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, McLeod Ganj, which is a serene residence of His Holiness Dalai Lama, dotted with lush greenery and majestic hills. It’s not wrong to say that McLeod Ganj has the most scenic landscapes that remain etched in your heart if it is a Dharamshala holiday tour.
Besides the religious appeal, the region offers offbeat experiences such as hiking along untouched trails of the Dhauladhar mountain range with snowy peaks in the background. McLeod Ganj, also known as ‘Mini Lhasa,’ also has a variety of Tibetan, Israeli, and Italian food, which makes it a food lover’s paradise.
Near McLeod Ganj, you will also witness the gorgeous Kangra Valley, Triund, and the serene monasteries which are visited by thousands of international as well as domestic tourists throughout the year. The reason why Mcloedganj is mentioned especially in this blog is that it’s the central hub of the Tibetan community which beautifies the ambiance and culture of Dharamshala. The cultural aspect of Dharamsala is also appealing because it was a British hill station and is now the home of Tibetan refugees.
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.
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
Namgyal Monastery
Famous For – Spirituality, serenity, and nature sightseeing
Renowned as the home of His Holiness the Dalai Lama, Namgyal Monastery is one of the most prominent religious tourist attractions in Dharamshala, especially for those with a spiritual inclination. Founded in 1959 in Dharamshala after the Red Chinese invasion of Tibet, the monastery is the symbol of Tibetan culture and Buddhism. It has been very useful in the preservation of cultural practices such as butter sculptures, sand paintings, and sacred dances of the monasteries.
Namgyal Monastery also has a tantric college for performing ritualistic traditions, is the only monastery owned by His Holiness and follows the non-sectarian system of teachings of all the four major schools of Tibetan Buddhism. It has nearly 200 monks and it provides both Buddhist education and modern education like Tibetan and English medium. Located 157 km from Chamba, it offers visitors a blend of cultural immersion, spiritual serenity, and breathtaking vistas of snow-capped mountains and lush greenery.
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Bhagsunag Waterfalls
Famous For– Spirituality, nature sightseeing, Mcloedganj Food and Ethnic handicraft products.
Located near Bhagsu Village, Bhagsunag Waterfalls is a serene high-altitude waterfall that 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, dedicated to Lord Shiva. It houses the very rare Panch Mukha Lingam. The waterfall is situated at 2133 meters above sea level and is enclosed by green landscapes that provide tourists with an opportunity to relax. The path to the top is intentionally created with barriers to prevent falls, but it is wide enough to accommodate all.
The spiritual ambiance, mystical vibes, refreshing atmosphere, and the beauty of nature make this one of the most beautiful places to visit in Dharamshala. If you view the sight of nature from the top, you will behold the stunning Kangra Valley, which offers an amazing opportunity for nature photography. There are small coffee shops where tourists can taste hot chai or fast food, and shops with souvenirs, pashminas, etc.
The 30-foot cold, freezing, and fresh water of the waterfall’s beauty makes it worth a visit. With its cascading rocks, crystal-clear pools, and serene surroundings, Bhagsunag Waterfalls is truly a paradise that has not been explored fully.
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Dharamsala Tea Company/Tea Gardens
Famous For – Nature photography, Tea tasting and nature walks.
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.
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Norbulingka Institute
Famous For – Learning about Culture, Nature sightseeing and photography.
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 provides jobs to a community of 300 Tibetans.
Norbulingka means ‘Jewelled Garden’ and is the traditional name of the summer palace of the Dalai Lamas in Lhasa, Tibet, built in 1755. Surrounded by gorgeous gardens, Dhauladhar mountain ranges, streams, waterfalls, and ponds, its beauty is enhanced by unique elements like a Persian wheel that rotates a prayer wheel in the middle of the stream and small stupas placed in the different parts of the gardens.
If you are looking for a unique experience that 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, with Japanese-inspired gardens designed by architect Kazuhiro Nakahara, offering a visual appeal to the tourists.
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Dharamshala Cricket Stadium
Famous For – Cricket sports and nature sightseeing.
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.
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Tsuglagkhang Complex
Famous For – Spiritual worship, Lord Buddha, Tibetan culture and lifestyle.
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.
