Dalai Lama Temple Dharamshala
Mcleodganj is a holy city in Dharamshala, which is famous for many attractions including the Dalai Lama temple. This temple is also called as Tsuglakhang Temple. Dalai Lama visits this temple twice or thrice every year to preach and bless. Thus, the temple gets its name as Dalai Lama Temple.
If you are lucky enough to visit the temple during his visit, you can listen to his preaching. Very close to the residence of Dalai Lama, this temple stands as an important pilgrimage spot. This temple is famous for providing religious teachings. The most important feature of this temple is the morning ritual.
Norbulingka Institute
The Norbulingka Institute, nestled in the scenic Kangra Valley, is situated at the foothills of the Himalayas near Dharamshala, in Himachal Pradesh, India. Founded in 1988 under the vision of His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama, the institute’s primary objective is to preserve and promote Tibetan culture and arts. The name ‘Norbulingka’ means ‘The Jewelled Garden’, and true to its name, the institute offers a tranquil and artistic environment to visitors. Traditional Tibetan architecture characterizes the institute’s buildings, with brightly painted wood, intricate carvings, and murals. The institute acts as a center for learning and preserving traditional Tibetan arts such as Thangka painting, wood carving, and statue-making.
Gyuto Tantric Monastery Temple
The great tantric institute called Gyuto Tantric Monastery(GyutoDratsang) was established for the preservation and promotion of the tradition of tantric teachings of the great TeacherTsongkhapa, thecrown among the learned and accomplished masters of Tibet, who had the transmission ofthe entire teachings of the Buddha, through Nagarjuna and other learned Indian Buddhist scholars of NalandaUniversityand great Tibetan translators and accomplished masters.
Namgyal monastery
Namgyal Monastery Institute of Buddhist Studies in Ithaca, New York, is the North American Seat of the Personal Monastery of His Holiness the Dalai Lama. The founding of Namgyal-Ithaca in 1992 marked an important new phase in the history of Buddhism and Tibetan culture in America. Launched with the inspiration of the late Venerable Pema Losang Chogyen, a Namgyal monk, and several of his American friends, Namgyal-Ithaca was established as a branch of the main Namgyal Monastery located in Dharamsala, India. The primary mission of the newly established Ithaca branch was to offer Western students the opportunity to study authentic Tibetan Buddhism in a monastic setting.
Bhagsu Nag Temple
A medieval shrine, Bhagsunath is Shiva Temple situated about 3kms from Mcleodganj. The temple has been highly revered by the Hindus and the Gorkha Community. The sacred shrine is famed for its two pools that are believed to have healing properties. The best time to visit Bhagsunath Temple is during the annual fair that takes place here in the month of September. The Dal Lake, Kotwali Bazaar and Bhagsu Fall are the main attractions around this holy shrine.
The Tibet Museum
The Tibet Museum of the Department of Information and International Relations, Central Tibetan Administration, was established in 1998 with the purpose to document, preserve, research, exhibit and educate Tibetans and non-Tibetans on all matters related to Tibet’s history, culture and present situation.
The Tibet Museum being located in the Main Temple complex in McLeod Ganj, Dharamsala is visited by thousands of foreigners, Tibetans and Indians every year. The museum’s beautiful building, location and the wealth of knowledge makes it a must-see for anyone living in or visiting Dharamsala.
Tushita Meditation Centre
Tushita Meditation Centre is a centre for the study and practice of Buddhism from the Tibetan Mahayana tradition. We’re located on a forested mountain slope in the Dhauladhar range, above the town of McLeod Ganj – the seat in exile of His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama – in Himachal Pradesh, Northern India.
Tushita aims to provide a friendly environment for people of all nationalities to learn about and practice the teachings of the Buddha. We organize courses on Buddhist philosophy and meditation, as well as group retreats for experienced students.
Library of Tibetan Works and Archives
The Library of Tibetan Works and Archives (LTWA) is a Tibetan library in Dharamshala, India. The library was founded by Tenzin Gyatso, the 14th Dalai Lama on 11 June 1970, and is considered one of the most important libraries and institutions of Tibetan works in the world.
