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Are you planning a trip to the mountains? Dharamshala, a beautiful hill station in the lap of the Dhauladhar range in Himachal Pradesh must be on your list. Visiting the ancient monasteries, camping under the stars, and exploring the local culture are some of the must things to do in Dharamshala. Famous for its natural beauty, Tibetan culture, local cafes and adventurous activities, this hill station never disappoints anyone. Whether you are an adventure lover or someone who wants to immerse in spirituality, this is the best place to visit in Himachal Pradesh.
13 Best Things To Do In Dharamshala
1. Visit The Famous Dalai Lama Temple Complex
Photo: N509FZ / Wikimedia Commons / Image for representation only
Explore the Dalai Lama complex, the official residence of His Holiness the Dalai Lama., which serves as the hub of the Tibetan community in Dharamshala. In addition to seeing the elaborate artwork and architecture of the temple, you can participate in prayer sessions. A museum showcasing the history and culture of the Tibetan people is also part of the complex.
Timings: 8 AM – 8 PM
Entry Fee: Free
Museum Entry Fee: ₹5
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2. Trek To Triund
Photo: Simon English / Unsplash / Image For Representation Only
If you are a nature and adventure lover and thinking about what to do in Dharamshala, go hiking! The scenic trek to Triund at an altitude of 2850 metres above sea level offers panoramic views of the Kangra valley and the snow-capped Dhauladhar mountains. The trek is perfect for first-time trekkers to intermediate trekkers. You can camp under the stars in Triund and enjoy an unforgettable sunrise and sunset. Plan a trip from March to June as this time of year is the perfect time for camping, hiking and trekking.
Trek Distance: Approx. 10 km
Best Season: Winters and Summers
Entry Fee: Free
3. Explore The Kangra Fort And Museum
Photo: Ranaa0096 / Wikimedia Commons
Approximately 20 km from the town of Kangra, the Kangra Fort dates back to the 4th century BC. The Kangra fort was built by the Katoch dynasty. Inside the fort, you can find many churches, palaces and museums highlighting the rich history and culture of the region. Among all the things to do in Dharamshala, watch the spectacular sunset from the fort and make the most of your trip.
Timings: 9 AM – 5 PM
Entry Fee for Fort: ₹ 150/Indian adult and ₹300/foreign visitor. (Fee includes audio guide)
Entry Fee for Museum: ₹ 5/person.
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4. Visit The Tea Gardens
Photo: UnpetitproleX / Wikimedia Commons
Escape the hustle and bustle and explore the beautiful tea gardens. Take a tour of tea gardens, go for a tea-tasting session and sip a cup of freshly brewed Kangra tea against the backdrop of the Kangra Valley. Learn the long yet delicate process of growing high-quality Kangra tea, prized for its subtle flavour and smell. See everything from picking tender leaves to processing them in nearby factories!
Entry Fee: Around ₹ 20
5. Head To Bhagsunath Temple & Waterfall
Photo: Eric Ward / Unsplash / Image For Representation Only
Bhagsu Falls or Bhagsunath Falls is near the famous Bhagsunath temple dedicated to Lord Shiva. One of the most exciting things to do in Dharamshala is to spend the day here. It is a popular picnic spot and a major tourist destination. Visiting this 20-metre waterfall during the rainy season is like heaven on earth. Trekking to this magnificent waterfall is a sight to behold if you have this passion for this adventure. Don’t forget to take your camera and record this beautiful wonder.
Entry Fee: No fee
Timings: 7 AM – 9 PM
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6. Visit The Himachal Pradesh Cricket Association Stadium
Photo: BibhasCD / Wikimedia Commons
Established in 2003 and one of the highest cricket stadiums in the world, the Himachal Pradesh Cricket Association Stadium is a famous cricket stadium situated in Dharamshala. Cricket enthusiasts frequent the stadium for its breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains. It is one of the best things to see in Dharamshala. Visit a museum on the history of cricket in the area or if you are lucky, plan to watch a cricket match and enjoy the beautiful natural scenery all around.
