Dharamshala Tourism

Dharamshala tourism is one of the most famous tourist attractions in India. It is one of the most beautiful and unexplored places in the Kangra district of the Indian state of Himachal Pradesh. Dharamshala is known to be the little Tibet or Lahasa in India because Tibet’s government in exile is run by Tibet’s religious Guru  Dalai Lama. 

Dharamshala is divided into two parts. The lower part is called Dharamshala and the upper part is called Mcleod Ganj. Dharamshala and McleodGanj are famous for various attractions such as cricket stadium, food, Tibetan, nightlife, Bhagsu waterfall, and Dharamshala village. and It’s many beautiful treks such as the Triund trek, Karari Lake trek, and Dal lake trek. Dharamshala was also known as the second capital of Himachal Pradesh. Due to the presence of the Dalai Lama and the beautiful and scenic views, Dharamshala became a popular tourist point in Himachal Pradesh.

Things to Do: 

  • Kangra Art Museum: The Kangra Art Museum is a fascinating museum displaying artefacts including miniature paintings, temple carvings, fabrics and embroidery, weapons, and palanquins belonging to local royalty. 

  • Library of Tibetan Works and Archives: The library is home to significant resources including important Tibetan Buddhist manuscripts and archives related to Tibet’s politics, history, culture, and even art. The library contains sources that were relocated from Tibet during the 1959 escape. 

  • The War Memorial: This memorial was built in the memory of the soldiers who fought valiantly for the honour of the motherland. The black marble wall is located in the centre of this wall memorial, where the names of all those soldiers are written.

  • Tea Gardens: The lush tea gardens here allow tourists to enjoy a picturesque view of the area, with snow-capped mountains in the background. Located at an altitude of 4780 feet, the tea gardens capture the essence of simplicity and sustainability as you explore the panoramic beauty of the area. You can go to admire exotic birds, have conversations with the tea planters, understand their simple yet hard life, and relax as you take in the wonderful aroma of fresh tea leaves.

  • Dharamshala Cricket Stadium: The full name of this stadium is Himachal Pradesh Cricket Association Stadium. This stadium is the highest altitude stadium in the world and the most glorious cricket ground in India.

  • Namgyal Monastery: This monastery is the home of Tibetan leader Dalai Lama.

  • McLeod Ganj: This place is located at a distance of about 22 km from Kangra. It is a beautiful town that is famous for temples, lakes, and monasteries.

  • Tsuglagkhang Complex Dalai Lama Temple: This is a Buddhist temple and the holy place of Dharamshala that attracts every tourist. Its the official residence of the Dalai lama that offers a spiritual education in Buddhism.

  • Triund: It is a small mountain located in the Kangra district of Himachal Pradesh and it is a very popular trekking spot. It is also called the crown of Dharamshala.

  • Bhagsu Waterfall: This waterfall is situated at a distance of two kilometres from Mcleod Ganj. And there is also a Vishwanath temple near this waterfall which is dedicated to Lord Shiva.

  • Bhagsunath Temple: Bhagsunath Temple is believed to be an ancient temple where Lord Shiva prevailed himself. Hence, this religious temple is a much-worshipped place among the Hindu pilgrims for its exciting history and sacredness. 

  • Norbulingka Institute: This Institute preserved the literary and artistic Tibetan culture. It offers workshops for people who want to learn about Tibetan culture. 

  • Aghanjar Mahadev Temple: This temple is devoted to Lord Shiva. The construction of this temple is very unique and goes well with the illustrious scenic beauty of the place. The peace, cool breeze, and serenity around the temple give a heavenly ambience to the devotees here. 

  • Dal Lake: Dal lake is surrounded by Deodar forest and this lake acts as a base camp for trekkers. Dal fair is an important festival in Dharamshala which is celebrated on the banks of Dal Lake in August. During this festival, you can witness devotees taking dips in the sacred water of Dal Lake.

  • Chinmaya Tapovan: In the lush Kangra valley, at the feet of the Dhauladhar Mountain range, nestles the small hamlet of Sidhbari, named as the abode of the Siddhas and self-realized masters. According to historical scriptures, this mystical place was home to many great Saints and Seers, who through their austerities, sanctified all the earth they walked. 

  • St John in the Wilderness Church: Catholic church in Himachal Pradesh is one of the oldest churches in North India which was built in 1852.

    Naddi Village:  This village is famous for amazing adventures, natural beauty, scenic setting, seeking experience, serene location, and blissful peace.

  • Hanuman Ka Tibba: This place offers breathtaking views of the surrounding areas. Also popular as the ‘White Mountain’.It is the finest site to climb mountains as it is the high peak.

  • Lahesh Caves: The Lahesh Caves hike through mixed forests of deodar, oak, and rhododendron to the snow line is an unforgettable experience. It offers a great view of the beautiful surroundings of the Shivalik hills.             

  • Gyuto Monastery: The Gyuto Monastery is one of the most famous monasteries and specializes in the study of Tantric meditation, Tantric rituals arts, and Buddhist philosophy. This beautiful monastery with the backdrop of Dhauladhar adds more beauty. 

