12 Incredible Ways to enjoy true 'Essence of Dharamshala'
Dharamshala, in the Indian state of Himachal Pradesh, is steeped in history, from ancient times to British occupation during the Empire, and more recently, as the heart of the Tibetan exile community in India. It is a safe haven for His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama, the Tibetan government in exile, and Tibetan refugees, and it has a diverse cultural mix. Find here the best ways to feel the essence of this fascinating place:

1.    Visit Tsuglagkhang temple complex: The Tsuglagkhang temple complex is one of Dharamshala's most famous attractions. It is known as the Dalai Lama temple and is a holy site for the Tibetan culture. This breathtaking location is a must-see for anyone visiting Dharamshala. Because of the Tibetan communities that have lived in the region around Dharamshala and McLeodGanj for a long time under the leadership of H.H. Dali Lama, it is known as India's Little Lhasa. Travelers have the opportunity to communicate with the Dalai Lama through frequent workshops and occasional speech activities. The Tsuglagkhang complex is beautiful, and you can spend some time there watching monks pray and learning about their lives.

2.    Enlightening trip to Norbulingka Institute: The Norbulingka Institute is an educational and training institution that was established in 1988 as a centre for the preservation of Tibetan art, culture, and literature. All Tibetans in Dharamshala are educated, employed, and trained at the centre, passing on the country's valuable heritage and tradition. There are several beautiful and high-quality pieces of clothes, art, and home furnishings to be found here.

3.    Quench your Shopping Thrift: Shopping is one of the most common activities in Dharamshala, with everything from jewellery to woollens. You can shop both in the showrooms and on the streets in this city. Walking around Dharamshala's markets, you'll come across accessories made of various stones, woollens knit right in front of your eyes, colourful prayer flags, and handicrafts that speak volumes about Tibetan and Indie cultures.

4.    Seek blessings at Bhagsunag Temple: The Bhagsunag temple, dedicated to Lord Shiva, is one of Dharamshala's most historically significant and visited temples. The temple's elevation, combined with the breathtaking beauty of its surroundings, makes it a must-see.

5.    Experience bliss at Namgyal Monastery: The Namgyal Monastery is one of Dharamshala's most popular tourist attractions. Namgyal, a large monastery, is a well-known destination for monks from all over the world. When the Dalai Lama visits the city, he stays here. From the top of the monastery, there are meditation rooms, a temple complex surrounded by prayer wheels, and spectacular views of the area.

6.    Trek to Dharamkot: If you find Mcleodganj a little too congested, there's a great peaceful place called Dharamkot just above it. The view of the mountains is better from this location since it is higher up. It's a long and arduous walk up the slope. You can either walk or take a taxi from Mcleodganj's main station if you're feeling lazy. Enjoy the breathtaking views of the snow-capped mountains.

7.    Charming rock cut temples of Masrur: Masrur is home to the only rock shrines in all of North India, so make a point of visiting for a one-of-a-kind sightseeing experience. Masrur, a well-known archaeological site in Dharamshala, is known for its numerous rock-cut temples. A group of 15 monolithic, richly carved rock-cut temples depicting the Indo-Aryan style of art can be found here.

8.    Some more treks: If the hills are your thing, you'll love trekking, which is one of the most common activities in Dharamshala and Mcleodganj. Dharamshala is ideal for anyone who wants to go trekking, whether they are beginners or experts. The town also serves as a starting point for many famous trekking routes to destinations such as Chamba, Triund, and Indrahar Pass.

9.    Unravel history at State Art Museum: The Kangra art museum is the place to go if you want to learn about the history of the places you visit. It houses items and artefacts from the Tibetan and Buddhist periods, demonstrating their influence on Dharamshala as a whole. The museum opened in 1990 and is now one of Dharamshala's most famous attractions.

10.    Leisure time at Dal Lake: Dal Lake, named after the beautiful lake of the same name in Kashmir, is one of Dharamshala's must-see attractions. Take a walk along the lake if you're looking for something to do in Dharamshala, particularly in the evening. There is no admission charge, and there are plenty of places to relax and take in the scenery.

11.    Heal through Yoga and Meditation: The majority of visitors come to learn about various philosophies, get an introduction to Buddhism, attend yoga courses, or participate in a silent 10-day meditation retreat. The majority of the accommodations include a bed, hot water, WiFi, a bathroom, and some simple closets and drawers. The plans and schedule are straightforward, albeit in charming settings.

12.    A day at Naddi Village: The elevation of this location is 7,152 feet above sea level. Beautiful views of the lush green Kangra Valley and the Dhauladhar Range can be seen from here. You can really drink in the serenity and become one with nature away from the hustle and bustle of the world. Visitors may go to Sunset Point, View Point, or Echo Point, which all provide spectacular views of the surrounding countryside.