your blog to Improve my blog quality thanks a ton for this blog.

Aaroham Resort by Aamod at Dharamshala Address: SATOBARI HILLS ROAD,MCLEODGANJ, Dharamshala, Himachal Pradesh 176216 Hours: Open ⋅ Closes 11:30PM Phone: 062300 75111

Dear Priyanka, Thank you for sharing this blog.You have done really a great job … appreciated… Blessings!!!

Dharamshala is a beautiful destination and images that you shared are very amazing they are making me excited to go to visit Dharamshala i promise to myself this year.

Hi,am planing a solo trip to himachal.planning to visit most attractive places like manali,kullu,spiti,etc.wanted to know how the means of transportation is,like if we want to see most of the places in dharmashala.travelling by taking cabs individually will be expensive I hope.do we have any other means.please advise.

Hi Mobin. Consider taking the local buses if you are on your own. That’s the best option to travel intercity.

Well, the article is well worth to read.

Hi Priyanka, it’s written and explained beautifully. I am in Rakkar (a small village near Dharamshala)for a month with my family. Your blog is really helpful to explore the more unexplored places. Keep on writing Love Renu Datta

Love your article, Beautiful explore!!! Keep posting the same.

Hello! It was delightful to your blog.

Awesome article!!! Keep posting the same.!!!

Hi Priyanka,

This was not only comprehensive but as I read I felt like I was a part of the journey too and that is something eh? Kudos!

thanks a lot 🙂

I have been to Dharamshala twice and after reading this blog post, I need to go more often. Flute and meditation in Himalays is such a bliss.

Your Dharamsala guide is comprehensive and fantastically written. Kudos.

Thanks for reading. I am glad it helped.

Amazing , I live in Dharamsala but you have beautifully explored every moment..amazing

Loved your article. I live in USA and work in IT so I can understand the urge to change. Didn’t know anything about Dharamshala before and now will surely plan a trip there. Sooo happy for you that you are living your dreams. Way to go girl. Will join onmycanvas to read your traveling adventures

Loved reading this Priyanka. Headed there next week. Will keep referring to your Himachal blogs ?

Wow, thank you so much for this guide. I cannot wait to go see some of these places and eat the foods and find my self 🙂 great article Priya

Felt like reading some sort of encyclopedia. Great information How did you manage to take such fantastic photographs.

Hey. Thank you for dropping by and for the beautiful comment. Pictures are a mix of phone and Nikon. But still mostly phone. Encyclopedia? Really? That’s nice 🙂

This is a brilliant guide.

Leave a Comment Cancel reply

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed .

• Tour Enquiry
• Sign up | Login
• My Bookings
• New User? Sign-up
• Domestic Tours
• South India
• Maharashtra
• Golden Triangle
• North India
• North East India
• International
• Maldives (Discontinued)
• All Domestic Tours
• All International Tours
• Offbeat Tours
• Domestic Cruise Tours
• Jungle Lodges by JLR
• Kabini River Lodge
• Bandipur Safari Lodge
• JLR Kings Sanctuary
• River Tern Lodge
• Kali Adventure Camp
• Hampi Heritage & Wilderness Resort
• K Gudi Wilderness Camp
• Car Rentals
• Destinations
• Tourist Places on Drive
• Driving Directions
• * Workation
• * Tour Plans
• List Property
• Dharamshala
• Places to Visit in Dharamshala

20 Top Tourist Places to Visit in Dharamshala

• Dharamshala Overview
• Top 20 Places to Visit in Dharamshala
• 18 Best Dharamshala Tour Packages
• Top Resorts in Dharamshala
• Best Time to Visit Dharamshala
• How to Reach Dharamshala
• Driving Directions to Dharamshala
• within 1 km
• within 5 km
• within 10 km
• within 20 km
• within 30 km
• within 40 km
• within 50 km

Namgyalma Stupa

#1 of 20 Places to Visit in Dharamshala

At a distance of 3 km from Dharamshala and 6 km from McLeod Ganj, Namgyalma Stupa is an old Buddhist structure situated at Uparli Barol. It is one of the famous places to visit as part of Dharamshala Tour . Namgyalma Stupa is a dome-shaped construction that contains the remains of Buddha, which the Tibetans consider to be a sacred place of worship. It holds a huge shrine of Sakyamuni Buddha. The Namgyalma Stupa was constructed in the remembrance of the Tibetan soldiers who fought for the freedom of Tibet. This structure is similar in design to the structure built during the 3rd century BC by King Ashoka. Among the most prominent places of sightseeing in Dharamshala , the Namgyalma Stupa is carved from sandstone and is made with a vision of being long-lasting. It is a belief among Tibetans that anything that falls on the Namgyalma Stupa gets .....

...read more

Gyuto Karmapa Temple / Gyuto Monastery

#2 of 20 Places to Visit in Dharamshala

At a distance of 8 km from Dharamshala and 13 km from McLeod Ganj, Gyuto Monastery is a Buddhist Monastery located at Sidbhari on the main road to Palampur. It is one of the famous Bhuddhist Monasteries in Himachal and among the best Dharamshala places to visit . The Gyuto Monastery is one of the most famous monasteries and specializes in the study of Tantric meditation, Tantric ritual arts, and Buddhist philosophy. It was founded in Tibet in 1474 by the main disciple of the first Dalai Lama, Jetsun Kunga Dhondup. After the communist Chinese invasion of Tibet in 1959, the monastery was re-established in India. It is the abode of Karmapa, the Head of Kagyu Tibetan Buddhism. Karmapa means the one who carries out Buddha activity or the embodiment of all the activities of the Buddha. Also called TCV School, the main chamber of the monastery has a majestic statue of the Buddha and with the backdrop .....

Chamunda Nandikeshwar Temple

#3 of 20 Places to Visit in Dharamshala

At a distance of 17 km from Dharamshala, 10 km from Palampur, 24 km from McLeod Ganj and 24 km from Kangra, Chamunda Devi Temple is a renowned Hindu Temple located at Padar on the banks of Baner River in Kangra district of Himachal Pradesh. This ancient temple dates back to the 16th century. The temple is dedicated to Chamunda Devi, an incarnation of Goddess Durga. The word Chamunda has been derived from two words, Chanda and Munda. As per the mythological legends, goddess Kali killed two notorious demons Chanda and Munda in a fierce battle at this place in ancient time. Hence, the goddess is known and worshipped as Chamunda. The temple houses sacred image of Chamunda Devi. In the corner of the temple, one can see small stone with footsteps of Goddess. Besides the main shrine, there is a marble staircase that takes down to the cave of Lord Shiva with a Shiva Linga. Chamunda Devi Mandir is believed to be the abode of Shiva and Shakti. Due to this reason, it is also known as .....

Norbulingka Institute / Norbulingka Monastery

#4 of 20 Places to Visit in Dharamshala

At a distance of 7.5 km from Dharamshala Bus Station and 12 km from McLeod Ganj Bus Stand, Norbulingka Institute is an educational and training institute situated at Dharamshala in Kangra district of Himachal Pradesh. Norbulingka Institute was founded in 1988 for preserving Tibetan culture, literature and art. It was established by Dalai Lama and is named after Norbulingka, the summer residence of the Dalai Lamas in Lhasa, Tibet. It has been built in traditional Tibetan style located amidst gardens and ponds. The main sections of the institute are the Academy of Tibetan Culture, Literary and Cultural Research Centre as well as the Centre of the Arts. The institute also has the Seat of Happiness Temple set amidst the Japanese inspired Norbulingka gardens. It is especially known for more than 1000 murals of Buddha, frescoes of all the Dalai Lamas and drawings from the life of the 14th Dalai Lama. The institute primarily works towards preserving Tibetan traditions and .....

Triund Hill, Near Mcleod Ganj

#5 of 20 Places to Visit in Dharamshala

At a distance of 8 km from McLeod Ganj Bus Stand and 13 km from Dharamshala, Triund is a beautiful hill situated in the Dhauladhar Mountains of Himachal Pradesh. Witth an altitude of about 2842 m, it is one of the popular trekking places near Delhi , and among the must-visit places during McLeodganj tour . Triund is an 8 km trek from the McLeod Ganj Bus Stand. It is one of the best trails of short treks in Himachal state and among the top McLeodganj tourist places for adventure buffs. This is a small and easy trek, which can be done either from McLeodganj or Dharamkot, which is 2 km ahead of McLeodganj. The trail is 6 km from Dharamkot and passes through Galu Devi temple. From this temple, it takes around 3 hours to reach Triund. The initial half of the trek is a gradual incline ..... Distance (From Dharamshala): 13 Kms Trip Duration (From Dharamshala - Including Travel): Half Day to Full Day .....

Bhagsunag Waterfall / Bhagsu Falls, Near Mcleod Ganj

#6 of 20 Places to Visit in Dharamshala

At a distance of 3 km from McLeod Ganj & 7 km from Dharamshala, Bhagsunag Falls, also known as Bhagsu Falls, is a beautiful waterfall situated at Bhagsu village behind Bhagsunath Temple near McLeod Ganj in Kangra district of Himachal Pradesh. It is one of the popular McLeodganj places to visit , and among the best waterfalls in Himachal . Cascading down from a height of 20 m, this is a mid-size waterfall. During monsoon, this waterfall turns beautiful alongside a mountain that features slate graffiti. This area is covered with snowfall during winters. Tourists love to swim across the cold water which gives a pleasant and refreshing experience as part of McLeodganj sightseeing packages . Trekking is also a good and much enjoyable option here. The Bhagsu village is a popular picnic spot and ..... Distance (From Dharamshala): 7 Kms Trip Duration (From Bhagsunag Temple (1 km) - Including Travel): 1 Hour .....

Bhagsunath Temple, Near Mcleod Ganj

#7 of 20 Places to Visit in Dharamshala

At a distance of 2 km from McLeod Ganj Bus Stand & 6 km from Dharamshala, Bhagsu Nag Temple also known as Bhagsunath Temple is one of the popular ancient temples located in McLeod Ganj. The temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva and the local deity Bhagsu Nag. Bhagsu Nag Mandir is an ancient temple believed to have been built by King Bhagsu from Rajasthan. The present Bhagsu Nag temple was constructed by 1st Gurkha Rifles in early 19th century and worshipped majorly by 14 Gurkha platoon villages in Dharamshala . Adjacent to the temple building are a series of pools where Buddhist monks and visitors enjoy baths. An annual fair is conducted in the month of September at this temple which attracts tourist from the entire region. This temple is situated on the way to Bhagsunag Waterfall. Distance (From Dharamshala): 6 Kms Trip Duration (From Dharamshala - Including Travel): 1 Hour .....

Tsuglagkhang / Dalai Lama Temple Complex, Near Mcleod Ganj

#8 of 20 Places to Visit in Dharamshala

At a distance of 2 km from McLeod Ganj Bus Stand and 4 km from Dharamshala, Tsuglagkhang Monastery is a Buddhist Monastery situated in McLeod Ganj suburb of Dharamshala in Himachal Pradesh. It is one of the must-include places in Mcleodganj holiday packages . Tsuglag Khang, also known as Dalai Lama's Temple complex, is the home for His Holiness Dalai Lama. It is among the world-renowned religious centers and is thronged by Buddhist pilgrims throughout the year. Tsuglagkhang Monastery is a beautifully built structure. This is more like a temple along with being a residential complex for His Holiness and his followers. The complex houses the Photang (Dalai Lama's residence), Tibet Museum, Tsuglagkhang Temple, and Namgyal Gompa. The monastery deals with the training of monks for rituals associated with holy shrine, whereas the temple is a chief place of worship. A beautifully decorated statue of Lord Buddha along with beautiful ..... Distance (From Dharamshala): 4 Kms Trip Duration (From Dharamshala - Including Travel): 1-2 Hours .....

Tsechokling Gompa, Near Mcleod Ganj

#9 of 20 Places to Visit in Dharamshala

At a distance of 200 m from McLeod Ganj Bus Stand and 9 km from Dharamshala, Tsechokling Gompa, also known as Tse Chok Ling Gompa is a religious monument constructed on a steep hillside in McLeod Ganj. Tsechokling Gompa is amongst the popular monasteries in the region and is highly regarded for its cultural significance. This peaceful Gompa was built in 1987 to replicate the original Dip Tse Chok Ling Gompa in Tibet, destroyed in the Revolution. Home to a small order of Gelukpa monks, the prayer hall enshrines a statue of Sakyamuni in a magnificent jeweled headdress. The monks who lived in the Gompa made two huge drums covered in goatskin and painted beautifully. The Gompa is famous for the fine Mandalas. Distance (From Dharamshala): 9 Kms Trip Duration (From McLeod Ganj Bus Stand (200m) - Including Travel): 1 Hour .....

St. John Church, Near Mcleod Ganj

#10 of 20 Places to Visit in Dharamshala

At a distance of 1 km from McLeod Ganj and 8 km from Dharamshala, St. John Church, also known as St. John In The Wilderness, is an Anglican church situated at Forsyth Ganj on the way to McLeod Ganj amidst beautiful deodar trees. The church was dedicated to Saint John the Baptist and was constructed in 1852. The Church is a historic monument and one of the oldest churches in the region. It is built in Neo-Gothic architectural style and features Belgian stained-glass windows that were donated by Lady Elgin, wife of Lord Elgin. The church was built with grey stone and is one of the few buildings still in existence in the town from the British era. The British style of architecture is extremely evident in the edifice of the church, with elegant wood of the altar and the brass handles of the oil lamps. These lamps have now been replaced with electric lamps. In 1905 an earthquake destroyed the bell tower of this church. A new bell was built in 1915, which was brought from England. ..... Distance (From Dharamshala): 8 Kms Trip Duration (From Dharamshala - Including Travel): 1 Hour .....

