Dharamshala is a place that nestles in the midst of the Kangra valley surrounded by coniferous forests in the state of Himachal Pradesh and is one of the best hill stations in North India. The pristine environs of the place and its sublime atmosphere are surcharged with spirituality because of the presence of the Dalai Lama who has made Mcleodganj his home in exile. From adventure sports to romantic spots to trekking, Dharamshala has a lot to see and experience and here is a list of 7 incredible places that you must visit, when in Dharamshala.

Triund Hill

A favorite trekking place, Triund is one of the star attractions of Dharamshala. Triund is an enchanting place that has snow clad mountains on one side and the picturesque Kangra valley on the other. The place can be reached by a fairly easy trek of about 5 kilometers that takes one through lovely forests of Oak and Rhododendron. Tranquil Triund promises an experience that will appeal to all your senses.

triund

Bhagsu Waterfall

The Bhagsu waterfalls lie about 2 kilometers from McLeodganj. The waterfalls present a pretty picture amidst the verdant green surroundings. Bhagsu Waterfall is a place to spend time getting close to nature. The height of the waterfalls is 20 meters and is surrounded by breathtaking natural beauty. The sight of the cascading waterfalls is sure to blow away your city blues and soothe frayed nerves.

bhagsu-waterfalls

Dalai Lama Temple Complex

The serene sounds of silence soothe your senses as you enter the Dalai Lama Temple complex near McLeodganj. This is the main temple complex and has a sublime architectural beauty. Beautiful paintings grace the walls and the temple houses the statues of Padmasambhava (Guru Rinpoche) and Shakyamuni. The complex is an ideal and a  peaceful place to sit and meditate in.

dalai-lama-temple-complex

Naddi View Point

A 3 kilometer trek from McLeodganj takes you to a small picturesque village in the Kangra Valley, called Naddi. The viewpoint in Naddi provides spectacular views of the Dhauladhar mountain ranges and the beautiful Kangra Valley. As the evening sets in, one can view a spectacular sunset from Naddi.

naddi-view-point

Gyuto Monastery

The Gyuto Monastery is a sublime place set against the backdrop of mountains. It is one of the important landmarks of Buddhism in Dharmashala. The monastery is dedicated to Tantric Buddhism. The original Gyuto Monastery was built in 1474 in Tibet. The sanctum sanctorum of the temple houses an angelic statue of the Buddha. Gyuto Monastery is also the residence of Karmapa – the Head of the Kagyu Tibetan Buddhism. The Karmapa gives a discourse every Wednesday and Saturday.

Kareri Dal Lake

A surreal lake which is situated at an altitude of 1775 meters, the Kareri Dal Lake is a scenic spot that one must head to in Dharmashala. The lake is named after the famous Dal Lake in Kashmir and is enchanting in its own right. Kareri Dal Lake is a great place for a picnic and boating. A boat ride in the tranquil waters amidst the Dhauladhar mountain ranges is indeed a fulfilling experience.

kareri_lake

Kangra Fort

If history fascinates you, you must head to the ruins of Kangra Fort. The structure dates back to the 4th century BC and the stone ruins tell a fascinating story. The Kangra fort is one of the oldest in India and was once the residence of the royal family of Kangra, the Katoch dynasty. The Katoch dynasty’s origins can be traced to the Trigarta Kingdom which is mentioned in the Mahabharata. The Trigarta kings had taken part in the Kurukshetra war on the side of the Kauravas and were killed by Arjuna.kangra-fort

Dharmashala is indeed a place where on the one hand nature enthralls and on the other spirituality and history spellbinds you with their magic. So let the magic begin, head out to Dharmashala to have an awesome time, camp at our property, The Sanctuary and embark on your Dharmashala experiences.