Best Things To Do in Dharamshala, India

Are you looking for what to do in Dharamshala?

PLACES TO SEE

  • Tsuglagkhang: The Tsuglagkhang Complex is the official residence of the 14th Dalai Lama. He has been staying here since his exile from China. Within the complex are the Photang (Dalai Lama's residence), the Tibet Museum, the Tsuglagkhang Temple and Namgyal Gompa. 

  • Kangra Fort: Located around 20 kilometres from Dharamshala, the Kangra Fort is a Rajput fort and is the largest fort in the Himalayas. It is one of the places to visit in Dharamsala. 

  • Dharamshala War Memorial: The Dharamshala War Memorial is a beautiful tribute to the war heroes. Situated amidst dense forests and greenery, the park is dedicated to the many soldiers who lost their lives during the operations of 1947-48, 1962, 1965 and 1971.

  • Bhagsu Yoga Institute: The Bhagsu Yoga Institute was founded in the year 2010 by Yogi Bhajan Omshankar with the aim of imparting his knowledge of yoga on the world. A serene yoga retreat you have to visit while in Dharamsala. 

Nightlife

  • Dharamsala does not have many pubs to cater to tourists. The Tibetan Institute of Performing Arts does organize many live performances. 

Below we have a list of things to do in Dharamshala and the places where you want to spend the best moments of your trip. At the same time, the city offers you the best neighborhoods to explore and new foods to try.

This list should help you in deciding and prioritizing what you should plan on your Dharamshala getaway. Find a mix of must-see tourist spots, underrated local hangouts, and maybe even a few new experiences you can try out.

Make the most of your trip to Dharamshala with confidence.

Tourist Attractions in Dharamshala

Here is the list of things to do in Dharamshala and tourist attractions in city.

  1. Hpca Stadium

    4.5 (4411 Votes)
    Hpca Stadium

    Stadium, Architecture

    The Himachal Pradesh Cricket Association’s cricket stadium is set against the backdrop of snow clad mountains and lush green forests. The architecture of the stadium itself is colourful and elaborate. Head over to catch a game in action. If no game is scheduled, you can still check out the stadium. Even when there is no cricket match being played, one section of the stadium is kept open f...Read more
  2. The Body Temple

    Religious Site, Temple

    The Body Temple is a massage studio located in Dharamkot. The ambience of the studio is tastefully done. The massage technique they use is the ‘Ayurvedic Yoga Massage therapy’. At the Body Temple, no treatments are alike- they provide customized packages. Hence, ensure that you keep aside a chunk of your time while visiting this place. The process includes a pre-massage diagnosis/ s...Read more
  3. Kangra Fort

    4.4 (2854 Votes)
    Kangra Fort

    Temple, Historical Site, Tower, Architecture

    Located around 20 kilometres from Dharamshala, the Kangra Fort is a Rajput fort and is the largest one in the Himalayas. It is also one of the oldest dated forts in India. Having an interesting history, the Kangra Fort has had many famous historical figures as its residents and rulers- from Mahmud of Ghazni to Muhammad bin Tughluq to Mughal Emperor Jahangir to Maharaja Ranjit Singh. It was late...Read more
  4. Gyuto Monastery

    Religious Site, Architecture , Monastery

    A combination of knowledge, peace and serenity, the Gyuto Monastery is the temporary residence of the Karmapa. Situated at an absolutely beautiful location the monastery is surrounded by snow capped mountains and harmony. Not just the surroundings, even the monastery building and premises are stunning. Head over to the Gyuto monastery to pray, attain inner peace and witness holy monks studying,...Read more
  5. Dharamshala War Memorial

    4.4 (4670 Votes)
    Dharamshala War Memorial

    Park, War Memorial

    The Dharamshala War Memorial is a beautiful tribute to the war heroes. Situated amidst dense forests and greenery, the park is dedicated to the many soldiers who lost their lives during the operations of 1947-48, 1962, 1965 and 1971 and in various peace-keeping missions. Within the memorial park you will find: Panels of black marble inscribed with the names of martyrs who lost their lives. Arm...Read more
  6. Chamunda Devi

