Top 6 Hidden Gems in Dharamshala No Tourist Will Tell You About!
Dharamshala, located in the beautiful Kangra Valley, attracts tourists who love nature and those who are on a spiritual quest. Over the years, a large number of tourists have frequented Dharamshala which is popular for its flourishing Tibetan culture, attractive scenery, and refreshing mountain air. While the more frequented places like McLeod Ganj and temple of Dalai Lama always attract tourists, there lie less popular yet beautiful spots which are quiet and don’t feel crowded at all. In this article, we present to you the six offbeat spots in Dharamshala that many travellers will not be lucky enough to explore but are fairly stunning.
In this Blog
Hidden Gem 1: Naddi Village
Description:
Located on the Slope of a mountain, Naddi Village has a view of the Dhauladhar range from the North. The dainty village swathed in the glow of the dusk and calm ambience that is only three kilometres from McLeod Ganj, has become a favourite for tourists in recent years. For people looking for peace away from busy and loud crowds, this is a perfect place.
What Makes It Special:
Naddi Village happens to be one of the few places that offer unhindered poles of gentle slopes and ridges. In contrast to the chaos of the main town, Naddi is a great place for people who want to enjoy nature’s beauty in peace. Clear nights also make it a great place for watching stars.
How to reach Naddi Village:
Naddi Village is 15 minutes’ drive from McLeod Ganj, and one can hire a taxi or walk to the village for a more scenic experience.
Hidden Gem 2: Kareri Lake
About Kareri Lake:
Kareri Lake is a shallow lake situated in the Dhauladhar range with an average altitude of about 2900 metres (9500 ft). Completely encircled by green vegetation and mighty mountains, the view around Kareri Lake is divine especially when the snowy mountains are reflected in the lake water.
Why Is it Off the Beaten Path:
Kareri Lake is less famous as it needs a moderate hike to reach, unlike many other tourist destination lakes. It makes it quiet and untouched, which is perfect for people who wish to escape the city and enjoy nature at its best.
Local Insights:
The locals here speculate that this lake is nourished by the melting snows of the peaks of the Dhauladhar range along which the lake sits so perfectly. It is accommodation for the Christ cult that a small temple of Lord Shiva is built nearby and worshippers of the God pay a visit to this temple during the festivals.
How to Reach Kareri:
For those coming from Dharamshala, the path leads to Kareri Village and from there you start the hike to the lake, which is estimated to be in the range of 5-6 hours. One should get the services of a local guide as it would be their first occasion in that area.
Hidden Gem 3: Guna Devi TempleÂ
Description:
The multinational strife over the demarcation of the borders of India and the erstwhile Soviet Union has not only led to the creation of numerous refugee families but to centres of cultural economics and action as well. One such centre is high in the slopes of the Dhauladhar range, and is dedicated to the various deified forms of Kali. There is a huge statue of Deity Guna Devi at the temple who, along with her assistants and soldiers, protects the land and her devotees.
Unique Features:
This temple can be seen as a ‘winded’ space with a picturesque view of the Kangra valley as well as a wide range of mountains on a cool day with no overcast clouds. This tranquillity is broken by the sound of Dharmashala’s busy lives. However, the focus on the temple makes it a great place to relax and unwind without being around many people.
Accessibility Tips:
Located approximately 8 km from McLoad Ganj, there are a couple of different paths available for pilgrims to reach the temple. The most convenient and widely preferred is by road, but alternatively, you can hike through the mountains and picturesque scenery originating from Naddi village.
Hidden Gem 4: Norbulingka InstituteÂ
About Norbulingka Institute:
Norbulingka Institute specialises in small-scale projects promoting and preserving Tibetan culture. Located right next to Sidhpur, Dharamsala, the institute is dedicated to maintaining traditional Tibetan practices as well. Its stunning gardens are hard to notice as the busy streets of Sidhpur perpetuate the tranquillity of the temples and Tibetan architecture. Norbulingka is also surrounded by a pleasant mountainous skyline with captivating artisan workshops placed within its premises.