  • Kangra Fort: You can also see the Watch Tower, Laxmi Narayan Temple, and Adityanath Temple in this fort.

  • Indrahar Pass: Indrahar Pass is a mountain pass in the Dhauladhar range of the Himalayas. It has become a popular trekking route from Dharamshala. 

  • Kangra Valley: The valley is filled with numerous perennial streams, which irrigate the valley, which has a general height of 2000 ft.

  • Masrur: Masroor Rock Cut Temple is a complex of 15 monolithic rock-cut monuments. It is also called Ellora of Himachal Pradesh.

  • Kareri Dal Lake: Kareri Dal Lake is a high-altitude, shallow, freshwater lake in Dharamshala. It is also known as one of the most mind-blowing trekking destinations of Dhauladhars.

  • Trekking
  • Night Camping
  • Paragliding
  • Fishing
  • Rock Climbing
  • Flying Fox
  • Camping
  • Cafe Hoping
  • Kareri Lake Trek
  • Boating at Dal Lake
  • Bhagsu Cake.

  • Tibetan Herbal Tea

  • Tibetan Butter Tea

  • Shapta

  • Tudkiya Bhat

  • Mittha

  • Tibetan Bread

  • Alu Phing Sha

  • Steamed Mutton or vegetarian momos.

  • Thupka & Thentuk

Via Air:

Kangra is a regional airport located at Gaggal in the state of Himachal Pradesh. It is at a distance of 14  km from Dharamshala, so you can take a flight to come here from any corner of India.

Via Train:

The nearest broad gauge railway line to Dharamshala is at Pathankot. It is connected to a 94 km narrow gauge line to Kangra.

Via Road: 

Dharamshala is very well connected by roads from all nearby cities. Both public and private transport buses regularly run between Dharamshala to Delhi, Chandigarh, Pathankot, Kullu-Manali, Shimla, and other destinations. Taxis are easily available in all places. 

Places to Visit

Distances from Dharamshala

Kangra Art Museum

700 m

Library of Tibetan Works and Archives

2.5 Km

The War Memorial

2.9 Km

Tea Gardens

2.9 Km

Dharamshala Cricket Stadium

3.4 Km

Tsuglag Khang

4.7 Km

Namgyal Monastery

4.7 Km

McLeod Ganj

5.3 Km

Dalai Lama Temple Complex

4.9 Km

Triund

5.5 Km

Bhagsu Waterfall

6.4 Km

Bhagsunath Temple

6.4 Km

Norbulingka Institute

6.7 Km

Aghanjar Mahadev Temple

7.4 Km

Dal Lake

7.5 Km

Chinmaya Tapovan

8.1 Km

St John in the Wilderness Church

8.5 Km

Naddi Village

10.1 Km

Hanuman Ka Tibba

10.7 Km

Lahesh Caves

17 Km

Gyuto Monastery

19.6 Km

Kangra Fort

19.7 Km

Indrahar Pass

21 Km

Kangra Valley

27.2 Km

Masrur

40.8 Km

Kareri Dal Lake

44.1 Km

Best time to visit Dharamshala

his time is usually preferred for adventures and honeymoon couples. Though there are fewer chances of snowfall in Dharamshala. In winter Triund top receives plenty of fresh snow. You will get amazing views of the snow-capped mountains during this time.

March to June: Summers in Dharamshala tourism are considered the best time to visit. The weather in Dharamshala is very pleasant and ideal for indulging in adventure activities like paragliding, trekking, and other mountain activities. At this time all the flowers are also in bloom which gives a wonderful look. One can experience the Saka Dawa festival in April dedicated to Lord Buddha.

July to August: Monsoon is not an ideal time to visit Dharamshala because the place receives heavy rainfall throughout this time. Visiting Dharamshala this time of the year can affect plans as heavy rainfall can make tourists stay in their hotels the whole time. Moreover, there are huge chances of landslides during the monsoons.

Conclusion:

Dharamshala tourism is one of the best and most beautiful tourism in India. So if you are thinking for work from your home destination or a tourist place where you can relax for a week or a month, then Dharamshala is the best destination for you to visit.

If you have any questions regarding Dharamshala tourism then you can ask us in the comment section.

F&Q’s Dharamsala

Dharamshala is famous for being the home of the Dalai Lama and is known to be the little Tibet or Lahasa in India because Tibet's government in exile is running from Tibet's religious Guru Dalai Lama.
March to June:Summers in Dharamshala are considered to be the best time to visit. The weather in Dharamshala is very pleasant and ideal for indulging in adventure activities like paragliding, trekking, and other mountain activities.
Yes, Dharamshala is worth visiting as the place is one of the most peaceful and unexplored hill stations in Himachal Pradesh.
The answer is "No".Because there are so many places to visit, which you cannot explore in two days. So if you want to enjoy them properly then 4 days is enough more to enjoy this trip.
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