Top 12 Things to do in Dharamshala

One of the most well-known travel destinations in India, there is no dearth of things to do in Dharamshala, a scenic mountainous city in the Kangra district of Himachal Pradesh. Even the thought of this place paints a serene image of gorgeous landscapes in our head, doesn’t it? The beautiful city captivates you with its charm, cool climate, lush greenery, peaceful environment, breathtaking views, and friendly locals.

Dharamshala: An Overview

Geographically, Dharamshala is divided into two parts: upper Dharamshala and lower Dharamshala.

The history of Dharamshala, also spelt Dharamsala, dates back to the 8th century, when it was known as Bhagsu. During the British era, the cool town was a popular summer retreat for the colonial officials.

Indo Tibetan relations began as Buddhism spread from India to Tibet during the 6th century AD. In 1959, the exiled Tibetan spiritual leader, the Dalai Lama, fled to India and sought refuge in McLeodganj, a small town in Dharamshala, making it the centre of the Tibetan government in exile. 

The Central Tibetan Administration is located in McLeod Ganj and focuses on the welfare of the Tibetan exile community in India. Dharamshala is often called Little Lhasa and is known all over the world for its connection to the Tibetan independence struggle. It is the  largest Tibetan settlement in the world outside of Tibet.

Dharamshala is situated 1475 meters above sea level in the Dhauladhar range of the Himalayas. It is home to many indigenous tribes, including the Gaddis. The town has many monasteries and meditation centres perfect for yoga enthusiasts and people seeking spiritual fulfilment.

This small town in Himachal Pradesh with Tibetan influences and Buddhist heritage has many amazing places to see and do – gorgeous trails, beautiful architecture, mesmerizing landscapes and Tibetan cuisine. Here is our list of places to visit and the top 12 things to do in Dharamshala.

The gorgeous landscapes of Dharamshala that appear surreal especially at the crack of dawn.

The Dalai Lama Temple Complex and other monasteries:

The first thing on your bucket list to Dharamshala should be visiting the Dalai Lama Complex. The core of Dharamshala’s spirituality, it is a very important monastery. You will get to watch the monks meditate and chant their prayers. The views from the temple are spectacular. An interesting part of this monastery is the Namgyal Gompa, which is a place reserved for the monks to engage in a debate – something you would not see anywhere else! It takes place either in the mornings or afternoon, so don’t miss it.

The Gyuto Monastery is set against the backdrop of Dhauladhar mountain range. This is one of the main places that specializes in Tantric meditation studies and other Tibetan rituals.

The Mani Lhakhang Stupa in Dharamshala houses a gold plated statue of Lord Buddha in his signature lotus position.

Some other monasteries you can visit in Dharamshala are the Namgyal monastery (also a premium tantric college), Norbulingka institute, Tsuglakhang temple, Sherabling monastery, and the Prayer Wheels Monastery.

Preparation for the evening debate at the Dalai Lama monastery in Mc Leodganj

Kangra Fort and Museum:

A mighty fort built in the Himalayas, shrouded in mystery and surrounding beauty, Kangra fort is the perfect offbeat spot in Dharamshala. 20 kms from the town just outside Kangra town, this is one of the best places to visit in Dharamshala. The fort dates back to the Mahabharata era, having been built in around 4th century BC. It belonged to the Katoch dynasty and survived about 50 attacks, before an earthquake in 1905 destroyed major parts of the fort.

The fort complex has several temples, palaces and museums. The Kangra museum showcases the rich culture of Dharamshala.

Make sure you reach the Kangra Fort Terrace at the golden hour. It overlooks the vast Kangra Valley, offering majestic panoramic views.

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Built by the Royal Rajput family of Kangra State which traces its origins to the ancient Trigarta Kingdom- Photo Credit Mario Micklisch

Visit the Dal Lake:

If you want a peaceful and relaxing evening, you can go to the Dal Lake. Snow-capped mountains and pine trees decorate the backdrop beneath blue skies, with a calm lake resting in front – a picture perfect location that will soothe your eyes. Sometimes, you can enjoy a boat ride here. The Dal Lake Festival dedicated to Lord Shiva is held in September, when many tourists from all over the world come here.

