10 Best Places to Visit in Dharamshala
Let's Start exploring! Look at the 10 best places to visit in Dharamshala.
1. Triund Hill, Dharamshala
A favourite among trekkers and adventure seekers, Triund Hill is one of the most beautiful places in Dharamshala. It is perched at a height of 2850 m above sea level and surrounded by rolling hills. The clean air and natural environment make Triund Hill a popular choice among those looking for a relaxing break from all the hustle-bustle.
Triund Hill is known for some amazing trekking trails and offer breath-taking views throughout. On reaching the summit, you can bask in the mesmerizing beauty of the snow-capped mountains and pristine surroundings. Triund is a wonderful spot for picnics as well. You can also enjoy night camping here and count the stars on a clear sky.
2. Dharamshala Cricket Stadium, Dharamshala
Also known as Himachal Pradesh Cricket Association (HPCA) Stadium, Dharamshala Cricket Stadium is a must-visit for cricket fanatics. The stadium is located at an altitude of 1457 m above sea level, amidst the stunning Dhauladhar Range. It is particularly famous for being the highest international cricket stadium in the world.
The best thing about HPCA stadium is that it is open for tourists as well. So, you can visit this amazing place even when no cricket matches are scheduled. The Tibetan style of architecture on the main stand and scenic location make this stadium one of the most amazing Dharamshala tourist places.
- Timings: 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM
- Ideal duration: Less than 1 hour
- Entry fee: INR 20 per person (on non-match days)
- Places to Stay: Hotels near Dharamshala Cricket Stadium
3. St John in the Wilderness Church, Dharamshala
Nestled amidst verdant green deodar trees, St John in the Wilderness Church is one of the most serene and famous places to visit in Dharamshala. This Anglican church was built in 1852 and is dedicated to John the Baptist. It is located on the way to McLeod Ganj and is about 8 km from Dharamshala.
Known for its stunning neo-gothic style of architecture, the church is a popular attraction among architecture lovers. The Belgian stained-glass windows add to the charm of this holy place. Although one of the oldest structures in the region, its distinctive construction and peaceful vibes make it one of the most important churches in Himachal Pradesh.
- Timings:
- Monday to Saturday: 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM
- Sunday: 10:30 AM to 11:30 AM
- Ideal duration: 30-45 mins
- Entry fee: Free entry
4. War Memorial, Dharamshala
Counted among the most popular places to see in Dharamshala, War Memorial is worth visiting. It was built as a tribute to the brave soldiers of Kangra who sacrificed their lives during the wars of 1947-48, 1962, 1965 and 1971 and UN peacekeeping operations. The memorial has three huge walls in black marble with names of the martyred soldiers etched on them. The place also houses many replicas of guns, war tanks, airplanes, and more. The surrounding forests and lush green environs add to the beauty of the memorial and make it a famous tourist attraction.
- Timings: 8:00 AM to 8:00 PM
- Ideal duration: 1 hour
- Entry fee: INR 20 per person (free for children up to 5 years of age)
5. Library of Tibetan Works and Archives, Dharamshala
Founded on 11th June 1970 by the 14th Dalai Lama – Tenzin Gyatso, the Library of Tibetan Works and Archives is known for housing some important Tibetan literature. It has over 80,000 manuscripts, documents and books related to Tibetan history, culture, art and politics. Besides these, there are more than 10,000 photographs, over 600 thangkas, artefacts and statues of Buddhist heritage, and many more things.
Although one of the unexplored places in Dharamshala, the library is frequented by history buffs and those interested in Tibetan literature. The library is particularly famous as it has books, manuscripts and archives that the monks brought from Tibet during the 1959 escape.
- Timings: 9:00 AM to 1:00 PM and 2:00 PM to 5:00 PM (Monday to Saturday)
- The library remains closed on Sundays and second, fourth and fifth Saturdays.
