Best 22 Things to do in Dharamshala

2024-02-29

Dharamshala! A haven nestled amidst the majestic Himalayas, where spirituality finds its roots and where nature unveils its unmatched beauty. Every year, countless travelers embark on a journey to this enchanting locale, seeking peace, adventure, and cultural immersion. Yet, one consistent challenge hovers over every aspiring visitor: How to truly discover the best that Dharamshala has to offer?

You might find yourself deluged with search results, brochures, and recommendations, each promising a unique experience. But which ones are genuinely worth your time? How do you distinguish the 'must-visits' from the 'can-misses'? As the sheer volume of information keeps growing, so does the perplexity of travelers. The dilemma is real, and the thirst for a well-curated list remains unquenched.

Fear not, dear wanderer! If you've found yourself stuck in this maze, you're about to uncover a treasure. This blog aims to do just that—cut through the clutter and present you with a definitive guide to the best 22 things to do in Dharamshala. Let the explorations begin!

The Popular and Trending Things to do in Dharamshala

Here is a list of great things to do in Dharamsala that will carry you on a virtual tour of this stunning city. There is a lot to do there, from sightseeing to shopping to restaurants to trekking. Make a point of participating in all of these activities during your next vacation. So, travelers are you ready for the tour?

Paragliding at Bir Billing
Triund Trek

Camping
Cafe Hoping
Kareri Lake Trek
Kangra Valley Day Trip
Traditional Day at Dharamshala

Galu Temple Trip
Local Sightseeing
Lahesh Cave Hike
Kangra Fort
Boating at Dal Lake

Meditating at Gyuto Monastery
Visit Jwalamukhi Devi Temple
Hike up to Bhagsu Falls
Stroll around the Tea Gardens
Mani Lhakhang Stupa

Dharamshala Cricket Stadium
Aghanjar Mahadev Temple
Visit the Dharamshala War Memorial
Shopping
Explore Dharamkot Village

1. Paragliding at Bir Billing

This is one such adventure sport that will give you the experience of flying and let you enjoy the trial beauty of the Himalayas. Therefore, if you’re looking for some crazy adrenaline-rushing adventure activity in Himachal Pradesh – Paragliding is the perfect option for you.

This service is offered by several tour and travel agencies in Dharamshala and Bir Billing. If you want to overcome your fear of heights and try out something as exciting as an erupting volcano, Paragliding is a great activity to try. The naturally hilly terrain of Dharamshala makes it among the popular places for such activities.

Best Time: During the summers the wind blows with balance, and thus, March to June is the best time to try out this sport.

2. Triund Trek

Triund is located north of Dharamshala and McLeod Ganj which often is called the crown jewel of Dharamshala. The view from Triund Hill is spectacular, with the Dhauladhar Mountains on one side and Kangra Valley on the other. To begin the trek, travel to McLeod Ganj and then hire a taxi to Galu.

You can also travel to Bhagsu Nag and begin your trek from there. The hike takes you through beautiful forests that are lined with trees that are only found in high-altitude areas. As you cross the enchanting woods with beguiling twists and turns, as you get closer you will be awestruck by the beguiling beauty of the destination. Thus, Triund is one of the best places to visit near Dharamshala, Himachal Pradesh.

There are numerous establishments along the way that serve beverages and light snacks, making your journey much easier. This is not a walk for the faint of heart, nor should it be taken lightly. The trek is worthwhile, however, because the view from the top more than compensates for the difficulties encountered along the way.

This is quite an easy trek that takes 5 to 6 hours to reach the summit, so people of all ages can do this trek (of course basic fitness should be there). Once you reach, spend the night stargazing, dancing, and making beautiful memories.

Best time: Summer is the best time to participate because the trail will be less difficult to navigate.

3. Camping in Mcleodganj

In and around Dharamshala, the stunning contours and mountainous landscape offer an unforgettable camping experience. Clear skies and fresh air add to the camping experience – making it more enjoyable. In Dharamshala, many shops sell/rent camping equipment, or you can bring your own.

The trails between Dharamshala and McLeod Ganj are considered among the most popular camping places, and you’ll see a lot of people there. You can also camp a short distance after McLeodganj, where it is less crowded and more tranquil. It does, however, limit the amenities available in the area.

Best Time: Summer and spring are the best times to participate because the terrain is simpler to camp in.