Timing– 5:00 AM to 8:00 PM
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Lahesh Cave Trek
Famous for – Trekking, Camping, nature sightseeing and photography.
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 cave is situated at an altitude of 3500m and can only be reached on foot. The warm hospitality of Phadi people will make your day. During summer, you will see shepherds grazing their sheep here, and the cave becomes a popular camping ground for trekkers.
The trek starts at McLeod Ganj and goes through thick forests of oak, deodar, pine, and fir trees. It also provides a panoramic view of Bhagsu village, the Kangra valley, and the distant Shivalik hills. 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 McLeod Ganj. You can also see the snow line near Triund mountains and other places of interest including Bhagsu Nag Temple and a waterfall.
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Popular Tourist Attractions Near Mcleodganj Dharamshala
- Masroor Rock Cut Temple
- Manali
- Naggar Village
- Kareri
- Bir
- Barot
- Chintpurni Devi Temple
Masroor Rock Cut Temple
Famous For – Spiritual pursuits, history buffs, architecture and nature lovers.
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.
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Manali
Famous For- Nature photography and sightseeing, temples and monasteries, adventure and shopping.
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. Located at an altitude of about 6,500 feet above sea level on the banks of the Beas River, Manali is a place that leaves every tourist spellbound with its natural and cultural beauty.
Manali is a combination of beautiful natural vistas, adventure, solace-inducing landscapes, serene temples, monasteries, colorful markets, lofty mountain passes, and apple orchards. The town is divided into two parts, The New Manali, which is full of tourist activities and the Old Manali, famous for its calm and natural beauty. It is a must-visit place near Dharamshala to make your Himachal Pradesh tour the most memorable trip among all the destinations you have traveled to in India.
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Naggar Village
Famous for – Camping, Trekking, Fishing, Heritage Sightseeing, Photography and Village Walks.
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.
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Kareri Lake Trek
Famous For – Trekking and nature sightseeing.
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 trek begins at Kareri village, located around 30 km from Dharamshala, and takes you through lush sub-tropical pine and broad-leafed forests, making it a haven for birdwatchers with species like the black drongo and red-billed blue magpie. The Nyund nallah, a stream fed by the lake, serves as a refreshing companion along the trail. The Reoti campsite, situated in a valley surrounded by grasslands, is another highlight that adds magic to this trekking experience.
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, waterfalls, and shepherd villages, all bringing you closer to nature.
The lake’s crystal-clear water, where the lake bed and sky’s reflection are visible, adds to its captivating beauty. Your heart will dance with joy to see such wonderful vistas on this enchanting trekking trail.
Also Check Out: Popular Trekking Destinations in Himachal
Bir
Famous For – Camping, Paragliding, Trekking, Angling and Sightseeing.
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.
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Also Read: Paragliding Adventure in Himachal
Barot Valley
Famous For– Camping, Fishing, Wildlife and Nature Sightseeing.
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.
Also Read: Wildlife Tourism in Himachal Pradesh
Chintpurni Devi Temple
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.
The temple is one of the 7 Shakti Peethas in India and holds a lot of religious importance, representing sacrifice and divine blessings. The building has a Himachali architecture with beautiful carvings and mythological paintings on the walls which enhances the religious feel of the temple. It is a major Shakti Peetha located 78 km away from Dharamshala. Pandit Mai Das of Chhaproh village has built this temple where you can witness the fairs like Navaratri which are organized with great devotion and enthusiasm.
Visiting here would be a life-changing experience for spiritual wisdom. It is indeed one of the best places to visit near Dharamshala.
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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
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?
Distance Between Dalhousie to Dharamshala- 117km by road
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
- Namgyal Monastery
- Tsuglagkhang Complex
- Dharamshala Tea Estates
- Gyuto Monastery
- Kareri Lake Trek
- Bhagsunag Waterfalls
Which are the top activities to do in Dharamshala?
- Paragliding
- Trekking
- Angling
- Fishing
- Camping
- Nature Walks
- Shopping
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.
Best Budget Homestays-
- Surbhi Guest House
- Varada Homestay
- Wood Forest Homestay
- Shiva’s Nest
Best Luxury Resorts are –
- 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?
- Kareri Lake Trek
- Chamba Trek
- Indrahar Pass Trek
- Dal lake Trek
- Triund Trek
About the author
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.
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