A place where spirituality meets nature, Dharamshala is one of the most popular places to visit in Himachal Pradesh. Whether you are looking for a retreat for your body, mind or soul, this pristine hill station is a paradise for every kind of tourist. If you are planning a vacation to this city anytime soon and thinking about what you can do here, we are here to help!
We have curated a list of some of the best thrilling experiences to try and the best things to do near Dharamshala for a memorable stay. Believe us, these activities will keep you longing to come back again and again. What are you waiting for? Check out the list and start planning your itinerary.
One of the most popular tourist attractions in Dharamshala, the Tsuglagkhang Complex is a paradise for those seeking peace and spirituality. Yes, you have guessed it right, the complex is known for housing the official residence of the spiritual leader, Dalai Lama. Once you are here, you can visit the Tibet Museum, Kalachakra Temple, Namgyal Gompa or attend one of the public spiritual sessions.
You were expecting this, weren’t you? A trek to Triund hill amidst stunning forests and steep mountain curves is one of the most adventurous things to do in Dharamshala. You can admire the stunning views of the Kangra Valley throughout your trekking expedition. If you feel tired during the trek, you will find various shops serving drinks and light snacks to keep you going.
If there is one thing that has been fascinating to people for ages, it surely is flying close to the birds. If you want to fly and pack in a bird’s eye view of the vast expanse of land underneath, a thrilling paragliding expedition awaits you in Dharamshala! You can head to Bir Billing, the paragliding hotspot (65 km away) for an experience that you will cherish for your lifetime. Remember, the price ranges from Rs. 2000 to Rs. 8000.
The clear blue skies, lush greenery, fresh air and hilly terrain make camping one of the best activities to do in Dharamshala. And the trail between Dharamshala and McLeodGanj is one of the most pleasant camping spots in the region. Pitch your tent in the wilderness and spend a peaceful time to soothe your soul. Believe us, you will be enthralled with its surreal beauty!
A shimmering cascade of pristine water, Bhagsu Waterfall often finds its way to everyones’ travel itinerary. And why not? Nestled amidst awe-inspiring surroundings, it is hands down one of the most beautiful places you will ever visit. Also, the Bhagsu Temple at the foothills of the falls adds to the beauty and spirituality of the falls.
If you have an innate fascination for history and ancient architecture, you cannot miss visiting the Kangra Fort. Situated atop a hill, this fort will offer glimpses of the past most wonderfully. You can visit the museum to dive deeper into the history of the region. If that isn’t enough, the surreal views from the top of the fort will mesmerise you to the core. Plan your visit between 9 am to 5 pm and get ready for an unforgettable experience.
If you are seeking peace and spirituality, Gyuto Monastery is one of the popular places to visit in Dharamshala. Here, you can sit for hours, relaxing your mind and body. The beautiful architecture and interiors make it even more charming. Reflecting Buddhist culture and history, it is a must-visit place to make your trip memorable.
One of the 51 Shakti Peethas, Jwala Devi Temple is a revered site, drawing pilgrims from far and wide. It is said that the temple is home to nine permanent flames, which makes it even more intriguing. Having immense spiritual and religious significance, it is no wonder why it is one of the top attractions near Dharamshala.
If you love to take lesser-known paths, Kareri Lake is a match made for you. You will have to reach Ghera village first and then trek for about 8 hours to reach the lake, located in the Dhauladhar range. The route to the lake is surrounded by exotic vegetation and flora, offering mesmerising views. Once you have reached there, you can pitch a tent and camp overnight. The natural beauty and encapsulating tranquillity will leave you spell-bound.
There is no way any travel guide to Dharamshala would miss this important site. Visit the War Memorial and pay respects to the martyrs who sacrificed their lives during the wars that took place in 1947, 1962, 1965, 1971, and UN Peace Operations. The surreal natural beauty of this place is cherishable as well. When you are visiting, remember, it is open for the public from 8 am to 8 pm and the entry fee is Rs. 10.
Whether or not you are a cricket fan, a visit to the Dharamshala Cricket Stadium should definitely be on your travel list! Settled at an altitude of 1,457 meters, the stadium is one of the highest and most beautiful stadiums in the country. Catch a game or soak in the breathtaking beauty of this place, you will be thrilled for sure.
A paradise for history buffs, curious travellers and architecture lovers, or simply, one of the best places to go near Dharamshala. This cluster of 15 monolithic temples is a fine example of Indo-Aryan architectural styles. When you come here, you will see parts of the temples are in ruins, still, they have a magnificent aura.
Calling out to the tea lovers! The route from Dharamshala and McLeodGanj is filled with surreal tea gardens. The jaw-dropping views, fresh aroma and lush greenery will make you fall in love with this place. While here, you can learn about the process of tea making. And yes, you can taste different varieties of teas as well.
Is a trip even complete without eating local delicacies? Well, we don’t think so, especially when you are in Dharamshala. Here, you can relish Himachali and Tibetan cuisines, along with Indian and Chinese dishes as well. We suggest trying thukpa (noodle vegetable soup), steam momos and rice dishes. Don’t forget to visit the cosy cafes to enjoy a cup of coffee with brownies, cakes and cookies.
Shopping is everyone’s go-to activity during a trip! After all, who likes to return from a trip without an extra bag filled with souvenirs! And in Dharamshala, the Mcleodganj Market is the place to be for this particular activity. The entire street is full to the brim with quirky shops selling handmade musical instruments, local souvenirs, warm clothes and paintings. You can buy whatever you like!
You probably have added your favourites from our list to your list of things to do in Dharamshala. So, go on, book your flights and get ready for a vacation like never before.
