Tour To Dharamshala

DAY 1 : DALAI LAMA TEMPLE COMPLEX - BHAGSUNATH TEMPLE - BHAGSUNAG WATERFALL

Duration of visit: 30 Mins

At a distance of 3 km from Dharamshala and 6 km from McLeod Ganj, Namgyalma Stupa is an old Buddhist structure situated at Uparli Barol.

Namgyalma Stupa is a dome-shaped construction that contains the remains of Buddha, which the Tibetans consider to be a sacred place of worship. It holds a huge shrine of Sakyamuni Buddha. The Namgyalma Stupa was constructed in the remembrance of the Tibetan soldiers who fought for the freedom of Tibet. This structure is similar in design to the structure built during the 3rd century BC by King Ashoka.

The Namgyalma Stupa is carved from sandstone and is made with a vision of being long-lasting. It is a belief among Tibetans that anything that falls on the Namgyalma Stupa gets purified. Some believe that rain water falling on the Stupa is blessed. It is also believed that a visit to the Namgyalma Stupa cleanses any bad karma that exists in the soul. The Stupa is surrounded by a number of prayer wheels. Tibetans who visit the Stupa for worship circle it rotating the wheels and reciting prayers.

Tsuglagkhang / Dalai Lama Temple Complex

Duration of visit: 1 Hou

At a distance of 2 km from McLeod Ganj Bus Stand and 4 km from Dharamshala, Tsuglagkhang Monastery is the most important Buddhist Monastery situated in McLeod Ganj suburb of Daramshala in Himachal Pradesh.

Tsuglag Khang, also known as Dalai Lama's Temple complex, is the home for His Holiness Dalai Lama. It is among the world renowned religious centers and is thronged by Buddhist pilgrims throughout the year. Tsuglagkhang Monastery is beautifully built structure. This is more like a temple along with being a residential complex for His Holiness and his followers.

The complex houses the Photang (Dalai Lama's residence), Tibet Museum, Tsuglagkhang Temple, and Namgyal Gompa. The monastery deals with training of monks for rituals associated with holy shrine, whereas the temple is a chief place of worship. A beautifully decorated statue of Lord Buddha along with beautiful statues of Padmasambhava and Avalokiteshvara are housed in the temple. It is open from sunrise to sunset each day and is visited by thousands of tourist and devotees.

Tsechokling Gompa

Duration of visit: 30 Mins - 1 Hr

At a distance of 200 m from McLeod Ganj Bus Stand and 9 km from Dharamshala, Tsechokling Gompa, also known as Tse Chok Ling Gompa is a religious monument constructed on a steep hillside in McLeod Ganj.

Tsechokling Gompa is amongst the popular monasteries in the region and is highly regarded for its cultural significance. This peaceful Gompa was built in 1987 to replicate the original Dip Tse Chok Ling Gompa in Tibet, destroyed in the Revolution. Home to a small order of Gelukpa monks, the prayer hall enshrines a statue of Sakyamuni in a magnificent jeweled headdress.

The monks who lived in the Gompa made two huge drums covered in goatskin and painted beautifully. The Gompa is famous for the fine Mandalas.

St. John Church

Duration of visit: 30 Mins

At a distance of 1 km from McLeod Ganj and 8 km from Dharamshala, St. John Church, also known as St. John In The Wilderness, is an Anglican church situated at Forsyth Ganj on the way to McLeod Ganj amidst beautiful deodar trees.

The church was dedicated to Saint John the Baptist and was constructed in 1852. The Church is a historic monument and one of the oldest churches in the region. It is built in Neo-Gothic architectural style and features Belgian stained-glass windows that were donated by Lady Elgin, wife of Lord Elgin.

The church was built with grey stone and is one of the few buildings still in existence in the town from the British era. The British style of architecture is extremely evident in the edifice of the church, with elegant wood of the altar and the brass handles of the oil lamps. These lamps have now been replaced with electric lamps. In 1905 an earthquake destroyed the bell tower of this church. A new bell was built in 1915, which was brought from England. The bell hangs down from a high tower which is about 300 feet tall.

The church is the final resting place of Lord Elgin, who was the former viceroy of India. The church also has a Christian style cemetery that is well maintained. It is believed that the viceroy liked the place of Dharamshala so much that he asked to be buried in the cemetery of St. John Church. In the same premises is also the grave of the Lieutenant General of Punjab David McLeod after whom the place is named.

Timings: 7 AM to 6 PM

Bhagsunath Temple

Duration of visit: 30 Mins

At a distance of 2 km from McLeod Ganj Bus Stand & 6 km from Dharamshala, Bhagsu Nag Temple also known as Bhagsunath Temple is one of the popular ancient temples located in McLeod Ganj. The temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva and the local deity Bhagsu Nag.

Bhagsu Nag Mandir is an ancient temple believed to have been built by King Bhagsu from Rajasthan. The present Bhagsu Nag temple was constructed by 1st Gurkha Rifles in early 19th century and worshipped majorly by 14 Gurkha platoon villages in Dharamshala. Adjacent to the temple building are a series of pools where Buddhist monks and visitors enjoy baths. An annual fair is conducted in the month of September at this temple which attracts tourist from the entire region.

This temple is situated on the way to Bhagsunag Waterfall.

Bhagsunag Waterfall / Bhagsu Falls

Duration of visit: 1 Hour

At a distance of 3 km from McLeod Ganj & 7 km from Dharamshala, Bhagsunag Falls, also known as Bhagsu Falls, is an beautiful waterfall situated at Bhagsu village behind Bhagsunath Temple near McLeod Ganj in Kangra district of Himachal Pradesh.

Cascading down from a height of 20 m, this is a mid-size waterfall. During monsoon, this waterfall turns beautiful alongside a mountain that features slate graffiti. This area is covered with snowfall during winters. Tourists love to swim across the cold water which gives the pleasant and refreshing experience. Trekking is also good and much enjoyable option here.

The Bhagsu village is a popular picnic spot and also home to the famous Bhagsunath Temple dedicated to Lord Shiva. This is a famous tourist attraction and also an important place for Hindu pilgrims. Reaching this waterfall needs some hard work as visitors need to climb the hill halfway to reach the waterfall. There is a nice cafeteria next to the falls and the area serves as an excellent picnic spot for tourists. Bhagsunag Falls is about 3 km from McLeodganj and best visited by trek, although one can also drive up to Bhagsu village and trek for about 1 km to reach the falls.

Timings: 7 AM to 6 PM