Dharamshala Sightseeing
1. The Tsuglagkhang

The Tsuglagkhang Complex is located in the southwest corner of Mcleod Ganj. Walk south all the way to the end of Temple Road. The complex is located at the bottom of the hill with a large iron gate and signs that read “Entrance to Temple.”
You must pass through a quick security screening and bag check to enter parts of the complex; cameras and phones are permitted only when teachings are not in progress. Cigarettes and lighters will be kept at security until you exit. You can take photos of the monk’s debate and the rest of the complex, but not in the temple. Be sure to by respecting customs and rules. Remember, the complex is a functioning temple and residence, not just a tourist attraction! Show respect by keeping your voice low and don’t interfere with real worshipers. The Tsuglagkhang Complex is open to visitors from 5 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Tips for Inside the Temple
- If you decide to give them a try, prayer wheels should always be turned in a clockwise direction as you walk around the temple in a clockwise direction. Don’t stop prayer wheels that are already turning!
- Remove your shoes before entering the temple area.
- Photography is never allowed inside of the temple itself
1. The Tsuglagkhang

The Tsuglagkhang Complex is located in the southwest corner of Mcleod Ganj. Walk south all the way to the end of Temple Road. The complex is located at the bottom of the hill with a large iron gate and signs that read “Entrance to Temple.”
You must pass through a quick security screening and bag check to enter parts of the complex; cameras and phones are permitted only when teachings are not in progress. Cigarettes and lighters will be kept at security until you exit. You can take photos of the monk’s debate and the rest of the complex, but not in the temple. Be sure to by respecting customs and rules. Remember, the complex is a functioning temple and residence, not just a tourist attraction! Show respect by keeping your voice low and don’t interfere with real worshipers. The Tsuglagkhang Complex is open to visitors from 5 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Tips for Inside the Temple
- If you decide to give them a try, prayer wheels should always be turned in a clockwise direction as you walk around the temple in a clockwise direction. Don’t stop prayer wheels that are already turning!
- Remove your shoes before entering the temple area.
- Photography is never allowed inside of the temple itself
2. John in the Wilderness Church

The church of St. John in the wilderness is an old Anglican church situated in the beautiful valley of Mecleodganj, which is at a distance of about 8 kilometres from Dharamshala. The church was built in the year 1852. It was dedicated to John the Baptist and also one of the viceroys of India, Lord Elgin was buried here in 1863.
With its neo-gothic architecture. the church, known for its stunning design is set amidst deodar forests and is full of memorial stones of the British soldiers who were posted here.Nestled in the beautiful picturesque location, St. John Wilderness Church with its quiet and serene surroundings will definitely give you a sense of peace and calm. On the outside, it may look like an old and abandoned structure but the insides are still very well maintained and quite active. The church is known to attract a lot of tourists and visitors on almost all days and especially on Sundays. On the outside, the Belgian stained glass windows are the main attractions of the church while on the inside, the polished wood of the altar railing and old brass oil lamps which are now converted into electric light holders, make it very appealing. Along the walking path in the church, the holy cross symbols are artistically made with colorful stones. The church is usually under close watch by security guards to make sure no damage is caused by tourists and visitors
3. Bhagsu Falls

Encircled by the enchanting beauty of Dharamshala, Bhagsu Fall is a feast for one’s eyes. The serenity and peace bestowed at this place relaxes one’s mind. This famous tourist destination is perfect for picnicking with friends and family. In the proximity of this waterfall Bhagsu nath Temple is located that adds a spiritual touch to this location. Bhagsu waterfall originates from the Dhauladhar Valley which is also a religious site.
The waves move forward across the Bhagsu nath temple and reach the peak from where it freely falls with a rustling sound. The captivating beauty of this fall gets enhanced during the monsoon season when the waterfall resting at a height of 30 feet pours down large volumes of water along with the showers of rain. Sight the gorgeous views as you treat your taste buds with lip-smacking food in cafes and restaurants in the proximity of the Bhagsu Waterfall.
The water would lure you take a dip in it but its cold temperature would give you second thoughts. This place is the best hotspot in Dharamshala for nature lovers. Apart from soothing your eyes with the beauty of this waterfall, you can also include yourself in other activities around like trekking which would bestow you with the best scenery of nature. It is advisable to wear sports shoes to keep you from falling on the slippery surface near the waterfall. Sip a hot cup of coffee and enjoy the mesmerizing view of the Bhagsu Falls. Explore this destination which is one of the most iconic tourist spots in Mecleodganj
Best Time to Visit Bhagsu Falls
The summer season is the best time to visit Bhagsu waterfall. Not only the favourable temperature will suit your wish to take a dip in the waters here but it would be easy to explore this natural beauty under the clear sky.
4. Triund trek

