Dharamshala is located in the Kangra Valley in Himachal Pradesh, which is known for its tranquillity. There is something for everyone in Dharamshala, whether you are a foodie, a shopaholic, or someone who enjoys travelling and experiencing new things. This travel guide will walk you through the most activities in Dharamshala, the most delicious foods in Dharamshala, and the most exciting locations to purchase in Dharamshala. Let's take a deep dive into the entrancing world of Dharamshala and discover the numerous attractions that it has to offer.
Activities in Dharamshala
Those who are interested in nature and adventure will find Dharamshala to be a paradise. Some of the most enjoyable pursuits that you may partake in are as follows:
Paragliding in Dharamshala: Paragliding is one of the most important activities in Dharamshala. Both the Dhauladhar and Shivalik Himalayan ranges can be seen from the town, which provides beautiful views of the mountains. The take-off point at Indrunag, which is located at an elevation of 1700 metres above sea level, is normally where the commencement of the paragliding in Dharamshala takes place. The duration of the flight might range anywhere from 10 to 60 minutes. It all depends on the package that you select. A short flight will cost you INR 2500, while a lengthy flight will cost you INR 5500. Prices start at INR 2500. When it comes to safety, nothing is more important than ensuring that every flight is carried out under the watchful eye of trained pilots and instructors.
Trekking and Hiking: Dharamshala is surrounded by beautiful trails which are perfect for trekking and hiking. One of the most popular treks is the Triund Hill climb, which gives trekkers a stunning view of the Dhauladhar mountain range. The walk is about 9 km long and suitable for hikers with beginner or intermediate experience levels. Another notable hike is Indrahar Pass Trek, which is harder compared to the previous hikes but rewards the climber with breathtaking views of Himalayan peaks upon completion. There’s also another stunning hike that leads to Kareri Lake, a natural lake located at a high altitude on the track. During your trip you will go through green forests as well as many wonderful villages.
Dharamshala Sightseeing: For those who prefer relaxed touring, Dharamshala sightseeing can be ideal. There is the Dalai Lama Temple Complex that forms the spiritual heart of the Tibetan community in Dharamshala. It consists of Namgyal Monastery, where His Holiness Dalai Lama stays and it also has a museum that showcases Tibetan culture and history, among others. Other prominent places to visit for Dharamshala sightseeing include St.John in Wilderness church, which was built in neo-Gothic style back in 1852, the War Memorial, which is dedicated to Indo-China and Indo-Pak war heroes and Kangra Art Museum, which has treasures from Kangra Valley including artists work and crafts.
Mcleod Ganj Food and Culture: The reason why foodies would love Dharamshala so much is due to its cosmopolitan nature, which gives them a chance to have a great dining experience here. From tasty Tibetan cuisines to local Himachali delicacies, there is something for everyone.
Foods in Dharamshala
Foods in Dharamshala are a blend of Tibetan and Himachali flavors. Some of them include:
Tibetan Cuisine
Momos: These are either steamed or fried dumplings with fillings of meat, vegetables or cheese that are eaten with hot dipping sauce.
Thukpa: A thick noodle soup from Tibet, cooked in a broth made of mixed vegetables, meat and noodles.
Tingmo: Flour made bread served with meat dishes or vegetables.
Tsampa: Roasted barley flour combined with butter tea once in a while.
Himachali Cuisine
Siddu: Traditional wheat based Himachal bread stuffed with meat or vegetables.
Madra: Thick curry made out of chickpeas or vegetables, which are cooked using yoghurt and spices.
Tudkiya Bhath: Potatoes-flavoured rice, which is a typical pulao from Himachal Pradesh.
Chha Gosht: Aromatic lamb curry spiced with cinnamon, cardamom, coriander, etc.
Famous Restaurants in Dharamshala
Tibet Kitchen: Located at McLeod Ganj, this restaurant is best known for momos, thukpa and other traditional Tibetan dishes
Shiva Café: Situated near Bhagsu Waterfall, this café is quite popular among tourists due to its relaxed ambience and yummy snacks. The café has beautiful murals on its walls and hosts live music sessions.
Namgyal Café: Placed inside the Dalai Lama Temple Complex, this café serves genuine Tibetan food. This would be a good spot for trying authentic Tibetan momos and thukpas.
