Around Dharamshala

Tsuglagkhang or Dalai Lama’s Temple

The most important Buddhist site in the Dharamsala town is Tsuglagkhang or the Dalai Lama’s temple. In the main temple, you might come across a group of monks building an intricate sand mandala and outside in the courtyard, monks debate Buddhist philosophy.

St. John Church in the Wilderness

This small, neo-Gothic style Anglican church, dedicated to John the Baptist, built in 1852, is situated in a deodar grove. The site has a small graveyard on the grounds and a memorial of the British Viceroy Lord Elgin. The church is about 2 km from McLeod Ganj, towards Forsyth Ganj.

The Tibet Museum

The Tibet Museum is the official museum of the Central Tibetan Administration. Located in premises of the CTA headquarters, the Museum highlights cultural and political struggle and resilience of Tibetans. The objective of the museum is to educate, increase awareness of Tibet, telling the history of Tibet and its people.

Library of Tibetan Works and Archives

The objective of the Library of Tibetan Works and Archives is to provide comprehensive Tibetan cultural resources and to promote an environment that encourages research and an exchange of knowledge between scholars and students. It is located near the Central Tibetan Administration headquarters.

Dharamsala Cricket Stadium

Himachal Pradesh Cricket Association Stadium, is a picturesque stadium located in Dharamshala, it is considered as one of the most beautiful cricket grounds in the world. The picturesque venue is unique in India as it is situated at an altitude of 1,457m above the sea level and has the snow-capped Himalayan mountains in the background.

Bhagsunag Temple and Waterfall

Located one km from McLeod Ganj is an ancient Hindu temple dedicated to Bhagsu Nag, the snake god, and to Lord Shiva. A freshwater spring, in which pilgrims take a holy dip flow through the temple. Bhagsunath temple is a tranquil medieval temple, with plentiful pools around, considered sacred by Hindu devotees.

Tibetan Institute of Performing Arts

Tibetan Institute of performing Arts is premier Institute entrusted with the responsibility of preserving and promoting Tibet’s ancient and unique culture including its rich musical heritage. You can check if they have cultural show open for public during your stay.

Tushita Meditation Center

Tushita is a centre of the study and practice of Buddhism from the Tibetan Mahayana. It is located in the forested hills above the town of Mcleod Ganj in the village Dharamkot. The centre offers regular introductory courses on Buddhist philosophy and meditation, as well as intermediate level courses and group retreats for experienced students.

Triund

Triund is a 9000 ft ridge behind the Dhauladhar range, and is the goal of a popular 9km trek for a day or overnight stay. From the top, it has the perfect view of the Dhauladhar mountains on one side and Kangra valley on the other. Triund attracts a lot of tourists every year from within India as well as international visitors.

Dal Lake and Naddi Village

Located at the height of 1775 mtrs. above sea level near the village of Tota Rani in the Kangra district of Mcleodganj in Himachal Pradesh, the Dal Lake is a small yet picturesque lake. This tourist attraction is visited by nature lovers throughout the day. A short car ride or hike up the road is the Naddi village, a starting point for a number of treks.

Dolmaling Nunnery

Dolma Ling Nunnery and Institute of Buddhist Dialectics is a non-sectarian nunnery located in the Kangra valley near Dharamsala. The large campus is home to about 250 nuns. Dolma Ling is unique because it offers a 17-year curriculum of traditional Buddhist philosophy and debate, as well as modern courses in Tibetan language, English, basic mathematics, and computer skills.

Gyuto Monastery

The Gyuto Monastery is known for its study of Tantric meditation, Tantric ritual arts and Buddhist philosophy. It is located in Sidhbari, Dharamsala. This Monastery was built in the memory of soldiers who devoted their lives for the Tibet Freedom war.