Dharamshala is full of great things to explore, such as the Dalai Lama, a little Tibetan village full of nunneries and monasteries, and an incredible international cricket stadium where the bowler looks to "run in from the Himalayas." There are Tibetan souvenir shops tucked away around every corner, stuffed to the gills with anything and everything Tibetan, from momos to monks, as well as nirvana-seeking individuals of every country under the sun. This historic colonial hill station in the upper Kangra Valley is currently serving as the administrative center for exiled Tibetan leadership.
Both the Upper and Lower sections of Dharamshala are considered to be parts of the same town. The Upper segment is essentially Mcleodganj, which is located around 4 kilometers to the north. It is encircled on all sides by stunningly beautiful lush pine and deodar forests. The café culture is very popular here, and if you listen closely, you might be able to detect the gentle rustling of red robes at the table next to you, where monks and nuns are also having their regular cups of tea. This location serves as the jumping-off point for a variety of fantastic hiking opportunities in the surrounding area. Restaurants boast about the regular Hollywood clientele that frequents them, such as Goldie Hawn and Richard Gere, and frequently display their photographs next to wonderful dishes from around the world, such as Italian and Punjabi cuisine.
After taking a leisurely stroll around the prayer wheels in the serene open monasteries of Nechung and Namgyal, you will likely feel more at ease and content than when you entered. You can discover the captivating Dhauladhar mountains by going on daily walks to Kareri hamlet, camping out overnight at the Triund meadows, or undertaking a four-day hike to the Indrahaar pass. Taking a day trip to some of the region's smaller towns, such as Dharamkot and Naddi, will give you a better understanding of the region's history, which occurred before it became known as a "backpacker haven" today. In addition to thanka paintings and butter lamps, there is a wealth of information to be explored in the Kangra Museum, the Norbulingka Institute, and Dal Lake (which should not be mistaken with its namesake in Kashmir). Watch monks argue at the main Tsuglagkhang while sipping free butter tea (bring your own cup), and don't forget to have a piece of "chilly chocolate" from the neighborhood bakery before you travel back. You can learn a new skill, such as how to cook or play the Tibetan flute. There is no question that you will come back for more.
Things to do in and around Dharamshala
Camping in Dharamkot
Relax in your tent under the star-studded night sky and take in the sights and sounds of the nearby flowing river and towering trees. Nirvana and the incredible food that can be found in Dharamshala are just two of the numerous draws that can be found in this city. After a brief drive down from Mcleodganj and a walk to the riverbank, you will be able to participate in a variety of exhilarating sports, like rock climbing, rappelling, jumaring, and river crossing, to name just a few of them. This is just the start of an exhilarating day packed with fascinating and adventurous things to do. Natural rock climbing is the first activity you should try after receiving some fundamental safety training from an expert guide and having a harness properly suited for you. After this, you should move on to another activity. Aim for the stars while you concentrate on maintaining your footing in the cracks leading up to the summit so that you can eventually reach it. You should be sure to have a good look at how far you've already come before you start rappelling your way down the mountain. This will give you a better idea of how far you need to go. Acquire the skills necessary to perform the jumaring technique, which consists of climbing rocks with flat faces while holding ascenders in both hands and being attached to a nylon rope. After you have successfully completed the jump across the river, you will need to keep your heart rate up as you get ready to be secured in another harness so that you can finish the crossing. You will be suspended in midair the entire time as you struggle to make your way over the roaring river below. We make our way back to the campsite after an exhausting but exhilarating adventure and the first thing we do there is set up our tents and build a campfire. If you choose to take a seat by the river while we prepare the BBQ, you will have the opportunity to take in the sights and sounds of the water rushing by, as well as the noises of the birds returning to their perches in the trees as twilight approaches. After a day packed with high-energy adventures, this is the perfect way to wind down and relax.
Dalhousie and its Churches
Dalhousie, which is also the setting for a large number of short stories and works of fiction, is the hill station in the Chamba District that sees the most visitors. This picturesque village is reachable via a winding road that is rather long and gives breathtaking views of the surrounding scenery. The town is positioned above five hills, and the route itself is quite windy. As soon as you arrive, a warm cup of anything, and then you'll head out to investigate some of Dalhousie's great old churches. It wasn't until 1863 that the British built St. John's church in the middle of the town, making it the oldest church in the region. As an additional perk, there is a great library that is not only loaded with books that cover the history and geography of this region but also outstanding photos from the time period when it was still colonial. Proceed to St. Andrew's church, which has remained a prominent and fascinating landmark ever since it was built in 1903. The church was constructed in 1903 and has maintained its status ever since.
