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Dharamshala meditation retreat 
Dharamshala
Dharamshala meditation retreat
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Dharamshala Travel Guide: McLeod Ganj, Tibetan Culture and Planning Travel guide · Destinations
Dharamshala Travel Guide: McLeod Ganj, Tibetan Culture and Planning
Dharamshala is a hill town in Himachal Pradesh's Kangra district, below the Dhauladhar range, in two parts: Kotwali Bazar in the lower town and McLeod Ganj above it, which Himachal Tourism calls the capital of the Tibetan government in exile. The places to visit in Dharamshala include the Tsuglagkhang, the Tibet Museum, Bhagsunag Falls and the Triund trek. Two to three days covers them.
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Frequently asked questions
Is the Triund trek suitable for beginners?
Mostly, yes. The Kangra district says almost all age groups can manage it, and Himachal Tourism calls it moderate. The first five kilometres are fairly easy; the last one, known as the 22 curves, is steep, so start early, carry water and leave time to come down in daylight.
What can you do in Dharamshala in winter?
Expect cold and a fair chance of snow, which is why Himachal Tourism suggests December to February, with heavy woollens. The Tibetan quarter, Norbulingka and short walks carry on, and so does the retreat, though our retreat page warns of occasional snow on higher ground. Keep the longer treks for summer and autumn.
What is there to do in Dharamshala with children?
The short walk to Bhagsunag's pool and waterfall, the gardens and doll museum at Norbulingka, the Kangra Art Museum at Kotwali Bazar and a picnic at Dal Lake, 4 km from McLeod Ganj, all suit children. Triund is a long climb, so keep it for older children who walk well.
Where can you see Tibetan crafts being made?
At the Norbulingka Institute in Sidhpur, whose studios train young artists under master craftsmen in thangka painting, appliqué, woodcarving and statue-making; visitors are welcome to watch. McLeod Ganj's main street sells Tibetan crafts.
About Dharamshala Tours & Experiences
The best things to do in Dharamshala are mostly on foot: the trek from McLeod Ganj to the Triund meadow, the walk past Bhagsunag temple to its waterfall, an evening in the Tibetan quarter and Norbulingka's craft workshops. Our meditation retreat in McLeod Ganj and the last night of our Himachal Hills Tour bring you here.
Reviewed by Experience My India Editorial Team · Updated 21 Oct 2026
Things to do in Dharamshala
Most activities start from McLeod Ganj, the upper town at 2,082 metres and seat of the Tibetan government in exile, rather than the lower town around Kotwali Bazar. The Dharamshala travel guide covers the sights.
Join a meditation retreat
Our Dharamshala meditation retreat typically runs guided sessions each morning and again later in the day, led by teachers at the centre, with time between them for McLeod Ganj's monasteries, cafes and hill paths. We arrange the stay and the travel.
Spend an evening in the Tibetan quarter
McLeod Ganj's main street of Tibetan craft shops and places to eat centres on the Tsuglagkhang temple. Day 6 of our Himachal Hills Tour — 7 days ends there after the drive from Manali.
Trek to Triund
From Dharamkot, above McLeod Ganj, the trail climbs through oak, deodar and rhododendron to an open meadow at 2,875 metres, looking over the Kangra valley with the Dhauladhar behind.
Go further: Kareri Lake and Indrahar Pass
Kareri, a snow-fed lake at 2,934 metres, is a trek from Dharamshala, 9 km away. Indrahar Pass, at 4,342 metres, is a demanding crossing from the Galu Devi temple near Dharamkot, made from April to October.
Walk to Bhagsunag's temple and waterfall
Bhagsunag temple, 2 km from McLeod Ganj, is built over a spring that fills a bathing pool, and an uphill path behind it leads to the falls.
Watch Tibetan artists at Norbulingka
The Norbulingka Institute at Sidhpur, 7 km from Dharamshala, was founded in 1995 to keep Tibetan arts and crafts alive, and visitors can watch its artisans at work.
Choosing between our tours and experiences
Take the retreat for several quiet days with a set rhythm of sessions; it suits meditation rather than physical yoga. Choose the Himachal Hills Tour if Dharamshala is the last night of a week from Shimla and Manali. Neither includes the treks. See also yoga and meditation in Dharamshala, Himachal Pradesh tour packages and, for paragliding in the same district, things to do in Bir Billing.
When to go for these
Himachal Tourism suggests March to June, and December to February, when snow is likely; the retreat is most comfortable in spring and autumn. July and August are the district's rainy months, when Bhagsunag's falls run fullest and paths turn slippery. Triund is a summer trek, and the Dal fair is held in August.
What to pack and how to behave
Bring cotton for summer and heavy woollens for winter, when McLeod Ganj gets really cold, and dress modestly at monasteries.
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