Things To Do In Dharamshala

On your next visit to Dharamshala make sure to engage in some of the best activities that will surely be going to give you unforgettable memories-

1. Camping

Dharmashala is truly a paradise for camping. Just pitch your tent and gaze at the blue sky and spend a peaceful time with your loved ones. The forested hills soaring up above the clouds and the breezy environs will surely make your camping memorable. Triund, Kareri lake and Indraprahar pass are some perfect places for camping.

2. Paragliding

Another amazing thing to do is Paragliding. Bir billing is considered to be the perfect place for this activity. Bir Billing is known across the globe for hosting the world’s first paragliding world cup and this is the reason the tourists come here to experience one of India’s finest paragliding sessions.

3. Trekking

If you want to add more thrill to your Dharamshala vacation just indulge in trekking. Dharmshala is a great place for trekking tours. This town also acts as a gateway to many famous trekking routes to places like Chamba, Triund and Indrahar pass. Some popular trekking routes in and around Dharamshala- Mcleodganj-Triund, Dharamshala-Nag dal, dharmshala-Kareri lake, Dharamshala- Thamsar Pass, and Dharamshala-Indrahar Pass.

4. Rock Climbing

Just challenge yourself to one of the most interesting and thrilling adventures, rock climbing. Head towards Dharamshala-Nayagroeon, located in the remote Himalayas, which is the most popular trail for rock climbing here. Steep rocks on Mcleodganj, Bhagsu, Ghanjar, Mahadev, and Indurnag are popular for climbing.

5. Rappelling

Another amazing activity to enjoy is rappelling. Rappelling is descending from hills. Enjoy this activity and add a thrill to your Dharamshala vacation.

6. A visit to the Mani Lhakhang Stupa

Visit the Mani Lhakhang Stupa or the prayer wheels monastery, located in Uprali Barol which is around 5kms from Dharmashala city. It was constructed in the year 2001 under instructions from Dalai Lama. The beautiful stupa houses a gold plate statue of the Buddha in his signature lotus position. One can witness several prayer wheels that one can spin for good luck. Make sure to listen to the hymns sung by the monks here that will surely soothe your senses.

7. A tour of the Dharmashala war memorial

Pay a visit to the Dharamshala war memorial, located at the entry to Dharmshala town. This war memorial is built to honour the brave men and women who died in service to our country post-independence. This memorial is located amidst picturesque scenery and represents bravery and sacrifice. This war memorial has names of all the soldiers and martyrs who died in the  1947-48, 1962, 1965, and 1971 war and peacekeeping missions.

8. Explore the enchanting Dharamkot Village

Make your vacation more interesting by just taking a walk to Dharamkot village from Mcleodganj. Dharmakot is a fantastic place to unwind amongst the colourful houses, surrounded by pine and deodar trees and an astounding backdrop of the beautiful Himalayas.

9. Visit the serene Dal Lake

Head towards the pristine Dal Lake that is just a ride away from Mcleodganj. This lake is peaceful and has clear green water and a variety of fish too. Dal lake is surrounded by deodar trees. One can even pay a visit to the lord shiva temple on its banks which is visited by numerous visitors.

10. Head towards the St. John Church

Visit the St. John Church, a neo-gothic church constructed in the year 1852. This is one of the major churches in the state of Himachal Pradesh and is located near Dharmashala, and on the way to Mcelodganj. It is the oldest built structure in Dharamshala and is built in dense woods thus it is famous as St. John in the Wilderness.

11. A Religious tour of Aghanjar Mahadev temple and Jwalamukhi Devi temple

Make sure to pay a visit to the famous Aghanjar Mahadev temple, located just 5kms away from the town of Dharmshala in Khaniyara at the foothills of Dhauladhar, amidst bounteous forests and emerald mountain peaks. The temple is devoted to lord shiva and is believed that the temple is built around 500 years ago. The major attraction here is a tiny cascading waterfall that adds to the beauty of this revered shrine. There is a small cave near the temple that houses a Shivalinga and has been marked as a spot of worship. Add another holy place to your tour itinerary, Jwalamukhi Devi temple and seek blessings that are one of the 52 shakti Peethas in India. The temple is devoted to Jwala Ji, a Hindu goddess depicted by a set of eternal flames. As per the legends, the tongue of goddess Sati fell where the Jwala Devi temple is now situated. It is a novel temple that does not have an idol. The major attraction here is the five aartis conducted at Jwala Devi temple. The time for a visit in summer is from 5 am to 10 pm and in winter it is 6 am to 9 pm.

12. Witness the Tea gardens

To add some extra fun to your Dharmashala tour itinerary visit the exotic tea gardens that are located on the route of Dharmashala-Mcleodganj. The tea gardens will not only give you an insight into the whole process of tea making but will surely be going to leave you astonished by their fantabulous views.

13. Have a scrumptious experience in some amazing cafes

Apart from the sightseeing and adventure activities, just explore some amazing cafés that serve delicious local and international cuisines and beverages. Mcleodganj is dotted with several cafes that are truly great spots to chill with your friends and family and also to pamper your tastebuds.

Shiva café, Namgyal café and Joyful café are some must-visit cafes. Try the local Tibetan dish, Luffing found only in Mcleodangj. The local Tibetan women dressed in their traditional attire sell luffing on the streets in the small stalls. Luffing is spicy in taste and a lot of local spices are added to the dish.

Make sure to try this dish on your Dharmashala vacation. Explore some of the best restaurants in Dharmshala that serve amazing Tibetan dishes. Being dominated by Tibetan culture, one will mostly find Tibetan cuisines being served. Try Thukpas, momos, and other Tibetan dishes too. Try the honey ginger lemon tea, a refreshing drink that is the speciality of Dharmashala.

14. Visit the famous markets

One’s vacation is incomplete without shopping, so wake up to your shopping instincts and shop to your heart’s content. Just stroll in the markets of Dharmshala and grab some beautiful items like- jewellery, woollen clothes, colourful flags, pretty handicrafts, Himachal wines & accessories.

15. Watch the amazing street plays

Make sure to watch the street plays in Dharmashala. It is very common to find groups of people in Dharmshals enacting lessons from daily life or the different religious scriptures. The plays are usually held early evenings and one can find posters of the same in and around the streets of Mcleodganj.

16. Get Enrol for the Yoga session

One having a deep interest in yoga can enrol themselves for a free yoga session in Dharmshala that is mostly conducted in the morning amidst the serene natural surroundings. One can even join the paid courses.