Updated May 31, 2023
Best Tourist Places in Dharamshala
Dharamshala is a magnificent hill station in the Himalayas. It is best known as the exiled Tibetan monk Dalai Lama’s sacred home. Dharamshala is divided into two sections: the lower section is known as Dharamsala town, and the upper section is known as Mcleodganj. Dharamshala stays a distinct tourist location in India, drawing large crowds from India and around the world to experience the striking Tibetan center in India.
Tourist Places to Visit in Dharamshala
Below are a few popular tourist places in Dharamshala:-
#1 Gyuto Monastery
Gyuto Monastery is one of Tibet’s most well-known and visited temples. Residents practice tantric meditation at this temple and devote much time to learning it. It is also famous for tantric ceremonial arts and Buddhist philosophy. The prime student of the 1st Dalai Lama founded the Gyuto monastery in 1474.
- Site Address: Sidhbari, Himachal Pradesh 176053
- Site Map: Google Map
- Commonly known for: The Sakyamuni Buddha image and the speech of the Karmapa.
- Opening hours: This site is open from 8 am to 11 pm
- Entry fee: There is no entry fee.
#2 Dal Lake
Dal Lake in Kangra is one of the most beautiful Dharamshala tourist attractions. It is a lovely source of water surrounded by evergreen deodar trees. It is also a stunning viewpoint because one can see the nearby mountains from the lake’s shores, where visitors can picnic and take photos.
- Site Address: McLeod Ganj, Himachal Pradesh 176219
- Site Map: Google Map
- Commonly known for: Picnics, Boating, and the Kali-Shiva temple.
- Opening hours: This site is open 24 hours.
- Entry fee: There is no entry fee.
#3 Namgyal Monastery
The Namgyal Monastery is the most prominent Tibetan temple outside of Tibet. More significantly, this is the residence of the great Dalai Lama and over 200 monks who practice Buddhism in its purest form.
- Site Address: McLeod Ganj, Dharamshala, Himachal Pradesh 176219
- Site Map: Google Map
- Commonly known for: The prayer room and meditation sessions of monks.
- Opening hours: The site is open daily from 6 am to 7 pm.
- Entry fee: There is no entry fee.
#4 Indrahar Pass
Indrahar Pass is one of the most famous trekking paths in Himachal Pradesh due to its proximity to the lovely city of Dharamshala and the breathtaking view that welcomes tourists who reach the summit. It is a point in the Dhauladhar Range at an elevation of about 4,500 feet above sea level, and it is a delightful experience for people from all over the globe.
- Site Address: Dhauladhar range of the Himalayas
- Site Map: Google Map
- Commonly known for: Trekking
- Opening hours: NA
- Entry fee: INR 8000 approx for the trek
#5 Kangra Fort
Kangra Fort is one of the most well-known Dharamshala tourist attractions that you can explore while in Dharamshala. Katoch Empire built the fort in the fourth century BC, making it one of the ancient forts in India. It is a unique historic structure and a beautiful location to view the neighboring town of Kangra and its waterways.
- Site Address: Old Kangra, Kangra, Himachal Pradesh 176001
- Site Map: Google Map
- Commonly known for: the Manjhi river, Banganga River, and Maharaja Sansar Chand Katoch Museum.
- Opening hours: This site is open from 9 am to 6 pm
- Entry fee: INR 150 per person for Indians and INR 300 for foreigners.
#6 Kalachakra Temple
To explore some of Dharamshala’s most peaceful and sacred locations, you must go to the Kalachakra Temple, which translates to “Wheel of Time.” The monastery is a tribute to the Buddha and includes murals and paintings of Avalokitesvara, an incarnation of whom the Dalai Lama is thought to be.
- Site Address: McLeod Ganj, Dharamshala, Himachal Pradesh 176219
- Site Map: Google Map
- Commonly known for: Beautiful architecture.
- Opening hours: This site is open from 5:00 am – 9:00 pm
- Entry fee: There is no entry fee.
#7 Tsuglag Khang
Tsuglag Khang is one of the temples attracting monks, pilgrims, and tourists. People admire Tsulag Khang for its charming ambiance and beautiful surroundings. This temple offers the ideal combination of serenity and the scenic vistas of Dharamshala and McLeodganj.
- Location: McLeod Ganj
- Site Map: Google Map
- Commonly known for: The Tsuglagkhang, Namgyal Gompa, and the Tibet Museum.
- Opening hours: 6 am – 6 pm
- Entry fee: There is no entry fee.
#8 Hanuman Ka Tibba
Hanuman Ka Tibba is the tallest peak in the Dhauladhar mountains. With a height of 19,000 feet, this peak towers above all other mountains and is a must-see for all action seekers and adrenaline junkies. It is excellent for walking, mountain scaling, and hiking, and the view from the peak is well worth the effort.
- Location: Trail to Triund Hill, Dharamshala, Himachal Pradesh 176219
- Site Map: Google Map
- Commonly known for: sunset viewed from the ranges.
- Opening hours: This site is open from 6 am – 8 pm
- Entry fee: There is no entry fee.
#9 Nechung Monastery
Suppose you want to have the utmost spiritual experience Dharamshala is familiar with. In that case, you must go to the Nechung Monastery, which is one of the most popular locations to visit in Dharamshala. Since the 18th century, it has been famous for being the home of the “Seer-Oracle,” the ultimate spiritual leader of the Tibetans and Buddhists in the region.
- Site Address: Upmuhal, Dharamshala, Himachal Pradesh 176219
- Site Map: Google Map
- Commonly known for: The morning prayer.
- Opening hours: This site is open from 9 am – 5 pm (Mon-Sat)
- Entry Fee: There is no entry fee.
#10 Chinmaya Tapovan
Chinmaya Tapovan is a popular tourist destination in Dharamshala, attracting those seeking peace. This calm Ashram is an excellent example of a tranquil environment and serenity.
The meditation compound and the mighty statue of Lord Hanuman, which is present right in the center, are also there. This location also has a school, a recreation facility, and a Ram temple.
- Site Address: Sidhbari, Kangra, Himachal Pradesh 176057
- Site Map: Google Map
- Commonly known for: Tranquil ambiance.
- Opening hours: This site is open from 7 am – 7 pm
- Entry fee: There is no entry fee.
Best time to visit Dharamshala
Summer in Dharamshala is exceptionally nice, lasting from March to June. The sun shines brightly, and the flowers bloom joyously. The weather is pleasant, and the ambiance is relaxing. This is the perfect time for trekking and sightseeing in Dharamshala.
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