Dharamshala is one of the most prominent mountain destinations in the country. It has much to do for visitors. From being home to one of the highest cricket stadiums in the country to being the center for the Tibetan community in exile, the city plays a very important role. McLeod Ganj, its acclaimed suburb is also known for its lush surrounds. Plan a tour to Dharamshala for a little later in the year, when it should be safer to travel.
The international film festival that happens here in early November is an enormous event to plan your travels around. The best part is that you can just base yourself in the main city and then scrutinize the many places around. So, when you plan to visit next, check out some of the outstanding things to do in and around Dharamshala such as –
Include in exploring the historical and cultural heritage
Are you planning a trip to Himachal Pradesh? Dharamshala is eminent for the architectural, natural, and spiritual sites that one can witness being here. Relish the best sightseeing tours being in Dharamshala. Get lost in the aroma of tea gardens that will let you have some peaceful moments to tranquil your mind. Find the best and the most astonishing monasteries in Namgyal that will fill your heart with joy. The best historical and cultural heritage places to visit here are such as – Bhagsunag Waterfall, St. John in the Wilderness, Namgyal Monastery, Tsuglagkhang Complex, and Dalai Lama Temple, etc.
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Trekking
Trekking
Dharamshala proves to be a prominent base for trekking in Himachal Pradesh. The trekking season starts in May and lasts till October. Amongst the tailor-made treks that you will asset in the area, the majority are in the Kangra valley. For precedent, there is one from Dharamsala to Chamba valley, over the Indradhar Pass (4,350 m), which is quite challenging. Apart from that, you can asset easier treks around McLeod Ganj and Dharamsala. One can find such a trek from Tang Narwana (1,150 m) to Toral Pass (4,575 m). You can also take a 2 Km stroll to reach Bhagsu. From here go another 3 Km to reach Dharamkot, and from there, walk down 8 Km to reach Triund.
Eminent Cafes
Eminent Cafes
One would asset some of the best cafes in Dharamshala that happens to be an awesome escape into ecstasy, find the best food options to try being here in Dharamshala that would serve you with the best food delicacies with some mouth-watering food options to accord a treat to your taste buds. Make sure to not miss out on the gorgeous McLeod Ganj where you would locate many great cafes to serve you the best local and international cuisine and beverages. So, bestow a treat to your senses in these scenic cafes. Some of the best cafes that one can locate here are Shiva Cafe, Joyful Cafe, Namgyal Cafe, etc.
Rock Climbing
Rock Climbing
Though many people are not conscious of it. The quaint town of Dharamshala endeavors many opportunities for rock climbing sport as well. One of the most prominent trails for rock climbing is Dharamshala-Nayagroeon, set in a remote and largely unexplored area of the Himalayas. One can go over the ridges of the Dhauladhar range as well.
Finding the outstanding stone jewelry and cute handicrafts
Stone jewelry and cute handicraftsin McLeod Ganj
Well, Dharamshala will not fail to entice you with its amazing market serving you the best of everything. Be it the jewelry or the woolens, and find the best items to shop for being here. You would be thrilled to locate some great showrooms in Dharamshala as well as some of the great options on the streets as well. Also, there are many great accessories that one would find here that are made of different stones, woolens that one would get knit infront of their eyes, some amazing handicrafts to take back home!
Angling & Fishing
Angling & Fishing
There are several small rivers and streams in the area around Dharamshala. The majority of them administer visitors with an opportunity to indulge in angling and fishing. Among the most prominent stretches for fishing is the 20 Km region of river Beas, between Nadaun and Pong Dam. Here, you will asset the Mahaseer in ample quantity.
Gyuto Monastery
Gyuto Monastery
Gyuto Monastery is a monastery for Tantric meditation study. A beautiful Monastery asset to the Tibetan culture. Well, the monastery is a highlight to cynosure on the teaching of Black magic. It is built by one of the disciples of the Dalai Lama and is a beautiful construction worth watching. Gyuto Monastery is one of the most visited places in Dharamshala for some adventure with the Tibetan culture and history. Raised on a hilltop and beautifully constructed and has a big statue of Lord Buddha. It is a major focus for tourists and pilgrims in Dharamshala. This monastery is home to almost 500 monks. Meditation and Buddhism are major teachings of this place.
Try paragliding
Try paragliding
Paragliding is one overwhelming adventure sport that one can try to be in Dharamshala. This adventure sport will let you be on a glider that has no adamant support system. This is much like the famous hot air balloon as you should know that even the glider depends a lot on centripetal and centrifugal forces to glide in the air. This is one of the outstanding things to do in Dharamshala.
Pilgrimage
Pilgrimage
For those who are on a pilgrim tour, Dharamsala administers several opportunities to connect with the Almighty. It is home to the Namgyal Monastery, endowed by Sonam Gyatso, the Third Dalai Lama, in the year 1575. There is St John’s Church, which is located hardly at a distance of 8 Km from Dharamsala on the way to McLeod Ganj.
Heritage Tour
Heritage Tour
Those who are interested in analyze the rich heritage of the city more than anything else will identify Dharamsala to be a great destination. It is home to Kangra Art Museum, situated in Kotwali Bazaar, where you can locate relics and artifacts dating back as far back as the 5th century. Then, there is the Library of Tibetan Works and Archives, which has been founded by the 14th Dalai Lama in McLeod Ganj. The two forts near Dharamsala i.e. Kangra Fort and Nurpur Fort, are one of the worth touring heritage places in Dharamshala. Do make sure to travel to Norbulingka Institute as well, which has been set up to perpetuate and teach Tibetan art and culture.
Best time to visit Dharamshala
There is not any specific time to visit here. One can enjoy it much more in that place. However, to relish your trip to the fullest in Dharamshala, you should go there from mid-March to mid-July or from September to December depends upon one’s choice.
How to reach Dharamshala?
An overnight train journey is prudent to reach Dharamshala. The nearest main railway station that one can get near this is Pathankot railway junction that is around 85 Km away. Several trains go to Jammu & Kashmir that will stop by in Pathankot railway junction. One can conveniently take a taxi or bus service from Pathankot to reach Dharamshala.
Conclusion
So, these are the best things to do in Dharamsala. One can enjoy various adventures activities while being a visit to Dharamsala tour that will lift your mood and make you fall in love with this divine and beautiful place all over again.