Dharamshala is really two towns in one: lower Dharamshala, with the Kotwali Bazar, the HPCA Cricket Stadium and the War Memorial, and upper Dharamshala — McLeodganj — the hilltop home of the Tibetan community in exile. Here are the places we recommend most often to our guests.
1. Tsuglagkhang Complex (Dalai Lama Temple)
The spiritual heart of McLeodganj, with the main temple, Namgyal Monastery and the Tibet Museum. Walk the kora path around the complex in the early morning.
2. McLeodganj Market
Temple Road and Jogiwara Road are full of Tibetan handicrafts, bookshops, cafés and momo stalls.
3. Bhagsunag Temple & Bhagsu Waterfall
An ancient Shiva temple with spring-fed pools, and a short walk to the waterfall. Best after the monsoon.
4. Triund
The most popular trek in the region — around 7 km from the Gallu Devi trailhead to a ridge facing the Dhauladhar range.
5. St. John in the Wilderness
A neo-Gothic church from 1852, hidden among deodar trees on the road to McLeodganj.
6. Dal Lake & Naddi Viewpoint
A calm lake in the forest and, a little further on, one of the best sunset views of the Dhauladhars.
7. HPCA Cricket Stadium
Arguably the most scenic cricket ground in the world, with snow peaks behind the pavilion.
8. War Memorial
A peaceful park in the pines honouring the soldiers of Himachal Pradesh.
9. Norbulingka Institute
Gardens and workshops dedicated to Tibetan art — watch thangka painters at work.
10. Gyuto Monastery
A golden-roofed tantric monastery in Sidhbari with a dramatic mountain backdrop.
11. Dharamkot
Cafés, meditation centres and forest walks in a quiet village above McLeodganj.
12. Kangra Tea Gardens
Rolling tea estates on the Palampur road, producing GI-tagged Kangra tea.
You can comfortably cover most of these in a full-day local sightseeing tour with a private cab, leaving the Triund trek for a separate day.
Planning this trip?
Book a private cab with an experienced local driver.
