McLeodganj & Tsuglagkhang (Dalai Lama Temple)
Dharamshala, Himachal Pradesh, India
Nearby attractions
Dharamkot & Gallu Devi
Dharamshala, Himachal Pradesh
The yoga-and-coder village above McLeod — slow cafés in oak shade, Vipassana and Tushita retreats, and the Gallu gate of the Triund trail.
Bhagsu Waterfall & Bhagsunag
Dharamshala, Himachal Pradesh
The snake-god's ancient tank and the shale-cliff waterfall above — via a lane of shlokas, slate cafés and the famous Bhagsu-cake bakeries.
Triund Trek
McLeod Ganj, Himachal Pradesh
The Himalaya's perfect starter trek — a 7-km forest climb from McLeod Ganj to a grassy ridge where the Dhauladhar wall erupts 3,000 m overhead; sunset turns the granite pink and campfires dot the meadow under a blaze of stars.
Norbulingka Institute
Dharamshala, Himachal Pradesh
Tibetan arts kept alive in a Japanese-styled garden campus — thangka painters, wood-carvers and appliqué masters at work, with a gilded temple at the centre.
Kareri Lake Trek
Dharamshala, Himachal Pradesh
A glacial pool at 2,934 m under Minkiani pass — shepherd trails from Kareri village, a stream you follow all day and a lakeside Shiva shrine.
Chamunda Devi Temple
Palampur, Himachal Pradesh
The wrathful goddess on the Baner's boulder bank — bathing ghats, a Shiva cave behind the sanctum and Dhauladhar rising sheer beyond.
Kangra Fort
Kangra, Himachal Pradesh
The oldest dated fort in the Himalaya — the Katoch dynasty's rock bastion over the Banganga, coveted by Mahmud of Ghazni, Akbar and Ranjit Singh alike.
Palampur Tea Gardens
Palampur, Himachal Pradesh
The Kangra tea bowl — emerald plucking rows under Dhauladhar snow, factory tours at the co-operative and colonial bungalow stays.