Here’s our complete list of the top things to do in Dharamshala. First, we took a five-hour bus ride from Amritsar to this small town in India’s Himalayan foothills. It’s a five-hour drive to go under 100 kilometers. Driving in India is not the same as driving in other countries!

But I’m already getting off track! There are so many things to do in Dharamshala that it’s hard to know where to start. Just kidding, it’s easy. Visit the Dalai Lama’s temple. That is, after all, the hub of the town and one of the main reasons tourists come from all over the world to this north India town.

Noelle here, by the way.

Top Things to Do in Dharamshala

Here’s our quick list for exploring this mountain town.

• Visit the Dalai Lama’s Temple
• Explore McLeod Ganj
• Learn about Buddhism and Meditation
• Go Hiking: Triund Trek and Bhagsu Nag
• See the Church of St. John in the Wilderness
• Visit Naddi Viewpoint For Mountain Views
• Get a Massage
• Shop for mala beads and Tibetan souvenirs
• Take the sky tram up the mountain

Visiting the Dalai Lama’s Temple in Dharamshala

The heart of Dharamshala is the Tsuglagkhang. It’s the main Tibetan temple complex where the Dalai Lama resides when in town. He is the spiritual leader of Tibetan Buddhism and believed to be the reincarnation of past leaders.

Born in 1935, Tenzin Gyatso (the current Dalai Lama) assumed political power in Tibet. But, the 1950 Chinese invasion forced him and many Tibetans to flee to India.

35th Anniversary of Nobel Peace Prize

We (luckily) visited the Dalai Lama’s temple on the 35th anniversary of the Nobel Peace Prize award for his nonviolent struggle to liberate Tibet.

While we didn’t see the Dalai Lama, there were many guests of honor for an all-day stream of dancers and singers. It was crowded, exciting, and one of the most remarkable happenings imaginable. The air buzzed with joy.

We also visited on a “regular” day and found the experience peaceful and reverent. There were no crowds, so we could wander around a little more freely.

Keep reading: What to know for India Travel

Top Things to Do in Dharamshala

Beyond visiting the Dalai Lama’s temple, there are plenty of things to do in Dharamshala.

Explore McLeod Ganj

McLeod Ganj, often called “Little Lhasa,” is a captivating suburb of Dharamshala in India. It’s at the city’s top, near the Dalai Lama’s temple. The area has a sizeable Tibetan population and a vibrant atmosphere, with monasteries, prayer flags, and traditional shops.

There are plenty of charming cafes, colorful shops selling Tibetan handicrafts, and beautiful views of the surrounding mountains. McLeod Ganj is also a base for many treks, including the popular Triund hike.

You can experience Tibetan culture firsthand by visiting monasteries, attending cultural performances, and interacting with the local community. McLeod Ganj blends spirituality, local culture, and natural beauty.

Learn about Buddhism and Meditation

McLeod Ganj is a spiritual hub. Many visitors come for spiritual retreats and meditation courses. You can also learn about Tibetan Buddhism. We wanted to attend a meditation class at Tushita Meditation Centre, but it’s closed for winter break in December and January.

Tushita is a place to study and practice Buddhism, specifically from the Tibetan Mahayana tradition. People from all backgrounds and nationalities come here for the introductory retreats and classes on Buddhist meditation and philosophy.

They also host retreats for experienced students. Finally, drop-in guided meditation sessions and movie days are available for anyone staying nearby.

Many centers offer drop-in classes, so ask your hotel for a nearby recommendation.

Go Trekking

After visiting the Dalai Lama’s temple, take an afternoon hike to get some fresh air and enjoy amazing views.

The Triund Trek is a popular hike near McLeod Ganj. It has panoramic views of the Kangra Valley and the snow-capped Dhauladhar mountains. This moderately challenging trek winds through lush green valleys and vibrant rhododendron forests. Plus, it’s a rewarding experience for hikers of all levels.

Many people complete this trek in two days. They go the 5.45 km to Triund on the first day. Then, stay overnight at the forest rest house with an advance booking made in Dharamshala. The accommodation costs about Rs 600 to Rs 800 (US $60 to $80) for a room.

Another option is to rent a tent at Triund (about Rs 600 for a two-person tent, including sleeping bags). However, these tents fill up on busy weekends and public holidays, so plan ahead.

Hike to a Waterfall

Bhagsu Nag is a scenic waterfall with a short, easy trek. When I say short and easy, I really mean steep and breathtaking. As in, the path will take your breath away. Haha.

Seriously, though, it’s a fun hike up a mostly paved path with some stairs sprinkled in for good measure.

We followed a lady up for part of the way. She carried a large shopping bag, which we thought was odd. Then, we realized she owned a tea shop about halfway up the hill. It dawned on us that she and her husband lugged everything in the shop by hand! We stopped on our way back down for a cold soda and a picture!