Triund Trek is one of the most popular treks to go over a weekend from Delhi and Chandigarh. It is perhaps the easiest Himalayan trek to do on your own. With breathtaking views of the Kangra valley and the snow-covered Dhauladhar ranges, it is also very picturesque. Triund is the ideal destination for those seeking a hassle-free taste of trekking in the Himalayas. The trek can easily be done over a weekend.
The trail to Triund is short but steep. The steep climb is well-compensated by refreshing walks amongst rhododendron and oak trees. There are also various songbirds in the forests along the trail which make it a birdwatcher’s delight. Considering it’s an easy trek and with the effortless accessibility from Dharamshala or Mecleodganj, there are a large number of trekkers who go this trek, making it difficult to enjoy the serenity of the place and can get crowded on top during the weekends or holiday season. It is better to experience the beauty of this trek during the weekdays. The town of Mecleodganj (also known as Little Lhasa) also provides for a grand opportunity to experience the vibrant Tibetan culture.
5. Dal Lake

Dal Lake is a small mid-altitude lake(1,775 meters above sea level) situated at a distance of 11 kilometers away from Dharamshala near the village of Tota Rani on Mecleodganj Naddi road in district Kangra Himachal Pradesh.Dal Lake is 2KM walk westwards from Mecleodganj bazaar. Nestling amidst lush green forests of deodar trees, the Dal Lake is famous for its scenic beauty and pilgrimage center. The area around Dal Lake is a natural paradise. The area of the lake is around one hectare (i.e. 10,000 square meters). On the bank of Dal Lake a famous Lord Shiva temple is located, which is considered to be very sacred and as old as 200 years. According to one legend a sage named Durvasa prayed to Lord Shiva here.
6. Dharamkot

Dharamkot is a small hippie village near McLeod area, ideal for a few days’ time off from real world or months away if you’re lucky enough to take time off work for that long.Dharamkot is the perfect base for multiple treks such as Triund, Illaqua, and Indrahar Pass etc. If you are looking for a relaxed vacation that doesn’t involve hiking or walking around, then Dharamkot is not the place for you. This village doesn’t have any roads, except for a single road that leads to it and pretty much ends where there’s a very famous café called (Trek and Dine). After this café, the road narrows down to a pathway, ideal for aimless walks through the village to various other view points. rocks, waterfalls and some treks.
7. Gyuto Monastery

At a distance of 8 km from Dharamshala and 13 km from Mecleodganj, Gyuto Monastery is located at Sidbhari on the main road to Palumpur. The Gyuto Monastery is one of the most famous monasteries and specializes in the study of Tantric meditation, Tantric ritual arts and Buddhist philosophy. It was founded in Tibet in 1474 by the main disciple of the first Dalai Lama, Jetsun Kunga Dhondup. After the communist Chinese invasion of Tibet in 1959, the monastery was re-established in India.
It is the abode of Karmapa, the Head of the Kagyu Tibetan Buddhism. Karmapa means the one who carries out buddha-activity or the embodiment of all the activities of the Buddha. Also called TCV School, the main chamber of the monastery has a majestic statue of the Buddha and with the backdrop of the snow-clad Dhauladhar Mountains. Karmapa Ogyen Trinley Dorje houses nearly 200 monks who practice the major Tantric texts including Guhyasamaja, Chakrasamvara and Yamantaka. They have passed these lineages to the younger generation of monks for more than 500 years.
Visitors can also take part in the prayers on Wednesdays and Saturdays. Buses are available from the main bus stand at Dharamsala to the Monastery.
8. War Memorial. Dharamshala

War Memorial is located at the entry point of the Dharamshala town and it was built to commemorate the memory of those who fought valiantly for the honor of their motherland. This place is ideally located in the pine forest of Dharamshala and offers a very pleasant walk through the woods. There are two main attractions nearby the War Memorial-the beautiful GPG College Dharamshala, made during the British Era and a café serving fast food and beverages. Surrounded by sprawling gardens, the elegant looking War Memorial is a tribute to those brave souls who sacrificed their life for the country and this signifies that these soldiers will always be alive in our thoughts. During the operations of 1947-48, 1962, 1965, and 1971 and various peacekeeping missions, many soldiers lost their lives, and it was in their memory that the War Memorial was built with the names of those many heroes inscribed on the stone.
9 cricket stadium

Sitting at 1457 metres above sea level, the Himachal Pradesh Cricket Association (HPCA) Stadium in Dharamsala, is widely regarded as the most picturesque cricket stadium in the world. With the beautiful Dhauladhar mountain range lacing its backdrop, the HPCA stadium offers one of the most stunning views to its visitors, especially when the mighty peaks are blanketed in snow.
Even though international cricket made its first appearance here only in 2013, the HPCA stadium has already established itself as a world-class cricket destination in a very short time. Best known for being the abode of the Dalai Lama, this quaint little town first found its place on the cricketing world map in 2010, when Chennai Super Kings locked horns with Kings XI Punjab in the Indian Premier League (IPL).