Indru Nag Temple

#11 of 20 Places to Visit in Dharamshala

At a distance of 5 km from Dharamshala Bus Station and 8 km from McLeod Ganj Bus Stand, Indru Nag Temple is a Hindu temple situated at Indru Nag near Chohla village Dharamshala. It is one of the well-known religious places to visit in Dharamshala . Indru Nag is an ancient temple built by local villagers and is dedicated to Snake King. People offer prayers to the Indru Nag and they strongly believe that this God saves them from natural disasters, especially heavy rains. The temple is located on the hilltop and one can get a panoramic view of the Dharamshala and Dhauladhar ranges. The Khanyara road from Dharamshala leads to Chohla village. From Chohla, visitors need to trek 1 km to reach the Indru Nag Temple, one of the must-visit places as part of Dharamshala sightseeing packages . Adventure lovers can trek the whole distance from Dharamshala .....

Nechung Monastery

#12 of 20 Places to Visit in Dharamshala

At a distance of 2.5 km from Dharamshala and 3 km from McLeod Ganj, the Nechung Monastery is located just below the Tibetan Library in Gangchen Kyishong and is one of the sightseeing attractions of McLeod Ganj. The monastery is part of Tsuglagkhang Complex. Nechung Monastery is considered as the seat of the State Oracle and protector-deity of His Holiness Dalai Lama and Tibet. It has a great importance in Tibetan history and Buddhist religion. Nechung has acted as spiritual guide to the Tibetan Government since the 18th century. The physical medium is called Nechung Kuten. When the medium enters into a trance-like state, the protector-deity takes possession of his body and gives advice and predictions to the Dalai Lama and Tibetan leaders in exile. The original Nechung Monastery in Lhasa had 115 monks in 1959 and was razed to the ground during the Revolution. However, six monks managed to escape to India to continue the complex traditions of the Nechung Institution. Tibetan .....

Aghanjar Mahadev Temple

#13 of 20 Places to Visit in Dharamshala

At a distance of 9 km from Dharamshala and 16 km from McLeod Ganj, Aghanjar Mahadev Temple is situated in the Khaniyara village at the foothills of Dhauladhar. This temple is believed to be five hundred years old. The Aghanjar Mahadev Temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva. It is believed that once upon a time when Arjuna, one of the Pandavas from the Mahabharata, was on his way to the Kailash Mountains, Lord Shiva appeared at this spot and blessed him with the boon of victory over the Kauravas. There are several idols of Lord Shiva and a Lord Hanuman statue. The temple is surrounded by forests, mountains and a little waterfall is situated behind the temple with continuous flow of water. There is also a small cave with Shivlinga near the temple. This Shiva temple and its surroundings offer a great relief. This is a beautiful place to relax and capture the beauty of nature and surrounding mountains. Timings: 5 AM to 9 PM

Kunal Pathri Temple

#14 of 20 Places to Visit in Dharamshala

At a distance of 6 km from Dharamshala and 11 km from McLeod Ganj, Kunal Pathri Mata Temple is situated at Kunal Pathri town in Kangra district of Himachal Pradesh. Kunal Pathri Temple is a little rock temple dedicated to local goddess Kapaleshwari. The temple was consecrated by regional tribes to offer their prayers. This ancient temple is surrounded by dense tea gardens and is the perfect place for a long peaceful walk amidst the lush surroundings. The temple displays exquisite carvings of gods and goddesses. It is said that there is a stone in the temple that always remains wet. According to local legend, the moment it starts drying, it rains. The temple premises offer a good view of the mountains. An annual fair also takes place during March/April.

Kareri Lake

#15 of 20 Places to Visit in Dharamshala

At a distance of 32 km from Dharamshala and 39 km from McLeod Ganj, Kareri Lake, also known as Kumarwah Lake, is a high altitude lake located in the Kangra district of Himachal Pradesh. Trek to Kareri Lake is one of the top things to do in Dharamshala . Kareri Lake is situated at an altitude of 3100 m and is a fresh water lake. Snow melting from the Dhauladhar range serves as the source of the lake and a stream, Nyund is the outflow. Since the source is fresh melting snow and the lake is shallow the lake bed can be seen clearly. It is one of the must-include places in Dharamshala holiday packages . Kareri Lake is best known for being a trekking destination in the Dhauladhar range. The trek starts from Ghera village, which is about 22 km from McLeod Ganj. Ghera is accessed either by shared jeep from Dharamsala or on foot from Naddi. It has a .....

#16 of 20 Places to Visit in Dharamshala

At a distance of 37 km from Dharamshala, 44 km from McLeod Ganj, and 54 km from Kangra, Kotla Fort is a historic fort situated at Kotla Town in the Kangra district of Himachal Pradesh. Located on the Pathankot-Dharamshala road, it is one of the renowned places of heritage in Himachal , and among the must-visit places as part of Dharamshala tour packages . Kotla Fort stands at an altitude of 650 m, overlooking the surrounding deep valleys. The fort was built by Raja Ram Chand of Guler in the 16th century. It was seized during the reign of Raja Suraj Mal and his brother Madho Singh was made the commander of the fort. The way to the fort is covered with thick forests of pine. It is one of the major Dharamshala tourist places . The fort houses 15 corridors and was built on a huge rock, which follows .....

Dal Lake, Near Mcleod Ganj

#17 of 20 Places to Visit in Dharamshala

At a distance of 3 km from McLeod Ganj Bus Stand and 9 km from Dharamshala, Dal Lake is a small mid-altitude lake situated near the village of Tota Rani on Mcleodganj-Naddi road in Kangra district of Himachal Pradesh. It is one of the prominent McLeodganj tourist attractions . The beautiful Dal Lake stands at an altitude of 1,775 m and is one of the popular sightseeing attractions to visit as during McLeodganj trip . The greenish lake is home to various species of fish. It is the best base camp for trekkers in Dharamsala and McLeod Ganj. It is situated on the crest of a hill and affords a panoramic view of the Kangra Valley and the Dhauladhar Ranges. Boating facility is also available at this lake. This oval-shaped lake is surrounded by deodar trees and is considered to be a sacred spot as there is a small Shiva Temple on its bank. According ..... Distance (From Dharamshala): 9 Kms Trip Duration (From Dharamshala - Including Travel): 1-2 Hours .....

Illaqa / Lahesh Cave Trek, Near Mcleod Ganj

#18 of 20 Places to Visit in Dharamshala

At a distance of 12 km from McLeod Ganj and 17 km from Dharamshala, Lahesh Cave is a Camping ground which is used by shepherds in the summers when they take their sheep to the high altitude meadows here. It lies at an altitude of 3500 m above sea level. Lahesh Cave is a 12 km trek from the McLeod Ganj Bus Stop. This is an easy to moderate trek, which can be done either from McLeod Ganj or Dharamkot, which is 2 km ahead of McLeod Ganj. The trail is 10 km from Dharamkot and passes through Galu Devi Temple, Triund and Illaqa. Triund is the base camp for the trekkers who continue the trek to Lahesh Cave, Indrahara Pass to Bharmour. Along the way there are many small Tea shops where one can refresh during the hike. After a 2 km ascent from Triund, traversing through a ridge will lead to Illaqa or Laka which has a temporary shepherd camp. The path is rock-strewn and uneven, some spots were treacherous too. Illaqa is a flat stretch of land on the Moon Peak Mountain which divides the ..... Distance (From Dharamshala): 17 Kms Trip Duration (From Dharamshala - Including Travel): 2-3 Days .....

Indrahar Pass Trek, Near Mcleod Ganj

#19 of 20 Places to Visit in Dharamshala

At a distance of 16 km from McLeod Ganj and 21 km from Dharamshala, Indrahar Pass is a mountain pass in the Dhauladhar range of the Himalayas near the town of Dharamshala in Himachal Pradesh. Located at an altitude of 4,342 m above mean sea level, Indrahar pass forms the border between Kangra and Chamba districts. The trekking trail to Indrahar pass is very popular and the trek starts from Galu Devi temple above Dharamkot village near Dharamsala, which is 2 km from McLeod Ganj Bus Stop. The Indrahara Pass trek is considered a moderate to difficult trek. The trek passes through the camping grounds of Triund, Illaqa, and Lahesh Caves. Guna Devi to Triund is a 6 km steep but marked trail. Triund is the base camp for the trekkers who continue the trek to Lahesh Cave, Indrahara Pass and Bharmour. Along the way there are many small Tea shops where one can refresh during the hike. Trek up to Triund is very popular and busy with ..... Distance (From Dharamshala): 21 Kms Trip Duration (From Dharamshala - Including Travel): 3-4 Days .....

#20 of 20 Places to Visit in Dharamshala

At a distance of 23 km from Sundar Nagar, 24 km from Rewalsar, 70 km from Kullu, 107 km from Manali, 126 km from Dharamshala, 138 km from Shimla, 156 km from Bilaspur, 186 km from Chandigarh, 207 km from Pathankot, 235 km from Dalhousie, and 431 km from New Delhi, Mandi (formerly known as Mandav Nagar), also known as Sahor, is a major town and district headquarters of Mandi district in Himachal Pradesh. Lying on the banks of River Beas, it is one of the best offbeat tourist places to in Himachal , and among the prominent places to visit near Chandigarh . Situated at the junction of Kullu and Dharamshala, the town of Mandi is a gorgeous mountainous region filled with surreal landscapes and innumerable ancient shrines. It is often referred to as 'Varanasi of Hills', or 'Choti Kashi', or 'Kashi of Himachal' as the town has as many as 81 temples spread across its area. Offering ..... Distance (From Dharamshala): 126 Kms Trip Duration (From Dharamshala - Including Travel): Full Day .....

Most Asked Questions on Dharamshala

Dharamshala, often called as the gateway to the Kangra valley, can be visited from September to October and again from April to June. Summer is the busiest season in Dharamshala and it is also the best time for outdoor activities like trekking and sightseeing.

Dharamshala usually takes at least 2 full days to visit the most important attractions. Dharamshala can be mixed with near by wonderful destinations like Shimla, Manali, Kullu and Dalhousie by adding few additional days to your trip.

Budget of Dharamshala trip depends on the trip duration and category of hotel you choose for your stay along with the kind of vehicle you prefer. Dharamshala tour packages offered by Trawell.in start from as low as INR 5150 per person for a 2D/1N trip and from INR 7100 per person for 3D/2N vacation.

Ensure to cover most important places to visit in Dharamshala like Namgyalma Stupa, Gyuto Karmapa Temple, Chamunda Nandikeshwar Temple, Norbulingka Monastery, Nechung Monastery, Dalai Lama Temple Complex, Tsechokling Gompa, St. John Church, Bhagsunath Temple and Bhagsunag Waterfall.

Dharamshala usually experiences with occasional snowfall during peak winter between the months of December and February. It depends on weather condition and the dates may vary and the level of snowfall may vary as well.

Top 3 Dharamshala Packages

Dharamshala blogs, dharamshala related packages, dharamshala related pages.

Places to Visit in Popular Sites in India

• Coorg Tourist Places
• Ooty Tourist Places
• Munnar Tourist Places
• Shimla Tourist Places
• Mahabaleshwar Tourist Places
• Chikmagalur Tourist Places
• Wayanad Tourist Places
• Pondicherry Tourist Places
• Goa Tourist Places
• Andaman Tourist Places
• Hampi Tourist Places
• Ajanta Ellora Tourist Places
• Lonavala Tourist Places
• Nainital Tourist Places
• Agra Tourist Places
• Jaipur Tourist Places
• Kodaikanal Tourist Places
• Darjeeling Tourist Places
• Ratnagiri Tourist Places
• Murudeshwar Tourist Places
• Varanasi Tourist Places
• Ayodhya Tourist Places
• Madurai Tourist Places
• Rameswaram Tourist Places
• Shirdi Tourist Places
• Dwarka Tourist Places
• Somnath Tourist Places
• Yercaud Tourist Places
• Dandeli Tourist Places
• Thekkady Tourist Places
• Mussoorie Tourist Places
• Kerala Tourist Places
• Tamilnadu Tourist Places
• Karnataka Tourist Places
• Maharashtra Tourist Places
• Orissa Tourist Places
• Sikkim Tourist Places
• Kashmir Tourist Places

Near By Places

Similar Places

100% SECURE PAYMENTS

Domestic & International Cards Accepted

Our WhatsApp Numbers

Kerala, Tamilnadu, AP & TG Tours

Karnataka Tours

Goa, Maharashtra, Gujarat Tours

North India Tours

Rest of India

International Tours

Request Quote

Travellers #

Explore Tour Packages

Discover Affordable Tour Packages

Need Customized Tour? Request Quote

Login / sign-up.

Your Sign in was successful! Itinerary will be downloaded shortly.

Sign up with Trawell.in

Already Created Account? Login Here

Sign in with Trawell.in Account

Forgot Password?

New User? Sign Up Here

Activate Your Trawell.in Account

Your account is activated successfully. Login Here

Reset Your Trawell.in Password

Your password has been reset successfully. Login Here

Booking Policy

Getty Images/Universal Images Group

Dharamsala (also spelled Dharamshala) is known as the home of the Dalai Lama, though in fact the Tibetan spiritual leader is based about two miles up the hill in McLeod Ganj, and that's where most visitors are heading. Dharamsala proper is a market town mostly useful for bus connections.

Attractions

Must-see attractions.

Tsuglagkhang Complex

Mcleod Ganj

McLeod's main focus for visiting pilgrims, monks and most tourists is the Tsuglagkhang complex, a custard-coloured concrete monastic village that's home…

Norbulingka Institute

Soothingly set amid bamboo, trees and flowing water, the delightful Norbulingka Institute, 6km southeast of Dharamsala, was established in 1988 to teach…

Tibet Museum

This must-see, two-storey museum sets out to remind visitors of Tibet's history as an independent nation, mourning the Chinese occupation (since 1949) and…

Men-Tsee-Khang

Men-Tsee-Khang is an organisation established to preserve the traditional arts of Tibetan medicine and astrology. The Gangchen Kyishong branch includes a…

Library of Tibetan Works & Archives

Inside the government-in-exile compound, nearly 2km downhill from the Tsuglagkhang complex, the Library of Tibetan Works & Archives began life as a…

Gyuto Tantric Gompa

Standing in for the 1474 Tibet original, this large monastic complex forms an attractive scene backed by mountainscape at Sidhbari village (7km from…

Men-Tsee-Khang Museum

Three floors of displays explain the sophisticated sciences of Tibetan astrology and medicine.

