10 Reasons You Should be Visiting Dharamsala, India  

All opinions are mine and mine alone.

10 Reasons You Should be Visiting Dharamsala, India  

If you give yourself plenty of self-care and love to do spiritual practices, you will be breathing in bliss every moment of your time in Dharamsala. No doubt about it, Dharamsala, India will enchant you. There is an abundance of history and the Tibetans are deeply rooted here. This is where the Dalai Lama calls home now. He has his own personal temple here and there are museums that help you understand what happened to the Tibetan people.  

All this, plus you can do yoga in Dharamsala, go on treks into the mountains, have afternoon tea from local tea growers, and so much more. Here are the main reasons you’ll want to be visiting this world-famous city. 

1. Hillside Houses 

The houses that reside on the hills are incredible and photo-worthy. There are temples as well. All of this is surrounded by a cedar forest. The whole upper part of Dharamsala (McLeod Ganj) is populated by Tibetans. You have probably seen this part of the city in movies. It’s just one of the magical things that exist here. 

2. So Many Places to Be at Peace 

This city is truly a place that is supposed to be celebrated in a calm, peaceful way. There is a presence of spirituality here. Maybe it’s the mountains or the constant presence of Tibetan monks blessing life in the way that they do. You can do yoga in Dharamsala, go into a meditation hall, or just find a quiet place on a mountain peak outside to be alone with your thoughts. There is an air of love and tranquility here that puts you in a constant state of consciousness.  

3. Trekking the Kangra Valley 

One of the wonderful trips you can take is a one-day tour that starts from Dharamsala. It’s called the Kangra Valley which is an incredible must-see gorge. While this is a main highlight, there is much to take in on the trek. You are walking in the mountains as peeks tower above you. You will see the ancient Masroor Rock temples along the way, dating back to the 8th century. This is a bucket list kind of experience.  

4. Go to the Tsuglagkhang Complex Dalai Lama Temple 

This site is primarily popular because the Dalai Lama’s temple is here. There is a monastery within the complex with some lovely stupas as well. The complex does a great job of representing the life and culture of Tibet. You can learn all about their history and what they’ve been through over the years. It is a wonderful place of serenity if you just want to take in the peace. The prayer halls here are mesmerizing. There is a café and library located within the premises too.  

5. Visit the Tibet Museum 

The Tibet Museum shouldn’t be missed. It is close to his honor, the Dalai Lama’s main temple in the upper part of Dharamsala, also known as McLeod Ganj. This museum is the official building that holds important pieces of Tibet’s history. 

6. Going for Tea 

The Dharamsala Tea Company is a wonderful place to spend some time. The tea company has a large role to play in the Himalayas and has been planting tea for six generations now. The Kangra tea is world famous for it’s high altitude growing. They have a beautiful set of values surrounding their tea which includes simplicity, to be totally natural and pure, full of love and of course sustainable. After you’re done doing morning yoga in Dharamsala, this is a lovely way to take in an afternoon. 

7. Spend Some Time at Dal Lake 

There is a lovely little lake in Dharmasala called Dal Lake. It is popular to visit and sits high up in altitude. Due to its altitude, it’s surrounded by small trees but there is also a canopy of deodar trees. There is a sacred Shiva temple which gives this place a magical vibe. It’s easy to get to and from the lake from Dharamsala. 

8. Visit Triund, the Small Hill Station 

This little hill station is at the foot of the Dhauladhar ranges, which are nearly 3,000 metres high. It is located a bit North of Dharamsala. When you get here, you can see the Kangra Valley on one side and the Dhauladhar Mountains on the other side. When you take the trek to Triund, you’ll be getting to see the incredible forestation that surrounds you. You are one with nature and this trek is not for the faint of heart. There are steep mountainsides you’ll be encountering as you make your way to the top. One of the nice things about this trek is you’ll always have food and light snacks available thanks to concessions along the way.  

9. Yoga in Dharamsala 

The surrounding area and the rich Tibetan Buddhist history makes it a mecca for yoga in Dharamsala. There are ashrams, schools, and yoga studios to choose from that offer all kinds of yoga. You can do drop-in classes, do your yoga teaching training in Dharamsala (how good would that look on your resume?), or take in an immersive yoga retreat. The yoga here takes you deeper and you will be deeply rewarded through your efforts of bettering yourself through this ancient practice in this ancient city. 

10. Spirituality in Dharamsala 

There are also many ways you can tap into your soul here in Dharamsala. You can go into a monastery and do some meditation with Tibetan Buddhist monks. You can just sit in the forest, by the lake, or at the tea gardens. There are many different spiritual classes you can attend as well. This inspiring city will make it easy for you to tap into your deeper self. There are plenty of guides to help you along your journey too.  

Dharamsala offers you a little bit of everything. An excellent camping or trekking adventure, peaceful moments to reflect. It is rich in history and spirituality. The mountains and forest are an inspiring backdrop that will bring you great bliss. It is the trip of a lifetime to come here and there is so much waiting for you to see.