Dharamshala is one of the most beautiful weekend destinations, enticing visitors with its sky-soaring valleys, lakes, waterfalls, temples, and Tibetan heritage. If you are visiting to experience its allure, we recommend that you extend your stay to see, if not all, of the best places to visit in and around Dharamshala.
Dharamshala encompasses the best attractions and some of the most beautiful places nearby. The majority of these nearby wonders are easy to reach and can be completed in a single day. However, some of these detours are so beautiful that you could spend an entire weekend here. From lakes to forts and hill stations, the areas surrounding Dharamshala have something spectacular in store for you. Here is the list of 15 beautiful places to visit in and around Dharamshala.
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1. McLeod Gunj
McLeod Ganj, a suburb of Dharamshala in Himachal Pradesh, India, is the hub of the Tibetan community in India. It is renowned for its spiritual significance as the home of the Dalai Lama. Travelers can visit the Namgyal Monastery, the Tibet Museum, and the Dalai Lama Temple Complex to learn about Buddhism and Tibetan culture. The town is also known for its Tibetan cuisine and handicrafts. McLeod Ganj is a great place for those seeking a sneak peek into Tibetan culture and spiritual enlightenment.
Image Source: lukexmartin (flickr)
2. Tsuglagkhang Complex and Namgyal Monastery
The Tsuglagkhang Complex, located in McLeod Ganj, India, is the official residence of the Dalai Lama. The complex includes the the Dalai Lama Temple, the Namgyal Monastery, and the Tibet Museum. It is an important spiritual and cultural center for the Tibetan community in India. The complex is a must-visit destination for those who wish to learn about Tibetan Buddhism and culture, attend prayer sessions and teachings, and view historic artifacts.
Image Source: Wikimedia commons
3. Kareri Lake
Kareri Lake is another high-altitude destination that is possibly one of the few places near Dharamshala sparingly visited by tourists. The trek to this pristine high-altitude lake begins from Kareri village located near Dharamshala. The total trek distance to Kareri Lake is around 13 km. Trekkers often camp at Reoti, located 7 kms on the trail. There are a few shops at Reoti that provide basic tents and mattresses for camping.
Source: Wikimedia commons
4. Bir Biling
Bir Billing, located in Himachal Pradesh, India, is a popular destination for adventure seekers and paragliding enthusiasts. The town offers several paragliding options, with stunning views of the surrounding mountains and valleys. Bir Billing also has a vibrant café culture, cozy homestays and budget hostels to enjoy the town’s laid-back vibe.
5. Himachal Pradesh Cricket Association Stadium, Dharamshala
The Himachal Pradesh Cricket Association Stadium, located in Dharamshala, India, is probably India’s most beautiful cricket stadium nestled amidst the picturesque Dhauldhar Himalayan ranges. The stadium has hosted several international cricket matches and is one of the best in the country. The stadium’s location and stunning views make it a must-visit destination for sports enthusiasts and travelers alike.
Image Source: Wikimedia
6. Palampur
Palampur is a little-known hill station that is one of the best places to visit near Dharamshala. It is surrounded by tea gardens and pine groves. Water streams flow along the road here, where local mushrooms occasionally sprout on the sides. The weather in Palampur is pleasant all year. Despite the fact that it is extremely cold during the winters, it is romantic. Palampur is one of the most beautiful places to visit in Himachal Pradesh, close to Dharamshala.
Source: Erik Törner (Flickr)
7. The Bhagsu falls
The Bhagsu falls is one of the best places to visit in Dharamshala because of its tranquillity and beauty. The waterfall, along with the surrounding greenery, makes for an excellent hike for hikers, as well as a lovely spot for tourists to unwind themselves. The Bhagsunag Temple, dedicated to Lord Shiva is located near the waterfall. The top provides a breathtaking view of the entire city of Dharamshala.
Source: Flickr
8. Masrur Temples
The famous Masrur temple, also known as the rock-cut temple, is located in Kangra Valley around 40 kms from Dharamshala. This 8th-century complex of rock-cut Hindu temples faces northeast, towards the Dhauladhar range of the Himalayas. It is noted for its unique architectural style that resembles the Elephanta Caves near Mumbai, Angkor Wat in Cambodia, and the rock-cut temples of Mahabalipuram in Tamil Nadu.