- Ideal duration: 1-2 hours
- Entry fee: INR 100 per month for general readers
6. Bhagsunag Temple, Dharamshala
Dedicated to Lord Shiva, the ancient Bhagsunag or Bhagsunath Temple is one of the most famous temples in Dharamshala. It is 3 km from McLeod Ganj and is frequented by Hindus and the local Gorkha community. Apart from the main shrine, the temple has a sacred pond and a swimming pool. Devotees visiting the shrine can also take a dip in the holy pond; it is believed that the water in this pond has magical healing powers. The divine aura and peaceful ambience of the temple make it one of the best places to visit in Dharamshala. After paying your respects at the temple, you can also spend some time near the Bhagsunag Waterfalls.
- Timings: 5:00 AM to 12:00 PM and 4:00 PM to 9:00 PM
- Ideal duration: 1-2 hours
- Entry fee: Free entry
- Places to Stay: Hotels in Bhagsu nag
7. Gyuto Monastery, Dharamshala
Gyuto Monastery | #7 of 15 Stunning Places to Visit in Dharamshala
Known for its tantric meditation and teachings, Gyuto Monastery is one of the most famous monasteries in Dharamshala. It was originally established in Tibet in 1474. However, after the communist Chinese invasion of Tibet in 1959, it was re-established in Dharamshala by the Tibetan monks. This was the time when the Dalai Lama, monks of the Gyuto Tantric Monastery, and refugees came to India. The monks in the monastery work towards preserving and promoting the tantric teachings of the great teacher Tsongkhapa for the wellbeing of people.
This stunning monastery is located on a hilltop with the majestic Dhauladhar Range in the background. It houses a beautiful gold-plated statue of Lord Buddha that looks particularly breath-taking when illuminated by the morning sunlight. The eye-catching architecture and serene vibes of the monastery make it one of the best tourist places in Dharamshala.
- Timings: 7 AM to 7 PM
- Ideal duration: 1-2 hours
- Entry fee: Free entry
8. Kareri Dal Lake, Dharamshala
Kareri Dal Lake | #8 of 15 Stunning Places to Visit in Dharamshala
Surrounded by lush deodar trees and rugged mountains, Kareri Dal Lake is one of the most scenic and best places to visit in Dharamshala for couples. It is frequented by those looking to spend some peaceful time in the lap of nature, away from all the chaos.
Apart from lazing around this calm and serene lake, you can plan a picnic here with your loved ones, take boat rides and seek blessings at the small Shiva Temple on the banks. Kareri Dal Lake is also a popular stopover for adventure enthusiasts trekking up to Sunset Point.
- Timings: 7:00 AM to 8:00 PM
- Ideal duration: 1 hour
- Entry fee: Free entry
9.Tsuglagkhang Temple, Dharamshala
Boasting rich Tibetan culture, Tsuglagkhang Temple is one of the most beautiful and tranquil must places to visit in Dharamshala. It is also known as the Dalai Lama Temple and is frequented by monks, pilgrims and tourists looking to spend time in a peaceful environment.
The temple is known for a huge idol of Gautam Buddha as well as statues of Padmasambhava, Avalokiteshvara and many other Buddhist monks. The Lamas here spend most of their time chanting mantras on beads and prayer wheels. A huge gold-plated prayer wheel at the centre of the temple with chants of “Om Mani Padme Hum” is a major attraction. Apart from paying your respects, you can also rotate the prayer wheel, meditate in the prayer hall, and visit the temple museum.
- Timings:
- April to October: 5:00 AM to 8:00 PM
- November to March: 6:00 AM to 6:00 PM
- Ideal duration: 1-2 hours
- Entry fee: Free Entry
10. Bhagsu Waterfall, Dharamshala
Plunging from a height of 20 m, Bhagsu Waterfall is one of the best places to visit in Dharamshala. The waterfall boasts unique scenic beauty and is a perfect spot for those looking to spend quality time amidst nature. With the famous Bhagsunag Temple in the vicinity, the waterfall is frequented by nature lovers and devotees alike.
The best time to visit Dharmshala's Bhagsu Waterfall is during the monsoon season when you can see water gushing down to form a pool below. Although you may get tempted to take a dip in the pool, avoid it if you can’t tolerate extremely cold water. You can also plan a picnic here with your loved ones or go on a trek to enjoy stunning views of the waterfall from different points.
- Timings: 7:00 AM to 9:00 PM
- Ideal duration: 1-2 hours
- Entry fee: Free entry
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