Joyful Café: Provides an assortment of local and international cuisine for chilling with friends. The cafe boasts friendly staff and a cosy atmosphere.
Festival of Dharamshala
Renowned for its vibrant annual festivals, which are famous for colourful displays of its rich culture, Dharamshala. Some of the notable festivals of Dharamshala are:
Losar Festival: Celebrated with much pomp and show, Tibetan New Year is Losar, one of the most major festivals in Dharamshala. Losar signifies Tibetans' introduction to a new lunar year. It’s celebrated with lots of fun and joyous prayer flags draping over the city while ancient chants and dances fill the monasteries. Visitors who want to see spiritual mirthfulness can combine as a unit in Losar at Dharamshala.
Dharamshala International Film Festival (DIFF): This festival takes place every November and features the best Indian and international movies, among other things, through which young filmmakers can also get recognition. Among these is the screening of films, workshops and panel discussions that attract cinema lovers from all corners of the world.
Dalai Lama's Birthday Celebration: Dalai Lama’s birthday celebration is another peak event on the festival timetable of Dharamshala. The locals, as well as tourists, hold His Holiness, the 14th Dalai Lama, in equal reverence because he has made his home in exile in this region. During this period, religious activities such as prayers, teachings or cultural performances take place here thus making it an environment charged with joy and unity.
Holi: This popular colour festival in Dharamshala attracts people who come together to celebrate it; hence, both locals and tourists mix freely with each other, enjoying themselves so much. Henceforth, the street is fully set up with vivid colours, clothes getting mixed up, and dancing around you may never forget.
Navaratri: During Navaratri, Dharmashal becomes a dance extravaganza’. It marks victory over evil by good. Therefore, it involves exciting Garba and Dandiya Raas dances.
International Himalayan Festival: A unique celebration of the International Himalayan Festival where people from different walks of life come together to showcase the rich cultural heritage of the region. It’s during this event that people can experience traditional dances, music performances, and local crafts, which will remain in their minds forever.
Shopping Places in Dharamshala
When you shop at Dharamshala, be prepared to choose from a selection of local handicrafts as well as souvenirs that are contrarily so nice. Here are some of the best shopping places in Dharamshala:
Kotwali Bazaar: Situated in this busy market are numerous shops selling traditional Himachali and Tibetan goods, such as woollen clothes and handicrafts, including jewellery, among others. It also has vendors who always keep smiling with their colourful atmosphere.
McLeod Ganj Market: This market is vibrant with activities where Tibetan and Indian cultures mingle. It has stalls selling clothing, jewellery, books and more. The best place to buy unique souvenirs and gifts is here.
Dal Lake and Naddi Village: Dal Lake and Naddi Village are two of the most beautiful places in Dharamshala. Dal Lake is surrounded by deodar trees and offers a serene environment for a peaceful walk or boating. The spiritual charm is further enhanced by the small Shiva temple within this lake area. Naddi Village, situated nearby, has beautiful views of the Dhauladhar range, which attracts photographers as well as sunset lovers to this place. There are several trekking trails that start from this village, which makes it famous among nature enthusiasts and adventure freaks.
Kangra Fort: Dharamshala is approximately 20 km away from the historical marvel called Kangra Fort. Constructed by the royal family of Kangra, it is one of India’s oldest forts, and it tells us about regional history. From its location at the top of a hill, visitors can get panoramic views of surrounding valleys. Inside the fort complex, there are ancient temples and watch towers, while outside, there is a museum that tourists can visit. It is also an important site for those interested in military history due to the many battles fought here over centuries, making Kangra an interesting place for historians.
In order to have a memorable stay, Dharamshala holiday packages are recommended. These generally come with accommodation, guided tours and activities to make it easier for you. Additionally, some of the well-known Himachal Pradesh tour packages also take care of other nearby places such as Shimla, Manali, and Kasol, thus offering an extensive view of the area. For newlyweds, Shimla honeymoon packages are much preferred because they incorporate the enchantment of Dharamshala along with the loving atmosphere in Shimla.
Dharamshala is where adventure, culture and natural serenity meet each other perfectly. Be it paragliding in Dharamshala, Mcleod Ganj food and culture or buying souvenirs that are different from others, this town has something for everyone.