Source: Wikimedia Commons
9. Kangra Fort
Kangra Fort is a well-known tourist attraction located around 20 kilometers from Dharamshala. It was built by the Katoch Rajput Dynasty. The Kangra Fort is the largest fort in the Himalayas and probably the oldest dated fort in India. It was the site of historical battles of the Katoch Kings wth the Mughals, Gurkhas and the Sikh Empire. It is not only a magnificent historical structure, but it is also a lovely location from which to view the nearby settlement of Kangra and its waterways.
Source: Wikimedia Commons
10. Naddi Village
This lovely, peaceful little hamlet near Dharamshala is well-known for its scenery, natural beauty and amazing views of the Dhauldhar ranges. It is also the starting point of a number of treks in the region.
Source: Wikimedia commons
11. Dharamkot
Dharamkot, a small and charming hill town near Dharamshala, is a must-visit place that offers wide views of the Kangra Valley and the Dhauladhar ranges. The town is located in the Kangra valley, above McLeod Ganj at an elevation of 2827 meters above sea level. One of the most intriguing aspects of the area is that many foreigners, particularly Israelis, have moved there to enjoy the hippy atmosphere that pervades the air. It is also known as the ‘Tel Aviv of hills’.
Source: Wikimedia commons
12. Triund
Triund is a popular trek in the region and one of the most beautiful places around Dharamshala. It is located at the foot of the Dhauladhar ranges at an altitude of 2,828 metres (9,278 ft) and is surrounded by snow-capped ranges on one side and rolling valleys on the other. The trek is perfect for beginners with a total distance of 9-10 km that can take up to 7-8 hours to cover depending on your physical fitness levels. It begins from the Gallu Devi Temple located around 7-8 km from Mcleodganj.
Image Source: Wikimedia Commons
13. Lahesh caves
While the majority of visitors to Dharamshala climb to Triund Hills, true adventurers and travelers continue on to the more scenic Lahesh caves, which are located at a height of 3475 metres. The caves are an easy one day trek from Triund which takes about 5-6 hours on average. There are several vistas along the way to these picturesque caves where you can see a variety of other surrounding sights.The caves are surrounded by breathtaking Himalayan ranges.
Source: Wikimedia commons
14. Indrahaar Pass
Indrahaar Pass, located in the Dhauladhar range of Himachal Pradesh, India, is a stunning high-altitude mountain pass that should be attempted by experienced trekkers. The trail to the Pass passes through Triund and Lahesh caves. The pass is a steep climb from Lahesh Caves which may take 3-5 hour depending on your fitness levels. The trek to Indrahaar Pass is a challenging but rewarding experience, taking 4-5 days to complete for the round trip. Alternatively, one can cross the Indrahaar and move to Kuasi village in Chamba on the other side of the pass. Indrahaar Pass offers breathtaking views of the Himalayan ranges of the region.
Source: Wikimedia Commons
15. Dal Lake
One of the most beautiful Dharamshala tourist attractions is the Dal Lake in Kangra. It’s a lovely body of water surrounded by coniferous deodar trees that creates the ideal romantic and cozy atmosphere. A lovely setting with views of the surrounding mountains from the lake’s banks, where visitors are welcome to picnic and take photographs. Boating is a popular sport on Dal Lake, and there are plenty of guides and boats available to help you have a good time. On the Dal Lake’s shores, there is a small temple dedicated to Lord Shiva where one can seek blessings.
Source: Wikimedia commons
16. Baijnath
Apart from being one of the most beautiful places to visit near Dharamshala, Baijnath is also a major pilgrimage center. It is home to one of India’s most revered Shiva Temples. The magnificent mountain backdrop, as well as the sanctity and serenity, combine to make it one of the top explorations. The temple is located around 50 kms from Dharamshala.
Source: Wikimedia commons
17. Tea Gardens
The region around Dharamshala and Kangra Valley is renowned for its vast green tea gardens with the backdrop of snow-capped Himalayan ranges. Consider strolling through lush green tea fields filled with the enticing aroma of freshly plucked tea leaves. You could go for a guided tour of tea plantations and processing plants, and a tea-tasting session with some of the tea estates there like the Dharamshala Tea Company.
Image Source: Wikimedia Commons
So, now you know about some of the most fascinating and best places to visit in and around Dharamshala, which you can explore with your travel companions. Waiting isn’t an option right now. Fill your scrapbook with pictures of these incredible locations.