Which places to visit in Dharamshala?

Cricket Stadium

The cricket stadium is an international attraction as many important matches have been held here. It is managed by Himachal Pradesh Cricket Association and is an ideal location for a hangout.

St. John Church

St John Church lies at 8km, on the way to Mcleodganj and is an important historical monument, built in 1852 in Forsyth Ganj. The church also houses a war memorial. The church is a treasure when you plan your trip.

Bhagsunag Temple And Waterfall

Bhagsu Naag is an outstanding place to visit in Dharamshala Tour Package, known for its sweet water and glorious showering, very close to Mcleodganj. The nearby waterfall is accessible by a tricky track. It is marvellous for sightseeing and for day picnics and wonderful selfies

Dalai Lama Temple Complex

Life in Mcleodganj revolves around the main Buddhist temple complex. The Dalai Lama temple complex is the most prominent place in Mcleodganj, 10 km from Dharamshala. It houses the museum, monastery, shop and the main temple. Famously known as the Namgyal Monastery, which is also the residence of the 14th Dalai Lama, was actually started in Tibet and moved here when the Chinese troops invaded Tibet in the year 1959. As you enter you have the Tibetan museum which showcases many photographs and historic items, reflecting Tibetan heritage and freedom struggle. There is martyrs memorial and numerous research and welfare centres inside the complex. You can get a chance to spin many prayer wheels and one exceptionally giant prayer wheel.  Its location is ideal for the perfect view of both mountains and valleys.

Norbulingka Institute of Art and Literature

Norbulingka is a Tibetan art Institute that is diligently preserving the ethnic art of Tibetan and Buddhist culture. Their main objective is to make the younger generation aware and profound of these things. The institute teaches woodcarving, carpentry, wood painting, Thangka painting, appliqué, weaving, metal sculpture, tailoring, etc. You can spend some time here, walk around take and all that beauty in. Norbulingka Monastery is in the institute’s premises.

Losel Doll Museum

The museum exhibits 108 dolls. They are displayed in different groups, sections and individually, depicting their traditional attire, festivals and gatherings. Here you can imagine how life was in Tibet before the Chinese invasion.

Men Tsee Khang

Men Tsee Khang is a Tibetan medicine, astronomy and astrology institute. The institute was initially established by the 13th Dalai Lama in Tibet in 1916 and re-established by 14th Dalai Lama in 1961. The institute has a museum that showcases several paintings depicting the basic elements of astrology and astronomy, as well as the devices used in these studies. You can see that how people in the ancient times used to calculate months, days and auspicious time and extract medicines from different herbs and animals. There are also some tools used in external therapy, medicines and ingredients used in those medicines for different kinds of ailments. You can also see the techniques with which these medicines are prepared.

Library of Tibetan Works & Archives
The library preserves 120,000 handwritten several centuries old manuscripts that were saved during the plunder of 1959. Although the originals are not open to visitors, their text and material can be read at the library by anyone. This place is a source of intellectual stimulation and can provide a really good insight into the history and culture of this fast-fading ethnicity with its collection of 15000 books. This is slightly out of the box among places to visit in Dharamshala.

What to do in Dharamshala?

Fun on the rivulet

Bhagsunag waterfall is iconic for the refreshing splashes. You can also bathe in the pools at the temple or hike a little till the waterfalls for a picnic. The Bhagsu River is visible from a distance and its banks are the favourite place for tourists.

Thangka Painting

Thangka Painting is indigenous to the Tibetan art school and has now spread out to many regions through Buddhist deity impressions. A few art schools are established in the little nooks and streets of Mcleodganj that teach the art from beginner to expert level. Trying your hand at Thangka painting can improve your concentration and have a calming effect. If not try yourself, you can witness the precision with which the artist works on his paintings.

Trekking

The most famous trekking route in Dharamshala is Dharamkot Triund route. It can be done in one day by those with a really good stamina. There are some other places even beyond Triund such as Indrahar Pass and Snowline Cafe where some tents can be pre-booked at Mcleodganj. You must take your Govt. Approved identity card for this trek. Triund offers some of the best views of Dhauladhar range and is worth sparing a day.

What to Shop in Dharamshala?

Thangka Painting

Some of these pieces cost in lacs while others are easily affordable in a few thousand. Try to buy one as a Thangka painting hung on a barren wall really enhances its elegance.

Artifacts from Norbulingka Institute of Arts and Culture

The shop inside the institute sells several items made only by the students there. Here the visitor can choose from a lot of items in clothing, household, paintings, decoratives, jewelry, metallurgy items, and much more.

Junk Jewellery

The streets of Mcleodganj are full of vendors selling several beautiful items and you might own some of them with really good bargaining skills. Jewelry is the prime of such items, made of stone, silver or a fake metal.

Clothes

You are sure to get some of the most different and stylish clothes in different markets. Mcleodganj especially has some stores with traditional clothing as well as modern t-shirts and sweaters with an embroidered flag.

Himachali wearables

Certain shops in Dharamshala sell original Himachali handmade items such as caps, slippers, socks, shawls etc. These items are usually colourful and very beautiful.

What to eat in Dharamshala?

There is no other better place to try some of the original Tibetan and Bhutanese food, both vegetarian and non-vegetarian such as Shakam Datse, Steamed Momos, Thenthuk, Tingmo, Bhaklab, soups etc. You can also seek a Tibetan hotel booking for stay.

What is the mode of transportation?

Dharamshala is easily accessible by road, rail and air. Gaggal is the nearest airport, 13 km from Dharamshala, and you can easily find cab booking from your hotel. Pathankot is the nearest railway station, 85 km, however, a toy train till Kangra Mandir (22km) can also be boarded. Roads here are in an impressively good condition and buses frequently run from different states.