Dharamshala and its touristy upper-suburb, McLoedganj, perched on the foothills of Dhauladhar Range, are often called Little Lhasa as they offer a haven to thousands of homeless Tibetan. A perfect place for a quiet holiday, with a smattering of Buddhism, the twin cities are swarmed by hippies & soul-seekers from across the world. Take a few days off the daily grind to trek up the hills, visit the stunning monasteries, buy a bit of Tibetan paraphernalia, and enjoy coffee-conversations at the many quaint cafes of Dharamshala- McLoedganj
Alluring Attractions of Dharamshala
Tsuglagkhang Complex
A beautiful saga of Tibetan history, culture, and religion, this monastic village houses the palace of the Dalai Lama, beautiful Buddhist temples, and an excellent Tibetan Museum. The beautiful Kalachakra (Wheel of Time) Temple embellished with mesmerizing mandalas & murals and its main temple room, where the Dalai Lama imparts his teachings, emanates spirituality.
Tibet Museum
This double-story museum, located inside Tsuglagkhang Complex, serves as a poignant reminder of Tibet’s past as an independent nation and the destructive tale of Chinese occupation. It showcases this harrowing tale of injustice through various photographs & documents.
Namgyal Monastery
Built on the lines of the 16th century Namgyal Monastery in Tibet, this one was established to preserve and uphold the Tibetan culture & traditions amongst the refugee Tibetans in India.
Men-Tsee-Khang (Tibetan Medical Center)
This organization preserves the traditional arts of Tibetan medicine and astrology. Visit its fascinating museum that displays medicine samples along with their plant and mineral sources, and traditional instruments used for treatments.
St. John Church
This colonial-era church, located in a gorgeous setting in the forest, is rightly named -‘St. John in the Wilderness’. Admire its Neo-gothic architecture & Belgian stained glass windows, and visit it graveyard that houses a memorial to Lord Elgin, the then Viceroy of India.
Library of Tibetan Works & Archives
This library started as a repository for the Tibetan manuscripts, rescued & smuggled from Tibet during the Cultural Revolution, is now home to thousands of manuscripts and books about Tibet & Buddhism. It also houses a cultural museum that showcases statues, Tibetan artifacts, and complex 3D mandalas in wood & sand.
Other Attractions of Dharamshala /McLoedganj
- Kangra Fort- Built by the royal family of Kangra
- Bhagsunag Falls and Temple- Trek up to the beautiful falls & ancient Shiva temple
- Norbulingka Institute- Founded in 1988 for preserving Tibetan art, literature and culture
- Dal Lake- A tranquil lake near McLoedganj
Fairs & Festivals in Dharamshala
- Losar- Tibetan New Year in February or March
- International Himalayan Festival- A festival to celebrate the anniversary of the Dalai Lama’s Nobel Peace Prize award.
- Dal Fair- An annual fair held on the banks of Dal Lake in August or September
Shopping in Dharamshala
A whole lot of Tibetan paraphernalia including aesthetic prayer wheels, colorful prayer flags, beautiful singing bowls, Feng Shui objects, intricate Thangkas, and numerous traditional Tibetan handicrafts are available in Dharamshala bazaar.
Food in Dharamshala
Food in Dharamsala is fabulous!. Although Tibetan cuisine tops the charts with Thupkas, momos, beklabs, and gyuma being big favorites, a lot of restaurants & cafes serve Israeli, Italian, European, and Japanese cuisines too.
Best time to Visit
This beautiful hill-town is visited throughout the year, but March to May in summer and September to December in winter, witness the maximum influx of tourists in Dharamshala.
How to Reach
By Air- The nearest airport is in Gaggal, around 13kms from Dharamshala, is connected to IGI Airport, Delhi.
By Rail- Pathankot, around 85kms from Dharamshala is the nearest railhead and is well-connected to all parts of the country by a network of direct & express trains.
By Road- Dharamshala is well-connected to all parts of the country with a good network of highways & roads.
Come along on our Dharamshala-McLoedganj Tour and soak in the serene ambiance & spirituality of the town. Please fill the form and reach us for personalized tour packages for a delightful Dharamshala-McLoedganj tour.
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