Dharamshala

Dharamshala Itinerary & Complete Guide

Dharamshala Itinerary for Tour Package, in the Himalayan state of Himachal Pradesh, is known as the exiled capital of Tibet. As the spiritual head of the Tibetan people, the Dalai Lama, this Himalayan village has had the privilege and honour of hosting him. Dharamshala, sometimes referred to as the “mini-Tibet,” is a popular tourist destination for visitors from all over the world. For more than just a glimpse of His Holiness, they come here to enjoy the fresh mountain air and the abundance of natural splendour that surrounds them.

Himachal Pradesh’s winter capital is Dharamshala. If you want to learn about Tibetan culture and Buddhism, this is your best bet in India. When the Dalai Lama moved here in the 1960s, it went from being a sleepy little hamlet to a major tourist attraction overnight. It’s no secret that Dharamshala is renowned for its tea gardens, which produce some of the most sought-after teas in the world, including black and oolong kinds as well as green, white, and Kangra teas.

Kangra Valley’s majestic Dhauladhar hills frame the gorgeous setting of this upper-hilly locale. Since it is the centre of Tibetan culture, the Tibetan city of Dharamshala is regarded as one of the best sites in the world to study Buddhism and Tibetan culture.

Sample itinerary for Dharamshala and McLeodganj.

Day 1: Drive up from New Delhi, starting early in the morning if possible. In around 9 hours, you’ll arrive in Dharamshala and check into your hotel. Allow yourself to unwind for a while. Alternatively, drive up from Pathankot Railway Station.

Day 2: Visit Dal Lake, the Dalai Lama Temple Complex, and the War Memorial in Dharamshala. Go shopping at the Tibetan markets in the evening.

Day 3: McLeodganj Sightseeing – Bhagsu Nag Temple and Waterfall, St. John’s Church in the Wilderness, and Lord Shiva’s Temple are all worth visiting. Talho Sunset Point is a great place to see the sunset. In the Kangra Valley, you can also climb up to Naddi Village.

Day 4: Visit Chamunda Devi Temple, Gopalpur Zoo, and Palampur Tea Gardens on a day trip to Palampur.

Day 5: Breakfast, then depart for New Delhi.

Where is Dharamshala Located ?

Himachal Pradesh’s Kangra region includes Dharamshala. The Kangra Valley’s upper hilly regions are home to this lavish resort. McLeodganj is the name given to the upper part of the town, whereas Dharamshala is the name given to the bottom part. The Himalayan Dhauladhar range encircles the town like a cupola, enhancing its already calm natural splendour.

If you’re travelling by car, here’s how to get there:

As well as being well-connected within Himachal Pradesh, Dharamshala is also well-connected to states outside the state. Driving from New Delhi to Delhi takes about 9 hours, including time for rest stops. In addition to New Delhi, many private bus companies offer daily service to other major cities and villages. Non-AC, AC, Volvo, and sleeper buses are all available. On these routes, you have the option of taking a cab instead. If you’re going to be driving alone into the mountains, you’ll want to be sure you’re comfortable with the narrow, winding roads.

How to Reach Dharamshala ?

Dharamshala is 15 kilometres from the nearest airport, which is Gaggal Airport. Commercial flights, private chartered flights, and helicopter landings are all available from this airport. If you want to get from Gaggal to McLeodganj in a private cab, you’ll have to pay between Rs. 800-900.

How to Reach Dharamshala by Flight ?

Dharamshala is 15 kilometres from the nearest airport, which is Gaggal Airport. Commercial flights, private chartered flights, and helicopter landings are all available from this airport. If you want to get from Gaggal to McLeodganj in a private cab, you’ll have to pay between Rs. 800-900.

How to Reach Dharamshala by Road ?

