Dharamshala Himachal Pradesh, Best Places To Visit, Temples, Things to do in Dharamshala

Dharamshala is a picturesque and panoramic hill station in the Himalayas. It has become
essential in most Himachal trip packages, with the Dhauladhar peaks and dense deodar
forests in the backdrop. Being the abode of His Holiness the Dalai Lama, this scenic resort is
popular with visitors, spiritual searchers, and religious travellers.
Dharamshala has breathtaking scenery, a beautiful lake, brilliant monasteries, colourful
temples, glistening waterfalls, and historic forts and museums. This is a list of sites to see in
Dharamshala to make your vacation more interesting and organized.
And don’t simply go there; explore and discover their true beauty and charm. Check
Dharamshala Himachal Pradesh, the Best Places To Visit, Temples, and Things to do in
Dharamshala here.
About Dharamshala Himachal Pradesh
Dharamshala is a lovely hill station in the Himachal Pradesh district of Kangra. This
charming village is in the upper Kangra Valley, encircled by the gorgeous Himalayas. The
town is divided into two halves, Upper Dharamshala and Lower Dharamshala, each with
distinct beauty and attraction.
Upper Dharamshala, also known as McLeod Ganj, is the major town and home of His
Holiness, the 14th Dalai Lama, and the Tibetan government-in-exile. It is also a centre for
Tibetan culture and spirituality since it is home to many Tibetan exiles. Lower Dharamshala
is a commercial centre with a renowned cricket stadium, tea gardens, and a lovely war
monument.
Dharamshala is noted for its natural beauty, lush green landscapes, adventure activities like
hiking, paragliding, and camping, and its spiritual importance. The town is filled with historic
temples, monasteries, and museums that provide an insight into the region’s rich cultural
past. Dharamshala is a must-see for anyone seeking a calm escape from nature.
Top 10 Best Places To Visit In Dharamshala Himachal
Pradesh
Dharamshala is a beautiful hill station in the Himalayas. It has stunning views of snow-
capped mountains, lush green valleys, and a rich cultural history. The town is known for its
peaceful beauty, spiritual atmosphere, and exciting activities. Here are the 10 best places to
visit in Dharamshala:

1. McLeod Ganj

McLeod Ganj is a busy town in Upper Dharamshala called “Little Lhasa.” It is home to the
Tibetan Government in Exile, which makes it a centre for Tibetan culture and spirituality. The
town is also known for its lively markets, cafes, and restaurants, where you can try real
Tibetan food and buy handicrafts made traditionally.

2. Bhagsu Waterfall

The Bhagsu waterfall is in the village of Bhagsu. It is a beautiful waterfall surrounded by
trees and rocks. A waterfall is a popular place for picnics, hiking, and trekking, and it has
beautiful views of the valley below.

3. Dal Lake

Dal Lake is a calm lake that is in the beautiful Kangra valley. Green forests and mountains
surround it. The lake is known for its annual fair, which is held in September and draws a lot
of locals and tourists.

4. Kangra Fort

Kangra Fort is a historical fort in the town of Kangra. It was built in the 4th century BC. The
Katoch dynasty built the fort, the centre of power in Kangra, until the 19th century. The fort is
well-known for its beautiful architecture, old temples, and wide valley views.

5. Dharamkot

A small village called Dharamkot is in Upper Dharamshala. It is encircled by pine and deodar
forests. The village is known for its peaceful atmosphere, yoga retreats, and places to
meditate. Many trails lead to the nearby mountains from Dharamkot, making it a popular
place for trekking and hiking.

6. Triund

Triund, located 2,828 metres above sea level, is a popular trekking destination in
Dharamshala. On the trek, you can see the Dhauladhar mountain range and the Kangra
valley below. The hike takes about 4 to 6 hours, and there are many campsites on the hilltop
where you can stay the night.

7. Naddi View Point

Naddi View Point is a beautiful place to look over the Dhauladhar mountain range and the
Kangra valley. It is in Upper Dharamshala. Many adventure companies offer tandem
paragliding flights from the viewpoint, which is also a popular place to go paragliding.

8. Tibetan Museum

The Tibetan Museum is in the middle of McLeod Ganj. It is a place where the history and
culture of Tibet are kept alive. The museum has a collection of old artefacts, photos, and
manuscripts that show how rich Tibet’s cultural history is.

