01McLeod Ganj
McLeod
Ganj is a suburb in the state of Himachal Pradesh. It is also popularly
known as "Little Lhasa" or "Dhasa". The city has got this name due to
the large populations of Tibetans. Also, the famous Tibetan
government-in-exile has its headquarters in this city. Without any
doubt, McLeodganj is the best place to visit near Dharamshala.
Location: The nearest airport to the city is Gaggal Airport which is around 15 KM from Dharamshala. You will find the nearest railway station at Kangra which is 20 KM south from Dharamshala. Both the options are good if you are a tourist.
Highlights: The major highlights of the area include the Tibetan sites and the famous Dharamshala International Film Festival (DIFF). Triund hill and Dal Lake are in close proximity which you can visit.
Best time to visit: You can visit the place during any time of the year and find it equally beautiful. However, most people prefer to visit the place in winters.
Location: The nearest airport to the city is Gaggal Airport which is around 15 KM from Dharamshala. You will find the nearest railway station at Kangra which is 20 KM south from Dharamshala. Both the options are good if you are a tourist.
Highlights: The major highlights of the area include the Tibetan sites and the famous Dharamshala International Film Festival (DIFF). Triund hill and Dal Lake are in close proximity which you can visit.
Best time to visit: You can visit the place during any time of the year and find it equally beautiful. However, most people prefer to visit the place in winters.
Day Trip to Mcleod Ganj
02Kangra Valley
Famous Kangra Valley
is home to the famous Masrur temple and is situated in the western
Himalayas in Punjab. It is the best place to visit in Dharamshala and it
is a strong contender for the UNESCO World Heritage Site which is a
huge appreciation to the place and its beauty. The people in this area
speak Kangri, which is a regional dialect of the place.
Location: It dominantly lies in the state of Himachal Pradesh and the famous town of Dharamshala is the headquarters of the Kangra district. Pathankot is the nearest railway network. Gaggal airport, which is also known as the Kangra airport is located here.
Highlights: The famous towns of McLeodganj, Dharamshala, Sidhbari, Tira Sujanpur and much more are the major highlights of the district.
Best time to visit: Most of the people prefer March to April as the best time to visit. This is due to the pleasant climate during this time which is otherwise freezing during the winters.
Location: It dominantly lies in the state of Himachal Pradesh and the famous town of Dharamshala is the headquarters of the Kangra district. Pathankot is the nearest railway network. Gaggal airport, which is also known as the Kangra airport is located here.
Highlights: The famous towns of McLeodganj, Dharamshala, Sidhbari, Tira Sujanpur and much more are the major highlights of the district.
Best time to visit: Most of the people prefer March to April as the best time to visit. This is due to the pleasant climate during this time which is otherwise freezing during the winters.
Kangra Valley Sightseeing
03Dharamkot
Dharamkot
is a place for all the hill station lovers. It is a small hill station
located in the Kangra district just above McLeod Ganj. The elevation of
the hill station is around 2827m. One of the most interesting things
about the place is that many foreigners have started living in the area
because they liked it so much. This is truly fascinating because they
live in village houses and guesthouses for many days.
Location: The hill station is around 4 km from Triund Trekking area, a famous place in the same district. You can easily find public transport facilities to take you up to there.
Highlights: The wide view of Kangra valley and Dhauladhar ranges is something which all the tourists enjoy. There is a snowline café which provides a breathtaking view and also has provisions for sleeping bags and tents.
Best time to visit: The best time would be during the months of April and May as it would be summer and the temperature would be decent.
Location: The hill station is around 4 km from Triund Trekking area, a famous place in the same district. You can easily find public transport facilities to take you up to there.
Highlights: The wide view of Kangra valley and Dhauladhar ranges is something which all the tourists enjoy. There is a snowline café which provides a breathtaking view and also has provisions for sleeping bags and tents.
Best time to visit: The best time would be during the months of April and May as it would be summer and the temperature would be decent.
Camping at Triund in Dharamkot
Best of Dharamshala and Manali
05Temple Sightseeing Tour in a Car around Mcleodganj and Dharamshala
07Half Day Sightseeing Tour at Mcleodganj and Dharamshala in a Car
09Triund Hill
Triund
hills are also known as the crown jewel of Dharamshala. It is situated
in the midst of Dhauladhar mountains and gives a stunning view. Triund
is one of the most popular trekking spots in India which attracts a lot
of tourists.
Location: You can simply opt for a taxi from Mcleod Ganj till Galu or you can start the trek right from Mcleod Ganj itself. You can also hire a horse/pony to take you to the top if you are not willing to hike for a long distance.