Apparently, the waterfall runs more fully during the monsoon season. But it wasn’t very full on our trip. There are a couple of tea shops at its base and lots of tourists taking selfies.

On our way back down the hill, we passed two groups of 20-something young men. I was inwardly pleased to see them gasping for breath, just like I was on the way up! Whew, I’m not as out of shape as I thought!

Explore the Church of St. John in the Wilderness

You might hear from your hotel’s travel person that after visiting the Dalai Lama’s temple, you may also want to see a beautiful Catholic church. And usually, we’re all for visiting churches. My all-time favorite is St. Paul’s Outside the Wall in Rome. We’ve been there on two different Italy trips, and it’s a place that calls to me. I know it sounds odd, but it seems magical to me.

Another of my favorite churches is Cambodia’s enormous Angkor Wat temple complex. If you like exploring history and religious sites, visit Angkor Wat and Rome!

At any rate, the Church of St. John in the Wilderness was closed during our visit. We still wandered around the grounds for all of about ten minutes. The building is lovely, but don’t make it your sole destination.

Visit Naddi Viewpoint For Mountain Views

We hired a driver to take us to the church on our way to Naddi Viewpoint.

It’s a popular tourist spot near McLeod Ganj with panoramic views of the Dhauladhar mountain range. Since it’s at a higher altitude, you also get stunning vistas of the surrounding valleys.

The main draw is the Himalayan foothills’ incredible scenery. However, locals have a selfie stand, so you can rent props if the mountains aren’t enough. There are wigs, hats, scarves, and I can’t remember all the items. They cost about Rs 10 to Rs 50 to help you create a fun selfie with a Himalayan backdrop.

We went mid-day, but we read that the viewpoint is magnificent at sunrise and sunset. That’s when the mountains change color and cast a magical glow over the landscape. I’m sure it’s spectacular during the “golden photography hour” because the mountain views from our hotel were terrific at those times.

In days past, you could also relax by Dal Lake, which we passed on the way up to the viewpoint. However, it is mostly dried up now.

Our driver told us a few years back that there had been a “building error.” We don’t know exactly what he meant, but we took it to mean that the dam holding water in the lake has failed. It was a lovely area, but now it’s mostly mud and dried dirt.

Things to Do in Dharamshala: Get a Massage

I wasn’t sure about getting a massage here since it was so cold during our visit. But, as we left lunch one afternoon, we saw a sign for a shop, Himalayan Wellness Spa. The town is built on a mountainside, so we went downstairs to discover a lovely massage spa.

Like many massage places in SE Asia, Steve and I were in the same room with a curtain down the middle. I had a female masseuse, and he had a male. A large space heater at the foot of my massage table kept me warm enough.

For about 1200 rupees ($14 US) each, we got the Tibetan Full Body Massage for an hour. It was just the right pressure on my stiff body. My back and shoulders appreciated the attention, for sure.

After being treated like royalty, we sat in the sunshine with cups of tea before walking back to our hotel. It made for a lovely afternoon.

Keep reading: How to Get a Massage in Thailand

Shopping in Dharamshala

Dharamshala is a great place to shop for unique Tibetan souvenirs. You’ll find Tibetan carpets, jewelry, and so many shiny things. We visited in December and didn’t realize how cold the area was. So, our shopping in Dharamshala included hats and scarves.

I bought a heavy-duty “local” scarf for about US $3. Since then, it’s served me well on trains and buses. I saw many local women wearing them and followed their example instead of buying a jacket.

However, there are many jacket shops, too. You can find North Face and other leading brands. But I always wonder if they’re knockoffs or if they slipped out the factory’s back door. Either way, prices are reasonable, and you can buy another suitcase if you shop till you drop!

Many shops and stalls line the streets of McLeod Ganj. In addition to buying clothing to stay warm, we bought malas (prayer beads), prayer flags, and a bell to add to Steve’s collection. He also picked up a small wallet, and I got a little bag for my suitcase.

I mostly enjoy buying little bags, the size of makeup bags. They’re among my favorite trinkets to pick up, so I have several from Thailand, Vietnam, and Malaysia. However, we also visited a shop I came to love in Malaysia, Miniso. It’s similar to Claires in the States, but better organized (to me.)

There are so many shopping options in Dharamshala. You’ll find everything you didn’t know you had to have! We saw some of the most beautiful beaded necklaces there. Steve loves beads and picks up a bracelet or two from just about everywhere we travel. So, he loved talking with the shop owners about the different types of beads.

Keep reading: Visiting the Dalai Lama’s Temple in Dharamshala

Take a Sky Tram from Dharamshala to McLeod Ganj

Taking a sky tram looked like an incredible adventure with fantastic views. But I wasn’t willing to take it.

Even though I’m pretty adventurous, there’s something you should know about India before calling me Nervous Nelly.

The power goes out multiple times daily. We’ve experienced this everywhere we’ve traveled (two months into our six-month trip). However, Dharamshala’s city grid seems less reliable than that of other cities.

