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Got a holiday coming up? Reserve your tickets to the much-deserved mountain break that you have been seeking. The majestic Dhauladhar range in Upper Himalayas beckons you in more ways than one. Dharamshala is a small hill-station that packs in an astounding amount of fun and calm. Spiritual pursuit happens to be the foremost attraction for the visitors considering the fact that His Holiness the Dali Lama has his permanent residence here. But that’s not all. Dharamshala sightseeing delights you with its rich heritage, impressive monuments, roaring cafés, shopping havens, libraries, adventure sports, trek into the clouds, tranquil lakes and so much more. We have drummed up for you an enthralling list of best things to do in Dharamshala.
Once you get to know all about Dharamshala. Planning your vacation should be a cakewalk now. Get in touch with us at SOTC and we will make it even easier for you to book your dream holiday. There are several interesting deals on Dharamshala tour packages and Himachal tour packages available which will make your booking easier and hassle-free.
The list of things to do in Dharamshala remains unchecked if one has not had time to soak in its picturesque natural beauty. The lush hills and cedar forests welcome you with a buffet of activities to enjoy. The panoramic view of the Dhauladhar mountain range opens up along various trekking routes to Bhagsu waterfalls, Triund, Indrahar Pass, Kareri Lake and Lahesh caves. If you want to get behind the wheel, then you can hire cycles/ mountain bikes and roll with your plan. For the idyllic souls looking to unwind, hills of Dharamshala offer pristine camping sites and tea garden tours on the way.
Tibet Museum holds permanent and traveling exhibitions that showcase collective Tibetan work. Photography, jewellery, costumes, lifestyle, history and Cultural Revolution are some of the topics that are covered extensively. Documentaries are screened at a nominal fee of INR 10 per person. You can attend workshops on Tibetan art at Gyuto Monastery for a first-hand experience. It houses around 500 masters, students and artist monks at present. A recent addition to the tourist itinerary is the Dharamshala Film Festival. It features a wide spectrum of Indian and International narratives, documentaries, shorts and special programs. It is one of the recommended things to do in Dharamshala.
Dharamshala is surrounded by a rich repertoire of heritage monuments. They have stood the test of time and survived the devastating earthquake of 1905. Masrur is famous for its rock-hewn Temples sculpted from monoliths. These were built in 8th CE in Nagara architecture. St. John in the Wilderness Church is a short downhill trek from McLeod Ganj. The marvel of its Belgian stain-glass art makes it a must-see attraction on your Dharamshala sightseeing trip. The time honoured Kangra Fort, 20 km south of Dharamshala, gives you a glimpse into the bygone Rajputana era. It is believed to be the oldest fort in India.
Pencil in some special time for the Tsuglagkhang Complex. It is one of the top things to do in Dharamshala. Visitors from the world over come here to seek the blessings of His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama. It is his permanent residence and also the headquarter of Tibetan Government-in-Exile. If you choose your time well, you may get an audience with him too. Further south, almost 12 km away, Gyuto Monastery offers a chance for you to experience the Buddhist traditions and rituals. You can hear the Chordal Chanting in a special ceremony every evening.
A scenic drive 70 km from Dharamshala takes you to the best Paragliding hub of India. It has world-class pilots, equipment and climatic conditions. The entire village has an ideal cloud base of 4000-6000 metres with favourable winds almost the whole year. All this and fantastic take-off/ landing sites make Bir Billing one of the top ten paragliding venues of the world. It proudly hosted the Paragliding World Cup of 2015. Flying solo or tandem is one of the best things to do in Dharamshala!
When in Dharamshala, let the food guide you. It will take you to kitchens from the world over. Get a taste of authentic Tibetan delicacies at Tibet Kitchen, Namgyal Café and the Tiben Quality Bakery. For homemade Momos and Thukpa, Shop no 4 in McLeod Ganj is a sure winner. It is one of the oldest Tibetan food shops. Lungta restaurant offers you vegetarian Japanese cuisine when you feel like having soul-nourishing soups and sushi-rolls. Moonlight, Hummingbird and Illiterati are some of the famous Cafés for a quick snack break during your Dharamshala sightseeing. Low calorie platters and bookshops go hand in hand at these Cafés. Jimmy’s Italian Kitchen and Taste of India will take care of your pasta and spice cravings.
Dharamshala serenades you with spirituality by the day and greets you with awe by the night. Let your hair down at Black Magic, X-cite and MCllo. Listen to your favourite beats and relax at these RestoBars and Nightclubs. For the stargazer in you, a night trek and camp at Triund Hill will be one of the most unforgettable experiences of your life.
The shopaholic in you is going to be extremely happy as you walk down Kotwali Bazaar, Jogiwara Road and the Central Square. You will find handicrafts, textiles, trinkets, rugs, condiments, Tibetan souvenirs and many unique artefacts of your liking. The Tibetan Bookstore has a unique collection with topics ranging from spirituality to recipes. A visit to the Tibetan Handicraft Centre reveals how the locals are gainfully employed in creating quality products. This would be one of the most fun things to do in Dharamshala.