Entry Fees: ₹30
Timings: 8 AM – 7 PM
7. Take A Stroll Through Mcleodganj
Photo: Aditya Chache / Wikimedia Commons
Located about 10 km from the city, McLeod Ganj is a bustling town well known for its Tibetan food and culture. The winter months from October to February are ideal for snow viewing. During the months when temperatures range from -1°C to 15°C, it’s perfect for skiing and exploring nearby monasteries in McLeodganj and Dharamshala. If you are a food lover and looking for what to do in Dharamshala, go cafe hopping in local markets. Try authentic Tibetan foods like thukpa and momos at Nick’s Italian Kitchen and Jimmy’s Italian Kitchen.
Entry Fee: Free
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8. Explore Local Markets
Photo: Sridhar Rao / Wikimedia Commons
One of the best things to do in Dharamshala is go shopping in local markets such as Kotwali Bazaar. You will find everything from woollen clothes to traditional and local jewellery. Shop for local jewellery made up of stones, handicrafts and Himachal wines. The best part? You can do some bargaining and bring back some good souvenirs for your friends and family.
Entry Fee: Free
9. Visit The State War Memorial
Photo: Rodhullandemu / Wikimedia Commons / Image for representation only
The Dharamshala War Memorial was built after independence, honouring the bravery and sacrifices of the freedom fighters. The memorial has all the names of the martyrs who sacrificed their lives in the UN peace operations and Indo-China wars in 1947, 1948, 1962, 1965, and 1971. Do not forget to add this to your itinerary while planning a trip to Dharamshala.
Entry Fee: ₹ 20 per person
Timings: 9 AM – 8 PM
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10. Try Adventure Sports: Paragliding
Photo: Kartar chand kanwar / Wikimedia Commons
Dharamshala is famous for its adventure sports and paragliding is one of them. Visit during the summer months to have the best views of majestic mountains all around you. Trust us, if you want to experience the thrill and that adrenaline rush, this is one of the must-have things to do in Dharamshala. The breathtaking aerial views make it an unforgettable adventure, offering a unique perspective of the landscape that you won’t get anywhere else.
11. Visit Dal Lake
Photo: Nswn03 / Wikimedia Commons
A small but beautiful and charming Dal lake surrounded by majestic Himalayas offers one of the best experiences in Dharamshala. Situated at a height of 1775 metres above sea level, the lake is a resting spot, if you are hiking up to the very famous Naddi Point, also called the sunset point. You can also visit one of the popular sacred temples dedicated to Lord Shiva.
Entry Fee: Free
Timings: 7 AM – 8 PM
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12. Seek Blessings At Famous Temples
Photo: Mani kopalle / Wikimedia Commons / Image for representation only
One of the best things to do in Dharamshala is to visit the ancient temples. There are many temples in the city including Aghanjar Mahadev, Jwala Devi, Kalachakra, Kunal Pathri, Brajeshwari and Chamunda Devi. Your trip would not be complete without seeking blessings at these famous and ancient temples. Immerse yourself in the peaceful and spiritual surroundings complemented by the scenic views of the Dhauladhar range.
Entry Fee: Free
Timings: 5 AM – 9 PM (This may differ for each season and temple)
13.Watch Sunset From Naddi View Point
Photo: Bernard Gagnon / Wikimedia Commons
One of the famous sunrise and sunset spots in Dharamshala is the Naddi View Point. It is a perfect spot for nature and adventure lovers, and photographers. Witness the stunning views of Dhauladhar ranges and Kangra Valley and don’t forget to watch the sunset for a memorable experience. If you are going for any of the treks including Triund or Kareri Lake, the Naddi viewpoint is the beginning point.
Entry Fee: Free
Timings: Open 24 hours
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Dharamshala is one of the best places to visit in Himachal Pradesh whether you are planning a solo trip or a family vacation. Look for things to do in Dharamshala in advance, check the ideal time to visit, ways to reach, and essentials to pack. Plan your trip to this paradise with TripXL and we will help you arrange your ideal vacation even more easily.
Cover Photo: Preeti / Unsplash