I’m sure the tram has a generator system and many safety precautions. But I wasn’t willing to chance being stuck somewhere between the lower town of Dharamshala and the mountain suburb of McLeod Ganj. Something about dangling in a small compartment on a wire did me in.

But you’ll probably have a great time. It’ll be fine. Yeah, just try it, and then let me know how it goes!

Go to the Dentist in Dharamshala 🙂

Traveling for six months means that regular life sometimes intrudes on exploring. Steve lost a crown in Dharamshala, so we read some Google reviews about picking a dentist. We could have also asked at our hotel, but that requires introverts to talk to more people. Haha. So, we chose a clinic ourselves.

Steve went to Smile Dental Clinic and Implant Center. We just showed up without an appointment and threw ourselves at their mercy. The second-generation dentist arrived on a scooter (of course!) Then, he took a moment to pray before talking to patients.

He asked a scheduled appointment to wait 15 minutes so he could see Steve. They were super accommodating.

The dentist took impressions and gave Steve four choices for a new crown.

• Local lab (lowest quality)
• A lab somewhere else (maybe Delhi?) with better quality
• South Korean lab
• US lab

As it turns out, there were only two choices in our time frame: the local or second lab. So, Steve chose the second lab with better quality. The first visit happened on a Tuesday, and the crown arrived on Saturday.

However, we sweated it a bit, hoping it would actually arrive before we left Sunday morning. Thankfully, all went well. Steve got the new crown installed and a ten-year warranty. But we’d need to return to his office for future dental work.

Honestly, I think I’d be okay with that. 🙂 It’s a lovely town, and there are so many things to do in Dharamshala. Plus, two dental visits and a new crown for about US $115! You can’t beat the price.

Keep reading: What to Eat in Dharamshala: Tibetan Momos!

Where to Stay in Dharamshala

There are many places to stay in Dharamshala, from budget-friendly guesthouses to more luxurious hotels. I recommend staying in McLeod Ganj. From the bus station, a taxi costs Rs 500 (about US $6).

So, at first, we thought we were leaving the busy part of town. However, being close to the Dalai Lama’s temple, the street market, and many restaurants make the area perfect.

Our tour guide, Zahoor, booked us at The Posh Hotel in McLeod Ganj. The location could not be better!

We enjoyed a complimentary, cook-to-order breakfast daily, with a Sunday buffet breakfast. Our room was very nice, with a small balcony and partial mountain views. There’s also a rooftop deck where we worked, with the grandest views. The area reminded us of Italy’s Cinque Terre, with colorful houses perched along the mountainsides.

Several excellent restaurants surround the Posh. Plus, it’s a short walk uphill to the market and shops. We were a ten-minute walk from visiting the Dalai Lama’s temple. So, I’d highly recommend this hotel and its location.

Dharamshala is a special place that offers unique spiritual experiences, stunning scenery, and rich culture. It’s an excellent destination for peace, adventure, or a relaxing getaway.

Tips for Planning Your Trip:

• The best time to visit is usually during the spring (March-June) or fall (September-November) when the weather is pleasant.
• You can fly to Dharamshala or travel there by road.
• There are many places to stay, from budget-friendly guesthouses to luxurious hotels.
• Remember to be respectful of local customs and traditions.

Dharamshala is a special place that offers unique spiritual experiences, stunning scenery, and rich culture. It’s an excellent destination for peace, adventure, or a relaxing getaway.

How to Get to Dharamshala

You can fly to Dharamshala or travel there by road.

• Kangra Airport (Gaggal Airport) is in Gaggal, Himachal Pradesh, India. It’s a domestic airport about 15 kilometers from Dharamshala.
• We took a bus to Dharamshala from Amritsar. It took about five hours, including a lunch stop. Dharamshala is just under 100 kilometers away, but the roads are small and often gravel, so travel is slow.

Tour Guide Contact Info

Here’s the contact information for Zahoor, who helped us navigate northern India and the Golden Triangle. Although he’s based in New Delhi, he regularly communicates with us.

We found him very knowledgeable. He has an extensive database of local hotels for any budget. Depending on the area and our requests, he’s booked us low-cost hotels and luxury ones.

Zahoor’s team coordinated our transportation and drivers, so we didn’t need to worry about getting where we wanted to be. He took care of every detail. We don’t make any money as an affiliate for him, so this is just our suggestion for one of many tour operators.

Grace India Holidays

107, Scindia House, Janpath, Connaught Place, New Delhi 110001

Zahoor +91 98912 64450, WhatsApp

India’s Best Driver

Along the same lines, here’s the contact info for our favorite driver in Delhi and the Golden Triangle, Rakesh. He’s part of Zahoor’s team, too.

Rakesh even took us to the doctor in Delhi when we were both so sick after our arrival. Of course, he teased us for the next couple of months about not getting us spicy food.

Reach Rakesh on WhatsApp at +91 99589 62179. He’ll take great care of you!