Dharamshala is well-connected to neighbouring towns in Himachal Pradesh as well as to other states in the surrounding area. When you include in rest stops along the way, a trip from New Delhi will take you roughly 9 hours in total. Many private bus companies provide daily transportation to and from New Delhi, as well as to and from other cities and villages. You have a choice between non-AC, air-conditioned, Volvo, and sleeper buses. On these routes, you can also use a taxi service, which is more expensive. In the event that you are driving by yourself, be certain that you are comfortable navigating the mountain roads, which are steep and full of hairpin curves.

How to Reach Dharamshala by Train ?

The travel from New Delhi to Pathankot Railway Station takes around an overnight. From there, you may take the Kangra Valley Railway, which is a magnificent six-hour trek through the mountains. To go to McLeodganj from Kangra, you can either hire a private taxi or share a cab with other travelers.

Sightseeing in Dharamshala Places to Watch

Masroor Rock-Cut Temple

These temples have been hewn into the rock, as the name implies. These 15 monoliths, built in the Indo Aryan architectural style, date back nearly a thousand years. They depict scenes from Hindu mythology, most notably the Ramayana. The sculptures are intricately detailed and painstakingly crafted. They are still the only examples of this style that exist today.

The Church of St. John in the Wilderness

This neo-gothic church on the way to McLeodganj has beautiful Belgian stained glass windows. This church, which was built in the 1850s, is one of the most peaceful places in Dharamshala.

Complex of Tsuglagkhang

In Dharamshala, this complex is the epicentre of Tibetan Buddhism. Visitors are taken aback by an enormous, indescribably beautiful sculpture of Lord Buddha. The temple, located on the eponymous Temple Road, was built in 1959, during the Dalai Lama’s first visit to India. It is now His Holiness’s residence. A monastery, bookstore, library, café, and museum are all part of the temple complex. Visitors and worshippers flock to Tsuglagkhang to see the Dalai Lama and to hear his sermons, as well as to see Tibetan dance and music performances.

Kareri Dal Lake

Kareri Dal Lake is a stunningly beautiful body of pristine water that spans nearly a square kilometre. It was named after its northern cousin, Srinagar’s Dal Lake. It is a popular tourist destination in Dharamshala, located in a valley surrounded by majestic Deodar trees and the spellbinding Himalayas.

Temple of Bhagsunag

This temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva and is one of the oldest surviving temples in the Himalayas. Every year, thousands of worshippers flock to it. Visitors must climb up winding mountain paths to reach this temple, which is nestled among the lush hills. Take a refreshing dip in the freshwater pool nearby. If you happen to be in town in March, don’t miss the Shivaratri celebrations!

Waterfall of Bhagsunag

The Bhagsu Falls are a few kilometres above the temple. The milky white cascade of fresh water cascading from the slopes is breathtaking! Its beauty reaches a peak during the monsoon, reaching nearly 20 metres in height.

Monastery of Namgyal

Namgyal Monastery is the world’s largest Tibetan Buddhist monastery that is not located in Tibet. Over 200 monks live here and spend their days in prayer, meditation, discourses, and learning. It’s not only massive, but it’s also incredibly colourful, with bright, eye-catching colours, intricate depictions of Tibetan mythology, and, of course, the ubiquitous prayer wheels.

Monastery of Gyuto

This is the residence of the Karmapa, the head of Kagyu Tibetan Buddhism. It is a premier learning and research centre for Buddhist philosophy, Tantra meditation, and Tantric rituals. It was built to honour the soldiers who fought and died during the Tibetan Freedom War. The complex is designed in the traditional Tibetan style. It is one of Dharamshala’s most captivating attractions, with its Sakyamuni Buddha sculpture and the majestic Dhauladhar range as a backdrop.

Fort Kangra

Kangra Fort is almost 1500 years old. This historic edifice served as the residence and focal point of control for the Kangra-Katoch royal dynasty for generations. It is by far the largest fort in the Himalayas. Take note of the several historic temples located inside the grounds. Below, the Banganga and Manjhi rivers meander peacefully. Additionally, the Maharaja Sansar Chand Katoch Museum is noteworthy for illustrating the noble past of this location.

