The Valley. Image by Chandni Nihalani Kumar
Once a part of Nepal, Dharamsala has everything you need for a perfect holiday—dense pine and deodar forests, numerous streams and the nearby snowline. Full of life and yet, peaceful, it is the headquarters of the Dalai Lama and the resting place of Lord Elgin, a 19th-century British Viceroy. With plenty to see and eat, here’s a few things you can’t miss out on in and around Dharamsala.
One of the most popular places in Dharamsala is McLeod Ganj, named after Sir Donald Friell McLeod, a Lieutenant Governor of Punjab. This suburb may be small, but there`s plenty to see.
At the Dalai Lama Temple
Tsuglagkhang
Located at McLeod Ganj, Tsuglagkhang complex is the official headquarters of the 14th Dalai Lama. An important Buddhist pilgrimage site, pilgrims walk around the complex, spinning prayer wheels. You can visit the Namgyal Gompa, the Tibet Museum, watch the monks debate, and maybe if you’re lucky enough, you might catch the Dalai Lama during a public teaching when he is at his residence.
Bhagsunath Temple
A temple of Shiva, the Bhagsunath temple is approximately 3 km from McLeodGanj Bazaar. A sacred place for Hindus, the temple was believed to have been constructed in the early 19th century. Not far from the temple is the Bhagsu waterfall, which is a favourite picnic spot for most tourists.
Bhagsunag Waterfall. Image by Chandni Nihalani Kumar
Bhagsunag Waterfall
Just behind the Bhagsunath temple, the Bhagsu waterfall is an ideal place for a picnic or to relax. During the monsoon, the waterfall cascades 30-feet. It might be a bit of a climb, but you can unwind with a cup of coffee or tea from one of the little cafés, once you reach.
Church of St.John in the Wilderness. Image by Chandni Nihalani Kumar
Church of St. John in the Wilderness
Approximately eight kilometres from Dharamsala is the Church of St. John in the Wilderness, the resting place of the British Viceroy Lord Elgin, who died in Dharamsala in 1863. Built in 1852, it is one of the oldest cathedrals in North India. The Anglican church, dedicated to St. John the Baptist is known for its unique gothic character, stained glass windows and the memorial of Lord Elgin.
Norbulingka Institute. Image by Chandni Nihalani Kumar
Norbulingka Institute
Lower Dharamsala is home to the Norbulingka Institute, approximately 15 km from McLeod Ganj. It was developed by the Dalai Lama and you can watch several craftsmen at work in the thangka studios and the woodworking and sewing workshops.
Triund. Image by Wasinee Kotum
Trekking to Triund
If trekking is your thing, there are several trekking routes to satisfy you. A trail you won’t regret taking is the one to Triund from McLeod Ganj. With magnificent views of the mountains and the valleys, it is a popular trek and if the weather is good, you can even set up an overnight camp. En route and on top, you will find little tea shops, but it is advisable to carry your own food in case they’re shut.
Feed yourself
There are several Tibetan restaurants and dhabas to choose from in Dharamsala. Help yourself to heapfulls of momos and thupka. If you’re spending the day at McLeod Ganj, head to the famous Mcllo, and hope you get a vacant table at this ever-full restaurant. Om Hotel in McLeod Ganj serves good vegetarian food. You can also head to Moonlight Cafe, Cafe Illiterati as well as Shop No.4, which is one of the oldest Tibetan food shops where you get only two things–momos and thupka. Don't forget to stop by Shiva's Cafe at Bagsunag Waterfalls.
Spend that money
From the road going down the Dalai Lama institute, there are several locals, who sell a variety of things. You can buy Tibetan prayer flags; souvenirs; silver jewellery; knitted multicoloured, woollen shawls, mittens and stoles; sheepskin boots, Tibetan music CDs and folk music.
With inputs from Kareena Kochery, Wasinee Kotum and Lourdes Cardoz