Dal lake with it’s breathtaking view and serene ambience is an unmissable sight that ought to make it to your list of things to do in Dharamshala

Trekking in Dharamshala:

You cannot leave Dharamshala without attempting a single trek. The town is especially famous for its trails and magnificent views from their tops. Here are few of the treks you can do while in this town.

Triund Trek:

One of the most popular activities at Dharamshala is the Triund Trek. Not to easy and not too adventurous, the trek to the top of Triund Hill requires 4 hours of walking, 2 hours of climbing, and another 2 hours to come back down. You can spend the night there, sleeping under the stars, or choose to make it a day trek. However, we would recommend you to spend the night because the scenic views and the starry night sky is worth it.

Bhagsu Nag trek:

If you feel that this trek is too intense, you could do the Bhagsu nag treks. At the base of the Triund Trek is the beautiful Bhagsu Falls, ideal for a short adventure. When you make your way up to the Bhagsu waterfall, take a small detour and visit the quirky Shiva Cafe, where you can enjoy a bowl of the classic Maggi Noodles.

Kareri Lake Trek:

Kareri Lake is located in the Dhauladhar mountains around 40 kms north of Dharamshala, but to reach this glacial lake, you have to go through a 8 to 9 hour trek from Ghera village. A lesser-known trek than Triund or Bhagsu Nag, the path is much less-travelled. The lush green trails are lined with forests of beautiful trees like pine, broadleaf, and deodar.

Camping in McLeod ganj:

The trails between Dharamshala and McLeod ganj offer clear skies, crisp mountain air, and stunning views of the majestic mountains and valleys, making it a popular camping spot. There are many shops in Dharamshala which sell or rent camping equipment, or you can bring your own.

Lahesh Cave trek:

Lahesh Caves are located 3475 meters above sea level and the trek follows one of the trails that Gaddi shepherds use to reach the grazing pastures in the upper Ravi Valley and Lauhal. The trek ends in some mesmerizing views of the Indian plains and Dhauladhar Mountains.

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Looking for something exciting to get that adrenaline pumping? The Triund Trek is every adventurers paradise. Scenic views, a gorgeous trail and an adventure of a lifetime.

Adventure sports:

Besides trekking, there are many adventure sports you can do in Dharamshala.

When in Dharamshala, paragliding is an activity you cannot miss. The best time for paragliding would be from March to May and October to November. You will get a bird’s eye view of the Himalayan mountain ranges and untouched scenic landscapes. Bir Billing, a small town in Himachal Pradesh, is extremely popular for this activity. It was the first place to host the Paragliding world cup.

Some other activities you can enjoy here are ziplining, bungee jumping, flying fox, mountain cycling, ATV ride, and rock climbing.

Bir Billing is renowned for Paragliding in India. An adventure sport ideal for all those seeking that adrenaline rush.

visit the Temples:

Whether or not you are religiously or spiritually inclined, the magnificent rock-cut temples and peaceful monasteries in and around Dharamshala should be on your list.

The Bhagsunag temple is one of the most ancient temples of Dharamshala, dedicated to Lord Shiva. The best time to visit the temple is during the annual fair held in September. Another temple dedicated to Lord Shiva is the Aghanjar Mahadev Temple, also known as Khaniyara Temple. The majestic architecture of the temple and the beautiful waterfall near it will make you fall in love with the place.

You must visit Jwalamukhi Devi Temple in Jwalamukhi town, about 56 kms from Dharamshala. The unique thing about this temple is that there is no idol or image. Dedicated to the hindu goddess Jwala Devi, or the goddess of light, there is a constantly burning blue flame, believed to have been burning since centuries.