9. Tea Garden

The Kangra tea garden is one of the best tourist destinations in Dharamshala. It is in Kangra
valley. The garden is well-known for its beautiful views, lush greenery, and tasty tea. A guide
can show you around the garden and learn how tea is grown and made.

10. St. John in the Wilderness Church

St. John in the Wilderness Church is an old church that dates back to the 1800s. It is in the
dense forests of McLeod Ganj. The church is known for its beautiful architecture, stained
glass windows, and calm atmosphere.
Top 5 Things To Do In Dharamshala Himachal Pradesh
Himachal Pradesh has a beautiful hill station called Dharamshala. Tourists can do a lot of
different things there. This charming town has something for everyone, from adventure
sports to cultural events. The top five things to do in Dharamshala are:

1. Trekking and Hiking

The beautiful Dhauladhar mountain range surrounds Dharamshala, making it a trekker’s and
hiker’s paradise. The area has many easy-to-hard trekking trails, and the views of the
mountains and valleys are beautiful. One of the most popular treks in the area is the Triund
trek, which gives you great views of the Kangra valley.

2. Paragliding

Many companies in Dharamshala offer tandem flights for tourists who want to try paragliding,
a popular adventure sport there. The most popular place to paraglide is at Naddi View Point,
which has beautiful views of the mountains and valleys below.

3. Visit Tibetan Monasteries

A lot of Tibetans who had to leave their country live in Dharamshala. This makes it a centre
of Tibetan culture and spirituality. There are a lot of Tibetan monasteries in the area, like the
Namgyal Monastery and the Gyuto Monastery, which show some of Tibet’s rich culture.

4. Visit Tea Gardens

The tea gardens in the Kangra valley are famous, and the Kangra tea garden is one of the
biggest in India. People can go on a guided garden tour and learn how tea is grown and
made. The views of the mountains and valleys from the tea gardens are beautiful, making it
a great place for people who love nature.

5. Attend Cultural Festivals

The Dharamshala International Film Festival and the Himachal Pradesh Tourism Festival are
just two of the many cultural events that happen in Dharamshala all year. The main things to
see and do at these festivals are the music, dance, and food, which show off the local
culture and traditions.
Top 5 Temples In Dharamshala Himachal Pradesh
Dharamshala also called the “Land of Gods,” is a spiritual centre with many temples,
monasteries, and shrines. Here are the top 5 temples you must see in Dharamshala:

1. Bhagsunag Temple

This old temple is in the village of Bhagsunag. It is dedicated to Lord Shiva and is
surrounded by beautiful nature. The waterfalls and sacred pool at the temple are well-known.
Devotees swim in the pool to wash away their sins.

2. Chamunda Devi Temple

The Chamunda Devi Temple is a holy shrine to Goddess Chamunda, a form of Goddess
Durga. It is on the banks of the Baner river. The temple is known for its beautiful
architecture, and the views of the mountains around it are breathtaking.

3. Kangra Devi Temple

The Kangra Devi Temple is in the Kangra district and is a shrine to Goddess Ambika, also
known as Goddess Durga. The temple is one of the oldest and most important in the area. It
is known for its beautiful architecture and detailed carvings.

4. Jwalamukhi Temple

The famous Jwalamukhi Temple is about 30 km from Dharamshala. It is a temple for
Goddess Jwalamukhi, also called the “Flame Goddess.” People know the temple for its
natural flames that never go out. It is said that these flames show how powerful the Goddess
is.

5. Gyuto Monastery

Gyuto Monastery is a holy Buddhist monastery in Dharamshala. It is not technically a
temple. Many Tibetan monks live in the monastery, known for its beautiful architecture and
quiet surroundings.
Top 5 Hotels In Dharamshala Himachal Pradesh
With more and more tourists coming to the town, more and more hotels and resorts have
opened to meet their needs. Here are the top 5 Dharamshala hotels:

1. Rakkh Resort

Rakkh Resort is a high-end resort set in the beautiful Dhauladhar Mountains. It offers a
unique mix of comfort and adventure. The resort has many things to do, such as trekking,
mountain biking, and camping. It also has high-end amenities, like a spa, an infinity pool,
and gourmet food.

2. Indraprastha Spa Resort

The Indraprastha Spa Resort is the perfect mix of modern luxury and traditional hospitality.
The resort has amazing views of the Dhauladhar mountains, a spa, indoor and outdoor
games, and a restaurant that serves many different kinds of food. The rooms are beautiful
and have all the latest conveniences.