Kalachakra Temple

Visiting the Tsuglagkhang clockwise, as is required by Buddhist convention, you pass a prostrating area then a door leads into the westernmost building,…

Plan with a local

Experience the real India

Let a local expert craft your dream trip.

Latest stories from Dharamsala

Dec 11, 2019 • 5 min read

Despite never finding fame in her home country, Irish actress Norah Richards is revered in the small Indian village of Andretta. Here’s why.

Apr 24, 2019 • 7 min read

Apr 11, 2019 • 9 min read

in partnership with getyourguide

Book popular activities in Dharamsala

Dharamsala and beyond.

• Group Enquiry? NEW
• 30 Places to Visit in Dharamshala

• Himachal Pradesh
• Dharamshala

Tourist Places to Visit in Dharamshala

Quick navigation.

Popular Places to Visit in Dharamshala

Triund hill.

Dharamshala Cricket Stadium

Boasting as one of the best Dharamshala tourist places, Dharamshala Cricket Stadium invites revelers from both near and far. This picturesque stadium is snuggled amidst the greens of the Himalayan range, and its lure is beyond one's imagination. Also, it is seated at an elevation of almost 1,500 m and caters to various cricket matches. Popularly it is famed as HPCA stadium! Location: The address is HPCA Cricket Stadium, Distt. Kangra, Dharamshala, Himachal Pradesh 176215. Timings: One can visit the destination from 9:00 AM in the morning to 6:00 PM in the evening. Entry fees :  The fee to enter the ground is INR 20 per person.

Library of Tibetan Works and Archives

The Library of the Tibetan Works and Archives is one of the most illuminating tourist places in Dharamshala  which is home to some of the most important Tibetan literature in existence. Most of the salvaged manuscripts from the great exile of 1959 are preserved in the library. Location:  Gangchen Kyishong, Dharamshala, Himachal Pradesh 176215 Highlights:   -  Access to more than 80,000 manuscripts relating to the history, culture and spirituality in Tibetan Buddhism  - Statues and other artefacts in the museum that is located alongside the library  Best time to visit:   All year round Timings:   Monday to Saturday (9:00 am – 5:00 pm)  Entry Fee:  100 INR one-time registration fees  Also Book -   Himachal Honeymoon Packages                        Shimla Tour Packages

St John in the Wilderness Church

Yet another destination in the list of places to visit in Dharamshala is St John in the Wilderness church, which is tucked amidst the the lush green trails of deodar. The church exhibits the age-old architectural style of Gothics and owns a remarkable feature which is the Belgian stain glassed windows. This place is just apt if you are looking for a quiet place, where one can delve in a session of rediscoveries. Location: The address is Road to Naddi Village from McLeod Ganj, McLeod Ganj, Dharamshala, Himachal Pradesh 176215 Timings: One can visit the church from 7:30 AM to 6:00 PM in the evening. Entry fees: There is no entrance fee. You May Also Checkout -  Shimla Honeymoon Packages                                              Manali Tour Packages

Best of Manali

The War Memorial

Let your patriotic side come in action at the War Memorial! Witness the war tanks and also read out loud the names of valiant soldiers who fought for the fame of the land.   This memorial is located right at the entrance of the region and is the key attraction. From here you can also wander in the dense pine forest of the quarter, as it has hidden routes to them. Location: The address is Kachehri Road, Jawahar Nagar, Dharamshala, Himachal Pradesh 176215 Timings: One can visit it from 8:00 AM to 7:00 PM in the evening. Entry fees: The entrance fee is INR 10 per adult. Book Now -  Kullu Manali Tour Packages For Couple                       Kullu Manali Packages

Gyuto Monastery

Best of Shimla

Tea Gardens

Of all the places to Visit in Dharamshala, touring the tea garden is an inescapable part. Imagine strolling through the lush green tea estates, which are packed with the soothing aroma of fresh tea leaves! Well, in the Kangra valley you can witness this haven. If you are a nature lover, then skipping out on this activity is just out of question. Also, here you can whiff-in the pure aroma of the tender tea leaves, which will rejuvenate each and every segment of your body! Location: The address is Palampur, Kangra, Himachal Pradesh 176061, India Timings: One can visit them from 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM in the evening. Entry fees: There is no entry fee. Must Read: 31  Best Trekking Tours in Dharamshala for an adventurous experience

Best of Nainital

Tsuglag Khang

Namgyal Monastery

Best of Rishikesh

Bhagsu Waterfall

Bhagsunath Temple

Best of Kullu

Kangra Valley

McLeod Ganj

Best of Himalayas

Indrahar Pass

Best of Spiti Valley

Kangra Fort

Hanuman Ka Tibba

Best of Mcleodganj

Religious Places o Visit in Dharamshala

Dalai lama temple complex.

Best of Kasol

Aghanjar Mahadev Temple

Kalachakra Temple

Best of Auli

Nechung Monastery

Namgyalma Stupa

Best of Bir - Billing

Other Sightseeing Places in Dharamshala

Naam art gallery.

Chinmaya Tapovan

Chinmaya Tapovan marks its place in the Dharamshala tourist places, and draws the solitude seekers. This quite Ashram is an excellent epitome, for the blend of tranquil setting and serenity. As a part of the tour, here you can also witness the meditation complex and the mighty statue of Lord Hanuman, which is built right in the middle. Also, this place owns a school, recreation center, and a Ram temple. Location: the address is Sidhbari, Kangra, Himachal Pradesh 176057. Timings: One can visit this place from 7:00 AM to 7:00 PM. Entry fees: The entry is free. Must Checkout & Book -  Manali Tour Packages From Goa                                               Manali Trip From Indore

Naddi Village

Norbulingka Institute

Lahesh Caves

Kangra Art Museum

People Also Ask About Dharamshala

What are the most fun activities to do in dharamshala, what can i buy in dharamshala, how many days are enough for dharamshala, what is famous in dharamshala.

Tucked in amidst dense forests and immense natural beauty, the hill station of Dalhousie is quite famous for the following things: - Tibetan carpets - Rugs - Handicrafts - Shawls - Buddha sculptures - Organic peanut butter - Tahini - Handmade purses - Tibetan singing bowls - Prayer beads - Crystal jewellery - Miniature buddha figurines - Antiques - Brass statues - Kangra green tea

Is Dharamshala a hill station?

Which place is good dharamshala or dalhousie, which are the most famous resorts to stay in dharamshala, which is better shimla or dharamshala.

When visiting Dharamshala, two to three days are enough to enjoy the place.

How can I go to Mcleodganj from Dharamshala?

Which is better dalhousie or mussoorie.

Where a relaxing vacation is concerned, Dalhousie is a much better place than Mussoorie. The latter is a much bigger place and is more developed than Dalhousie, which retains the old-world charm of a hill station. 

What is the best time to visit Dharamshala?

What are the best places i should visit near dharamshala, why should we visit dharamshala, what is there to do in dharamshala at night, is dharamshala a good place to visit, what are the sightseeing places in dharamshala, what are the best himachal tour packages that we can book with thrillophilia.

• Himachal Tour Packages From Delhi
• Himachal Tour Packages From Ahmedabad
• Himachal Tour Packages From Mumbai
• Himachal Tour Packages From Chandigarh
• Himachal Tour Packages From Pune
• Himachal Pradesh Tour Package From Kolkata
• Himachal Tour Packages From Bangalore
• Himachal Tour Package From Chennai
• Himachal Tour Packages From Surat

What are the best Himachal treks that we can book with Thrillophilia?

• Kheerganga trek
• Triund trek
• Sar pass trek
• Hampta pass trek
• Kashmir Great Lakes Trek
• Everest Base Camp Trek
• Chadar trek

Trending in Dharamshala

Sightseeing in dharamshala.

Attractions in Dharamshala

Homestays in dharamshala.

Camping in Dharamshala

Trekking in Dharamshala

Dharamshala Top Attractions

Situated on the outskirts of Kangra, about 20 kilometers away from Dharamsala, is one of India's oldest forts. The Kangra Fort sits atop a steep rock, and its towering presence dominates the surrounding valley. The fort covers an area of about 4 kilometers, and it is guarded by ramparts and high walls.Built strategically at the confluence or meeting point of Majhi and Banganga river, Kangra Fort is one of the must-see spots in the Kangra district of Himachal Pradesh.Besides its unique architecture and historical importance, the fort is also known for housing three temples, namely the Lakshmi Narayan Temple, Shitlamata Temple, and Ambika Devi Temple. Several doors leads into the fort, but the main entrance goes through a courtyard that is behind two gates.The doors even have interesting names such as Ahani Darwaza, Amiri Darwaza, and Jehangiri Darwaza. Outside of the main temple gate, you will find the Andheri Darwaza. It is the fort's primary defense gate.The walls of the Andheri Darwaza are 15 feet high and the passage is 7 meters long. The gate allows only two men or one horse to pass through at a time. The narrow passage of the defense gate was designed to slow down the opposing force.Once you pass the Ahani and Amiri Darwaza, a long and narrow passageway will take you to the top section of the fort. A staircase located between Ambika Devi and Shitlamata temple will take you to the Sheesh Mahal, which is a small hall. There is also a polygonal watchtower, which provides breathtaking views of the landscape.Exploring Kangra Fort is a must-do activity when you book your Himachal Pradesh tour packages. This ancient fortress offers a fascinating journey through history and architecture, providing insights into the region's rich cultural heritage. Don't miss the chance to immerse yourself in the allure of Kangra Fort and uncover its hidden treasures during your tour of Himachal Pradesh.Highlights: The beautiful entrance is something what people love. The way the whole fort is built is completely marvelous. Inside the fort, you will find defaced statues of many lords that these people worship. This fort is considered as one of the most beautiful forts in India and people love it for the built structure.

The Dharamshala Cricket Stadium is not just about cricket; it is also about enjoying nature's beauty while watching the game. It is a special place where you can enjoy cricket and the peacefulness of the mountains at the same time.For those planning a visit to Himachal Pradesh, exploring Himachal tour packages could enhance the overall experience by combining the thrill of cricket at Dharamshala Cricket Stadium with the opportunity to discover the region's natural wonders and cultural attractions.

More Dharamshala Attractions

Dharamshala travel guides.

Dharamshala Reviews

Popular Nearby Places Around Dharamshala

More things to do in dharamshala, more on dharamshala tourism, popular related destinations.

Best Domestic Packages

Best international packages, domestic honeymoon packages, international honeymoon packages, places to visit in india, international places to visit, things to do in india, international things to do, popular on thrillophilia.

• We assure the privacy of your contact data.
• This data will only be used by our team to contact you and no other purposes.

Your enquiry has been received successfully. Our destination expert will reach out to you soon!

• INSIDER REVIEWS
• TECH BUYING GUIDES

A complete itinerary for your 3 days in Dharamshala

Ayush mehrotra   , shagun chaudhary   .

• Dharamshala is a haven for Tibetan culture and spirituality, with sites like the Dalai Lama Temple Complex and the Norbulingka Institute offering immersive experiences.
• Nestled in the Himalayan foothills, Dharamshala boasts stunning natural landscapes, including waterfalls, lush forests, and panoramic viewpoints like Naddi View Point.
• The town also provides opportunities to explore its rich history through attractions like Kangra Fort and associated museums. Dharamshala is an ideal destination for those seeking a blend of culture, nature, and history.

READ MORE ARTICLES ON

• Itinerary For Dharamshala
• 3 Days Itinerary For Dharamshala
• Dharamshala
• Himachal Pradesh
• 3 Days In Dharamshala

Popular Right Now

Advertisement

Top 10 Places To Visit In Dharamshala

Dharamshala is located in the upper reaches of the Kangra valley in Himachal Pradesh and is placed at an average altitude of 1,475 meters above sea level. The city is surrounded a thick cover of deodar cedar trees and is one of the major strong holds for the Tibetan refugees and the seat of the 14th dalai lama of the Tibetan sect of Buddhism. The town due to its picturesque surroundings and the presence of the Dalai Lama has made the town a popular tourist destination, both for the Indians and the foreign tourists. Here’s the list of the best places you must visit in Dharamshala .

1. Tsuglagkhang Complex

• Famous for: Tibetan Culture, History, Pilgrimage.
• Tickets: No entry fee.
• Opening Timings: Open all days (5am to 8pm).
• Duration: 1 hour.

About Tsuglagkhang Complex

There is no better place to take a glimpse at Tibetan culture than Tsuglagkhang Complex . This place is is the official home of the 14th Dalai Lama and is the largest Tibetan temple outside Tibet. The place is a major pilgrimage site for exiled Tibetans and is also heavily visited by tourists from all over the world.

Things to Do at Tsuglagkhang Complex

• Namgyal Cafe.
• Tibetan museum.
• Visit the Kalachakra Temple.
• Pay your respects at Buddhist shrine.

2. Namgyal Monastery

• Famous for: Tibetan Culture, History.
• Opening Timings: Open all days (5 am to 8:30 pm).
• Duration: 1-1.5 hours.

About Namgyal Monastery

Namgyal Monastery was established by the 3rd Dalai Lama in 1575 and was relocated to Dharamshala following the 1959 Tibetan uprising. The monastery is one of the major learning and cultural centers of the Tibetan populated in Dharamsala. The monastery currently houses around 200 Tibetan monks and is one of the most frequented places in Dharamshala.

Things to Do at Namgyal Monastery

• Meditation.
• Observe Tibetan Culture.
• Pay your respects at the Buddhist Shrine.

• Famous for: Architecture, Photography, History, Religion.
• Opening Timings: Open all days from 6am to 6pm.
• Distance from Dharamshala: 1 hr 36 min (46.6 km) .

