Top 10 Places to Visit near Dharamshala on your Vacation

With a backdrop of mighty Dhauladhar ranges, Dharamshala is blessed with pristine natural beauty. This is the second capital of Himachal Pradesh and an amazing place to experience a serene vacation. During your visit to Dharamshala, you can also extend your stay and explore the places to visit near Dharamshala that boast tranquillity and breathtaking views. This quaint little town is a popular weekend getaway with many tourist attractions.

Surrounded by coniferous forests of deodar trees, Dharamshala is a serene hill station blessed with glistening lakes, gushing waterfalls, ancient temples, and Tibetan heritage. This place has something for every kind of traveler, from adventure fanatics to nature lovers and from history buffs to pilgrims.

Here are the 10 places to visit near Dharamshala for a memorable trip:

• Mcleodganj
• Triund
• Kangra
• Dal Lake
• Naggar
• Dalhousie
• Shimla
• Manali
• Bir
• Baijnath

1. Mcleodganj

Situated in Kangra Valley and boasting Tibetan culture, Mcleodganj is also known as Little Lhasa. It is located in Upper Dharamshala and is home to some of the most eminent monasteries in India. Blessed with the lush greenery and enchanting views of the Dhauladhar ranges, Mcleodganj is the residence of His Holiness – The Dalai Lama. Undoubtedly, this scenic hill station is among the popular tourist places to visit near Dharamshala.

• Places to visit in Mcleodganj: Bhagsu Falls, Namgyal Monastery, Tsuglagkhang Complex, Bhasunag Temple, and Tibetan Museum.
• Best time to visit: October to February
• Distance from Dharamshala: 10 km
• Travel Time: 30 minutes (approx.)
• Ideal Duration: 1 to 2 days

2. Triund

Perched at an altitude of 2,850 m above sea level, Triund Peak is situated at the foothills of the Dhauladhar range. Triund trek is among the best things to do near Dharamshala, and it is perhaps the easiest trek in the Himalayas. With breathtaking views of the snow-clad Himalayas, Triund is a delight for birdwatchers and adventure enthusiasts. The trek starts from Mcleodganj, and during winter, this place offers spellbinding views of snow-clad peaks.

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• Places to visit in Triund: Gallu Devi Temple, Shiva Cafe, Shri Kunal Pathri Devi Temple, Bhagsunag Waterfall.
• Best time to visit: May to June, September to October
• Distance from Dharamshala: 19 km
• Travel Time: 30 minutes (approx.) to Mcleodganj, trekking time is 7 to 8 hours (both ways)
• Ideal Duration: 1 to 2 days

3. Kangra

Dotted with picturesque views, lush greenery, and breathtaking vistas of the mighty Dhauladhar ranges; Kangra is an idyllic little hill station near Dharamshala. Kangra Valley has ancient temples, lush tea estates, and spellbinding landscapes. Home to one of the oldest forts in the country – Kangra Fort, this quaint little hill town is popularly known for Masroor Rock-cut Temple. These are around 15 rock-cut temples in a huge complex. This popular temple complex is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and an epitome of the finest architecture of the bygone era.

Things to do in Kangra

• Places to visit in Kangra: Kangra Fort, Jwala Ji Temple, Baijnath Temple, Kareri Lake, Brajeshwari Temple, Masroor Rock-cut Temple.
• Best time to visit: September to June
• Distance from Dharamshala: 19 km
• Travel Time: 40 minutes (approx.)
• Ideal Duration: 1 to 2 days

4. Dal Lake

Snuggled amidst the rugged mountains, Dal Lake lies at an altitude of 1,775 m above sea level. This small picturesque lake is situated in the Kangra district and is an ideal spot to laze around. Dal Lake is a paradise for nature lovers and adventure enthusiasts. The trekking expedition around the lake is an option for adventure fanatics. A fair is organized near the lake in September, owing to the auspicious temple of Lord Shiva.

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• Places to visit in Kangra: Shiva Temple, Naddi View Point.
• Best time to visit: September to June
• Distance from Dharamshala: 9 km
• Travel Time: 30 minutes (approx.)
• Ideal Duration: 1 day

5. Naggar

Naggar is situated on the bank of River Beas at an altitude of 1,800 m above sea level. This ancient town was once the capital of the Kullu kingdom. This quaint little town has abundant unexplored natural beauty, making it rank among the popular places to visit near Dharamshala. The hot water spring, picturesque landscapes, and an amazing backdrop of majestic hills make it a paradise for nature lovers and trekkers.