The library contains sources which were relocated from Tibet during the 1959 escape, including important Tibetan Buddhist manuscripts and archives related to Tibet’s history, politics, culture and even art. It possesses more than 80,000 manuscripts, books and documents; over 600 thangkas, statues and other artefacts of Buddhist heritage; 10,000 photographs; and many other materials.
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.
Kangra Fort
The Kangra Fort was built by the royal Rajput family of Kangra State (the Katoch dynasty), which traces its origins to the ancient Trigarta Kingdom, mentioned in the Mahabharata epic. It is the largest fort in the Himalayas and probably the oldest dated fort in India. The fort of Kangra resisted Akbar’s siege in 1615. However, Akbar’s son Jehangir successfully subdued the fort in 1620, forcing the submission of the Raja of Chamba, “the greatest of all the rajas in the region”. Mughal Emperor Jahangir with the help of Suraj Mal garrisoned with his troops.
Himalayan Art Museum
‘Himalayan Art Museum’ connects us to the rich cultural heritage of India and Tibet. The museum aims to generate awareness about the Buddhist art through contemporary quality thangka works based on the tradition carried forward by Indian and Tibetan masters. This museum is a window to the 2,300 years old journey of the tradition of Buddhist paintings and the evolution of art through ages and geographies. The museum exhibits the finest master pieces created by Master Locho and Sarika Singh.
Paragliding
Paragliding offers a unique opportunity to soar through the skies like a free bird, gliding effortlessly over hills and valleys. While it is an inherently risky activity, when conducted under expert supervision, it becomes an exhilarating and adventurous experience.
One of the top destinations for paragliding is Bir-Billing in Kangra district, renowned as one of the best paragliding sites globally. It frequently hosts prestigious events such as the **World Cup** and other international competitions in the sport.
Himachal Pradesh Cricket Stadium
Himachal Pradesh Cricket Association Stadium (abbreviated as the HPCA Stadium) is an international cricket stadium in Dharamshala hill station of Himachal Pradesh, India.
The stadium is the home ground of Himachal Pradesh cricket team, Himachal Pradesh women’s cricket team and headquarters of Himachal Pradesh Cricket Association, the governing body of cricket in the state of Himachal Pradesh. It hosted 5 matches of the 2023 Cricket World Cup, including New Zealand v India. However the stadium was accused of having a bad outfield and players played with the potential risk of injury.
Church of St. John in the Wilderness
St. John in the Wilderness is a Protestant church dedicated to John the Baptist. It was built in 1852 and is located near Dharamshala, India, on the way to McLeod Ganj, at Forsyth Gunj. Set amidst deodar forest, and built in neo-Gothic architecture, the Church is known for its Belgian stained-glass windows donated by Lady Elgin (Mary Louisa Lambton), wife of Lord Elgin. The Church is under Diocese of Amritsar. Rev.Khojee is the presbyter in charge of this church
Dharamshala sky/ rope Way
The Dharamshala Skyway links the bustling city of Dharamshala with the serene hill station of McLeod Ganj, offering a unique travel experience as the first mono-cable ropeway system in Kangra district built to European CEN standards.
Starting from the heart of Dharamshala, the journey takes you gliding above the Himalayan foothills, ascending to a height of 362 meters. Along the way, you’ll be captivated by the breathtaking vistas of the majestic Dhauladhar mountain range. The ride concludes with a gentle descent into the tranquil village of McLeod Ganj, renowned as the residence of His Holiness the Dalai Lama.
Aghanjar Mahadev Temple
The Aghanjar Mahadev Temple in Khaniyara Valley, near Dharamshala, Himachal Pradesh, is a revered shrine dedicated to Lord Shiva. Nestled amidst the Dhauladhar mountains, it is over 500 years old and steeped in Hindu mythology. Linked to the Pandavas from the Mahabharata, the temple is believed to be where they worshiped Lord Shiva during their exile. According to legend, Lord Shiva appeared here to offer them solace and blessings for strength.