About Masrur

Masrur is famous for its various rock-cut temples that date back to the 8th century AD. The carvings in the temples are finely detailed and are similar to that of the Ellora caves in Maharashtra and contain various images of the Hindu deities like Lord Ram, Sita and Lakshmana from the oldest Hindu epic, Ramayana.

Things to Do near Masrur

• Visit the Kangra Valley.
• Go to the Shiva temple.
• Take a trip to Palampur.

4. McLeod Ganj

• Famous for: Nature, Photography, Tibetan Culture, Viewpoints.
• Opening Timings: Open all days.
• Duration: 1-2 Days.

About McLeod Ganj

With an average elevation of 2,082 meters above sea level, McLeod Ganj is named after Sir Donald Friell McLeod who was the Lieutenant-Governor of Punjab under whom the area was developed. The place is known for its various attractions including the residence of the 14th Dalai Lama. The place is one of the most frequented spots in Dharamshala and is famous for its Tibetan culture, handicrafts and temples. The Hanuman Tibba is the highest peak at the height of 5,639 meters above sea level and can be viewed from McLeod Ganj.

Places of interest in Mcleodganj

• Tibet Museum.
• Bhagsu Waterfalls.
• Tsug La Khang Shrine.
• Tibetan Children’s Village.

5. Kareri Lake

• Famous for: Adventure, Nature, Photography.
• Duration: Half a Day.

About Kareri Lake

A perfect place for adventurers and hikers, Kareri Lake is an unexplored gem of the Dhauladhar range. It’s not easily accessible by roads and therefore not a much visited site but its isolation has helped in its preservation. This location also serves as a base camp for trekkers moving towards Dhauladhar range.

Things to Do at Kareri Lake

• Visit an ancient Shiva Shakti Temple here.

6. Gyuto Monastery

• Distance from Dharamshala: 42 min (20.8 km).

About Gyuto Monastery

One of the oldest and important monastery, Gyuto Monastery was established by the disciple of the first Dalai Lama in 1474 in eastern Tibet. It was re established near Dharamsala after Chinese invaded Tibet and forced Tibetans to flee to India. It now houses over five hundred monks who reside here spending their time in meditation and learning Buddhism philosophy. Dedicated to handing down the teachings of its founder, Gyuto Monastery is a must visit for people wanting a glimpse into Buddhism philosophy and Tantric meditation.

Things to Do around Gyuto Monastery

• Visit the nearby Norbulingka Institute .

7. Kangra Museum

• Famous for: History, Miniature Paintings, Culture and Society.
• Tickets: 10 INR for Indians and 50 INR for foreigners.
• Opening Timings: Open daily (Except Mondays and Public Holidays)10 am to 1.30 pm & 2 pm to 5pm.

About Kangra Museum

Kangra Museum houses various articles and artifacts that are significant to the Tibetan Buddhists and the Kangra Valley culture. The various manuscripts, handicrafts, pottery place here date back to the 5th century and the facility also contains a library.

Things to Do near Kangra Museum

• Visit the gallery.
• Shop for souvenirs.
• Take a look at the library.

8. Kangra Fort

• Tickets: 150 INR for Indians and 300 INR for foreigners.
• Opening Timings: Open all days from 9am to 6pm.
• Duration: 1-2 hours.

About Kangra Fort

Kangra Fort was the seat and residence of the one of the oldest existing dynasties in the World. The Katoch rulers of Kangra belong to the lineage of the rulers of Trigarta mentioned in the Hindu Epics Ramayana and Mahabharata and also in Alexander the Great’s war records. The fort complex contains several well detailed halls and watchtowers along with a couple of temples that date back to the 9th century AD.

Things to Do near Kangra Fort

• Visit the many temples.
• Eat at the restaurants.
• Pay a visit to the Maharaja Sansar Chand Katoch Museum .

9. Dal Lake (of Dharamshala)

• Famous for: Nature, Photography.
• Opening Timings: Open all days from sunrise to sunset.
• Duration: 30 mins.

About Dal Lake

The Dal Lake in Dharamshala is named after its eponymous counterpart in Jammu and Kashmir. The lake is spread across 1 square kilometer and resembles the lake at Kashmir. It is one of the popular picnic spot and is surrounded by the thick deodar and juniper forests. The Kali temple located near the banks is home to a marvelous annual fair.

Things to Do at Dal Lake Dharamshala

• Boat Riding.
• Pay your respects at Shiva’s shrine.

10. Naddi Village

• Famous for: Nature, Adventure, Serenity.
• Duration: upto 8 hours for trekkers.

About Naddi Village

This quaint and serene village provides some of the best views of the nearby terrain. Naddi Village is mostly visited by trekkers going towards Mcleodganj but recently it has also become popular among other tourists. Its serenic beauty, favourable climate and the many fairs have attracted many who come here to relax in the lap of nature.

Things to Do at Naddi Village

• Backpacking.
• Visit the echo point.
• Take a trip to Dal Lake nearby.
• Witness the many fairs ( April-June).

Other attractions in and around Dharamshala include Gyuto Monastery, Bhagsunag Temple, Jwalamukhi Devi Temple, Norbulingka Institute and Tea gardens. Being renowned in the world for its distinctive blend of the Kangra and Tibetan culture, Dharamshala is one of the most frequented tourist places in India. The place is also famous for its amazing views it is also nicknamed as ‘Little Lhasa’ due to the huge number of Tibetan settlements located here. The above-mentioned places are few of the most popular tourist places in Dharamshala and are a must visit.

Some More Tourist Destinations Of Himachal Pradesh:

• Must Visit Places In Malana
• Must Visit Places In Palampur
• Must Visit Places In Bir

About Rohit

3 thoughts on “Top 10 Places To Visit In Dharamshala”

How to organise the meeting with H.H.Dalai Lama? I have a group of French Tourists. Regards.

I need a tour for Dharamshala. Please contact as soon as possible.

Hi, This is Ram from Chennai and i am coming to Dharmshala on 18th March night and i required one taxi city and other attractions for us (We three Adults) 19th March and 20th March full day available for us. Please send the details whatapp no 7708014404 or mail : [email protected]

Regards Ram.R

Leave a Comment Cancel reply

• McLeod Ganj
• Tsug La Khang complex
• Masroor Rock Cut Temple
• Kareri Lake
• Gyuto Monastery
• Bhagsunag Temple
• Kangra Art Museum
• Kangra Fort
• Namgyal Monastery
• Naddi Village
• Best Time To Visit Dharamshala
• Dharamshala
• Lahaul And Spiti
• Rohtang Pass
• Pong Dam Sanctuary
• Best Time To Visit Himachal
• Hill Stations in Himachal

• Travel Blog
• Top Attractions

Hill Stations

• Places to Visit in India
• Things To Do
• Weekend Getaways

Historical Places

• Tours & Itineraries
• Festival & Events
• Food & Restaurants
• Delhi Travel Blog
• Jaipur Travel Blog
• Goa Travel Blog
• Mumbai Travel Blog
• Bangalore Travel Blog
• Chennai Travel Blog
• Pune Travel Blog
• Hyderabad Travel Blog
• Kolkata Travel Blog
• Indian Holidays Calendar 2024
• Long Weekends 2024
• Travel Tips & Hacks
• Top 10 in India
• India Tourism Guide
• Indian Railways (IRCTC)
• Indian Railways News
• Metro Rail Networks
• Web Check-in
• Hotels in Delhi
• Hotels in Mumbai
• Hotels in Gurgaon
• Hotels in Bangalore
• Hotels in Jaipur
• Hotels in Chennai
• Hotels in Goa
• Hotels in Pune
• Hotels in Hyderabad
• Hotels in Kolkata

15 Best Places to Visit in Dharamshala 2024: Timing, Entry Fee

Budget Hotels > Travel Blog > Places to Visit > 15 Best Places to Visit in Dharamshala 2024: Timing, Entry Fee

Set against the backdrop of the mighty Dhauladhar Range and dense coniferous forests, Dharamshala is one of the most scenic and serene hill stations in India. Nestled in Kangra Valley, Himachal Pradesh, this city is at an elevation of 1457 m above sea level. Dharamshala boasts a distinctive blend of Tibetan and Kangra culture and serves as the abode of the Dalai Lama.

Being a beautiful gem in the lap of nature, Dharamshala is dotted with many lakes, waterfalls and other attractions. You can also find some monasteries, temples, vintage forts and museums here. The hill station attracts tourists and devotees year-round and is well-connected to nearby towns and cities by air, road and rail. Kangra Airport (13 km away) and Pathankot Junction (86 km away) are the nearest options for air and rail travellers. The hill station also enjoys good road connectivity with Shimla, Pathankot, Jalandhar, Amritsar and other nearby places. So, you can take the state bus or book a cab to reach Dharamshala comfortably.

To help you plan a memorable trip, here is a list of places to visit in Dharamshala . Each place oozes a distinctive charm and is worth exploring.

1. Triund Hill, Dharamshala

Triund Hill | #1 of 15 Stunning Places to Visit in Dharamshala

A favourite among trekkers and adventure seekers, Triund Hill is one of the most beautiful places in Dharamshala . It is perched at a height of 2850 m above sea level and surrounded by rolling hills. The clean air and natural environment make Triund Hill a popular choice among those looking for a relaxing break from all the hustle-bustle.

Triund Hill is known for some amazing trekking trails and offer breath-taking views throughout. On reaching the summit, you can bask in the mesmerizing beauty of the snow-capped mountains and pristine surroundings. Triund is a wonderful spot for picnics as well. You can also enjoy night camping here and count the stars on a clear sky.

• Timings: Open 24 hours
• Ideal duration: 5-6 hours
• Entry fee: Free entry

2. Dharamshala Cricket Stadium, Dharamshala

Dharamshala Cricket Stadium | #2 of 15 Stunning Places to Visit in Dharamshala

Also known as Himachal Pradesh Cricket Association (HPCA) Stadium, Dharamshala Cricket Stadium is a must-visit for cricket fanatics. The stadium is located at an altitude of 1457 m above sea level, amidst the stunning Dhauladhar Range. It is particularly famous for being the highest international cricket stadium in the world.

The best thing about HPCA stadium is that it is open for tourists as well. So, you can visit this amazing place even when no cricket matches are scheduled. The Tibetan style of architecture on the main stand and scenic location make this stadium one of the most amazing Dharamshala tourist places .

• Timings: 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM
• Ideal duration: Less than 1 hour
• Entry fee: INR 20 per person (on non-match days)
• Places to Stay: Hotels near Dharamshala Cricket Stadium

3. St John in the Wilderness Church, Dharamshala

St. John in the Wilderness Church | #3 of 15 Stunning Places to Visit in Dharamshala

Nestled amidst verdant green deodar trees, St John in the Wilderness Church is one of the most serene and famous places to visit in Dharamshala . This Anglican church was built in 1852 and is dedicated to John the Baptist. It is located on the way to McLeod Ganj and is about 8 km from Dharamshala.

Known for its stunning neo-gothic style of architecture, the church is a popular attraction among architecture lovers. The Belgian stained-glass windows add to the charm of this holy place. Although one of the oldest structures in the region, its distinctive construction and peaceful vibes make it one of the most important churches in Himachal Pradesh.

• Monday to Saturday: 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM
• Sunday: 10:30 AM to 11:30 AM
• Ideal duration: 30-45 mins

4. War Memorial, Dharamshala

War Memorial | #4 of 15 Stunning Places to Visit in Dharamshala

Counted among the most popular places to see in Dharamshala , War Memorial is worth visiting. It was built as a tribute to the brave soldiers of Kangra who sacrificed their lives during the wars of 1947-48, 1962, 1965 and 1971 and UN peacekeeping operations. The memorial has three huge walls in black marble with names of the martyred soldiers etched on them. The place also houses many replicas of guns, war tanks, airplanes, and more. The surrounding forests and lush green environs add to the beauty of the memorial and make it a famous tourist attraction.

• Timings: 8:00 AM to 8:00 PM
• Ideal duration: 1 hour
• Entry fee: INR 20 per person (free for children up to 5 years of age)  

5. Library of Tibetan Works and Archives, Dharamshala

Library of Tibetan Work and Archives | #5 of 15 Stunning Places to Visit in Dharamshala

Founded on 11 th June 1970 by the 14 th Dalai Lama – Tenzin Gyatso, the Library of Tibetan Works and Archives is known for housing some important Tibetan literature. It has over 80,000 manuscripts, documents and books related to Tibetan history, culture, art and politics. Besides these, there are more than 10,000 photographs, over 600 thangkas, artefacts and statues of Buddhist heritage, and many more things.

Although one of the unexplored places in Dharamshala , the library is frequented by history buffs and those interested in Tibetan literature. The library is particularly famous as it has books, manuscripts and archives that the monks brought from Tibet during the 1959 escape.

• The library remains closed on Sundays and second, fourth and fifth Saturdays.
• Ideal duration: 1-2 hours
• Entry fee: INR 100 per month for general readers

6. Bhagsunag Temple, Dharamshala

Bhagsunag Temple | #6 of 15 Stunning Places to Visit in Dharamshala

Dedicated to Lord Shiva, the ancient Bhagsunag or Bhagsunath Temple is one of the most famous temples in Dharamshala. It is 3 km from McLeod Ganj and is frequented by Hindus and the local Gorkha community. Apart from the main shrine, the temple has a sacred pond and a swimming pool. Devotees visiting the shrine can also take a dip in the holy pond; it is believed that the water in this pond has magical healing powers. The divine aura and peaceful ambience of the temple make it one of the best places to visit in Dharamshala . After paying your respects at the temple, you can also spend some time near the Bhagsunag Waterfalls.