• Places to visit in Naggar: Naggar Castle, Uruswati Himalayan Folk Art Museum, Dagpo Shedrupling Monastery, Gauri Shankar Temple, Jagattipat Temple, Krishna Temple.
• Best time to visit: Throughout the year
• Distance from Dharamshala: 200 km
• Travel Time: 6 hours, 30 minutes (approx.)
• Ideal Duration: 1 day

6. Dalhousie

Tucked away in the lap of nature, Dalhousie boasts of colonial charm, lush greenery, and astonishing beauty. This beautiful hill town is a haven for adventure freaks as one can indulge in several activities such as paragliding, zorbing, and trekking. Khajjiar is known as ‘Mini Switzerland ‘, a popular tourist place near Dharamshala. It is an ideal place for travel aficionados as well.

• Places to visit in Dalhousie: Khajjiar, Chamba, Mall Road, Kalatop Sanctuary, Dainkund, Panchpulla, Satdhara Falls.
• Best time to visit: March to June
• Distance from Dharamshala: 118 km
• Travel Time: 3 hours, 30 minutes (approx.)
• Ideal Duration: 2 to 3 days

7. Shimla

Nestled at an altitude of 2,200 m above sea level, Shimla is a picturesque hill station owing to its unique charm. This popular hill town was the Summer Capital of British India and retains its old-world charm with beautiful colonial architecture. Ice skating is a famous sport here, and the naturally formed rink is the largest and only natural rink in South Asia. Shimla is among the best places to visit near Dharamshala due to its breathtaking landscapes.

• Places to visit in Shimla: The Ridge, Kufri, Chail, Mall Road, Christ Church, Jakhoo Temple, Green Valley, Chadwick Falls, Himachal State Museum, Naldehra.
• Best time to visit: March to June, November to February.
• Distance from Dharamshala: 230 km
• Travel Time: 6 hours, 50 minutes (approx.)
• Ideal Duration: 2 to 3 days

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8. Manali

Situated on the banks of River Beas, at an altitude of 2,050 m above sea level, Manali is blessed with jaw-dropping locales, sprawling meadows, gushing waterfalls, and ancient temples. Nestled amidst the snow-capped Pir Panjal and Dhauladhar ranges, Manali is popular among couples, families, nature lovers, and adventure junkies. There is a wide range of adventure activities in Manali, such as river rafting, paragliding, skiing, camping, and trekking, that can satiate your adventure-loving soul.

• Places to visit in Manali: Mall Road, Hadimba Temple, Manu Temple, Vashisht Temple, Kasol, Manikaran Sahib, Rohtang Pass, Solang Valley.
• Best time to visit: October to June
• Distance from Dharamshala: 214 km
• Travel Time: 6 hours, 30 minutes (approx.)
• Ideal Duration: 2 to 3 days

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9. Bir

Located at an elevation of 1,525 m above sea level, Bir is a quaint little village also known as India’s paragliding capital. This pristine village boasts serene landscapes, snow-capped hills, and lush greenery. Bir is also famous for other adventure activities like camping, trekking, mountain biking, and hand gliding, which makes it among the top places to visit near Dharamshala. This town is influenced by Tibetan culture and is an important center of spiritual studies and meditation.

• Places to visit in Bir: Tibetan Colony, Chokling Monastery, Sherabling Monastery, Tashi Jong Monastery, Tea Estate, Deer Park Institute.
• Best time to visit: April to June, September to November
• Distance from Dharamshala: 64 km
• Travel Time: 2 hours, 10 minutes (approx.)
• Ideal Duration: 1 to 2 days

10. Baijnath

One of the most popular temples of Himachal Pradesh, Baijnath Temple, is considered extremely sacred. The water of the temple is believed to hold medicinal properties. The temple is dedicated to Baijnath or Vaidyanath, the incarnation of Lord Shiva. Built-in the Nagara style of architecture, Baijnath Temple is said to be about 5,000 years old. With the backdrop of the Dhauladhar ranges, Baijnath Temple is an architectural marvel.

• Places to visit in Baijnath: Palampur, Kangra Fort, Bir Billing, Brajeshwari Temple.
• Best time to visit: Throughout the year
• Distance from Dharamshala: 51 km
• Travel Time: 1 hour, 40 minutes (approx.)
• Ideal Duration: 1 to 2 hours

Dharamshala is a popular tourist destination with an incredible nearby hideout. Take a break to explore this enchanting hill town and its nearby places. You can make your trip memorable with the list of popular places to visit near Dharamshala. Add these places to your itinerary to experience these destinations’ charm, and let us know your favorite place!