4. Cafe Hopping in Dharamsala and Mcleodganj

Because of its wonderful cafe culture, Dharamshala is a popular tourist destination among young people. Several cafes squiggle this town, particularly Mcleodganj, serving delectable local and international cuisine and beverages. They’re fantastic places to unwind with your pals, talk all night, and treat your palate while taking in the view of the majestic Himalayan mountain ranges.

Best Cafes in Dharamshala and Mcleodganj: Illiterati, Shiva Cafe, Namgyal Cafe, and Joyful Café are the best eateries in Dharamshala and Mcleodganj.

5. Kareri Lake Trek

Kareri Lake is located in the Dhauladhar Range, some 40 kilometers north of Dharamshala. The path is lined with lovely green vegetation that is only seen in the Himalayas. To get here, you must begin your journey from Ghera village.

Ghera is easily accessible from Dharamshala, thanks to frequent bus services. The trip to Kareri Lake takes roughly 8 to 9 hours from Ghera. The path is sometimes tight and difficult. It is less well-known than the Triund or Bhagsu Nag treks, making it a less-traveled path. There are many camping areas in Kareri where you can spend the night and then return to Dharamshala the next morning.

6. Day trip to Kangra Valley

Kangra Valley, a magnificent gorge in Himachal Pradesh, has been luring people for many years with its breathtaking views.

On the way, you get to witness the beautiful lush green valleys that are as charming as any other place to visit in Himachal Pradesh. Explore the rock-cut temples aka Masroor temple which is an 8th century-old Indo-Aryan School of Architecture. Look for the intriguing carvings on the temple that will blow your mind and will make you question today’s engineering skills.

Don’t forget to visit the Norbulingka – A Tibetan Art and Craft Institute. It is located just 40 minutes away from Kangra Valley. The institution is dedicated to protecting the traditions and authentic Tibetan art and craft.

Best Time to Visit: it is an all-year-round location and visitors can visit whenever they please too. However, we recommend not to visit during the peak monsoon as the area is prone to landslides.

7. Traditional Day at Dharamshala

Visit Dharamshala, a picturesque town in the Kangra district of northern Himachal Pradesh, and immerse yourself in the vibrant rural life for a day. Stroll through the markets and busy areas of Dharamshala to learn how the economy operates.

While witnessing the traditional dance of Dharamshala, move your feet and learn about their culture. Feel free to dress up in traditional garb, take photos with the locals, and bring back a slew of memories. Take a seat for a delectable lunch featuring local cuisines, and then set aside some time to explore the various parts of the forest-covered village on your own.

If you are lucky enough, you might end up rambling at village fairs and/or carnivals. This is one of those experiences which you can’t compromise on.

8. Galu Temple Trip

At an elevation of 2,100 meters above sea level, Galu Devi is located near Mcleodganj. A great place to enjoy the panoramic beauty of the valley. It’s also known for being the starting point for the world-famous Triund Trek. Another highlight of this place – Camping is allowed.

Stroll around the temple complex, and meditate, or just sit back quietly for some time, soaking in the calmness in the atmosphere.

As you continue your trek, take in the breathtaking grandeur of the lush green cedars and crimson rhododendrons. Enjoy a delectable packed lunch while admiring the breathtaking views from the summit.

9. Local Sightseeing

Dharamshala brims with several flamboyant places to visit and each of these places has something unique to offer. Sightseeing is one of the great things to do in Dharamshala because of the abundance of natural, architectural, and spiritual attractions. While fragrant tea gardens would calm your soul, beautiful Tibetan shrines such as Namgyal Monastery and Gyuto Monastery will calm your mind and body.

Pack your backpacks and get ready to explore the quaint town of Dharamshala. Start with visiting the Dalai Lama temple complex where you’ll get face-to-face with the Tibetan culture and history. Then head over to the HPCA stadium which by the way is the highest cricket stadium in India. End your day at the many monasteries in Dharamshala such as Gyuto and Namgyal monasteries.

10. Lahesh Cave Trek

The trek to Lahesh Caves is an enthralling and fascinating journey that presents new obstacles at every turn. The caves, which are located at a height of 3475 meters above sea level, have become a popular weekend resort for travelers searching for plenty of adventure.

The trekking track begins in McLeodganj, which offers participants a spectacular view of the Shivalik hills. The short trip provides participants with multiple opportunities to explore the varied delights of nature while also providing a sense of peaceful calm that aids in relaxation.

The Lahesh Caves hike through mixed forests of deodar, oak, and rhododendron to the snow line is an unforgettable experience.