    4.6 (3125 Votes)
    Chamunda Devi

    Religious Site, Temple

    Located on a hillock, an easy hike is involved to reach the Chamunda Devi temple. Situated approximately 18 kilometres from the city centre, the temple’s deity is Goddess Durga (who is also known as Chamunda). It is believed that worshipping at this temple gives moksha (salvation) to the ancestors of the worshipper.
  7. Tushita Meditation Centre

    4.6 (1103 Votes)
    Tushita Meditation Centre

    Religious Site, Leisure

    To learn more about Buddhism and to study and practice the religion, head over to the Tushita Meditation Centre. Courses offered are: Introduction to Buddhism Intermediate level courses Group Practice Retreats If you don’t want to join a course, the centre also has daily drop-in guided meditation classes.
  8. Masrur Rock Cut Temple

    4.5 (1104 Votes)
    Masrur Rock Cut Temple

    Religious Site, Temple, Historical Site, Statue

    Situated around 40 kilometres from Dharamshala, Masrur is famous for its various rock-cut temples that date back to the 8th century AD. The carvings in stone are a sight to behold! Intricate patterns and divine statues, these are what make the temple so mysterious and surreal. The main shrines of the Masrur Rock Cut Temples are dedicated to Rama, Laxmana and Sita. The temple complex is sit...Read more
  9. Tibetan Insititute Of Performing Arts

    Art And Culture, Educational Site, Entertainment, Performance

    The Tibetan Institute of Performing Arts (TIPA) was formed with the aim of preserving and promoting Tibet’s tradition of performing arts. Formed under the guidance of His Holiness the Dalai Lama, TIPA was established in August 1959 to safeguard the traditional performing arts of Tibet. Since then, the institute has been spreading awareness about Tibetan culture and civilization. Highlight...Read more
  10. Kunal Pathri

    4.6 (2584 Votes)
    Kunal Pathri

    Religious Site, Temple

    The Kunal Pathri temple is dedicated to Goddess Kalpeshwari. It is located around 3 kilometres from the Kotwali Bazaar of Dharamshala. Legend goes that a part of the skull of Sati, the companion of Lord Shiva, fell here while Lord Shiva was carrying her charred body. The temple is set amidst dense forests and tea gardens. Trivia- Within the temple premises is a stone which always remains wet. A...Read more
  11. Kangra Art Museum

    Art And Culture, Art Museum, Museum

    Opened in the year 1990, the Museum of Kangra Art was formed to preserve and revive the cultural heritage of the Kangra region. Located in the heart of Dharamshala, the museum houses a collection of over 1500 art objects. These include miniature paintings, jewellery, pottery, textiles, minted coins, sculptures and objects of cultural anthropology.
  12. Thankas And Gifts

    Market, Shopping Center, Specialty Shop

    Thankas and Gifts is the answer to all your souvenir shopping related queries! Working with local artisans, the store sells traditional Tibetan thankas (thangas), incense sticks, meditation malas, perfumes and other trinkets. While buying thankas, take the help of Marleen, the friendly and very knowledgeable owner of the store.
  13. Kareri Lake

    4.7 (1970 Votes)
    Kareri Lake

    Water Body, Village, Camp, Lake

    A must visit for trekkers, the Kareri Lake is located between the ranges of Dhauladhar. An elliptical glacial lake, head over to the place for a rich and surreal experience. Plan visiting during summers when the pasture lands are rich and the area surrounding the lake is filled with an array of wild flowers. If you plan on staying overnight, you can spend a night at a homestay in Kareri Village...Read more
  14. Bhagsu Yoga Institute

    Educational Site, Leisure

    The Bhagsu Yoga Institute was founded in the year 2010 by Yogi Bhajan Omshankar with the aim of imparting his knowledge of yoga on the world. At the institute, one can undergo training in: Meditation techniques Pranayama Reiki Yoga If you are not game for joining a course, you can still visit the institute and attend a ‘Daily Drop-in Class’.
  15. Naam Art Gallery
    Be sure to see the naam art gallery.