A travel Guide to Dharamsala

Dharamshala Tourism

Taking a vacation to Dharamshala, India, is situated in the western region of Himachal Pradesh. It has the most picturesque views with a clean atmosphere. Dharamshala attracts tourists towards it with its beauty and grandeur. This vastly stretched place is located 1475 meters above sea-level and lies on the land of Kangra Valley.

Nicknamed as the ‘Little Lhasa of India’, Dharamshala tours are known to leave you with a sense of peace within yourself. This serene place is the residence of the famous Tibetan monk Dalai Lama and the exiled Tibetans. Hence, it has a historical significance attached to it. Dharamshala tourist attractions include a perfect blend of nature and culture, which leaves everyone spellbound.

Dharamshala tourism guarantees an amazing stay in this quaint city. Surrounded by deodar cedar trees and snow-filled mountains, the city of Dharamshala is a blessing for nature lovers. Being the headquarters of the Dalai Lama, it also draws spiritual tourists from all around the world. A Dharamshala travel guide takes one through every beautiful nook and corner of the city.

Places to visit in Dharamshala

1. Namgyal Monastery

Namgyal Monastery, established by the 3rd Dalai Lama, is located in Dharamshala. This monastery is known for its Tibetan culture and diverse history. It is considered to be the hub of Tibetan culture in Dharamshala. It is one of the most visited Dharamshala tourist places. People come here to meditate, observe the interesting Tibetan culture closely, and pay respect to the Buddhist Shrine.

2. Kareri Lake

Dharamshala attractions include some of the most strenuous treks of the world. Famous for adventure, nature, and picturesque view, Kareri Lake is the perfect place for you if you are seeking some thrill. It will take almost half the day to explore this hidden gem of Dharamshala. However, reaching the place by road is not easy and hence, it is a hidden gem. Kareri Lake is also the base camp for those who come here for trekking at the Dhauladhar range. Camping and trekking are the two activities you can indulge in here.

3. Gyuto Monastery

Located at a distance of 42 mins from Dharamshala, this very important monastery was established by the first Dalai Lama. Hence, it holds great importance in a Dharamshala travel guide. Gyuto monastery is spread over a wide land and it takes an hour to roam around it. It is home to about 500 monks who spend their time meditating and learning about Buddhism philosophy. This is the perfect place to learn more about Tantric meditation.

4. Kangra Museum

Filled with miniature paintings and diverse history, the Kangra Museum is surely one of the best Dharamshala attractions. The museum houses innumerable trinkets and artefacts that are related to Tibetan Buddhists. The museum also exhibits the unique culture of Kangra Valley. This place has a library and a collection of manuscripts preserved since the 5th century. The shops in the museum sell souvenirs. This museum is also a great place to know about the Tibetan culture and the lifestyle of the Tibetan People.

5. Naddi Village

Known for its serenity, Naddi village has the most stunning view and it takes about eight hours for trekkers to reach there. This village is mostly explored by thrill-seeking trekkers. The main attractions are this place’s pleasant climate, beautiful views, and local fairs. The village is a great place for adventure lovers. People come here to pitch a camp, go on a trek and take a trip to Dal Lake, which is very near to this village. The famous echo point is also located near this village.

Things to do in Dharamshala

Dharamshala is a great mixture of culture and character. It is a frequently visited tourist destination and has many attractions which grab the attention of many tourists who come here. Here is a list of things to do in Dharamshala.

Visiting Dalai Lama complex

This is a must-do activity and one of the famous Dharamshala attractions. The place is perfect for watching the monks practising their culture and learning a great deal from them. There are also some temples and a museum surrounding this complex. However, no photography is allowed inside the temple halls and you are supposed to remain quiet at all times since the Buddhist monks are praying, meditating, and studying.

Visiting Bhagsunag temple

The Bhagsung temple is located 2 km away from Mcleodganj. The temple shows the splendid view of the natural falls originating from the Himalayas. This 2 km trek is quite difficult to complete, but once you reach the spot, you will get awestruck by the breathtaking view. On the way to trek, there are some spots that show the unmatchable beauty of the hills and valleys of the Mighty Himalayas.

Eating Thukpa and Momos

Thukpa and Momos are the two most popular foods in the region. Thukpa is basically long noodles soaked in a broth made of vegetables. This is a famous local dish and will warm you up during the monsoon season. Momos are small dumplings and are loved by almost everyone. You can enjoy more Tibetan food at various hotels in Dharamshala. A trip without visiting the hotels and eating joints of Dharamshala is simply incomplete.

Studying Meditation

Coming here for the sole purpose of studying meditation also counts among the main highlights of Dharamshala Tourism. Many people come here to know more about different segments of philosophies, learn new meditation techniques, get in touch with Buddhism, and attend yoga classes. Known for a peaceful ambience, you can rent an apartment here and indulge in some meditation to connect your inner self. The place offers a new sense of peace and teaches newer ways of living a healthy life.

Best time to visit Dharamshala

The best time to visit Dharamshala is April. April will be the starting of the summer season and the climate will be most favourable for you to go sight-seeing. So, the best season to visit Dharamshala is the summer season. You can easily roam around and explore the different monasteries. Try to avoid the monsoon season since it rains a lot and the climate becomes foggy.

Winter is extremely chilly in Dharamshala. The region experiences heavy snowfall and sometimes, the roads also get blocked by it. If you are going there in winter, then carry lots of woollen clothes, jackets and thermals because you will be in below 0-degree temperature.

How to reach Dharamshala

Wondering how to reach Dharamshala? This place can be easily reached by flights, train, and road. Here are some tips.

By Road: Dharamshala is well connected by road with North Indian states. Many deluxe and normal buses are also available from Delhi, Chandigarh, Shimla, and other cities to reach Dharamshala. The road trips to Dharamshala are well-maintained and beautiful. You can either hire a taxi or drive in your own car to enjoy the breathtaking views on the way.

By Train: Pathankot railway station is the nearest station to Dharamshala. It is 85-90km away from Dharamshala. You can take a train till here and then hire a taxi to start on your road trip. This way you can take in the splendid views and experience a good road trip as well.

By Flight: The Gaggal Airport, also known as Kangra Airport, is located 15 km away from Dharamshala. There are many flights to Dharamshala from many parts of India. You can find flights from Delhi, Kullu, Chandigarh, Mumbai, and many other places.