The tour is finished in three days and two nights, and the participants feel enlightened and invigorated at the end. The experience of spending time in and around Lahesh’s natural rock cave shelter is genuinely one-of-a-kind and unforgettable, prompting participants to travel back.

11. Explore Kangra Fort

Kangra Fort is a fort built by the Kangra Rajput family as part of the Katoch Dynasty on the outskirts of Kangra town. The builders of this fort may be traced back to the Mahabharata, making it the earliest documented for India.

It is also the largest and most intriguing fort in Himachal Pradesh. The fort is well-known in medieval Indian history since it was a much-desired fort by the Mughals and withstood many Mughal sieges. The fort’s outer wall stretches for 4 kilometers, while the inside chambers are filled with relics from many periods, most notably the Mughal and British eras in India.

Therefore, Kangra Fort is one of the best places to visit in Dharamshala if you’re fascinated by the historical places of Himachal Pradesh.

12. Romantic Evening at Dal Lake

Dal Lake is one of the most famous lakes in Himachal Pradesh and is located north of Dharamshala and McLeodganj in Kangra district, on the Dal Lake-McLeodganj Road. It is encircled by canopies of deodar trees that add to the appeal of this little lake, which is known for its altitude. A revered Shiva temple with old-world charms is located here, and it is well-known among the locals due to its mythological significance.

This charming lake is a great day trip from Dharamshala because it is close by and transportation to the Dal lake from Dharamshala is simple. It’s definitely something to add to your Dharamshala bucket list of things to do and places to visit.

Summer and spring are the greatest times to visit because of the clear weather and fewer chances of road closure due to snow.

13. Meditating at Gyuto Monastery

Gyuto Monastery is located on the Palampur-Dharamshala road, about 9 kilometers south of Dharamshala town. As a premium tantric college, it is a very important monastery in Buddhist history. It is based on the Gelug Organization’s ideals, a relatively recent Buddhist order that emphasizes discipline and ethics to reach spiritual fulfillment.

This is a lovely spot to visit if you want to unwind and contemplate. Anyone will be soothed by the pure beauty of the monastery as well as its peaceful and quiet environment. It’s a sight that must be seen to be believed, and it’s one of the best places to visit among the many attractions in Dharamshala.

Best Time to Visit: Gyuto Monastery can be visited at any given time of the year.

14. Visit Jwalamukhi Devi Temple

Jwalamukhi Devi Temple is located in Jwalamukhi town, Kangra district, about 55 kilometers from Dharamsala. It’s named after Jwala, a Hindu Goddess who is related to fire and gas. The temple was established by Raja Bhumi Chand Katoch and is another Mahabharata-era structure in Dharamsala.

The most unusual aspect of this temple is that there is no deity present. Instead, the Goddess is adored when she manifests herself through the flames that radiate from within the rocks through fractures in the ground.

Best time to visit: Every temple in the town of Dharamshala is appropriate to visit at any given time of the year. But the landscapes look vibrant during the spring season as the valleys glam up with many different flowers.

15. Hike up to Bhagsu Falls

Bhagsu Falls in Bhagsu nag hamlet, located 1 kilometer from McLeodganj, is a traveler’s delight due to its surrounding beauty and stories associated with it. It is close to the Bhagsu Nag Temple, which is devoted to adi-yogi aka Lord Shiva.

The waterfall is a 30-foot plunge positioned between two mountain cracks and is a magnificent sight to behold. The waterfall is a 20-minute stroll from the temple, but it’s well worth it after you view the crystal clear water and rest in peace among green surroundings. It’s a must-see attraction that should be on your Dharamshala bucket list.

Best Time to Visit: Because the flow will be larger during the monsoon, the stream will be much more attractive.

16. Stroll around the Tea Gardens

The perfect way to start your mornings with a good cup of aromatic tea. Tea is used by about 80% of the world’s population, and India is the world’s second-largest tea exporter, producing 900,094 tonnes of tea every year.

The tea estates on the Dharamshala-McLeodganj road are one of the best places to visit if you’re a tea lover. The plantations are not as huge as those in Assam or the Northeast states, but they are substantial enough to keep one occupied for several hours. The plantation mostly serves local export, that is, consumption on the Indian Peninsula. The aromatic mist of tea, combined with the lush vegetation all around, is enough to enchant, and it should be on your Dharamshala bucket list.

