In McLeod Ganj
McLeod Ganj is compact and walkable, with most sights within 2 to 3 km of the main square.
- Tsuglagkhang, the Dalai Lama temple complex: the main Tibetan temple, the Namgyal monastery and the Tibet Museum, a short walk from the square.
- The kora: a peaceful circuit walk around the Dalai Lama's residence, lined with prayer wheels and flags.
- Bhagsunag temple and waterfall: an old Shiva temple and a waterfall about 20 m high, roughly 2 km from the square.
- Dharamkot: a hillside village above Bhagsu with cafés, yoga schools and forest paths.
- Naddi viewpoint: a village about 3 km away with wide views of the Dhauladhar.
- St John in the Wilderness: a neo-Gothic church from 1852 in the deodar forest on the road down.
- The Tibetan market: stalls and shops for crafts, clothes and books around the square.
In and around lower Dharamshala
- HPCA cricket stadium: an international stadium at about 1,317 m with the snow-capped Dhauladhar behind it.
- The War Memorial: a memorial to Himachal's soldiers in a pine park at the entrance to Dharamshala.
- The Museum of Kangra Art: miniature paintings, crafts and history of the valley.
- Kunal Pathri temple: a small temple in a forest setting, a pleasant short walk.
- The Dharamshala Skyway: a 1.8 km ropeway between lower Dharamshala and McLeod Ganj, opened in 2022.
Day trips in the Kangra valley
These need a car and half to a full day. Our route pages give fares.
- Norbulingka Institute (about 10 km): a centre for Tibetan arts, set in Japanese-style gardens.
- Kangra fort (about 20 km): the ruins of a vast fort of the Katoch kings, above the meeting of two rivers.
- Chamunda Devi temple (about 15 km): a revered temple to the goddess on the banks of the Baner.
- Palampur (about 35 km): tea gardens under the Dhauladhar, and the Baijnath temple beyond.
- Masroor rock-cut temples (about 45 km): 8th-century temples carved from a single sandstone ridge.
- Bir Billing (about 65 km): India's best-known paragliding site, with Tibetan monasteries in Bir.
Treks and outdoors
Our Triund and Kareri lake guides cover routes, difficulty and seasons.
- Triund: the classic day hike or overnight trek from McLeod Ganj to a ridge facing the Dhauladhar.
- Kareri lake: a two to three-day trek to a high glacial lake at about 2,950 m.
- Gallu and the forest trails above Dharamkot.
- Paragliding at Bir Billing, a day trip away.
Things to do by season
Spring (March to June) is the best all-round season: warm days, clear mountain views and every trail open. The monsoon (July to September) is very wet, Dharamshala gets around 3,000 mm of rain a year, and treks become slippery. Autumn (October to November) brings the clearest air. Winter (December to February) is cold, with snow on the Dhauladhar and sometimes in McLeod Ganj, Naddi and Bhagsu. Our weather guide goes month by month.
Frequently asked questions
What is Dharamshala famous for?+
The Dalai Lama and the Tibetan community in McLeod Ganj, the Dhauladhar mountains, the Triund trek, the HPCA cricket stadium and the Kangra valley's temples and forts.
Is McLeod Ganj the same as Dharamshala?+
McLeod Ganj is the upper part of Dharamshala, about 9 km by road from the lower town and some 600 m higher.
What are the best places to visit in McLeod Ganj in one day?+
The Dalai Lama temple and Tibet Museum, the kora walk, Bhagsunag temple and waterfall, and Naddi for sunset.
Can we visit the Dharamshala cricket stadium?+
Usually yes on non-match days, for a small fee. Check with the stadium, as access changes around events.
Is Dharamshala worth visiting?+
Yes, for Tibetan culture, mountain scenery and easy treks. Two to four days lets you see McLeod Ganj and the Kangra valley.
What is there to see near Dharamshala?+
Kangra fort, Norbulingka, Chamunda Devi, Palampur's tea gardens, the Masroor temples and Bir Billing.