Highlights: The beautiful forest of oak, deodar and rhododendron lines up the way for the trek which looks stunning and gives you a nice journey through the hills.
Best time to visit: As the place is close for trekking during the months of January and February, the best time to visit is from March to May and September to December.
Location: You can simply opt for a taxi from Mcleod Ganj till Galu or you can start the trek right from Mcleod Ganj itself. You can also hire a horse/pony to take you to the top if you are not willing to hike for a long distance.
Highlights: The beautiful forest of oak, deodar and rhododendron lines up the way for the trek which looks stunning and gives you a nice journey through the hills.
Best time to visit: As the place is close for trekking during the months of January and February, the best time to visit is from March to May and September to December.
10Dalai Lama Temple Complex
The
Dalai Lama temple complex is one of the most beautiful and peaceful
places you must have visited. The whole vicinity is decorated with
colorful prayer flags and this makes it perfect for long serene walks.
You will find a lot of good statues and the atmosphere is something
which lures people to come back again and again.
Location: It is just a short walk from the McLeod Ganj bus stand and is quite accessible from the major parts of the district.
Highlights: The sight of monks meditating peacefully and chanting verses is something that everyone must experience. You can be a part of it, if you want to.
Best time to visit: If you love chilling winters, the best time would be to have a visit at this place during the months of December to February. But be aware of the dipping temperatures which can reach as low as –1 degree Celsius.
Location: It is just a short walk from the McLeod Ganj bus stand and is quite accessible from the major parts of the district.
Highlights: The sight of monks meditating peacefully and chanting verses is something that everyone must experience. You can be a part of it, if you want to.
Best time to visit: If you love chilling winters, the best time would be to have a visit at this place during the months of December to February. But be aware of the dipping temperatures which can reach as low as –1 degree Celsius.
11Bhagsu Waterfall
For
those who love waterfalls, Bhagsu waterfall has to be one of the most
beautiful locations in Dharamshala. Most of the tourists that visit the
place make sure they spend some time here. It is peaceful, serene and
gives you a nice feel of nature throughout. The place is also
recommended by Lonely Planet.
Location: It is at a 20 KM distance from the famous Bhagsunath temple which attracts many visitors. The town of Bhagsu is mere 2 KM from Dharamshala, which is a major town in Himachal Pradesh.
Highlights: The water in itself is the highlight of the place which attracts a lot of tourists to the place. The water comes from the Dauladhar ranges which are quite cool and crystal clear.
Best time to visit: The best time to visit the place is probably in the months of October-November when the days are sunny and the nights are pleasant.
Location: It is at a 20 KM distance from the famous Bhagsunath temple which attracts many visitors. The town of Bhagsu is mere 2 KM from Dharamshala, which is a major town in Himachal Pradesh.
Highlights: The water in itself is the highlight of the place which attracts a lot of tourists to the place. The water comes from the Dauladhar ranges which are quite cool and crystal clear.
Best time to visit: The best time to visit the place is probably in the months of October-November when the days are sunny and the nights are pleasant.
12Gyuto Monastery
Gyuto
Monastery is one of the most famous and popular monasteries in Tibet.
This monastery is well known for its tantric meditation and people there
study a lot about this subject. It is also known for its various
tantric ritual arts and Buddhist philosophy. Gyuto monastery was founded
in the year 1474 by the prime disciple of the 1st Dalai Lama.
Location: It is situated in the town of Dharamshala which is easy to reach through road, rail as well as airways. Transportation is not a major issue while visiting the place.
Highlights: You can find majestic statues of Buddha with a backdrop of snow clad mountains covering it. If you want to have a nice afternoon, it is the most peaceful and serene place to be at.
Best time to visit: Since this is a monastery, there is no particular season that makes any difference. However, if you are planning a full trip of the place, April-May has to be the best months.
Location: It is situated in the town of Dharamshala which is easy to reach through road, rail as well as airways. Transportation is not a major issue while visiting the place.
Highlights: You can find majestic statues of Buddha with a backdrop of snow clad mountains covering it. If you want to have a nice afternoon, it is the most peaceful and serene place to be at.
Best time to visit: Since this is a monastery, there is no particular season that makes any difference. However, if you are planning a full trip of the place, April-May has to be the best months.
13Bhagsunath Temple
Bhagsunath
Temple is located in the village of Bhagsu which is now a tourist place
given its attractions. Most of the people here are into tourism and
make a living out of it. Due to this, the village has a lot of
restaurants and guesthouses which earns a lot of money for the village.