Shop till you drop:

The local markets in India offer ann insight on the life and culture of the locals. Make sure to visit the markets of McLeodganj when in Dharamshala. Tibetan carpets and mats, handicraft, carvings on metal and wood, kangra tea, Himachal wines, colorful prayer flags, and woolens are a few of the things to buy here. There are many shops on Temple Road, Central Square as well as the Kotwali Bazar. Sometimes you might catch a few local artisans selling their products there – they would love to chat about how the product is made and how they started the craft. 

The main square of Mcleodganj that leads to the Dalai Lama Monastery is dotted with shops selling the most beautiful handicrafts. From gemstone accessories to knitted clothing and stone carved idols. A shopping spree you ought to embark on.

Local sightseeing:

Located 1457 meters above sea level, the Dharamshala Cricket Stadium, or the HPCA Stadium is one of the highest sports grounds in the world. Visiting a cricket stadium in Dharamshala might sound odd, but the incredible landscape and cool winds make it an experience like no other.

St John in the Wilderness Church is a stunning example of neo-gothic architecture with Belgian stained-glass windows. One of the oldest structures in the region, the chuch exudes a peaceful and serene ambience.

The Dharamshala War Memorial is another place you must visit here. It was built in honor of the brave Kangra soldiers who sacrificed their lives during wars.

At the fragrant tea gardens in Dharamshala, you can learn about the process of tea-making and taste different varieties of tea.

The Tibetan Institute of Performing Arts is located halfway between Dharamkot and McLeod ganj. Here you get to see different performances of music, operas and traditional dance performances.

Live the local life:

If you want to truly experience a culture, the best experience to have is to live with a local when you travel. You can live in homestays in the quaint Himachali homes and learn about Tibetan culture, their daily life and customs.

Some great options for your homestay experience are The Divine Hima for its hospitality, Navek-La Country Home for it’s jaw dropping views, lovely hosts, and the dog on their property is an added bonus! You can also stay at Bhagsu or Dharamkot. For a more authentic experience, you can even go to any of the villages and ask them if you can lodge with them. They will charge you a minimal fee. Don’t expect anything fancy, though.

Dharamshala Locals- Photo Credit Sriharsha

Cafe hopping:

Sample the delectable Tibetan food that is prominently found in Dharamshala. The quaint and quirky cafes around the town offer some of the yummiest and most delicious Tibetan cuisine. Some classic light snacks you must try are the thukpas (Tibetan noodle soup), thentuk (pulled noodle soup), and Tibetan momos.

We would recommend to try freshly steamed momos from the street shops rather than the ones at restaurants. Some of the best cafes in Dharamshala are ‘The Tibet Kitchen’ – a great place for thukpas, the Namgyal cafe and Joyful cafe – popular for their wood-fired pizzas, the Woeser Bakery, which offers you spectacular views from the terrace along with great food, especially cakes, and the Tibet Quality Bakery,, popular for their garlic bread and cheesecakes.

Dooted with cafes, multi cuisine restaurants and delicious street food, you can never run out of options when it comes to the best places to eat in Dharamshala.

Volunteer at the Lha Organization:

The best feeling while travelling is to be able to give back to the community. In Dharamshala, you can do so. The Lha Charitable Trust allows you to participate to help build the Tibetan community. Depending on the number of days you have, there are different categories as to what you can offer to do. So if you have spare time and wish to volunteer, this is the place to make a change in someone’s life.

Arts & Culture tours in Dharamshala- Photo Credit Sriharsha

Relax in Naddi village:

One of the best-kept secrets of Himachal Pradesh is Naddi village. If you are in Dharamshala looking for some solitude, there is no place better. Imagine waking up to nothing but the sounds of nature! You can truly connect with nature in this quaint little town amidst the clear blue skies, breathtaking sunsets, and views of snow-covered peaks. Take a nature walk through the town or just relax as you take in the landscapes.

So if you love nature, culture and good food, you must visit Dharamshala. You would need a good 3 to 4 days in this location. If you want to know more about other locations that you can cover, you can Click Here and fill up this questionnaire and get in touch with our experts who can assist you in planning the rest of your adventure to India.