Dharamshala is a beautiful hill town in the Himachal Pradesh. Dharamshala boasts a distinctive blend of Tibetan and Kangra culture and serves as the abode of the Dalai Lama. The town is flocked by tourists for its thangka paintings, museums, bustling street markets, and cuisine.
Dharamshala is a beautiful hill town located in the Dhauladhar range of Himalayas. The town is the winter capital of Himachal Pradesh and is located in the upper slopes of the Kangra valley. Dharamsala is occupied by Tibetan communities and is now home to the greatest Buddhist leader Dalai Lama.
Dharamshala, sometimes conceal by the more prominent McLeodganj, is a more laid-back and tranquil spot to spend a weekend. Apart from Mcleodganj, here one can explore the quaint small hippie village Dharamkot that's untouched by crowd of tourists. Hence, away from glamour of other tourist spots, Dharamsala is also one of the top destinations for solo travelers.
Apart from the serenity, Dharamsala is flocked by tourists for its thangka paintings, museums, bustling street markets, and cuisine. There are also numerous routes of trekking options in Mcleodganj, which is hardly 3kms away from Dharamsala.
Dharamsala also experiences freezing winters, making spring and summers the best time to explore the rich and regal Tibetan culture in this beautiful destination.
St. John Church, Dharamshala
The St. John Church was built in 1852 and is one of the most important churches in Himachal Pradesh. Present near Dharamshala on the way to Mcleodganj, this neo-gothic church was built in dedication to John the Baptist. Located in lush deodar forests, this peaceful edifice is known for its Belgian stained-glass windows.
The church was built in dense woods which is why it is famous as 'St John in the Wilderness'. One of the oldest built structure of Dharamsala, this is also the final resting place of Lord Ergin, one of the governor generals and also viceroy of India during the British Raj.
Dharamshala Cricket Stadium, Dharamshala
Located in the Himalayan mountain range lies the quaint Dharamshala Cricket Stadium, also known as the Himachal Pradesh Cricket Association (HPCA) Stadium. The Stadium is present at a height of 1,457 meters above sea levels in the Dhauladhar mountain range in Kangra valley, it is one of the highest sports grounds in the world. The stadium is open for tourists. The main stand is built with Tibetan architectural style. It has several modern-day amenities for hosting national and international level cricket matches, with the capacity to seat a crowd of approximately 23,000.
Dalai Lama Temple, Dharamshala
The Dalai Lama Temple, also known as Tsuglakhang Temple, is a politico-religious centre in Dharamshala. The temple is Ideal for peaceful meditation and religious rumination, the temple is full of lamas at all points of the day chanting on prayer wheels or beads. Popular for its beautiful setting, the temple complex has become a revered pilgrimage site for the Buddhists. In addition to this, peaceful environs and astray attracts tourists from all over the world.
The main attraction of Dalai Lama Temple is the enormous idol of Buddha sitting on an elevated pedestal. The large hall in the temple accommodates thousands of people to meditate and spend a few moments of quietude. Calmly hushed between the idyllic mountain peaks, the glorious Dalai Lama Temple offers solitude and serenity like no place else.
Gyuto Monastery, Dharamshala
Famously known for the study of Tantric Meditation and Philosophy, the Gyuto Monastery is one of the beautiful and popular monasteries located in Dharamshala. The glorious monastery has helped in depicting how, unlike popular belief, black magic can be used for the well-being of the people.
In the monastery a beautiful gold-plated statue of Lord Buddha is situated on the premises of the temple which glistens when the rays of the sun fall on it early morning. Plenty of tourists and Buddhists come to the resplendent Gyuto Monastery to witness the quiet and serene monastery which is one of the delights of Dharamshala.
Triund, Dharamshala
Triund is a trek in Himachal Pradesh which offers an escape into the majestic Himalayas. Present a few kilometres from Dharamshala at an altitude of 2828 m, it is a place perfect for trekking with amazing trails offering scenic views of the entire Kangra Valley. A trek to Triund is short and simple. It can be done from either McLeodganj or Dharamkot, which is 2 km ahead of McLeodganj. There is another trek route that goes via Bhagsu Fall and Shiva Cafe which is considered to be more challenging. Triund is also the base camp and acclimatization point for the trek to Inderhara point in Dhauladar range.
Bhagsu Falls, Dharamshala
The Bhagsu Waterfall is the most famous tourist spot in Dharamshala and attracts hundreds of tourists who wish to revel in the glories of nature and spend some quiet moments in peace and serenity. The Bhagsunag Waterfall is located on the main road which connects Mcleodganj and Dharamshala and is an ideal location for picnicking with family and loved ones. The prime attraction here is the famous Bhagsunath Temple. The Bhagsu Fall reaches the peak of its glory and majesty during the monsoon season when the water falls from a height of around 30 feet and looks captivating and breathtakingly beautiful.
Norbulingka Institute, Dharamshala
The Norbulingka Institute is a popular learning centre which is located 7.5 km from the district of McLeodganj in Dharamshala in Himachal Pradesh. Constructed in a traditional Tibetan Style, it is set in a beautiful garden of meandering paths, flowing streams, small waterfalls and ponds with the spectacular Dhauladhar Mountains of the Outer Himalayas rising prominently in the background. It is, thus, a must place to visit for people who have a natural hunger for enhancing their knowledge and observe the live culture of Tibet. Many people come from different parts of the world to visit the Norbulingka Institute and get a glimpse of the natural beauty and are spellbound by its beauty.
Dharamshala to Mcleodganj Ropeway, Dharamshala
The ropeway between Dharamshala and Mcleodganj, is a 1.8km long ropeway that takes one from Dharamshala to Mcleodganj in just 5 minutes. It has a mono cable detachable gondola system featuring 18 gondolas as well as 2 stations and 10 towers, with the top station being in front of the Dalai Lama Temple. Those travelling via the ropeway would be able to take in the stunning views of the town, the mountains and of the lush greenery all around.
War Memorial, Dharamshala
The War Memorial in the forests of Dharamshala was created to commemorate the memory of those who fought during the Indo-China War of 1947-48, 1962, 1965, and 1971, and UN Peace Operations, many brave soldiers of Kangra lost their lives as war heroes. Three huge panels of black stone, each 24 feet in height, preserve their memory in stone. The War Memorial is surrounded by the poetic pine forests of Dharamshala, leading to lush gardens through a quaint walkway. Look out for the names of the martyred soldiers on the stone panels.
Best time to visit Dharamshala
The best time to visit Dharamshala between spring and summer (mid-February to mid-July) when the weather is pleasant with a temperature ranging between 21-34 degree Celsius. Winters are freezing with occasional snowfalls, however, it makes the valley look much more beautiful. Monsoons can be avoided as it might disturb your travel plans.
Conclusion
Dharamshala has some of the most picturesque natural beauty with lush green valleys and snowcapped mountains which makes the Dharamshala a must visit destination for the tourists. From visiting the Bhagsu Waterfall to Dalai Lama Temple and beautiful surroundings, there is something for every traveler in this place. So, pack your bags, plan your tour, and move on a wonderful journey to Dharamshala.