• Timings: 5:00 AM to 12:00 PM and 4:00 PM to 9:00 PM
• Places to Stay: Hotels in Bhagsu nag

7. Gyuto Monastery, Dharamshala

Gyuto Monastery | #7 of 15 Stunning Places to Visit in Dharamshala

Known for its tantric meditation and teachings, Gyuto Monastery is one of the most famous monasteries in Dharamshala. It was originally established in Tibet in 1474. However, after the communist Chinese invasion of Tibet in 1959, it was re-established in Dharamshala by the Tibetan monks. This was the time when the Dalai Lama, monks of the Gyuto Tantric Monastery, and refugees came to India. The monks in the monastery work towards preserving and promoting the tantric teachings of the great teacher Tsongkhapa for the wellbeing of people.

This stunning monastery is located on a hilltop with the majestic Dhauladhar Range in the background. It houses a beautiful gold-plated statue of Lord Buddha that looks particularly breath-taking when illuminated by the morning sunlight. The eye-catching architecture and serene vibes of the monastery make it one of the best tourist places in Dharamshala.

• Timings: 7 AM to 7 PM

8. Kareri Dal Lake, Dharamshala

Kareri Dal Lake | #8 of 15 Stunning Places to Visit in Dharamshala

Surrounded by lush deodar trees and rugged mountains, Kareri Dal Lake is one of the most scenic and best places to visit in Dharamshala for couples . It is frequented by those looking to spend some peaceful time in the lap of nature, away from all the chaos.

Apart from lazing around this calm and serene lake, you can plan a picnic here with your loved ones, take boat rides and seek blessings at the small Shiva Temple on the banks. Kareri Dal Lake is also a popular stopover for adventure enthusiasts trekking up to Sunset Point.

• Timings: 7:00 AM to 8:00 PM

9. Dharamkot Studio, Dharamshala

Dharamkot studio | #9 of 15 Stunning Places to Visit in Dharamshala

Located in Dharamkot, a village that is 2 km from McLeod Ganj, Dharamkot Studio is a must-visit for those interested in pottery. The studio has trained instructors who give pottery lessons to tourists and locals looking to try their hands at this beautiful art. One can also opt for courses here to learn different aspects of pottery.

Dharamkot Studio is particularly famous for reviving black pottery – an art used for making utensils. Although counted among the unexplored places in Dharamshala , the charm of the studio makes it a must-visit.

• The studio remains closed on Thursdays
• Ideal duration: 2-3 hours
• Price for Pottery Courses: Starting from INR 1350 per person
• Places to Stay: Hotels in Dharamkot

10. Kangra Fort, Dharamshala

Kangra Fort | #10 of 15 Stunning Places to Visit in Dharamshala

Built in the 4 th century BC by the Katoch dynasty, Kangra Fort is probably the oldest fort in India. It is also the largest fort in the Himalayan region and one of the top Dharamshala sightseeing places . Even after witnessing many battles, the fort stood strong and intact for centuries. However, it suffered heavy damages when a high magnitude earthquake struck the region in 1905. Although in ruins, this ancient structure, which served as the abode of the royal family of Kangra, attracts history buffs and architecture lovers from far and wide.

The fort is home to a small museum, three temples, namely the Ambika Devi Temple, Lakshmi Narayan Temple and Shitlamata Temple, and many other structures. You can also climb the watchtower to enjoy mesmerizing views of the verdant green surroundings as well as the Manjhi and Banganga rivers that flow nearby.

• Timings: 9:00 AM to 5:30 PM
• Indians: INR 150 per person
• Foreigners: INR 300 per person

11. Tsuglagkhang Temple, Dharamshala

Tsuglagkhang Temple | #11 of 15 Stunning Places to Visit in Dharamshala

Boasting rich Tibetan culture, Tsuglagkhang Temple is one of the most beautiful and tranquil places to visit in Dharamshala . It is also known as the Dalai Lama Temple and is frequented by monks, pilgrims and tourists looking to spend time in a peaceful environment.

The temple is known for a huge idol of Gautam Buddha as well as statues of Padmasambhava, Avalokiteshvara and many other Buddhist monks. The Lamas here spend most of their time chanting mantras on beads and prayer wheels. A huge gold-plated prayer wheel at the centre of the temple with chants of “Om Mani Padme Hum” is a major attraction. Apart from paying your respects, you can also rotate the prayer wheel, meditate in the prayer hall, and visit the temple museum.

• April to October: 5:00 AM to 8:00 PM
• November to March: 6:00 AM to 6:00 PM
• Entry fee: Free Entry  

12. Bhagsu Waterfall, Dharamshala

Bhagsu Waterfall | #12 of 15 Stunning Places to Visit in Dharamshala

Plunging from a height of 20 m, Bhagsu Waterfall is one of the best places to visit in Dharamshala . The waterfall boasts unique scenic beauty and is a perfect spot for those looking to spend quality time amidst nature. With the famous Bhagsunag Temple in the vicinity, the waterfall is frequented by nature lovers and devotees alike.

The best time to visit Dharamshala’s Bhagsu Waterfall is during the monsoon season when you can see water gushing down to form a pool below. Although you may get tempted to take a dip in the pool, avoid it if you can’t tolerate extremely cold water. You can also plan a picnic here with your loved ones or go on a trek to enjoy stunning views of the waterfall from different points.

• Timings: 7:00 AM to 9:00 PM

Book Hotels – Couple Friendly Hotels in Dharamshala

13. Jwala Devi Temple, Dharamshala

Jwala Devi Temple | #13 of 15 Stunning Places to Visit in Dharamshala

Dedicated to the Hindu Goddess Jwala Devi, this temple in the Kangra district of Himachal Pradesh attracts devotees and tourists from around the country. It is also one of the 51 Shakti Peethas in India and a highly respected Shakti temple.

Jwala Devi Temple is dedicated to the Goddess of Light. It is also believed that this is the place where Goddess Sati’s tongue fell when her lifeless body was cut into 51 parts by Lord Vishnu’s Sudarshan Chakra. The temple has no idol and Goddess Shakti is manifested here in a series of natural flames. Devotees believe that the Goddess resides in the flames that have been burning miraculously for hundreds of years without any fuel.

• Summer: 5:00 AM to 10:00 PM
• Winter: 6:00 AM to 9:00 PM

14. McLeod Ganj, Dharamshala

McLeod Ganj | #14 of 15 Stunning Places to Visit in Dharamshala

Also known as Little Lhasa or Dhasa, McLeod Ganj is a popular and picturesque suburb of Dharamshala. It comes under the Kangra district of Himachal Pradesh and is only 5 km from Dharamshala. McLeod Ganj is particularly famous for the Dalai Lama Temple or Tsuglagkhang Temple as this is the place where His Holiness resides.

Besides being a popular pilgrimage for Buddhists, McLeod Ganj is a haven for nature lovers, trekkers and peace seekers. Namgyal Monastery, Nechung Monastery, Naddi Viewpoint and Minikiani Pass are some of the many wonderful attractions here. Boasting a perfect blend of rich Tibetan culture and nature’s bounty, McLeod Ganj is undoubtedly one of the most beautiful places in Dharamshala .

• Best Time to Visit: March to June
• Ideal duration: 2-3 days
• Places to Stay: Hotels in Mcleod Ganj

15. Kalachakra Temple, Dharamshala

Kalachakar temple | #15 of 15 Stunning Places to Visit in Dharamshala

Kalachakra Temple, whose name translates to “Wheel of Time”, is counted among the top places to visit in Dharamshala . It was built in 1992 and is located near Tsuglagkhang Temple. Kalachakra Temple is replete with murals and artworks that speak volumes about Tibet’s rich spiritual and artistic background. Its serene surroundings and divine aura attract devotees and tourists from different parts of the country.

This beautiful temple with eye-catching architecture is dedicated to Kalachakra. It houses a statue of Shakyamuni Buddha, mural paintings of 722 deities of the mandala, and a Kalachakra image in the centre. You can also admire some of the finest Tibetan Thangka paintings on the temple walls and columns. The sacred temple complex has a book shop and a small yet charming café as well.

• Timings: 5:00 AM to 9:00 PM

Now that you know about the best places to visit in Dharamshala , you can easily plan a trip to this peaceful and picturesque hill station in Himachal Pradesh. Apart from visiting popular attractions here, you can also check out the local shops for Tibetan carpets, shawls, handicrafts, brass statues and other local products. Just make sure you book air tickets and hotel rooms in advance to avoid end-minute hassles.

Related Blogs

Latest Travel Blogs

GET FAB BLOGS IN YOUR INBOX!

Book a hotel.

• Social Share

Places to Visit

• 15 Tourist Places to Visit in September in India 2024
• 27 Places to Visit in June in India 2024: ✔Avg. Budget, How to Reach
• 38 Best Places to Visit in Hyderabad
• 27 Best Places to Visit in May in 2024 That You Can Visit
• 51 Best Places to Visit in Mumbai 2024, Mumbai Tourist Places
• 10 Best Honeymoon Places in India for Couples (2024)
• Best Places to Visit in Jibhi & Tirthan Valley in 2024
• Best Places to Visit in Nepal in 2024
• Best Places to Visit in Sikkim with Things to do
• Places to Visit in Tamil Nadu
• Best Places to visit in Himachal Pradesh with Things to do
• Places to Visit in Calicut: Things to do, Best time to Visit
• Best Places to Visit in Palakkad: Discovering the Hidden Gems in 2024
• Best Places to Visit in Vrindavan- Exploring the Divine in 2024
• Best Places to Visit in Yercaud in 2024 for a Wonderful Trip
• Best Places to Visit in Thailand in 2024 for a Wonderful Trip
• Best Places to Visit in Vietnam: Unveiling the Charm of Vietnam in 2024
• Best Places to Visit in Srinagar: Let’s Explore ‘Jannat’ in 2024
• Best Places to Visit in Kollam in 2024, Kollam Sightseeing
• Best Places to Visit in Hampi in 2024- Hampi Sightseeing
• 49 Best Hill Stations near Delhi That You Can’t Miss in 2024
• 31 Best Hill Stations near Bangalore with Distance in 2024
• 16 Best Places to Visit in Munnar 2024, Munnar Tourist Attractions
• 6 Hill Stations near Hyderabad (within 100 km, 200 km)
• Top 9 Hill stations near Mumbai That You Must Explore in 2024
• Top 14 Hill Stations near Coimbatore with Location & Distance
• Top 12 Famous Hill Stations near Pune in 2024 with Distance
• 12 Hill Stations near Ahmedabad for a Pleasant Weekend Getaway
• 15 Best Hill Stations near Kolkata within 630 kms distance
• 11 Top Hill Stations near Amritsar That You Can’t Miss in 2024
• Top 10 Hill Stations near Chandigarh You Must Visit in 2024
• Top 20 Hill Stations in Kerala That You Must Visit in 2024
• 30 Stunning Hill Stations in South India That You Must Visit
• Top Hill Stations Near Lucknow For Your Next Weekend Getaway
• 8 Best Hill Stations near Gurgaon For Perfect Summer Weekend
• Nandi Hills in Bangalore: One of the Best Travel Destinations
• 20 Best Hill Stations in India That You Must Visit In 2024
• 20 Best Hill Stations in Karnataka 2024 with Activities List
• 10 Best Hill Station in Mahabaleshwar for 4 days Trip in 2024
• 12 Hill Stations near Noida That You Must Explore in 2024

Things to do

• 50 Best Things to Do in Delhi in 2024: ✔Activities list
• 18 Best Things to do in Agra with Updated Activities list
• Things to Do in Delhi in Summer with Updated Activity list
• 18 Things to Do in Coorg 2024: ✔Activities, Timings, Distance
• 8 Top Things to do in Jaipur in 2 Days with Activities list
• 25 Best Things to Do in Jaipur with Updated Activities list
• Top Adventure Sports in Rishikesh For an Amazing Adventure
• Things to Do in Bangalore at Night: ✔ Activities for Nightout
• Things to Do In Delhi for Youngsters 2024: ✔ Activities list
• 31 Things to do in Bangalore 2024: ✔Activities list & Location
• 10 Things to do in Gurgaon in Summer 2024: ✔ Activities list
• Things to do in Chennai at Night in 2024: ✔Activities list
• 25 Best Things to Do in Udaipur in 2024 ✔Activities list
• Things to Do in Gurgaon for Couples: Updated Activities list
• Things to Do In Gurgaon on Weekends with Activity list
• 10 Things to Do in Gurgaon Alone in 2024: ✔ Activities list
• Fun Things to Do in Gurgaon 2024: ✔Activities list & Location
• 10 Best Things to Do in Goa for Adults (2024) Activities in Goa
• Top 25 Things to Do in Hyderabad in 2024 with Photos
• Top 7 Things to Do in Mathura Updated Activities list
• Top 10 Historical Places in Bangalore in 2024 (Photos)
• Top Forts in Jaipur: Timings, Entry Fee, Nearest Metro Station
• Top 10 Historical Places in Lucknow: Check Timing & Entry Fee
• 11 Top Historical Places in Jaipur with Timings & Entry Fee
• 25 Best Monuments in India That You Must See in Your Lifetime
• 9 Forts near Noida with Timings & Nearest Metro Station
• 8 Majestic Forts near Gurgaon for a Trip Back in History
• Top 9 Historical Places in Gurgaon 2024: ✔Location, Timings
• 12 Top Historical Places in Chandigarh with Location & Entry Fee
• 22 Top Historical Places in Delhi That You Must-Visit in 2024
• Top Forts in Chennai That You Can Visit in 2024 (Photos)
• Top 11 Historical Places in Udaipur in 2024 (Photos)
• 14 Best Historical Places in Pune with Location, Timings 2024
• 5 Top Historical Places in Mumbai That You Must-Visit in 2024
• 7 Best Historical Places in Ooty 2024: Check Location, Photos
• Top 8 Historical Places in Mahabaleshwar in 2024 (Photos)
• 6 Top Forts near Amritsar 2024: ✔Location, Timings, Distance
• Remarkable Forts in Bangalore That You Can Visit In 2024
• UNESCO World Heritage Places in Rajasthan You Must Explore
• 15 Best Forts in Maharashtra That You Must Explore in 2024

Explore popular experiences

Discover hotels and places nearby, top places to visit in india, hotels in india, hotels near airport, hotels near railway station, budget hotels, couple friendly hotels.