17. Mani Lhakhang Stupa

The Mani Lhakhang Stupa is located near Uprali Barol, about 5 kilometers outside of Dharamshala. The Prayer Wheels Monastery is another name for this stupa. It was built in 2001 on the orders of the Dalai Lama as part of a series of five miniature stupas designed to withstand natural disasters.

A gold-plated statue of the Buddha in his distinctive lotus pose is housed in this lovely Stupa. There are many prayer wheels to spin for good luck at the monastery. It is easy to travel to Dharamshala because there is a lot of public transit available. In the evenings, you can pamper your senses by listening to the monks sing hymns that will make you want to return again and again.

18. Dharamshala Cricket Stadium

In India, cricket is like a cult, with a fan following that spans all ages, religions, castes, creeds, and genders. What better way to enjoy such a sport than to see it at a stadium situated at 1457 meters above sea level, surrounded by gorgeous mountains and high altitudes?

The HPCA stadium, which is located in Dharamshala, is well known for hosting Ranji Trophy matches. The stadium’s high altitude makes it difficult to utilize for international cricket since rain or snow can cause road closures, making transportation problematic. However, you can catch a state cricket match while you’re here and enjoy the sport while seeing the magnificent mountains in the background.

19. Seek Blessings at Aghanjar Mahadev Temple

Aghanjar Mahadev Temple is located in the foothills of the Dhauladhar Mountains in Kangra district, about 9 kilometers from Dharamshala. This lovely village is located near the Khaniyara Temple and is noted for its aesthetic and religious grandeur.

The Mahabharata is deeply entwined with the primitive history of the temple. Lord Shiva is said to have bestowed the boon of victory on Arjun before the Mahabharata war. The temple is significant religiously because it recognizes and celebrates this blessing. In the area, there is also a lovely stream that may be visited. This region is adorned with large stones that add to its attractiveness. For those looking for religious and spiritual awakening in the lapse of Himachal, this temple is one of the best temples to visit in Dharamshala for such matters.

20. Visit Dharamshala War Memorial

The Dharamshala War Memorial is a memorial built to memorialize the heroic men and women who died in service to our country after Independence, and it is located at the entrance of Dharamshala town. The memorial is set in lovely surroundings and serves as a symbol of bravery and sacrifice.

The names of all the troops and martyrs who died in the wars and peacekeeping missions in 1947-48, 1962, 1965, and 1971 are engraved on the monument. This is an extremely important structure. Soldiers’ sacrifices are sometimes forgotten in popular media, and structures like these serve as a reminder and inspiration to remember and continue fighting the good fight. Keep this on your list of things to do and places to visit in Dharamshala is the right thing to do.

21. Shopping

Shopping is one of the most popular activities in Dharamshala, with everything from jewelry to woolens. You can shop both in the showrooms and on the streets in this city. Walking around the colorful markets of Dharamshala, you’ll see items made of various stones, women knitting woolen socks, sweaters, and mufflers right in front of your eyes, bright prayer flags, and handicrafts that speak volumes about Tibetan culture and Indian traditions.

Bargaining in McLeodganj several bazaars, unlike many other shopping sites in India, may not be fruitful. However, we recommend that you check out other stores to see if you can find the same items for a lower price.

Things to buy: Woolens, handicrafts, Himachal wines, and accessories are among the items to purchase.

22. Trip to Dharamkot Village

Dharamkot village is also termed as the mini Israel of Himachal Pradesh, India, and it is the only settlement with a Jewish community center, Chabad home. People from Israel come to visit Mcleodganj and Dharamsala at regular intervals.

This area was known for its dimly lit restaurants and low-cost homestays. Dharamkot, located a few kilometers above Mcleodganj, is the starting point for most trekkers heading to Triund, Snowline Ilaqua, and other notable treks in the vicinity.

This is one of the best places to visit for folks who enjoy short walks through meadows, hikes and treks, a village vibe, a little meditation, or pondering life over hummus and pita. Dharamkot’s aura grows on you over time, and you might become completely enamored with it in just a few days.

Conclusion

I hope you understand the magic and allure of Dharamshala after diving deep into this comprehensive guide. With its rich tapestry of culture, history, nature, and spirituality, Dharamshala offers an escape unlike any other. Whether you're an adrenaline junkie, a spiritual seeker, or someone just looking for a serene getaway, this Himalayan gem caters to all. So pack your bags, bookmark this list, and set forth on a journey that promises memories for a lifetime. Safe travels and happy exploring!