18 Places To Visit In Dharamshala The Abode Of Tibetan Culture

Second capital of Himachal Pradesh, Dharamshala is also the district headquarters of the Kangra District and is home to the Dalai Lama’s residence and the headquarters of the Central Tibetan Administration. Apart from that, Dharamshala is home to some of the most scenic waterfalls, breathtaking landscapes, beautiful monasteries, picturesque lakes and magnificent forts. Those who haven’t yet explored all that this beautiful place has to offer are missing out on something. A trip to Dharamshala makes for an unforgettable experience of being in the lap of nature. We bring to you some of the most popular tourist attractions in Dharamshala which will prompt you to hit the road.

For those who have been to this amazing place, it’s time to relive those moments, well virtually of course!

1. Triund Trek

Instagrammers would be aware of this magnificent place due to the jaw-dropping scenery it offers! The trek to Triund is considered safe for almost all age groups and is relatively easier than its counterparts. The sight that beckons you when you reach the destination of the trek is simply breathtaking as you get see the magnificent Dhauladhar mountains on one side and the Kangra valley on the other. A trek to Triund is highly recommended if you visit Dharamshala not only because of the destination, but also because of the trekking route which is bound to refresh you with a mixed forest of oak, deodar and rhododendron.

2. Dharamshala Cricket Stadium

We have all watched the mighty game being played in these grounds. While here, do not forget to explore this stadium for the sheer excitement of it! Situated at an elevation of 1,457 metres above the sea level, it has a breathtaking view of snow capped Himalayas in the background. The stadium was established in 2003 and has a capacity to seat around 23,000 people. The entire stadium has a unique Tibetan feel to it.

3. Dharamsala War Memorial

Dedicated to the Indian soldiers who lost their lives in the battles of 1947, 1962 and 1971, this memorial has their names inscribed onto it. The tranquil walk through the pine forest leads to the memorial, which has two main attractions next to it. While one is the GPG College which was established during the British era, the other is a cafe that serves fast food for a perfect travel-grub.

4. Gyuto Monastery

The Gyuto Monastery is one of the greatest monastic institutions and Tantric Universities of the Gelug Order. Its origin is believed to have been in Tibet in the 15th century and was re-established in India in the 20th century after the Chinese invasion in Tibet. The Gyuto monastery is known for its practice of tantrik meditation which includes practices such as Guhyasamaja, Chakrasamvara and Yamantaka. The monastery, like most other monasteries, is located atop a hill and provides a brilliant view of river Beas and the Dhauladhar range.

5. Dal Lake

Yes, the name has been taken from Kashmir’s Dal Lake! However, this lake is green in color and is situated at an elevation of 1,775 metres while being surrounded by forests of deodar. The fish found in this lake are also quite different. Do not hesitate to take a mat/rug along with light snacks in a picnic basket as this lake is considered to be one of the most scenic picnic spots around here. Another prominent spot around here is the temple dedicated to Lord Shiva, which also witnesses a fair during the month of September.

6. Namgyal Monastery

Also known as Namgyal Tantric College complex, this monastery is the personal monastery of the 14th Dalai Lama and its main function is to assist with the rituals involving the Dalai Lama of Tibet. Around 200 monks currently reside here and perform rituals for the benefit of Tibet. The monastery is considered a centre for learning and meditation and represent all four main Tibetan monastic lineages. Being here provides you with a sense of a different kind of peace and awakening.

7. Bhagsu Fall

Located around 11 kms from Dharamshala and 2 kms from Mcleodganj, Bhagsu Fall is one of the most popular tourist destinations in this region. The water comes gushing down from a height of around 25 metres and makes for a spectacular sight! The falls fall on the way to Triund, so you can easily visit the falls if you are going towards Triund. The best time to visit the falls is during the monsoons when the volume of the water increases and so does the look and feel of the fall!

8. Bhagsunath Temple

Situated around 6 kms from Dharamshala is this tourist attraction that is flocked for its divine peace. According to the legend, this temple was built by King Bhagsu and is dedicated to the Nag Devta (Snake God) who was enraged when the king stole water from sacred Nag Dal Lake in Mcleodganj. To show his repentence for the act, the king then built this temple and asked for forgiveness. You can choose to losen yourself in the tranquility of the temple or take a few dips in the holy pond or nearby pools which are well maintained and open for visitors. The best time to visit this temple is in the month of September when the colorful and festive annual fair takes place.

9. St. John in the Wilderness Church

This church owes its popularity to the Belgian stained-glass windows which were donated by Lady Elgin, wife of Lord Elgin (who served as a Governor General and Viceroy of India in 1861 and died in Dharamshala in 1863). Lord Elgin was buried here and the churchyard is his final resting place. The church was built in a neo-Gothic architectural style in 1852 and was dedicated to John the Baptist.