St John in the Wilderness Church
The Church of St. John in the Wilderness, which can be found tucked away in a grove of lovely deodar trees, is one of the most peaceful places to visit in Dharamshala as well as one of the most well-known attractions in the city. The building of this Anglican church in 1852 was done in celebration of John the Baptist, and it was the first year that the building was used. On the way to McLeod Ganj, it is located approximately 8 km away from Dharamshala. You can find it on the road.
Due to the stunning neo-gothic manner in which it was built, the church is a well-known attraction for individuals who have a passion for architecture. This holy site emits an air of devoutness owed, in great part, to the stained-glass windows that were made in Belgium. These windows were constructed by hand. In spite of the fact that it is one of the oldest buildings in the region, this church is regarded as being among the most significant in the entirety of Himachal Pradesh due to the one-of-a-kind architecture it possesses and the peaceful ambiance that it gives off.
Kangra Fort
There is evidence that Alexander the Great and Mcleodganj are connected in some way, and Kangra Fort is that evidence. It is a 32-kilometer journey down to the magnificent Kangra Fort walls from Mcleodganj. The walls and gateways of the fort have inscriptions on them that tell the stories of the various monarchs who have ruled over the fort throughout the years. While you take in the stunning architecture of this fort, which was first mentioned in the military records of Alexander the Great, our resident guide will provide you with additional information on Kangra so that you can make the most of your visit. Visit the Tatta Pani hot springs, which are situated in the valley below and can be reached in a short amount of time. It is recommended that you wear shoes that are suitable for walking because the distance from the parking lot to the hot springs is around three km. It is believed that the water at Tatta Pani offers a great degree of medical potential; hence, there is a little enclosure for the water to accumulate so that people can swim in it.
Tea Garden Tour
Dharamshala may also lay claim to being a famous tea-producing region, despite the fact that it is not the location where the greatest tea from Darjeeling was initially grown. There is a charming tea garden and factory that is still in operation along the trail that travels from Dharamshala to Mcleodganj. This path connects the two cities. Following a brief detour that takes you past some officer's bungalows, you will find yourself in some verdant tea gardens that are shielded by some towering trees. On your way to the tiny tea factory, you will need to drive through a forest of tea bushes, and you will need to make two turns before you can finally spot it. The factory has a distinct aroma of tea, which can be smelled throughout the area.
Triund Trek
You will be joined on occasion by prayer flags and by the chirping of birds as you make your way up the steep path that leads to the famed Galu Devi temple. This journey will take roughly one hour. Due to the fact that it weaves through trees and affords stunning views of the valley below, the path that leads to the Galu Devi Temple may look like an ancient riverbed. There is a restaurant that is separate from the Temple that is just a few steps down from it. This restaurant provides scorching hot noodles, tea, and a variety of other delicious foods. From the cafe, one may get a view of the valley that is below. After a short pause for some relaxation, we get a head start on the climb that will eventually get us to the meadow of Triund.
You will pass by a few teashops on your route here; stop in one of them to enjoy a cup of tea while taking in the beautiful views of the Dharamshala Valley, which boasts an outstanding cricket pitch below. It is possible to reach the meadow of Triund after a journey of close to three to four hours on foot. Tents and a few shacks that sell tea and food to campers and hikers have sprung up all over what were previously pristine landscapes in recent years as a direct result of the sharp rise in tourism that has taken place over the course of the last few years.
Bhagsunag Temple
One of the temples in Dharamshala that are regarded as being among the most well-known is the historically significant Bhagsunag Temple. This temple is also frequently referred to as the Bhagsunath Temple. At this temple, the adoration of Lord Shiva takes place here and now. Due to its proximity to McLeod Ganj and the fact that it is three km away, it is frequented largely by members of the Gorkha community as well as Hindus. In addition to the main shrine, the grounds of the temple include a holy pond and a pool. The main shrine is the most important structure on the grounds of the temple. Those who come to the shrine in order to pay their respects are also offered the option to have a swim in the sacred pond, which, according to common belief, is comprised of water that possesses enchanted medicinal qualities. Those who visit the shrine in order to pay their respects are also given the opportunity to take a dip in the holy pond. It is widely believed that visitors to Dharamshala should make a point of paying a visit to the temple since it is widely regarded as being one of the most popular sights in the city and exudes an atmosphere that is both holy and tranquil throughout the building. After you have finished paying your respects at the temple, you are more than welcome to take some time to relax in the area around the Bhagsunag Waterfalls.
