Dharamsala Travel Guide

Trek Zone

City

Facts and practical information

Nestled in the picturesque Kangra Valley of the Indian state of Himachal Pradesh, Dharamsala is a city that offers a unique blend of natural beauty, spirituality, and cultural diversity. Known as the residence of the Dalai Lama, this vibrant hill station has become a popular destination for travelers seeking tranquility and a deeper understanding of Tibetan culture.

Dharamsala is divided into two distinct areas: the lower Dharamsala, known as Dharamsala town, and the upper Dharamsala, known as McLeod Ganj. Dharamsala town is a bustling commercial center, while McLeod Ganj, located just a few kilometers away, is the spiritual heart of the city. Here, you will find the Tibetan government-in-exile, numerous monasteries, and a large Tibetan refugee community.

One of the main attractions of Dharamsala is the Namgyal Monastery, the personal monastery of the Dalai Lama. Visitors can attend teachings and public audiences with the revered spiritual leader, gaining insights into Buddhism and Tibetan philosophy. The Tsuglagkhang Complex, located adjacent to the monastery, houses the Namgyal Gompa (temple), the Tibet Museum, and the Library of Tibetan Works and Archives.

For nature enthusiasts, Dharamsala offers breathtaking landscapes and opportunities for outdoor adventures. The nearby Dhauladhar mountain range provides a stunning backdrop for trekking, hiking, and camping. Triund, a popular trekking destination, offers panoramic views of the Kangra Valley, while the Bhagsu Waterfall offers a refreshing retreat amidst lush greenery.

Cultural immersion is another highlight of Dharamsala. The International Cricket Stadium, located in Dharamsala town, hosts international cricket matches and is renowned for its stunning views of the surrounding mountains. The Norbulingka Institute, located near Dharamsala, is a center for Tibetan arts and crafts. Visitors can witness traditional thangka painting, wood carving, and sculpture-making, or even take part in workshops to learn these ancient crafts.

Food lovers will be delighted by the diverse culinary scene in Dharamsala. From Tibetan momos to Indian curries, the city offers a range of flavors to tantalize your taste buds. Don't miss out on trying the local specialty, Kangri Dham, a traditional Himachali feast served on special occasions.

Local name: धर्मशाला, हिमाचल प्रदेश Population: 19.5 thous.Area: 11.39 mi²Elevation: 5725 ft a.s.l.Coordinates: 32°14'12"N, 76°19'30"E

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Himachal PradeshIndia

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Dharamsala Top Attractions

Dharamsala Attractions - What to See and Explore

Dharamsala offers many attractions and places to visit. Here are the most important ones: Tsuglagkhang Complex Dalai Lama Temple, Bhagsu Nag Temple, Tushita Meditation Centre, Library of Tibetan Works and Archives. Below you will find a complete list of places worth visiting.

32°13'57"N • 76°19'27"E
Tsuglagkhang Complex Dalai Lama Temple
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32°14'40"N • 76°20'3"E
Bhagsu Nag Temple
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Sacred and religious sites • Monastery
Tushita Meditation Centre
Tushita is a centre for the study and practice of Buddhism from the Tibetan Mahayana tradition in Himachal Pradesh in northern India. It is located in the forested hills above the town of McLeod Ganj in village Dharamkot.