Location: It is located at a 1 KM distance from the famous McLeod Ganj. You will find many means of transportation to the temple. If you have reached McLeod Ganj, you can also have a walk and reach the temple.
Highlights: There is a waterfall nearby which a lot of people visit to freshen up and revitalize. The village has Gaddi tribal people who are nice to interact with.
Best time to visit: The northern part of India is best in winters. However, if you like a warm weather, you must visit the place during summers.
Location: It is located at a 1 KM distance from the famous McLeod Ganj. You will find many means of transportation to the temple. If you have reached McLeod Ganj, you can also have a walk and reach the temple.
Highlights: There is a waterfall nearby which a lot of people visit to freshen up and revitalize. The village has Gaddi tribal people who are nice to interact with.
Best time to visit: The northern part of India is best in winters. However, if you like a warm weather, you must visit the place during summers.
14Dal Lake
In
our country, there are two famous Dal lakes. The lake situated in
Himachal Pradesh in the Kangra district has got its name from the
Kashmir's Dal Lake. It is a small and mid-altitude lake in the village
of Tota Rani.
Location: The Lake is quite close to the city of Dharamshala and the distance to it is approximately 11 KM.
Highlights: You will find a wide variety of fishes in the lake. Something that amazes a lot of people is the fact that the lake has greenish water. On the bank of the lake, there is a temple of Lord Shiva. The complete place is surrounded by Deodar trees which make the place look beautiful.
Best time to visit: The lakes almost freeze during winters so to enjoy a boat ride in the lake you can plan a visit during the months of April and May which ensures a pleasant climate.
Location: The Lake is quite close to the city of Dharamshala and the distance to it is approximately 11 KM.
Highlights: You will find a wide variety of fishes in the lake. Something that amazes a lot of people is the fact that the lake has greenish water. On the bank of the lake, there is a temple of Lord Shiva. The complete place is surrounded by Deodar trees which make the place look beautiful.
Best time to visit: The lakes almost freeze during winters so to enjoy a boat ride in the lake you can plan a visit during the months of April and May which ensures a pleasant climate.
15Kangra Fort
It
is a famous fort located in the outskirts of the famous place Kangra
near Dharamshala. This fort was built by the Royal Rajput family of the
state of Kangra in the 15th Century. However, the fort was heavily
damaged by an earthquake in the year 1905. Still, it has a good
structure which attracts a lot of tourists.
Location: The distance of the fort from Dharamshala is around 20 km but it has proper connectivity to roadways which makes it easier to get there.
Highlights: The beautiful entrance is something what people love. The way the whole fort is built is completely marvelous. Inside the fort, you will find defaced statues of many lords that these people worship. This fort is considered as one of the most beautiful forts in India and people love it for the built structure.
Best time to visit: You can plan a visit anytime of the year.
Location: The distance of the fort from Dharamshala is around 20 km but it has proper connectivity to roadways which makes it easier to get there.
Highlights: The beautiful entrance is something what people love. The way the whole fort is built is completely marvelous. Inside the fort, you will find defaced statues of many lords that these people worship. This fort is considered as one of the most beautiful forts in India and people love it for the built structure.
Best time to visit: You can plan a visit anytime of the year.
16Kangra Art Museum
This
is one of the museums which have paintings from the Kangra School,
Chamba rural embroideries along with various traditional photos and
costumes from the earthquake which shattered the place in 1905.
Location: It is located in the town of Dharamshala. You can easily reach the place through any means of transport.
Highlights: You can have a look at the fine miniature painting made by some of the most dedicated artists who love to paint. The museum is also home to the best embroideries.
Best time to visit: The museum stays open from 10 in the morning to 1:30 in the noon and then reopens again from 2 to 5 in the evening. It will be a waste of time if you visit on any other time because the museum will be closed by then.
Price: The ticket price for Indians is Rs. 50 whereas that for foreigners is Rs. 100.
Location: It is located in the town of Dharamshala. You can easily reach the place through any means of transport.
Highlights: You can have a look at the fine miniature painting made by some of the most dedicated artists who love to paint. The museum is also home to the best embroideries.
Best time to visit: The museum stays open from 10 in the morning to 1:30 in the noon and then reopens again from 2 to 5 in the evening. It will be a waste of time if you visit on any other time because the museum will be closed by then.
Price: The ticket price for Indians is Rs. 50 whereas that for foreigners is Rs. 100.
17Tsuglag Khang
This
is one of the temples which are the main focus of visiting pilgrims,
monks and a lot of tourists. Tsulag khang is loved by people owing to
its beautiful aura and the natural surroundings.
