Experience a serene vacation exploring the exquisiteness of nature with a vacation in the picturesque Dharamshala. Situated at an average altitude of 1,475 meters above sea level, Dharamshala lies on the scenic stretch of land of Kangra Valley making tourists spellbound for its spectacular beauty. Often cited as the ‘Little Lhasa of India’, Dharamshala is popularly known as the holy residence of the exiled Tibetan monk Dalai Lama.
McLeod Ganj (4.6 Kms/ 15 minutes) is a suburb and Tibetan market place of Dharamshala in Kangra district of Himachal Pradesh, India. It is known as “Little Lhasa” or “Dhasa” (a short form of Dharamshala used mainly by Tibetans) because of its large population of Tibetans. The Tibetan government-in-exile is headquartered in McLeod Ganj.
Bir (72.5 Kms/ 2 Hour 40 minutes) is a village located in the west of Joginder Nagar Valley in the state of Himachal Pradesh. Bir is a noted centre for ecotourism, spiritual studies, and meditation. Bir is also home to a Tibetan refugee settlement with several Buddhist monasteries and a large stupa. Bir Billing does not invoke any second thoughts when it comes to paragliding. Being the best place to enjoy this aero sport, Bir Billing is on top of every adventure seeker’s wish list. March-May and October – November are considered the ideal months for this sport.
Naddi Village and Dal Lake (300m / 1km 5 minutes) is located at an altitude of 2000 meters above sea level, in the upper reaches of the Kangra valley. The village is situated about 3 kilometers from McLeodGanj and Dal Lake is a small mid-altitude lake (1,775 m above sea level) near the village of Tota Rani. The name ‘Dal Lake’ is taken from Kashmir’s Dal Lake. The lake is surrounded by deodar trees and is considered to be a sacred spot as there is small Shiva mandir (shrine) on its bank. There are different kinds of fish that live in this lake. The lake has greenish water
Triund is the crown jewel of Dharamshala, situated in the laps of Dhauladhar mountains; it has the perfect view of the Dhauladhar mountains on one side and Kangra valley on the other. Trek is fairly easy for the first five kilometers but the last one kilometer may require a bit of toil, the last one kilometer is popularly known as the “22 curves” as it has 22 tiring curves before you finally reach Triund. Elevation: 2,828 m
Bhagsu/Bhaksu (6.4 Kms/ 20 minutes) (also known as Bhagsunag or Bhagsunath) is a village near McLeodGanj in the Dharamshala district. Popular for Bhagsunag waterfall and an ancient temple, named Bhagsunag temple tourists need to trek to reach the waterfall. In early 18th century the Gorkhas came here with British to settle, later they formed the historic the 1st Gorkha Rifles in 1815 (The Malaun Regiment). Bhagsu is also the home of 1st Gorkha Rifles (The Malaun Regiment). As per the Indian mythology, the snake god got into a battle with King Bhagsu. The reason of the battle was that King Bhagsu had stolen water from the sacred lake called the Nag Dal Lake. King Bhagsu was defeated and eventually forgiven, and the site was consecrated as Bhagsu Nag.