10. Jwalamukhi Devi Temple

One of the most popular temples of Goddess Durga, it is located on the Dharamshala-Shimla road. Legend has it that goddess Sati’s tongue fell at Jwalamukhi and the goddess is manifest as tiny flames that burn continuously in the centre of the temple, through the fissures in the age old rocks. You will not find any idol here as the deity is worshipped in the form of flames. However, you will find a mystic diagram of the goddess, covered in shawls and ornaments. The prayers (aarti) are performed in different phases and go on throughout the day.

11. Tsuglagkhang

This is the most important place of worship in this region as it is here where the Dalai Lama resides. Tsuglagkhang is a monastery complex which houses temples, stupas, a museum showcasing the Tibetan art in the forms of paintings, handicrafts, pottery and ancient scriptures, a library, a bookstore and a cafe. All of these are open for tourists except the residence of Dalai Lama. The complex is home to some magnificent statues of Lord Buddha, Chenrezig and Guru Rinppoche.

12. Tsuglagkhang Temple (Dalai Lama Temple Complex)

This temple (mentioned above) is located close to the residence of Dalai Lama, within the complex of Tsuglangkhang. The temple complex is home to a gigantic idol of Buddha sitting on an elevated pedestal along with huge statues of Avaloktwshwara, Pamasambhava and many other notable Buddhist monks. At anytime of the day you can see lamas chanting on prayer wheels or beads, although the Dalai Lama also visits the temple for prayer meetings on a regular basis.

13. Masroor Rock Cut Temples

A complex of temples dedicated to Shiva, Vishnu, Devi and Saura traditions of Hinduism, it lies about 45kms from Dharamshala, in the Beas river valley. The temples in this complex face the snowy peaks of the Dhauladhar range and are built atop a naturally rocky hill at an elevation of around 2,500 feet. The temples have been carved out of the natural sandstone rock in the early 8th century. The complex has three entrances and a sacred pool of water.

14. Aghanjar Mahadev Temple

As the name suggests, this temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva and was built around 500 years ago. The temple complex also houses a cave where you can offer prayers to a Shivalinga. Near the temple is a little stream that enhances the beauty of the whole temple complex. Not only is it a perfect picnic spot but is also considered a photographer’s delight! Offering prayers to Lord Shiva and meditating/relaxing in the tranquil scenic environment, what more could one ask for!

15. Kangra Art Museum

Established in 1990, this museum is a perfect place to explore if you are fond of art and artifacts related to history. The museum has an impressive display of Kangra Art in the form of paintings, artifacts and sculptures, which date back to the 5th century. The most popular feature of this museum is the art gallery that contains the popular Kangra Kalam works also known as the Pahari miniature paintings which boasts of seductive figures and brilliant colours which were extracted from dried-up flowers and herbs.

16. Kangra Fort

Located around 20 kms from Dharamshala, this fort was built by the royal Rajput family of the Kangra State, also known as the Katoch Dynasty, and traces its origin back to the Trigarta Kingdom which was also mentioned in the epic Mahabharata. Kangra Fort is the largest fort in the Himalayas and is believed to be the oldest dated fort in India. The fort is built strategically at the confluence of river Banganga and Majhi, on a steep rock in Old Kangra (right next to Kangra town). While here, you must also explore the famous Jayanti Mata temple, situated atop a hill, built by the General of Gorkha Army Bada Kaji Amar Singh Thapa, along with a small museum exhibiting the history of the Kangra Fort. You can also visit the Maharaja Sansar Chand Katoch Museum which is run by the Royal Family of Kangra and lies adjacent to the fort.

17. Naddi village

Popular among the trekkers, this village is the starting point of various treks leading to paces like Mcleodganj, Dharamkot, Triund and Kareri Lake. The village is also known worldwide for the presence of the Dalai Lama and is located at an altitude of 2,000 metres above sea level. The village is one of the best places to give you a photo-op as the sunrise here is magnificent. Not just that, it also offers a unique kind of tranquility in the lap of Kangra valley with breathtaking views of the Dhaualadhar ranges amidst lush forests of deodar, pine and Himalaya Oak.

18. Tea Gardens

Considered to be the smallest tea plantation region in India, tea gardens of the Kangra Valley are beautifully laid out and planned. The tea from these gardens can be purchased from various stores found around this region.

Be it the adventurous trekking options, beautiful monasteries and temples, astounding views of the Himalayas or simply, the tranquility it offers, Dharamshala has everything for everyone. Whether you choose to set out on an adventure/exploration or just relax in the lap of nature, it guarantees an unforgettable time.