Location: Tsuglag khang is located in the town of McLeod Ganj which has good accessibility and transport facilities. You will find the place on the Temple Road.
Highlights: The major highlight of the place is the main temple, the Tsuglagkhang itself. Another famous thing about it is the Namgyal Gompa and finally the Tibet Museum, which is famous for many ancient things worth seeing.
Best time to visit: You will have to take proper considerations while visiting the place due to different timings in different months. If you are going during April to October months, the place is open from 5 am – 8pm. For the months of November to March, the place is open for 6am-6pm.
Location: Tsuglag khang is located in the town of McLeod Ganj which has good accessibility and transport facilities. You will find the place on the Temple Road.
Highlights: The major highlight of the place is the main temple, the Tsuglagkhang itself. Another famous thing about it is the Namgyal Gompa and finally the Tibet Museum, which is famous for many ancient things worth seeing.
Best time to visit: You will have to take proper considerations while visiting the place due to different timings in different months. If you are going during April to October months, the place is open from 5 am – 8pm. For the months of November to March, the place is open for 6am-6pm.
18Library of Tibetan Works and Archives
It
is a Tibetan library situated in Dharamshala in the state of Himachal
Pradesh. The library exists from 1970 and was founded by the 14th Dalai
Lama named Tenzin Gyatso. The Library of Tibetan works and archives is
one of the most important libraries of Tibetan work in the world.
Highlights: You will find a lot of Buddhist manuscripts and archives for the subjects relating to Tibetan history, politics, culture and art. There are around 80,000 manuscripts and documents in the library. The library exists as a resource to provide knowledge about the rich culture and heritage.
Location: The library is located in the city of Dharamshala and you can easily reach there through road vehicles as it is quite close from the city.
Price: For a membership of the library, the fee is around Rs. 300 INR per month and the registration cost is Rs. 50. For tourists, there is no additional price but for those who want memberships will have to pay the monthly price.
Highlights: You will find a lot of Buddhist manuscripts and archives for the subjects relating to Tibetan history, politics, culture and art. There are around 80,000 manuscripts and documents in the library. The library exists as a resource to provide knowledge about the rich culture and heritage.
Location: The library is located in the city of Dharamshala and you can easily reach there through road vehicles as it is quite close from the city.
Price: For a membership of the library, the fee is around Rs. 300 INR per month and the registration cost is Rs. 50. For tourists, there is no additional price but for those who want memberships will have to pay the monthly price.
19Naam Art Gallery
Naam
art gallery is the best place for everyone who loves art and
appreciates it. The gallery has a huge collection of paintings by
Elizabeth Buschmann who belongs to Germany, who is also the founder of
the gallery. It also has paintings from A.W. Hallett, who is an English
painter.
Location: It is located around 32 km from the town of Dharamshala and takes just about an hour with public or private transportation.
Highlights: The major highlights of the gallery are of course the beautiful paintings hung on its wall. More than that, if you like a painting, you can buy it for yourself, this is a great way to show appreciation to someone's art.
Best time to visit: The art gallery is open on all days from morning 10 to 7 in the evening. So you can have a visit at these times and enjoy the art work displayed here.
Location: It is located around 32 km from the town of Dharamshala and takes just about an hour with public or private transportation.
Highlights: The major highlights of the gallery are of course the beautiful paintings hung on its wall. More than that, if you like a painting, you can buy it for yourself, this is a great way to show appreciation to someone's art.
Best time to visit: The art gallery is open on all days from morning 10 to 7 in the evening. So you can have a visit at these times and enjoy the art work displayed here.
20Masrur
Masrur
is an old village situated in the remote areas of Himachal Pradesh.
Most of the tourists visit this village to see the architecture of the
temples situated here. A lot of tourists visit the place while touring
around famous places in the state of Himachal Pradesh.
Location: Masrur is 40 kilometers from Kangra, a district in Himachal Pradesh. It is very close to Dharamshala and is quite accessible from roadways through Lunj. Roadways are the best way to reach the place which is what most people prefer.
Highlights: Masrur is quite famous for its rock cut temple which is also known as Himalayan Pyramid. They are a set of complex temples known for their classic Indian architectural style. These temples are around 6-8 centuries old which makes them more special.
Location: Masrur is 40 kilometers from Kangra, a district in Himachal Pradesh. It is very close to Dharamshala and is quite accessible from roadways through Lunj. Roadways are the best way to reach the place which is what most people prefer.
Highlights: Masrur is quite famous for its rock cut temple which is also known as Himalayan Pyramid. They are a set of complex temples known for their classic Indian architectural style. These temples are around 6-8 centuries old which makes them more special.