Library
Library of Tibetan Works and Archives
The Library of Tibetan Works and Archives is a Tibetan library in Dharamshala, India. The library was founded by Tenzin Gyatso, the 14th Dalai Lama on 11 June 1970, and is considered one of the most important libraries and institutions of Tibetan works in the world.
Natural attraction • Body of water • Park
Dal Lake
Dal Lake is a small mid-altitude lake near the village of Tota Rani in Kangra district of Himachal Pradesh state in northern India. The word Dal means 'lake' in several languages of the western Himalayas. The lake is surrounded by deodar trees and is considered to be a sacred spot as there is small Shiva mandir on its bank.
Museum
Tibet Museum
The Tibet Museum is the official museum of the Central Tibetan Administration's Department of Information and International Relations and is located near the main temple of the 14th Dalai Lama, Tsuglag Khang, in the Dharamshala suburb of McLeod Ganj.
Area
McLeod Ganj
McLeod Ganj, also spelt McLeodganj, is a suburb of Dharamshala in Kangra district of Himachal Pradesh, India. It is known as "Little Lhasa" or "Dhasa" because of its large population of Tibetans.
Nature • Natural attraction • Mountain pass
Indrahar Pass
Indrahar Pass is a mountain pass in the Dhauladhar range of the Himalayas. Located at 32°17.852′N 76°22.872′E and an altitude of 4,342 metres above mean sea level, near the tourist town of Dharamshala in Himachal Pradesh, Indrahar pass forms the border between Kangra and Chamba districts.
32°13'57"N • 76°19'28"E
17th Karmapa
Temple
32°14'51"N • 76°20'18"E
Bhagsu Waterfall
Natural attraction • Park • Waterfall
Valley • Park
Kangra Valley
Kangra Valley is a river valley situated in the Western Himalayas. It lies in the state of Himachal Pradesh in India, and is a popular tourist destination. The Kangri dialect is spoken there. Dharamshala, the headquarters of Kangra district and the main city of the valley, lies on the southern spur of Dhauladhar.
Concerts and shows • Theater
Tibetan Institute of Performing Arts
The Tibetan Institute of Performing Arts was founded by Tenzin Gyatso, the 14th Dalai Lama on reaching McLeod Ganj, Himachal Pradesh, India in exile from Tibet in August 1959.
Church
St. John Cathederal in the Wilderness
St. John in the Wilderness is an Protestant church dedicated to John the Baptist. It was built in 1852 and is located near Dharamshala, India, on the way to McLeod Ganj, at Forsyth Gunj.
32°14'19"N • 76°19'26"E
Dharamkot
Dharamkot is a small hill station in Kangra district in the state of Himachal Pradesh, India. More Information On the crest of a hill above McLeodGanj, Dharamkot is a spot with wide views of the Kangra Valley and the Dhauladhar ranges.

Day trips

Dharamsala – popular in the area (distance from the center)

In the vicinity of Dharamsala, it's worth seeing attractions such as: HPCA Stadium, Bajreshwari Mata Temple (Kangra), Masrur Temples (Kangra).

2.8 miS
Arenas and stadiums, Cricket, Sport venue
HPCA Stadium
Nestled in the lap of the majestic Himalayas, the Himachal Pradesh Cricket Association Stadium, commonly known as the HPCA Stadium, stands as a testament to the fusion of top-tier sporting facilities and breathtaking natural beauty.
9.8 miS
Sacred and religious sites
Bajreshwari Mata Temple, Kangra
The Shree Vajreshwari Mata Mandir also known as Kangra Devi Mandir is one of the 51 Shakti Pithas dedicated to the goddess Vajreshvari, a form of Goddess Durga located in the town Kangrain the Northern Indian state of Himachal Pradesh.
16 milesSW
Spiritual, Temple
Masrur Temples, Kangra
The Masrur Temples, also referred to as Masroor Temples or Rock-cut Temples at Masrur, is an early 8th-century complex of rock-cut Hindu temples in the Kangra Valley of Beas River in Himachal Pradesh, India.
21 milesNE
Natural attraction, Lake, Body of water
Manimahesh Lake
Nestled in the Indian state of Himachal Pradesh, Manimahesh Lake is a high-altitude lake situated at an impressive elevation of 4,080 meters above sea level. This sacred body of water, ensconced in the Pir Panjal Range of the Himalayas, is a significant pilgrimage...
27 milesNW
Nature, Natural attraction, View point
Khajjiar, Chamba
Khajjiar Lake is situated in Khajjiar, in Chamba district of Himachal Pradesh, India. It is situated at a height of around 1,951 m above sea level between Dalhousie and Chamba Town.

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Best Time To Visit Dharamsala

Learn when is the best time to travel to Dharamsala weather-wise and what to expect in each season.

Popularity among visitors

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June is the most popular and therefore the most crowded month to visit this location. Many people also choose to visit in May.

Average temperatures in °F

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The highest air temperature is in June and July. While the coldest is in January.

Monthly rainfall in inches

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The lowest rainfall is recorded in November. Most of it rains in July and August.

Length of day in hours

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We can expect the longest days in June, while the shortest in December.

Sunrise

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What are the top attractions to visit in Dharamsala?

The top attractions to visit in Dharamsala are:

What is the best time to visit Dharamsala?

June is the most popular and therefore the most crowded month to visit this location. Many people also choose to visit in May. The highest air temperature is in June and July. While the coldest is in January.