• Places to Visit in Agra
• Places to Visit in Ahmedabad
• Places to Visit in Amritsar
• Places to Visit in Bangalore
• Places to Visit in Bhopal
• Places to Visit in Chandigarh
• Places to Visit in Chennai
• Places to Visit in Coorg
• Places to Visit in Dehradun
• Places to Visit in Delhi
• Places to Visit in Dharamshala
• Places to Visit in Goa
• Places to Visit in Gurgaon
• Places to Visit in Guwahati
• Places to Visit in Haridwar
• Places to Visit in Indore
• Places to Visit in Jaipur
• Places to Visit in Kolkata
• Places to Visit in Lonavala
• Places to Visit in Lucknow
• Places to Visit in Mahabaleshwar
• Places to Visit in Manali
• Places to Visit in Mumbai
• Places to Visit in Mussoorie
• Places to Visit in Nainital
• Places to Visit in Nashik
• Places to Visit in Noida
• Places to Visit in Ooty
• Places to Visit in Rishikesh
• Places to Visit in Surat
• Places to Visit in Thiruvananthapuram
• Places to Visit in Udaipur
• Places to Visit in Varanasi
• Places to Visit in Pondicherry
• Places to Visit in Coimbatore
• Places to Visit in Kochi
• Places to Visit in Kodaikanal
• Places to Visit in Pune
• FabHotels: Hotel Booking App
• Hotels in Agra
• Hotels in Ahmedabad
• Hotels in Amritsar
• Hotels in Chandigarh
• Hotels in Coimbatore
• Hotels in Coorg
• Hotels in Dehradun
• Hotels in Dharamshala
• Hotels in Gangtok
• Hotels in Haridwar
• Hotels in Indore
• Hotels in Kochi
• Hotels in Kodaikanal
• Hotels in Lonavala
• Hotels in Lucknow
• Hotels in Mahabaleshwar
• Hotels in Manali
• Hotels in Mohali
• Hotels in Mussoorie
• Hotels in Nainital
• Hotels in New Delhi
• Hotels in Noida
• Hotels in Ooty
• Hotels in Pondicherry
• Hotels in Puri
• Hotels in Rishikesh
• Hotels in Thiruvananthapuram
• Hotels in Tirupati
• Hotels in Udaipur
• Hotels in Ujjain
• Hotels in Varanasi
• Hotels Near Ahmedabad Airport
• Hotels Near Amritsar Airport
• Hotels Near Bangalore Airport
• Hotels Near Bhopal Airport
• Hotels Near Bhubaneswar Airport
• Hotels Near Chandigarh Airport
• Hotels Near Chennai Airport
• Hotels Near Coimbatore Airport
• Hotels Near Goa Airport
• Hotels Near Gwalior Airport
• Hotels Near Hyderabad Airport
• Hotels Near Indore Airport
• Hotels Near Jaipur Airport
• Hotels Near Kolkata Airport
• Hotels Near Lucknow Airport
• Hotels Near Mumbai Airport
• Hotels Near Nagpur Airport
• Hotels Near New Delhi Airport
• Hotels Near Pune Airport
• Hotels Near Vadodara Airport
• Hotels Near Agra Railway Station
• Hotels Near Ahmedabad Railway Station
• Hotels Near Amritsar Railway Station
• Hotels Near Bangalore Railway Station
• Hotels Near Bhopal Railway Station
• Hotels Near Bhubaneswar Railway Station
• Hotels Near Chandigarh Railway Station
• Hotels Near Chennai Railway Station
• Hotels Near Coimbatore Railway Station
• Hotels Near Dehradun Railway Station
• Hotels Near Ernakulam Railway Station
• Hotels Near Ghaziabad Railway Station
• Hotels Near Gorakhpur Railway Station
• Hotels Near Guwahati Railway Station
• Hotels Near Gwalior Railway Station
• Hotels Near Haridwar Railway Station
• Hotels Near Indore Railway Station
• Hotels Near Kanpur Railway Station
• Hotels Near Kolkata Railway Station
• Hotels Near Lucknow Railway Station
• Hotels Near Ludhiana Railway Station
• Hotels Near Madurai Railway Station
• Hotels Near New Delhi Railway Station
• Hotels Near Pune Railway Station
• Hotels Near Ranchi Railway Station
• Hotels Near Surat Railway Station
• Hotels Near Tirupati Railway Station
• Hotels Near Udaipur Railway Station
• Hotels Near Ujjain Railway Station
• Hotels Near Vadodara Railway Station
• Hotels Near Varanasi Railway Station
• Hotels Near Vijayawada Railway Station
• Hotels Near Visakhapatnam Railway Station
• Budget hotels in Agra
• Budget hotels in Ahmedabad
• Budget hotels in Amritsar
• Budget hotels in Bangalore
• Budget hotels in Bhubaneswar
• Budget hotels in Chandigarh
• Budget hotels in Chennai
• Budget hotels in Coimbatore
• Budget hotels in Coorg
• Budget hotels in Dehradun
• Budget hotels in Ernakulam
• Budget hotels in Gangtok
• Budget hotels in Goa
• Budget hotels in Gurgaon
• Budget hotels in Haridwar
• Budget hotels in Hyderabad
• Budget hotels in Indore
• Budget hotels in Jaipur
• Budget hotels in Kodaikanal
• Budget hotels in Kolkata
• Budget hotels in Lonavala
• Budget hotels in Madurai
• Budget hotels in Mahabaleshwar
• Budget hotels in Manali
• Budget hotels in Mumbai
• Budget hotels in Mussoorie
• Budget hotels in Nashik
• Budget hotels in Ooty
• Budget hotels in Pondicherry
• Budget hotels in Pune
• Budget hotels in Rishikesh
• Budget hotels in Shirdi
• Budget hotels in Thiruvananthapuram
• Budget hotels in Tirupati
• Budget hotels in Udaipur
• Budget hotels in Varanasi
• Couple friendly hotels in Agra
• Couple friendly hotels in Ahmedabad
• Couple friendly hotels in Bangalore
• Couple friendly hotels in Bhopal
• Couple friendly hotels in Chandigarh
• Couple friendly hotels in Chennai
• Couple friendly hotels in Coimbatore
• Couple friendly hotels in Coorg
• Couple friendly hotels in Dehradun
• Couple friendly hotels in Dharamshala
• Couple friendly hotels in Goa
• Couple friendly hotels in Greater Noida
• Couple friendly hotels in Gurgaon
• Couple friendly hotels in Guwahati
• Couple friendly hotels in Hyderabad
• Couple friendly hotels in Indore
• Couple friendly hotels in Jaipur
• Couple friendly hotels in Kanpur
• Couple friendly hotels in Kochi
• Couple friendly hotels in Kolkata
• Couple friendly hotels in Lonavala
• Couple friendly hotels in Lucknow
• Couple friendly hotels in Mahabaleshwar
• Couple friendly hotels in Manali
• Couple friendly hotels in Mohali
• Couple friendly hotels in Mumbai
• Couple friendly hotels in Mussoorie
• Couple friendly hotels in Nashik
• Couple friendly hotels in New Delhi
• Couple friendly hotels in Noida
• Couple friendly hotels in Ooty
• Couple friendly hotels in Pondicherry
• Couple friendly hotels in Pune
• Couple friendly hotels in Rishikesh
• Couple friendly hotels in Siliguri
• Couple friendly hotels in Surat
• Couple friendly hotels in Udaipur
• Couple friendly hotels in Vadodara
• Couple friendly hotels in Varanasi

• Be our Franchisee
• Travel Agent
• Corporate Enquiries
• Quarantine Hotels
• Terms & Conditions
• Privacy Policy
• Cancellation Policy

Dharamshala – A Complete Travel Guide & Itinerary

Dharamshala, located in the Indian state of Himachal Pradesh, is famous for being the seat of Tibet’s government in exile. This outstandingly beautiful Himalayan town has had the pleasure and honor of being the residence of His Holiness, the Dalai Lama; the spiritual leader of the Tibetan people. Known as mini-Tibet, Dharamshala attracts people from all over the world. They flock here not only for a glimpse of His Holiness but also to bask in the clean crisp mountain air and abundant natural glory.

Dharamshala is the winter capital of Himachal Pradesh. It is perhaps the best place in India to learn about Tibetan culture and the Buddhist religion. It was initially a small town but its profile changed dramatically in the 1960s when the Dalai Lama settled here. Dharamshala is also famous for its endless tea gardens which produce some of the most in-demand varieties of tea worldwide – black tea, oolong tea, green tea, white tea, and the iconic Kangra tea.

Also Read: How to Plan a Trip to Mcleodganj

It is situated on the upper hilly stretch of land of Kangra Valley and just against the picturesque scene of Dhauladhar ranges. Being a Tibetan hub, Dharamshala is considered to be one of the best places to learn and explore Buddhism and Tibetan Culture.

Below is an index of the information that I have covered later in the article. The headings in the box are all clickable links. So if you want to jump directly to a certain part of the article, you may do so by clicking on the header inside the box.

Quick Navigation

How to reach Dharamshala

Where is dharamshala located.

Dharamshala is located in the Kangra district of Himachal Pradesh. It extends luxuriously in the upper hilly areas of the Kangra Valley. In fact, the town lifts into the upper mountains – the lower stretch is what is known as Dharamshala, while the upper stretch is called McLeodganj. The Dhauladhar range of the Himalayas forms a cupola around the town, adding to its serene natural beauty.

How to reach Dharamshala by Road

Dharamshala is well connected to both other towns within Himachal Pradesh as well as nearby states. In fact, a drive from New Delhi takes around 9 hours considering time for halts en route. Many private bus operators offer daily travel options to New Delhi as well as other cities and towns. You can choose from non AC, AC, Volvo or sleeper buses. Alternatively, you can opt for taxi service on these routes. If you are driving by yourself, make sure you are confident about tackling the mountain roads, which are steep and full of hairpin bends.

Tickets for HRTC Buses can be booked online at the link below.

Himachal Roadways Bus Booking

For private companies, you can either buy one via the travel agency itself or online sites like RedBus.

How to reach Dharamshala by Flight

The nearest airport is Gaggal Airport, 15 kilometers away from Dharamshala. This airport operates commercial flights, private chartered flights and provides helicopter landing pads. A private taxi from Gaggal to McLeodganj will cost Rs. 800-900 in peak season.

How to reach Dharamshala by Train

Pathankot Railway Station is an overnight journey from New Delhi. From there, you can opt for the Kangra Valley Railway, a scenic six-hour journey. From Kangra, you can book a private taxi or share a cab to reach McLeodganj.

Local Transport in Dharamshala and Mcleodganj

Private taxis: These typically charge Rs. 2500 per person for the Pathankot-McLeodganj journey and Rs. 800-900 for the McLeodganj-Dharamshala journey. A share taxi would reduce the cost to Rs. 300-600 per person.

Self-driving: Of course, if you were traveling by your own vehicle, either a car or motorcycle, then things will get lots easier for you to move around.

Private Car: For a full day of sightseeing, it is wise to book a private car. The cost will be approximately Rs. 1800. At the day end, they will drop you where you wish.

Walk: Dharamshala is best explored on foot. Take your time and enjoy the picturesque beauty of this hill station on long walks.

There are also several motorcycle rental agencies available as well. A lot of people hire automatic bikes like Activa to move around in the town. Usual charge is Rs. 1000 to Rs. 1500 per day for Enfield and Rs. 800 for scooters.

Auto Rickshaws are available in the town and are probably the most commonly used way of commute from one place to another.

Travel possibilities during different Seasons

During peak tourist seasons, all forms of transport will be highly expensive. To get to Dharamshala you must plan at least 2-3 months in advance and pre-book travel tickets. Otherwise, not only will you find prices sky-high, you may not be able to book a ticket at all. During monsoon, prices drop, but travelling through the mountain roads is tricky as landslides are frequent and devastating.

Also Read: Best time to Visit Mcleodganj and Dharamshala

Sightseeing in Dharamshala & Things to Do

Below is a list of places to visit in Dharamshala and Mcleodganj.

Tsuglagkhang Complex

Namgyal monastery, kareri dal lake, bhagsunag temple.

• Bhagsunag Waterfalls

Gyuto Monastery

Kangra fort, kangra art museum, masroor rock cut temple, naddi village, st. john in the wilderness church, dharamshala cricket stadium, jwalamukhi devi temple, tea gardens, mani lhakhang stupa, what to see in dharamshala.

Below is a little more information of the places I listed above including their history, location and how can you plan to visit there.

This complex is the epicenter of Tibetan Buddhism in Dharamshala. An enormous, indescribably beautiful sculpture of Lord Buddha awes visitors. The temple is located on the eponymous Temple Road and was constructed in 1959 when the Dalai Lama visited India for the first time. Today, it is the residence of His Holiness. The temple complex comprises a monastery, bookstore, library, café, and a museum. Visitors and worshippers throng to Tsuglagkhang for a glimpse of the Dalai Lama, as well as his sermons along with Tibetan dance and music performances.

Namgyal Monastery has the distinction of being the largest Tibetan Buddhist monastery in the world, outside of Tibet. More than 200 monks reside here, spending their days in prayer, meditation, discourses, and learning. Not only is it huge, but it is also tremendously vibrant, with its bright, striking colors, intricate depictions of Tibetan mythology and of course the ubiquitous prayer wheels.

The Kareri Dal Lake is a brilliantly beautiful body of pristine water, stretching over nearly an entire square kilometer. In was named in honor of its northern cousin, the Dal Lake in Srinagar. Located in a valley surrounded by majestic Deodar trees and even more the spellbinding Himalayas, it is a top tourist spot in Dharamshala.

This temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva and is one of the most ancient surviving temples in the entire Himalayan region. It attracts worshippers by their thousands every year. Located amidst the lush hills, visitors have to climb up winding mountain paths to reach this temple. Take a refreshing dip in the nearby freshwater pool. If you are lucky enough to visit during March, don’t miss the Shivaratri celebrations here!

Also Read: Triund Trek – How to Plan your Adventure

Bhagsunag Waterfall

Bhagsu Falls is located a few kilometers above the temple itself. The milky white cascade of fresh water from the slopes is a sight to see! Nearly 20 meters in height, its beauty reaches an apex during the monsoon.

This is the residence of the head of the Kagyu Tibetan Buddhism, known as Karmapa. It is a prime center of learning and research for Buddhist philosophy, Tantra meditation, and Tantric rituals. It was constructed in memory of the soldiers who fought and died in the Tibetan Freedom War. The complex is built in the classic Tibetan style of architecture. With its sculpture of the Sakyamuni Buddha and the backdrop of the majestic Dhauladhar range, it is one of the most mesmerizing attractions in Dharamshala.

The Kangra Fort dates back to nearly 1500 years. For centuries, this ancient structure was the abode and center of rule for the Kangra-Katoch royal dynasty. It is by far the largest Himalayan fort. Don’t miss the many ancient temples inside the premises. Down below, the Banganga and Manjhi rivers flow past serenely. Also of note is the Maharaja Sansar Chand Katoch Museum which illustrates the noble history of this place.

This is an absolute visit for any history buff. This magnificent museum preserves relics of Kangra Valley’s ancient as well as recent history. On display are paintings, fabrics, weapons, statues, temple figurines, utensils, rare coins, pottery, anthropological finds, tribal ornaments, and sculptures. It has one of the finest collections of Tibetan and Buddhist artifacts as well.

As its name indicates, these temples have been hewn into the rock. Built in the Indo Aryan style of architecture, these 15 monoliths date back nearly a thousand years. They depict tales from Hindu mythology, most notable scenes from the Ramayana. The intricate, painstakingly crafted sculptures are lovingly detailed. They remain the few examples of this style today.

Naddi is located far above Dharamshala, and consequently far from the madding crowd. This remote village offers panoramic views of the surrounding snowy Dhauladhar Himalayas and the lush Kangra Valley below. With striking Deodar forests, this village is a great spot for mental rejuvenation.

Also Read: Monasteries in Mcleodganj and Dharamshala

En route to McLeodganj is this neo-gothic church, with splendid Belgian stained glass windows. Built in the 1850s, this church is one of the most peaceful spots around Dharamshala.

One of the highest cricket stadiums in the world, this cricket stadiums attracts diehard fans from all over India. Imagine playing cricket in the cradle of the mountains!

This unique temple has existed since the time of the Mahabharata. Its current form was built by Raja Bhumi Chand Katoch. Located about 60 kilometers from Dharamshala, this temple has no deity inside. That’s right, no idol, sculpture or painting inhabits the temple. Rather, the flames which arise from the fissures on the temple floor are worshipped as the Goddess of fire and power. It is one of the Shakti Peeths and attracts thousands of worshippers every year.

En route to McLeodganj are some incredible tea gardens. While not as expansive as their North East Indian counterparts, they nonetheless have a unique charm. A stroll through these tea gardens is a charming affair.

Five kilometers from Dharamshala, this stupa is a relatively recent addition, having been built in 2001. It was constructed by the Dalai Lama and was built to survive natural calamities. It houses a gold statue of the Buddha in the lotus position, along with lots and lots of prayer wheels. The best time to visit is in the evenings when the monks sing ancient hymns and offer prayers.

What to do in Dharamshala

Below is a list of tourist activities in Dharamshala that you can indulge yourself in. I am only listing below things that you can do in Dharamshala apart from visiting all of the above mentioned places.

Paragliding

• Where: Several places around Dharamshala and McLeodganj
• When: Summer
• Cost: Depending on the duration of the flight, anywhere between Rs. 2000-8000 per person

Triund Trek

• Where: Begin from Galu or alternatively from Bhagsu Nag
• Cost: Begins from Rs. 3000 per person, depends on the number of days and nights in trek itinerary
• Where: Between Dharamshala and McLeodganj
• Cost: Begins from Rs. 12,000 per person

Kareri Lake Trek

• Where: Take a bus from Dharamshala to Ghera to begin the trek
• Cost: Begins form Rs. 6000 per person

Also Read: Places to visit in Mcleodganj and Things to Do

Weather of Dharamshala & When to Go

Climate and weather of dharamshala.

Dharamshala retains a cool and pleasant climate throughout the year with misty mornings and evenings, bright sunny days and clear skies. Owing to its elevation, it is considerably cooler than the surrounding plains. Even in the spring, when Dharamshala attracts thousands of people who flock here for the Dalai Lama’s teachings, the climate is downright chilly. The monsoon months, however, tend to be incredibly wet and humid. The skies remain cloudy and it may rain for days on end.

Winters in Dharamshala start in the month of November and last till early March; and are extremely cold. In the upper reaches of Dharamshala, near the areas of Mcleodganj, the night temperature can get close to 0 in these months. Spring arrives in the month of April and the weather remains to be on the pleasant side until June. July and August is the peak monsoon time and Dhauldhars happens to be one of the wettest Himalayan regions so until early September, it can rain anytime and anywhere. October is the month of autumn and this is when the valleys all around turn golden. By the end of October, winter starts to settle again. The weather continues to get colder throughout November and it starts to snow in the upper areas by Mid December.

Temperature of Dharamshala

Here is the month wise average temperature break up:

Dharamshala in January : 6 to 14 degree Celsius; heavy woolen and warm clothes needed for visiting in this month

Dharamshala in February : 8 to16 degree Celsius; heavy woolen and warm clothes needed for visiting in this month

Dharamshala in March : 12 to 21 degree Celsius; snow begins to melt and the weather turns warmer

Dharamshala in April : 16 to 26 degree Celsius; pleasant weather

Dharamshala in May : 20 to 30 degree Celsius; pleasant weather, plenty of cottons with a jacket is all that you need for visiting in this month

Dharamshala in June : 22 to 31 degree Celsius; pleasant weather, plenty of cottons with a jacket is all that you need for visiting in this month

Dharamshala in July : 21 to 27 degree Celsius; monsoon season, waterproof everything and carry umbrellas and raincoats

Dharamshala in August : 20 to 26 degree Celsius; monsoon season, waterproof everything and carry umbrellas and raincoats

Dharamshala in September : 19 to 26 degree Celsius; this is the best time to visit Dharamshala with lush vistas all around

Dharamshala in October : 15 to 25 degree Celsius; winter starts to settle in towards the end of the month

Dharamshala in November : 7 to 17 degree Celsius; extremely cold weather so heavy woolen and warm clothes will be needed

Dharamshala in December : 7 to 18 degree Celsius; extremely cold weather so heavy woolen and warm clothes will be needed

Also Read: Delhi to Mcleodganj – A Life Altering Journey

Best time to visit Dharamshala

As a premier hill station, Dharamshala enjoys pleasant temperature and weather year round. In winter months there is abundant snowfall in the upper reaches, so temperatures take a nosedive. With the right clothing and equipment, you can explore Dharamshala anytime you wish!

Dharamshala in Spring-Summer (March through mid-July): This is the best time to visit Dharamshala. All the tourist hotspots, sightseeing places, and adventure activities are open for business. The temperature ranges from 22 degree Celsius to 35 degree Celsius.

Dharamshala in Monsoon (mid-July through mid-September): The offseason, and prone to landslides. If you like solitude, this is the time to visit. Also brilliant for a romantic getaway. Be aware that most activities, scenic spots, and adventure sports will be closed during this time.

Dharamshala in Winters (October through February): Fresh snowfall and sub-zero temperatures. Incredible time for honeymooners. Great for winter sports.

To sum up, here are the best times to visit Dharamshala:

• With family: March, April, May, and June
• In winter: January and February
• For photography: April, July, August, September, and October
• On Budget: July, and August
• For honeymoon: January, February, and March
• For Snow: January and February
• To see Snowfall: January

Also Read: Sightseeing in Mcleodganj – A Natural & Cultural Paradise

Eating & Shopping in Dharamshala

What to eat in dharamshala.

Dharamshala cuisine has an eclectic character. You will find dishes of Pahari, Nepali, Gurkha, Tibetan and English cuisines. No matter the origin, the food is usually simple, homely, nutritious and inexpensive. Much of the food is grown and consumed locally. In fact, if you ask for local dishes, it is likely that the rice, wheat, vegetables or fruits are freshly harvested from some local garden. The organic produce tastes more flavourful than anything you would find in a city grocery. Food imports are mostly made to satisfy tourist tastes.

Here are some typical dishes you will find here:

This dumpling and vegetable soup is an iconic Tibetan dish. The bow-shaped dumplings are cooked in a soup consisting of carrots, potatoes, and spinach. Simply delicious and very filling!

This is a wildly popular soup based dish whose recipe has remained unaltered for centuries. Wheat flour and water are kneaded together to form thumb-sized pieces, which are then added to a stew comprising root vegetables such as turnips and carrots along with the meat. It is not uncommon to find momos added in as well.

This staple food is the secret to surviving Tibet’s extreme altitude. A traditional recipe, Roasted flours of peas, barley, wheat, buckwheat, and black beans are kneaded into the dough. This dough is then kneaded in a tiny bit of oil and eaten with sugar, buttermilk or freshly harvested vegetables.

This is a perfect accompaniment to the Butter Tea, soups and broths. A pan-shaped, whole wheat bread, baked to perfection with a thick crust, it is incredibly filling. Dip into a brew or slap on Apricot jam, the options are endless!

No die-hard foodie can think of momos without salivating, and we are no exception! Of Tibetan origin, momos are today served in every corner of India and have a dedicated fan following. The dough is stuffed with minced meats, cheese, and vegetables and then steamed till cooked. They are then served with chutneys, chilli sauce or ketchup. Momos may also be served in a soup. Incredibly, this simple dish is so versatile that the combinations of stuffings are endless. Also, every stall and restaurant has its own secret momo recipe. This unique, flavourful dish has rightly earned its place in the Food Hall of Fame.

A Thukpa variant, this soup noodle dish goes easy on the spices. Of Tibetan origin, the gravy consists of mutton, chicken, tomatoes, onions, spinach, potatoes, radish, garlic, ginger and cilantro. The noodles are of the pull-out variety and mixed with wheat dough chunks.

Also Read: Mcleodganj to Triund Trek – A Day of Adventure & Fun

The answer is Mokthuk, a nutritious, filling version of the Thukpa. This delicious dish combines noodles, various vegetables, chicken and mutton, along with momos dunked in the gravy, topped off with spices. Perfect for the cold weather and your taste buds!

A Tibetan noodle soup, this is popular comfort food to warm you up, inside and out. In fact, the “Thuk” in the name means heart in Tibetan, since this spicy, hot dish is heartwarming. Into chicken, mutton or beef soup are added noodles, tomatoes, onions, garlic and seasonal vegetables and served with spicy chutney.

Some other items you can try here are:

• Chicken curry – Mildly seasoned and served on the bone
• Maggie – Cooked with vegetables, each shop and stall offers its own version
• Egg dishes – Hot omelettes and eggrolls on chilly evenings, how can you resist?
• Bhutta – Fresh sweet corn is boiled or roasted

Where to eat in Dharamshala

Dharamshala offers innumerable options to eat out – large restaurants in the Tibetan area, tiny hole in the wall shops, street stalls, roadside dhabas and Maggie points. You can eat a different dish every day at every meal! However, if you have the opportunity to befriend a local, try authentic homemade Pahari fare. Beats the market offerings any day!

What to Buy in Dharamshala

Don’t leave Dharamshala without shopping to your heart’s content. Here are the Dharamshala’s most famous shopping choices:

• Handcrafted woolens: Dresses, caps, pullovers, socks, scarves, shawls and mufflers. Special shout-out to Pashmina goodies
• Brass and wooden knickknacks: Statues, walking sticks, boxes of various sizes and home decor pieces
• Accessories: In the Tibetan section, you can find some very trendy, quirky and unique footwear, bags, purses, and jewelry
• Souvenirs: Lampshades, prayer wheels, prayer flags, books and porcelain, singing bowls, Buddha statues, handmade diaries, rugs, carpets, and paintings
• Tea: Tibetan tea, Green tea and Kangra tea
• Books: On Tibetan Buddhism, mythology, spirituality and Tibetan History. Also, teachings of the Dalai Lama

Also Read: Mcleodganj to Delhi – The Return Journey Home

Where to Buy in Dharamshala

Kotwali bazaar.

This area has not only a bustling market, but also cafes, restaurants, banks, and administrative offices. It is located about half a kilometer from Dharamkot.

Timings – 9:00 AM to 7:00 PM

Come here for – Everything from everyday items to traditional woolen garments (shawls and cardigans) to textiles to handicrafts to wooden carvings and sculptures and souvenir items.

Jogibara Road

This is a great place to collect the perfect knickknack for your home or to take as souvenirs for loved ones back home. The sheer variety of bric-a-brac on display takes your breath away!

Come here for – Colorful and patterned scarves, mittens, shawls, sweaters, jackets, gloves, and caps all handcrafted and made of pure wool. Also Tibetan wall hangings, carvings, wooden sculptures, prayer flags, and other Buddhist paraphernalia.

McLeodganj Market

This market sits cheek by jowl with Jogibara Road. It is home to the oldest shop in the entire region – Nowrojee and Son (continually in business since 1860!)

Timings – 10:00 AM to 7:00 PM

Come here for – Thangka paintings, wooden carvings, tapestries, Tibetan carpets and handicrafts

Also Read: 11 Best Honeymoon Destinations in Himachal Pradesh

Accommodation & Other Facilities in Dharamshala

Hotels in dharamshala.