Museum of Kangra Art

This is a must-see attraction for every history fan. This wonderful museum houses treasures from both the ancient and current history of Kangra Valley. Paintings, textiles, weaponry, statues, temple figurines, utensils, rare coins, pottery, anthropological artefacts, tribal jewellery, and sculptures are on show. Additionally, it is home to one of the finest collections of Tibetan and Buddhist antiquities.

Naddi Village

Naddi is located far above Dharamshala, and consequently far from the madding crowd. This remote village offers panoramic views of the surrounding snowy Dhauladhar Himalayas and the lush Kangra Valley below. With striking Deodar forests, this village is a great spot for mental rejuvenation.

Church of St. John In The Wilderness

This neo-gothic chapel with magnificent Belgian stained glass windows is located on the road to McLeodganj. This chapel, built in the 1850s, is one of the most tranquil locations in Dharamshala.

Cricket Stadium in Dharamshala

This cricket stadium, which is one of the tallest in the globe, attracts dedicated fans from all across India. Consider playing cricket in the mountains’ cradle!

Temple of Jwalamukhi Devi

This one-of-a-kind temple dates all the way back to the time of the Mahabharata. Raja Bhumi Chand Katoch constructed it in its current configuration. This temple, located approximately 60 kilometres from Dharamshala, is devoid of deities. That is correct; the temple is devoid of any idol, sculpture, or painting. Rather than that, the flames that emanate from the temple’s floor cracks are worshipped as the Goddess of fire and power. It is a Shakti Peeth that annually attracts thousands of devotees.

Tea Plantations

There are several amazing tea estates en route to McLeodganj. While they are not as expansive as their North East Indian cousins, they do possess a certain allure. A trip through these tea gardens is a delightful experience.

Stupa Mani Lhakhang

This stupa, located five kilometres from Dharamshala, is a relatively new addition, having been constructed in 2001. It was designed by the Dalai Lama to withstand natural disasters. It is adorned with a gold statue of the Buddha in the lotus position, as well as an abundance of prayer wheels. The finest time to visit is in the evenings, when the monks deliver prayers and sing traditional hymns.

Things to Do in Dharamshala

Paragliding

Where: Various locations in and around Dharamshala and McLeodganj
When: In the summer

Cost: Between Rs. 2000 and Rs. 8000 per passenger, depending on the duration of the flight.

Trekking the Triunds

Start at Galu or Bhagsu Nag, whichever is more convenient.

When: In the summer

Cost: Prices start at Rs. 3000 per person and vary depending on the number of days and nights included in the trek itinerary.

Camping

Where: In the vicinity of Dharamshala and McLeodganj.

When: In the summer

Costs start at Rs. 12,000 per person.

Trek to Kareri Lake

To begin the trip, take a bus from Dharamshala to Ghera.

When: In the summer

Costs start at Rs. 6000 per person.

Dharamshala’s Climate and Weather

With foggy mornings and nights, bright sunny days, and clear skies, Dharamshala has a cool and pleasant environment throughout the year. It is significantly cooler than the surrounding plains due to its elevation. Even in the spring, when hundreds of people gather to Dharamshala to hear the Dalai Lama’s teachings, the weather is bitterly cold. The monsoon months, on the other hand, are notoriously damp and humid. The skies are still overcast, and it could rain for days.

Dharamshala’s winters begin in November and run until early March, and are bitterly cold. In these months, the night temperature in the highest regions of Dharamshala, near the Mcleodganj areas, can drop to below zero. In the month of April, spring arrives, and the weather remains beautiful until the end of June. The peak monsoon season is July and August, and the Dhauldhars are one of the wettest Himalayan locations, thus rain can fall at any time and in any place until early September. The month of October is fall, and the valleys all around turn golden. Winter begins to creep in by the end of October. Throughout November, the temperature continues to cool, and by mid-December, snow begins to fall in the higher elevations.