Looking for a serene getaway with breathtaking views? Dharamshala is the place for you! Surrounded by the majestic Dhauladhar ranges and lush green forests of pine, cedar, and Himalayan oak, the city is a popular tourist destination in Himachal Pradesh. It also serves as the winter capital of the state and hosts the Tibetan Government-in-exile. The places to visit in Dharamshala offer pleasant weather, mesmerising beauty, adventure and culinary delights.
For an affordable and comfortable stay, consider budget-friendly hotels in Dharamshala.
8 Places to Visit in Dharamshala
- McLeodganj
Popularly known as “Little Lhasa” or “ Dhasa”, McLeodganj is a popular tourist destination and one of the best places to visit in Dharamshala for every traveller. The area is also the headquarters of the Tibetan government-in-exile, and you can witness the Tibetan influence in handicrafts and food. It is the perfect place for shopping and food hopping with an endless variety of items. Dharamshala International Film Festival (DIFF) is the key highlight of the area.
You can easily find affordable hotels in McLeodganj with modern amenities and top-notch services.
Best Time to Visit: Throughout the year.
- Triund Trek
For all the adventure seekers out there, if you are looking for trekking places to visit in Dharamshala, Triund is one of the beautiful treks in Dharamshala, and is often called the crown jewel of the city. Whether you are a beginner or a professional, the trek is feasible for all. Triund top is just 9 kms away from McLeodganj, and the trek begins from Tushita road. The trail offers majestic views of the Moon Peak- Indradhar Pass on one side and the Kanngra valley on the other. During spring, the path turns heavenly with red Redodendron flowers blooming all over the place and in winter, it turns into a snowy wonderland.
After an adventurous hike, you can enjoy a relaxing and comfortable stay at Treebo hotels in McLeodganj.
Best Time to Visit: March to December.
- Dal Lake
Another popular scenic place in Dharamshala is the Dal Lake, a pristine water body surrounded by the coniferous deodar trees. The place is perfect for enjoying a relaxing time with friends and family, with a stunning view of the lake and mountains in the backdrop. You can plan a picnic or a photoshoot in this serene location for a memorable experience. You can also visit the Lord Shiva Temple located on the banks of the lake.
There are numerous hotels in Dharamshala offering private cab facilities to help you explore such beautiful locations at your ease.
Best Time to Visit: March to October.
- Gyuto Monastery
If you are looking for a place with serenity and peace, Gyuto Monastery is a popular Tibetan monastery in Dharamshala. The majestic statues of Buddha with a background filled with snow-clad mountains are the key highlight of the monastery. It is also known for its tantric meditation, ritual arts and Buddhist philosophy.
While planning a visit, you can look for hotels in Dharamshala near the monastery for easy accessibility.
Best time to visit: Throughout the year.
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St John in the Wilderness Church
St John in the Wilderness Church is one of the famous tourist places to visit in Dharamshala, tucked in the lush green trails of deodar forests. Known for its age-old Gothic architecture, it is a remarkable monument with Belgian stained-glass windows. Located on a road to Naddi Village from McLeodganj, the church is open to the public from 7:30 AM to 6:00 PM.
Numerous hotels in Dharamshala have a dedicated travel desk to help you explore the famous and hidden locations of the city for a wholesome travelling experience.
Best time to visit: Throughout the year.
- Bhagsunath Temple & Waterfall
No trip to Dharamshala is complete without visiting the Bhagsunath Temple and the waterfall. According to the legend, King Bhagsu incurred the wrath of the snake god and following the war, the king was pardoned. He built the temple to honour the snake god’s generosity, making it one of the sacred places to visit in Dharamshala. The temple is surrounded by dense coniferous forests, hills and a cascading waterfall that flows through the temple itself. The water is collected in a swimming pool built in the temple premises. The pool is open to the public and taking a dip in it is considered sacred among devotees.
500 mts ahead of the temple is the 30-feet Bhagsu Waterfall, offering mesmersing views to the visitors. You can reach the waterfall through an easy trail and explore the scenic beauty while sipping a hot beverage at any cafe and tea stall along the way. For a convenient stay, book hotels near Bhagsunag Waterfall Dharamshala.
Best Time to Visit: March to June and September to November.
- Dharamshala Cricket Stadium
For cricket lovers, the Dharamshala Cricket Stadium is an added boon, where you not only enjoy the thrilling matches but also admire the snow-covered majestic Dhauladhar Ranges in the backdrop. Popularly known as the HPCA stadium, it is situated at an elevation of almost 1,500 mts, offering breathtaking views and entertainment at the same time.
If you are planning to visit the city for a cricket match, make sure to book your stay at hotels in Dharamshala in advance to avoid higher charges.
Best Time to Visit: Throughout the Year.
- Kareri Lake
Another popular trekking destination in Dharamshala, Kareri Lake is a freshwater lake located in a high altitude area near McLeodganj. The crystal clear lake with its pristine surroundings offer heavenly views. You can reach the lake through a moderate to difficult trek with stunning landscapes. It is a perfect place for trekking, photography and camping.
The hotels in Dharamshala can arrange a trekking guide and provide you with the necessary information about the trek to the lake while offering you a cloakroom and a comfortable stay before and after the expedition.
Best Time to Visit: May to July and September to November.
Apart from these famous places to visit in Dharamshala, you can also visit Naddi Village ViewPoint, Tea Gardens, Dharamkot and Tibet Museum for a memorable experience. For a relaxing stay on your trip, you can book affordable accommodation at Treebo Club’s website or app.