3. Hotel Inclover

The Hotel Inclover is a small hotel in the middle of Dharamshala with a great view of nearby
mountains. The hotel has a spa, a restaurant, and a bar on-site, as well as modern features
like Wi-Fi, flat-screen TVs, and air conditioning.

4. Asia Health Resorts & Spa

Asia Health Resorts & Spa is a high-end resort at the base of the Dhauladhar mountains.
The resort has a spa, a gym, an outdoor pool, and a restaurant and bars with food from
many different cultures.

5. Clouds End Villa

The beautiful town of Dharamshala is home to the charming Clouds End Villa. The homestay
has beautiful rooms with all the latest amenities and a garden, a terrace, and a restaurant on
site. Warm and friendly hosts make this a great choice for people who want to feel at home.
Top 5 Authentic Food In Dharamshala Himachal
Pradesh
The town is a mix of different cultures, and there is a lot of Tibetan, Indian, and international
food to choose from. Here are the top 5 authentic foods you must try in Dharamshala:

1. Thukpa

Thukpa is a traditional Tibetan noodle soup that can be made with vegetables, meat, or
seafood. The soup is hearty and filling, which is perfect for the cold weather in the area.
Thukpa is a staple food in Dharamshala, and you can find it in almost every Tibetan
restaurant there.

2. Momos

Momos are steamed dumplings with minced meat, vegetables, or cheese in the middle.
They are a popular snack in Dharamshala and are usually served with a spicy tomato or
chilli sauce. Momos are a must-try for all foodies and can be found in almost every Tibetan
restaurant in town.

3. Butter Tea

Traditional Tibetan butter tea, Po Cha, is made with yak butter, tea leaves, and salt. The tea
has a flavour that is all on its own, and it goes well with the cold weather in the area. In
Dharamshala, butter tea is a common drink; you can find it in almost every Tibetan
restaurant.

4. Thenthuk

Thenthuk is a traditional Tibetan noodle soup made with handmade noodles, vegetables,
and meat. The soup is hearty and filling, which is perfect for the cold weather in the area.
Thenthuk is a popular dish in Dharamshala, and you can find it in almost every Tibetan
restaurant there.

5. Pahadi Chicken

A popular Himachali dish, Pahadi Chicken is made with boneless chicken marinated in a mix
of spices and yoghurt. The chicken is cooked in a clay oven and served with rice or naan. If
you like spicy food, you have to try Pahadi Chicken.
Best Time To Visit In Dharamshala Himachal Pradesh
Dharamshala is a popular tourist destination throughout the year, but the best time to visit
depends on individual preferences and interests. Here is a guide to help you decide when
the best time is to go to Dharamshala.
Summer Season (March to June)
The summer season in Dharamshala is from March to June, and it is the best time to visit
the town for outdoor activities and sightseeing. The temperature ranges from 22°C to 35°C,
and the weather is nice. At this time of year, the town is beautiful because the grass is green
and the flowers are blooming. Trekking, camping, and other adventure sports are also great
to do in the summer.
Monsoon Season (July to September)
The monsoon season in Dharamshala is from July to September. During this time, the town
gets a lot of rain, which can cause landslides and mess up travel plans. However, the
monsoon months also offer a breathtaking view of the lush green hills and waterfalls. During
the monsoon season, Dharamshala is a good place to go if you want to get away from it all
and don’t mind a little rain.

Winter Season (October to February)
The winter season in Dharamshala is from October to February, and it is the best time to
visit for those who love the snow and chilly weather. During the winter, the temperature
drops below zero, and there is a thick blanket of snow over the town. Snow sports like skiing
and snowboarding are great to do in the winter. During this time, snowfall can block roads,
so check the weather report before planning a trip.
Final Words!
In the end, Dharamshala is a beautiful hill station in Himachal Pradesh’s Kangra district with
much to offer tourists. There is something for everyone, from beautiful landscapes to
peaceful temples, adventure sports, and real food. The town has a lot of cultural history,
seen in its food, buildings, and festivals.
Plan your trip to Dharamshala so that you go at the right time of year based on what you
want to do and what you like. Dharamshala is a great place to visit any time of year, whether
you want to relax or do something exciting.
Also, Dharamshala is a town that cares about the environment, and visitors are asked to
respect the natural beauty and keep things clean. Travelers need to be responsible and help
the town’s tourism stay strong.
In a nutshell, Dharamshala is a great place to go if you want to mix adventure, spirituality,
and beautiful scenery. Dharamshala is a must-see place in India because of its charm and
lively culture.