Dharamshala is found within the upper reaches of the Kangra valley in Himachal Pradesh and is placed at a mean altitude of 1,475 meters above water level. The city is surrounded a thick cover of deodar trees and is one among the main strong holds for the Tibetan refugees and therefore the seat of the 14th dalai lama of the Tibetan sect of Buddhism. The town thanks to its picturesque surroundings and therefore the presence of the Dalai Lama has made the town a well-liked tourist destination, both for the Indians and therefore the foreign tourists.
Namgyal Monastery was established by the 3rd Dalai Lama in 1575 and was relocated to Dharamshala following the 1959 Tibetan uprising. The monastery is one among the main learning and cultural centers of the Tibetan populated in Dharamsala. The monastery currently houses around 200 Tibetan monks and is one among the foremost frequented places in Dharamshala.
Masrur is legendary for its various rock-cut temples that go back to the 8th century AD. The carvings within the temples are finely detailed and are almost like that of the Ellora caves in Maharashtra and contain various images of the Hindu deities like Lord Ram, Sita and Lakshmana from the oldest Hindu epic, Ramayana.
A perfect place for adventurers and hikers, Kareri Lake is an unexplored gem of the Dhauladhar range. It’s not easily accessible by roads and thus not a way visited site but its isolation has helped in its preservation. This location also is a base camp for trekkers moving towards Dhauladhar range.
One of the oldest and important monastery, Gyuto Monastery was established by the disciple of the primary Dalai Lama in 1474 in eastern Tibet. It was reestablished near Dharamsala after Chinese invaded Tibet and forced Tibetans to flee to India. It now houses over five hundred monks who reside here spending their time in meditation and learning Buddhism philosophy. Dedicated to handing down the teachings of its founder, Gyuto Monastery is a must visit for people wanting a glimpse into Buddhism philosophy and Tantric meditation.
Kangra Museum houses various articles and artifacts that are significant to the Tibetan Buddhists and therefore the Kangra Valley culture. The various manuscripts, handicrafts, pottery place here go back to the 5th century and therefore the facility also contains a library.
Kangra Fort was the seat and residence of the one among the oldest existing dynasties within the World. The Katoch rulers of Kangra belong to the lineage of the rulers of Trigarta mentioned within the Hindu Epics Ramayana and Mahabharata and also in Alexander the Great’s war records. The fort complex contains several well detailed halls and watchtowers alongside a few of temples that go back to the 9th century AD.
This quaint and serene village provides a number of the simplest views of the nearby terrain. Naddi Village is usually visited by trekkers going towards Mcleodganj but recently it’s also become popular among other tourists. Its serenic beauty, favourable climate and therefore the many fairs have attracted many that come here to relax within the lap of nature.