Dharamshala is a much in demand tourist hotspot, and you will find hotels of all sizes, amenities and price ranges in this town. Again, it is wiser to pre-book accommodations to get a good deal. Here’s a tip – the state tourism body Himachal Pradesh Tourism Development Corporation (HPTDC) operates a chain of hotels throughout the region. They are located at prime spots, sometimes a stone’s throw away from the best attractions. They are also clean and spacious with courteous and helpful staff.

Petrol Pumps / Mechanics in Dharamshala

Petrol Pumps and Mechanics in and around Dharamshala are in abundance. You will continue to come across gas stations throughout the route. Finding a good mechanics in upper areas like Dharamkot could be challenging however so if your vehicle broke down there, you may have to bring it down to Dharamshala. The good news, however, is that since it is all downhill, you can just roll it down all the way.

Here are some petrol pumps and repair stops in and around Dharamshala:

Mann Filling Station

Contact – +91 1892 226093, 98160 45608

Pyaare Lal & Sons Petrol Pump

Contact – +91 1892 224818, 98167 49553

Ms. Dev Bhoomi Filling Station

Contact – +91 94598 51780, 70180 50962

Mobile network and Data Connectivity in Dharamshala

All major mobile networks in India offer connectivity within and near Dharamshala. However, the farther you venture into remote areas, the lesser the chances of mobile connectivity, except BSNL network. Triund is the area where you will definitely go off the network. I was carrying a BSNL and Airtel cellphone and it was only at a couple of spots and times on the trail when I was able to get a signal.

Also, always carry a dumb-phone that you can use in case of emergencies. Dumb-phone charge lasts for weeks and they are hardy in chilly weather. Any smartphone you carry should be kept close to the skin. Extreme cold can cause a smartphone battery to zonk out.

Some free wi-fi spots in Dharamshala are HPPWD Division, Café Budan and Pink House 1.

Electricity in Dharamshala

Electricity is available at all the hotels, guest houses and throughout the town; though the region does face some power-cut issues. You should carry a high power torch and extra batteries if you plan on traveling to remote areas.

Also Read: Best time to visit Manali – When to go to Manali

Banks and ATMs in Dharamshala

All the commercial banks of India have branches and ATMs in various parts of Dharamshala. Here are the major banks and their locations:

• Bank of India – Sudher
• ICICI Bank – Complex, near the Municipality Office
• State Bank of India – Kotwali Bazaar Road, Sudher
• Canara Bank – Sudher
• HDFC Bank – Center Point
• Yes Bank – Hotel Sansar, Civil Line opposite Centre Point
• Axis Bank – Civil Station
• Punjab National Bank – Kotwali Bazaar Road
• Allahabad Bank – McLeodganj

The Indian National Rupee (INR) is accepted everywhere. If you need to exchange foreign currency, you will fund a number of money changers on Mall Road and in Bara Bazaar. It is essential that you carry adequate INR because no other currency is accepted.

Also Read: Best time to visit Shimla – When to go to Shimla

Health & Safety

Hospitals in dharamshala.

There are several clinics, hospitals, and dispensaries available in Dharamshala; and you will have no problem finding one even during the night. Below are the names and numbers of a few best-known hospitals in the area.

Is Dharamshala Safe to Visit

It is very safe to be in Dharamshala throughout the year. However, visitors are advised to stay cautious during monsoon season. The only thing visitors have to consider is to stay indoors as it may rain continuously during the rainy season.

The standard rules of safety like being alert with strangers and not to hang out in strange places will apply to everyone. If you are traveling alone then it is advisable to stay in a hotel in Dharamshala or Mcleodganj itself and not in a remote area. Safety lies in your own hands and will depend on the choices you make and the actions you take. Do not take any unnecessary risks, stay safe, behave responsibly and you will be OK.

Travel with family

Dharamshala is a child-friendly place and there are plenty of attractions to keep the young ones occupied and happy. However, since they will be unfamiliar with the terrain, it is important to keep an eye on them at all times, especially in the wilderness areas like forests, viewpoints, and picnic spots.

Travel with partner

Dharamshala is perfect for a romantic getaway, whether for a week or even just a weekend!

Also Read: Thanedar, Himachal – How to Plan your Trip & Explore

Things to Carry for a Trip to Dharamshala

Clothes to pack for dharamshala trip.

Carry warm clothes no matter what time of year you are traveling. Also, dress in layers so that you can put on or take off a layer when the temperature changes suddenly. In winter especially, thermal wear and heavy jackets are a must. Carry extra pairs of clean socks at all times. All mountain areas can experience sudden or continuous downpours at all times of the year, so carry an umbrella, poncho or windcheater. Dharamshala is best explored on foot, so sturdy, all terrain, all weather shoes are a basic requirement. Remember, respect the sentiments of the local people and do not wear clothes which are revealing, especially when visiting a holy place such as a Monastery.

Documents Needed

Carry both the original and a few copies of your Identification proof and Address proofs along with the original documentation. Passport and Aadhar Card are the accepted ones. Also, carry several passport size photographs. It is also advised to carry a list of emergency contact numbers on your person at all times.

Hygiene and personal care

A basic first aid kit should be carried on a priority basis which includes not just bandages and gauze but also medication for fever, diarrhoea, indigestion, cold etc. If you take prescription drugs, carry the adequate dosage of the same to cover the duration of your trip. Many areas are very sparsely populated such that finding a medical store or a doctor is a miracle. If you plan to visit high altitude areas carry a small oxygen cylinder and medicine for altitude sickness. Carry your own toilet paper and tissues. Also, for women, carry sanitary products.

Electronics

Carry at least two fully charged power banks at all times for your mobile phone or laptop along with extra batteries for torches. Photography enthusiasts should carry extra memory cards.

Food and medicines

Carry all the toiletries you usually require since you might not find them in the local markets. Hand sanitizer, mosquito repellent cream, and detergent soap sachets are essential. Carry a sunscreen of at least 30+ SPF and a good pair of sunglasses. Carry extra garbage bags to store laundry. Most of the trip will be covered by road and it can take more time than estimated to reach the destination. Also, for vegetarians, in particular, some areas may not offer much in the way of food. So, carry dry fruits and snacks for emergency food requirement.

ATMs are few and far between outside Dharamshala, and the ones which exist may not have adequate cash at all times. So, it is wise to carry a decent sum of cash. Don’t rely on payment through card as most hotels and nearly all shopkeepers only accept cash. Distribute cash through all your belongings for safety.

Do not forget:

• Pair of warm, waterproof gloves
• Sunblock lotion with highest SPF that you can find (if visiting in Summer)
• Toilet paper
• Prescribed medicines if you are on medication
• Head Phones/Earphones
• Chargers for your electronic items
• Umbrella or a Rain Poncho (if visiting during monsoon)
• Snow boots if visiting in winter
• Comfortable pants if planning to go on a trek as a pair of jeans is not advisable for this purpose

Also Read: Jalori Pass – How to Plan your Trip & What to See

Itinerary for Dharamshala Trip

Sample itinerary for dharamshala and mcleodganj.

Covers: Dal Lake, Dalai Lama Temple Complex, War Memorial, McLeodganj and Palampur

Day 1: Drive up from New Delhi, begin preferably very early in the morning. Reach Dharamshala in about 9 hours and check in to the hotel. Relax for a bit. Alternatively, arrive at Pathankot Railway Station and drive up.

Day 2: Sightseeing around Dharamshala – Dal Lake, Dalai Lama Temple Complex and the War Memorial. In the evening, go shopping at the Tibetan markets.

Day 3: Sightseeing in McLeodganj – Visit Bhagsu Nag Temple and waterfall, St. John’s Church in the wilderness and Lord Shiva’s Temple. Take in the sunset at Talho Sunset Point. You can also trek up to Naddi Village in the Kangra Valley.

Day 4: Day trip to Palampur – Chamunda Devi Temple, Gopalpur Zoo; and Palampur Tea Gardens.

Day 5: Breakfast followed by departure to New Delhi

Also Read: Tirthan Valley – A Complete Travel Guide & Itinerary

Other Tips for Dharamshala Trip

Sightseeing in and around Dharamshala does not require any permits.

Nearby Town(s) – McLeodganj, Kangra, Dalhousie, Palampur, Bharmour, Kugti

Dharamshala Altitude: About 4700 feet above sea level

Languages Spoken in Dharamshala : The non-Tibetan locals speak “Kangri/Pahari” which at its core is a distinct variation of Hindi that has evolved over centuries of isolation. The Tibetans speak their native Tibetan. However, almost everyone communicates readily in Hindi. Most people even have a basic understanding of English, courtesy of British Era influence.

• It is highly inappropriate to touch a person of the opposite sex, even in conversation, even in a friendly manner, especially if you have just met
• If you visit places of worship, then look around carefully. If others are removing their shoes or covering their heads, do the same
• In monasteries and Buddhist temples always be silent

Emergency numbers

• Police – 100
• McLeodganj police post – 01892-224883
• Dharamshala police station – 01892-224883
• Fire – 101
• Ambulance/Medical – 102
• Women’s helpline – 1091
• Child helpline – 1098
• Disaster management control room – 0177-2812344
• Kangra (Gaggal) Airport – 0189 223 2374
• Pathankot Railway Station – 0186-2251594

Also Read: Best Time to Visit Prashar Lake, Himachal

People, Culture & Festivals of Dharamshala

People of dharamshala.

The Kangra Valley has been inhabited as far back as 20,000 years in the past. The original native Hindu inhabitants were hunter-gatherers, shepherds and herdsmen, who wandered around these holy, picturesque mountains and valleys with their flocks. These tribes still exist today, and heir way of life has remained virtually unchanged.

With the passing of the centuries, the arrival of other settlers, most notably the Brahmins and Rajputs from the plains, Gurkhas from Nepal, the British and of course the Tibetans has contributed to a unique, melting pot of culture, tradition and peaceful coexistence.

Festivals Celebrated in Dharamshala

Below is of festivals celebrated in Dharamshala with happiness and fanfare:

• January: Haldi – Celebrates the beginning of winter’s end. Expect bonfires and folk music and much dancing
• February: Basant Panchami and Samvastar Pareva – Saraswati Puja
• March: Losar – Tibetan New Year
• October: Sharadotsav and Dussehra – This is the year’s busiest and most spectacular festivals and draws both domestic and foreign tourists. Lasting for nine days, these festivals involve pujas, melas, processions and street food galore!
• December: International Himalayan Festival – Three days of performances and celebrations in Honor of His Holiness, the Dalai Lama.

Also Read: Kinnaur in Winter – How to Plan your Journey ?

History, Mythology & Legends

History of dharamshala.

The entire region has roots back to the time of the Mahabharata. The Kangra valley has been inhabited since ancient times. In fact, one single royal dynasty, the Katochs ruled it for nearly 2000 years. They fell under the control of the Sikh Empire and then the British Empire. Surprisingly, the Katoch rulers still exist today and are highly influential in the area. The original Hindu inhabitants are mostly shepherds and huntsmen.

Dharamshala is the place where the legends of the Gurkhas – the bravest of the brave. The first Gurkha regiment was established here in 1860. As they made their name fighting wars for the British Empire, more and more Gurkha platoons were established. Eventually, distinct settlements arose which are still in existence today. Many places in and around Dharamshala are named for Gurkhas, their villages or their military encampments.

Kunal Pathri

It is one of the 51 Shaktipeeths of India. Legend has it that Devi Parvati’s head fell to the earth here as it was being carried around by Lord Shiva. Inside the ancient temple, a trickle of water drips down from the ceiling, which the priests collect in a saucer. No one can explain where this water originates from!

Also Read: Kinnaur Valley – A Comprehensive Travel Guide

Indrunath Temple

This ancient temple is located near the take-off point for paragliders. Nearby is a sparkling stream. The waters of this stream were essential for cultivation in the nearby villages. In the past, however, this stream would dry up during the summer months. The villagers believed a sacrifice to the Gods would keep the stream from drying up. A village headman then reportedly chucked his wife in the water, and since then, there hasn’t been a dry day!

Aghanjar Mahadev Temple

This is a centuries-old temple. Legend has it that the Shiv Ling inside was not brought here, rather, it manifested itself. Also of note is a fire that has been burning continuously for half a millennia. No one knows who began this practice, but the locals ensure that the fire is never allowed to die.

Baijnath Temple

This hugely significant temple has an interesting back story. It is said that Raavan prayed to Lord Shiva, asking him to reside in Lanka forever. Lord Shiva didn’t want to leave his beloved mountains, and so he handed Raavan a stone statue of himself, with a catch – Raavan would have to carry it Lanka by himself and that he should never put it on the ground. All too soon, Raavan wanted to attend a call of nature. He requested Lord Ganesh to hold on to the statue. However, the mischievous Lord Ganesh swiftly placed the statue on the ground! This spot is where the Baijnath Temple stands today.

Also Read: Shimla Manali Dharamshala Dalhousie Trip Itinerary

Why to visit Dharamshala

To sum up, Dharamshala is your destination if:

• You want to visit the prime centre of Tibetan Buddhism in the world; second only to Tibet itself
• You want to relax in a soothing, calm; and above all, cool temperature
• You want peace and quiet from din and drama of city life; and want to spend some time away in peace.
• You want to explore the upper Indian Himalayas
• Last but not least, you want to catch a glimpse of His Holiness, the Dalai Lama!

I hope the information above on planning a trip to Dharamshala was of help. If you have any questions; or need any other details; please feel free to ask in the comments section below; or at our Community Forum ; and I will be glad to answer.

Shivani Vedantam

India - of chaos and method, colors and starkness, heaven and hell. Me? Forever fascinated.

Related Articles

Kinnaur valley road status 2024 – 2025, rohtang pass status 2024 – 2025, sach pass status 2024 – sach pass road....

Hi ,I do not know if this is for Shivani Vedantam or Varghis Khan, but very exciting information.We are Senior citizens in Chicago,USA and would like to start traveling soon,and see and meet Hi Highness Dalai Lama would be the first choice.Please keep me on your mailing list.

Nice Article. Thanks for the amazing information.

Leave a Comment Cancel Reply

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.