About Dharamshala
The state of Himachal Pradesh has a picturesque hill town called Dharamshala. For tourism purposes, the town has developed into a significant destination for staycation, trekking, camping, and more. Upper Dharamshala has a hill station called McLeodganj, which is the abode of His Holiness, the Dalai Lama. This scenic location is well-liked not just by tourists but also by those who are seeking spirituality and tranquillity.
McLeodganj also has one of the most popular trekking and camping spots called Triund. It is at a height of 2,828 metres (9,278 ft) and a trek may take approximately 4-6 hours to complete. The best part is that the trek takes a single day to climb up and return back to town. There are options to stay overnight in a camp to enjoy the sunset and then sunrise, the following day. Both Dharamshala and McLeodganj have several things to do, which we will cover below.
Things to do in Dharamshala
- Namgyal Monastery: Namgyal Monastery is one of Dharamsala's most famous religious attractions. Many young monks are involved in the practice and study of traditional Tibetan Buddhism here. A different cultural experience can be found here, with breathtaking views of the snow-capped mountains and the lush greenery that surrounds this place.
- Kareri Dal Lake: One of the pristine lakes in Dharamshala is the Kareri Dal Lake. The lake is so calm that you may want to spend an entire day here. This lake is also a base camp for trekkers.
- Norbulingka Institute: If you are looking for a unique experience that goes beyond sightseeing, and learning about Tibetan culture and art styles, you must visit Norbulingka Institute. It is built in traditional Tibetan architectural style. The institute has independently maintained its legacy of traditional Tibetan art over the years.
- Gyuto Monastery: One of the popular places to visit in Dharamshala is the residence of Karmapa, who is the head of the Kagyu Tibetan Buddhism. This beautiful monastery is quite a popular place from where you get to see stunning views of the mountains. Most importantly, it is also famous as it was built in the memory of soldiers who lost their lives to the Tibet Freedom War.
- Dharamshala Cricket Stadium: This place will literally take your breath away as it is surrounded by the beautiful Dhauladhar mountain. The Cricket Stadium is considered one of the tallest sports fields in the world. One of his best things about this stadium is that it has beautiful Tibetan architecture.
- Tugrakan Complex: The TugrakanComplex is the private residence of His Holiness, the Dalai Lama. It is located in McLeodganj, minutes from Dharamsala. Here you can interact with the monks when they are relieved of their duties and learn about their experiences.
- Bugsnug Falls: Bugsnug Falls, near the village of Bagus, are high-altitude waterfalls that are sure to give you a tranquil bliss if you're looking for a vacation away from the chaos of the city-life. This place is one of the most beautiful places in Dharamsala due to its spiritual atmosphere, mystical ambience, refreshing atmosphere, and natural beauty.
Best time to visit Dharamshala
The ideal time to visit Dharamshala is from March to June. The months of October through February are also ideal for visiting Dharamshala because of the moderate weather, and popular among honeymooners and adventurers. Between December and February, snowfall and sub-zero temperatures are common in Dharamshala, so if you do not enjoy the cold, it is best not to visit.
Dharamshala Airport
Dharamshala Airport (DHM) or Kangra Airport, also known as Gaggal Airport, is the closest civil airport to Dharamshala. It is located at a distance of 15 km. There are flights operating from Kangra Airport to Delhi and Dehradun. You can find several options to travel from Kangra to Dharamshala through bus and taxi. The taxis are available from the airport itself, so there won’t be any issue to book one. However, if you choose to travel by a bus, you will need to visit the city’s bus terminal and get a bus that will drop you to Dharamshala.