Tsuglagkhang Temple
A trip to the Tsuglagkhang Temple in Dharamshala is sure to be one of the most memorable and relaxing experiences of your life. In addition to this, a considerable portion of Tibetan culture may be found there. It is also known as the Temple of the Dalai Lama, and it is frequently visited by monks, pilgrims, and tourists who are searching for a serene environment in which to spend some of their vacation time.
The gigantic figure of Gautama Buddha, which can be found inside the temple, along with statues of Padmasambhava, Avalokiteshvara, and a large number of other Buddhist monks, have helped to make the building famous. Mantras are said by the Lamas as they use prayer beads and prayer wheels as recitation aids. This takes up the majority of the Lamas' time. The gigantic prayer wheel covered in gold that spins in the center of the temple as monks chant "Om Mani Padme Hum" is the principal attraction for tourists that come to see the temple. During your time at the temple, you will not only have the opportunity to pay your respects, but also to spin the prayer wheel, reflect in the prayer hall, and tour the temple museum.
Jwala Devi Temple
This Hindu temple in the Kangra region of Himachal Pradesh is devoted to the goddess Jwala Devi, and as a result, it receives visitors and worshippers from all over the country. In addition to that, it is a highly regarded Shakti temple and is considered to be one of India's 51 Shakti Peethas that can be located there.
The Jwala Devi Temple, which is located in India, is dedicated to the worship of the Goddess of Light. It is also said that Goddess Sati's tongue fell here after her corpse had been torn into 51 parts by Lord Vishnu's Sudarshan Chakra. Her corpse had been rendered lifeless. It is thought that the tongue landed in this particular spot. Within the temple, which does not have an idol of any kind, there is rumored to be a procession of natural flames that are said to be the embodiment of the goddess Shakti. Devotees believe that the flames, which have been magically kept blazing for hundreds of years despite the absence of any fuel, are the dwelling place of the Goddess. Despite the absence of any fuel, the flames have remained continuously lit.
Kalachakra Temple
The Kalachakra Temple, whose name translates to "Wheel of Time" in Tibetan, is consistently ranked as one of the most popular attractions for visitors to Dharamshala. It was built in 1992 and can be found right in front of the Tsuglagkhang Temple in its current location. The Kalachakra Temple is packed to the gills with paintings and other pieces of art that provide an abundance of information regarding the rich religious and aesthetic history of Tibet. It is said that devotees and tourists from all over the country travel to this location in order to feel the wonderful energy and tranquil ambiance that it exudes.
This magnificent temple, which is dedicated to the god Kalachakra and includes eye-catching architecture, can be found in this location. It is the location of a statue of Shakyamuni Buddha, an image of the Kalachakra, and mural paintings that show the other 722 deities that are included in the mandala. In addition, some of the most spectacular pieces of Tibetan Thangka painting are shown on the walls and columns of the temple. In addition, the sacred temple complex features a bookstore and a charming little café within its walls.
Best time to visit Dharamshala
However, the winters can be frightening due to the occasional snowfall that occurs there; however, this is all the more reason to visit in order to see the magnificent snow peaks and valley views. Dharamsala is one of those one-of-a-kind destinations that can be visited at any time of the year. The summer season is a wonderful time to visit this location because the high temperatures rarely rise above 25 degrees. Even though it rains quite a bit during the monsoon season, Mcleodganj is still a pleasant place to visit, provided that you don't mind having to jump over the occasional puddle.
Summer – April-June
Monsoon – July-September
Winter – October-March
Things to carry
It is in your best interest to attempt to pack as little as possible, given the length of time that will be spent driving by automobile.
It is recommended that you wear clothing made of cotton during the summer months, and at night, when the temperature lowers, you should put on a lightweight jacket. In the case that you are going to be traveling during the winter, you need to make sure that you wear warmer clothing, such as larger jackets and thicker socks. If you are going to be in this region during the monsoon season, don't forget to bring your umbrella and raincoat with you.
The amount of walking that is required here makes it only logical to wear durable walking shoes, which are essential if you are going trekking. Given the amount of walking that is required here, sturdy walking shoes are required.
Applying sunscreen to your skin is a great way to shield yourself from the sun, which is especially important if you intend to go to a higher altitude. Usually prescribed medications.
Battery chargers made are of Usually electronic components for use with mobile devices and tablets.
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