Photography Opportunities:
Norbulingka Institute, built with colourful Tibetan architecture, landscaped gardens, and peaceful ponds, offers a lot of photography opportunities. One can boast about the rich details of the murals as well as the colour usage. Not bad for an Instagram spot.
Local Recommendations:
After a tiring museum tour, it would be a good idea to proceed to Norling Café which is located inside the compound. Enjoying great Tibetan food along with organic tea and coffee is a good place to be, especially with the green plants around.
How to Reach Norbulingka Institute:
Situated 20 kilometres from the town of Dharamshala, Norbulingka Institute can be accessed through local buses or taxis which are at one’s disposal for quick travel.
Hidden Gem 5: Bhagsu Waterfall Beyond the Main Falls
About Bhagsu Waterfall:
Bhagsu Waterfall is one of the places many tourists flock to but not many tourists go slightly further, their only intention being the main falls. For the more daring, a quick climb up and past the big waterfall takes one to a more perfectly secluded view of where the water tumbles, perhaps even more beautiful with all the trees surrounding it during summer.
Cultural Significance:
There is a temple nearby called Bhagsunath temple which is a famous temple for Hindu pilgrims particularly in the monsoons as it is believed to be an ancient shrine dedicated to Lord Shiva. This secret spot also has a spiritual angle since many people consider the waters to be curative, sometimes creating a diverse dimension.
Tips for visiting Bhagsu Waterfall:
Early in the morning, when the place is less crowded is the best time to visit. Please wear rough shoes while going for a walk beyond the main falls and also carry some food items to enjoy a small outing beside the quiet part of the waterfall.
Hidden Gem 6: Sunset Point at Dharamkot
About Sunset Point at Dharamkot:
Though not far from McLeod Ganj, the Sunset Point in Dharamkot has the best view of the sun setting down on the Dhauladhar range. This place is a favourite of the patients but is relatively unknown to travellers, so the atmosphere is conducive to enjoying the sunset in a peaceful setting.
Activities in Dharamkot:
Besides watching the sunset, Dharamkot has a few nice little restaurants where you can sit and enjoy a cup of tea or coffee. It is good for doing the initial walk of trekking trails such as the Triund trek.
Travel Advice:
Get back a bit earlier to ensure a suitable place has already been taken. A light coat is advisable as the temperature tends to fall quite sharply in the after sun, and do not forget your camera to capture the beautiful golden hour shots.
Conclusion
Dharamshala is a treasure trove of unique places that each give an experience that is different from the regular tourist attractions. From rustic villages and beautiful lakes to quiet temples and artefacts, these lesser-known places provide a greater appreciation of the scenic beauty and cultural richness of the region. Whether you’re a traveller to the mountains looking for peace or a romance enthusiast, visiting the least popular places will enhance your experience in Dharamshala.
Thus, the next time you visit Dharamshala, do not stick to tourist hotspots. There are a lot of hidden attractions in the region that should be more popular. These places offer a special ambiance and an experience that one must have.
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FAQ :
When do you think is the right time to visit Dharamshala’s unexplored areas?
The best months are March to June and September to November, as both times experience moderate and pretty weather.
Do these places allow family or kids to visit?
Yes, most of these destinations are appropriate for the entire family. Still, there are some places like Kareri Lake that have a certain level of difficulty, so be sure to verify accessibility before you go on an excursion.
Are these places busy at peak times when there is mass tourism?
Above all, these hidden gems are hardly visited even in the peak seasons, thus there are few or no crowds in contrast to other popular places.
How can I move around Dharamshala in a way that appears authentic?
Try spending your time in the villages, tasting Tibetan food, and cultural centres such as Norbulingka Institute rather than only the tourist-oriented activities in Dharamshala.
What are the other popular viewpoints in Dharamshala that are not so common?
In addition to that, undocumented yet exquisite vistas are found at the Sunset point in Dharamkot and top of Guna Devi Temple.
What are the beautiful places in Dharamshala which are better off unvisited due to their popularity in Instagram?
Norbulingka Institute, Naddi Village, and certain unsullied parts of Bhagsu Waterfall are the most perfect in so many houses-up in the Instagram sites.
