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Sheltered in the Kangra valley, Himachal Pradesh with the backdrop of the majestic Dhauladhar mountain ranges, Dharamshala stands at an elevation of 1457m above sea level. Dharamshala’s culture is influenced by both Kangra and Tibetan faiths. This holy abode is adorned with several lakes, waterfalls, and stunning viewpoints. Some of the key places to visit in Dharamshala are temples, monasteries, forts, and museums. Well-connected to major cities and towns, Dharamshala attracts tourists all year round.
Top 10 Places To Visit In Dharamshala
The list of best tourist attractions in Dharamshala for your next trip:
1. Triund Hill
Photo: Mohitb1991 / Wikimedia Commons
One of the most popular tourist places in Dharamshala for trekkers, the Triund Hill, is located at an altitude of 2850m above sea level. It is known for adventurous trekking trails and breathtaking views. It is a moderate-level trek from Mcleodganj to Triund with a distance of 9 km. En route, you can enjoy panoramic views of the Dharamshala valley, Bhagsu village, the mighty Dhauladhar ranges and distant views of the Shivalik hills and Kangra plains.
Location: Mcleodganj, Dharamshala
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2. HPCA Stadium
Photo: BibhasCD / Wikimedia Commons
Also known as the Dharamshala Cricket Stadium, the HPCA (Himachal Pradesh Cricket Association) stadium is an amazing destination on Dharamshala’s tourist places list. It is located at an altitude of 1457m above sea level. Nestled amidst the Kangra Valley and Dhauladhar mountains, it is one of the highest sports stadiums in the world. One of the prime tourist attractions in Dharamshala, the stadium is open to public viewing even in the absence of a cricket match.
Location: Kangra District, Dharamshala
Timings: 9 AM – 6 PM
Cost: ₹20 per person
3. Namgyal Monastery
Photo: KaranKapoor1314 / Wikimedia Commons
Overlooking the Dhauladhar mountains, the Namgyal Monastery, one of the discoverable places for Dharamshala trip, emanates peace and tranquillity. Located within the Tsuglagkhang complex, the monastery is the residence of the Dalai Lama. Also called Dalai Lama’s Temple, the ambience of this place can offer any visitor a wholesome spiritual experience. The temple’s interiors are adorned with sculptures, paintings, and images of Lord Buddha. Established in 1564 by the 3rd Dalai Lama, Namgyal Monastery is the biggest Tibetan temple outside Tibet.
Location: McLeod Ganj, Dharamshala
Timings: 5 AM – 8:30 PM (Monday to Sunday)
Cost: Free
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4. Bhagsu Waterfall
Photo: Nishat.ch100 / Wikimedia Commons
Bhagsu Waterfalls is an ideal location for a family picnic and spending some peaceful time amidst nature. Another attraction near the waterfall is the famous Bhagsunath temple. The waterfalls originate at the base of Dhauladhar valley and cascade down while passing through the temple. It looks magnificent in the monsoon when it falls from a height of 30 feet. The Bhagsu Fall trek is yet another exceptional experience. There are cafes nearby where visitors can sit and enjoy refreshments.
Location: Near Mcleodganj, Himachal Pradesh
5. Gyuto Monastery
Photo: Gerd Eichmann / Wikimedia Commons
One of the most acclaimed monasteries in Dharamshala, Gyuto monastery is well-known for its tantric teaching and meditation. It was originally established in 1474 in Tibet and re-established in Dharamshala in 1959 by Tibetan monks. The monks of the monastery work towards preserving the tantric teachings of the great Tsongkhapa. This monastery atop the Dhauladhar hill houses a majestic gold-plated statue of Lord Buddha. The unique architecture and calm surroundings make this place one of the best tourist places in Dharamshala.
Timings: 7:00 AM – 7:00 PM
Cost: Free entry
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6. Bhagsunag Temple
Photo: Sridhar Rao / Wikimedia Commons
One of the most ancient temples and famous places to visit in Dharamshala, the Bhagsunag temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva. About 3 km from Mcleodgunj, this temple is frequently visited by the local Gorkha community and Hindus. Devotees can take a dip in the sacred pond that is believed to have healing powers. This temple is surrounded by other attractions such as Kotwali Bazaar, Dal Lake, and Bhagsu Falls.
Location: Manisha Rd, Bhagsu Nag, Dharamshala
Timings: 5 AM – 12 PM and 4 AM – 9 PM.
7. Norbulingka Institute
Photo: Japleenpasricha / Wikimedia Commons
Located about 7km from Mcleodganj, Norbulingka Institute strives to preserve and continue Tibetan art through paintings, sculptures, and statues. Artists and craftsmen are imparted ancestral knowledge and trained by talented teachers here. This institute has employed over 300 Tibetans over the years. You can witness and appreciate the splendour of Tibetan art firsthand from this place. Visitors can also participate in workshops to try their hand at Tibetan arts and crafts. This learning centre is in a serene location, surrounded by flowing streams, waterfalls and the grand Dhauladhar mountains.
Location: Temple Rd, Sidhpur, Mohli Lahrandi, Himachal Pradesh
Timings: 9 PM – 5 PM (Tuesday to Sunday)
Cost: ₹50 per person for visitors, ₹20 per person for locals
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8. Naddi Viewpoint
Photo: BibhasCD / Wikimedia Commons
Naddi Viewpoint is the ideal location to view the massive Dhauladhar mountain ranges at close quarters without much trekking. The peak is blanketed with snow during winter and is situated in Mcleodganj village. If you decide to trek to Naddi Point in the evening, you can catch the sunset views amidst the mountains. Naddi viewpoint is also the starting point for other treks like Truind, Kareri Lake, and Dharamkot. There are many tea stalls on the way where you can get refreshments.
Location: McLeod Ganj, Dharamshala, Himachal Pradesh
9. Tibet Museum
Photo: Bernard Gagnon / Wikimedia Commons
The Tibet Museum in suburban Mcleodganj is one of the popular places to visit in Dharamshala. Considered the official museum of the Central Tibetan Administration Department of Information and International Relations, this museum is close to the Dalai Lama temple or Tsuglagkhang. The Tibet Museum showcases Tibetan history, workmanship, handiworks, and canvas paintings. It also has exhibitions, talk series, photographs, documentary screenings, and workshops. The yellow and white painted museum exterior exhibits the traditional Tibetan engineering style.
Location: Gangchen Kyishong, Dharamshala
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10. Kangra Fort
Photo: Harvinder Chandigarh / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
Located on the outskirts of the Kangra village, Kangra Fort is a testament to several years of rule, war, invasion, wealth, and grandeur of the ancient Trigarta kingdom. It is the biggest and the oldest dated fort in the Himalayas. Several invaders have probably attacked this fort to lay their hands on these fortunes. The fort was once known for its royal structure and architectural beauty. Apart from its epic history, this fort serves as a gorgeous viewpoint for the Kangra valley and adjoining rivers.
Location: Kangra, Himachal Pradesh
Timings: 9 AM – 5 PM
Entry Fee: ₹150 for Indian tourists and ₹300 for foreign tourists.
Himachal Pradesh has long been a top pick for tourists due to its natural beauty and makes it to the top of the list. There are innumerable places to visit in Dharamshala that are suitable for solo travellers, groups, and families. Besides striking trekking spots, waterfalls, and tea gardens, Dharamshala’s tourist places have abundant historical and cultural history in the form of monasteries, museums, and ancient temples. To explore Dharamshala, connect with TripXL to plan your next unforgettable mountain vacation.
Cover Photo: Photo: Astitva Raj / Unsplash
