Namgyal Monastery, located in McLeod Ganj, Dharamsala, is a significant and vibrant center of Tibetan Buddhism and culture. Often referred to as the "Dalai Lama's Temple," it holds the distinction of being the personal monastery of the 14th Dalai Lama, Tenzin Gyatso. Established originally in Tibet in the 16th century and later re-established in Dharamsala following the Tibetan uprising in 1959, Namgyal Monastery plays a crucial role in preserving Tibetan traditions and assisting with the religious rituals involving the Dalai Lama. Home to nearly 200 monks representing all four main Tibetan monastic lineages, the monastery is a hub of learning and spiritual practice. Its curriculum includes the study of Sutra and Tantra texts, Buddhist philosophy, and the art of debate. Visitors can often witness the monks engaging in lively philosophical debates in the courtyard, a unique and fascinating aspect of their training. The monastery is also renowned for its intricate artistic traditions, including the creation of butter sculptures and colored sand mandalas, as well as the performance of sacred monastic dances, ritual music, and chanting. The temple complex itself is visually striking, featuring traditional Tibetan architecture, vibrant prayer flags fluttering in the mountain breeze, and intricately adorned prayer wheels. The main shrine houses an impressive statue of Sakyamuni Buddha. The atmosphere within the monastery is generally serene and conducive to contemplation, offering a peaceful respite from the bustling streets of McLeod Ganj. Photography is often restricted inside the prayer halls to maintain the sanctity of the space. As the largest Tibetan temple outside of Tibet, Namgyal Monastery is a must-visit for those interested in experiencing Tibetan culture and spirituality in Dharamsala.

Really enjoyed our visit to the State War Memorial. It’s a peaceful and beautiful spot—feels super calm and refreshing. It’s also a great place to go with family. There’s even a small kids' play area, which was perfect for our little one to have some fun while we explored. The memorial itself is well-maintained and honors the soldiers who gave their lives in various wars—really makes you stop and appreciate their sacrifice. It’s quite touching to see all the names engraved there. There are a few stalls right outside where you can grab a quick bite, which is always a plus after walking around. Definitely worth a visit if you’re in Dharamshala—calm, scenic, and meaningful all in one place.

Absolutely breathtaking venue! The HPCA Stadium offers a unique cricket-watching experience with the snow-capped Dhauladhar mountains as a stunning backdrop. The atmosphere during matches is electric, and even on non-match days, it’s worth visiting for the views alone. Seating is decent, and the pitch conditions have improved significantly in recent years. However, parking is limited, and facilities like washrooms and food stalls could use better management during large events. Best to visit during a day match to enjoy the scenic beauty. A must-see for cricket fans and travelers alike!

A Great experience to visit. A mind relaxing place. Go there sit in silance and feel the relax. Enjoyed my journey. This is an experience all must feel it. It is in the second floor. No ticket. Photography is allowed. Many devotees come to pray.

The Museum of Kangra Art, located in Dharamshala, Himachal Pradesh, is a remarkable institution dedicated to showcasing the rich cultural and artistic heritage of the Kangra region. Nestled in the scenic hills of Dharamshala, the museum offers a unique glimpse into the region's artistic evolution, emphasizing the Kangra School of painting, a significant part of Indian art history. Upon entering the museum, visitors are welcomed by its thoughtfully curated exhibits, which include a wide range of Kangra paintings, ancient sculptures, decorative arts, and traditional artifacts. The Kangra School, known for its exquisite miniature paintings, flourished in the 18th century under the patronage of the local Rajput rulers. The museum showcases several masterpieces from this period, many of which depict themes from Hindu mythology, portraits, and landscapes. These artworks are celebrated for their delicate brushwork, vibrant colors, and intricate detailing, characteristic of the Kangra style. The museum’s collection also highlights the rich history of the region, with displays of ancient sculptures, wooden carvings, and textiles, offering insights into the cultural and religious practices of the time. A significant section of the museum is dedicated to the ancient artifacts and stone sculptures that reflect the region's Buddhist heritage, a nod to Dharamshala’s proximity to Tibetan settlements. The displays highlight the Buddhist influence on local culture, with several pieces showing intricate depictions of deities and figures associated with Tibetan Buddhism. The museum is not just a space for viewing art but also a learning hub, where visitors can delve deeper into the history and significance of the Kangra region’s artistic traditions. The informative descriptions accompanying each exhibit are detailed, providing context to the paintings and artifacts on display, making it an enriching experience for art enthusiasts, history buffs, and casual visitors alike. It serves as an important center for the preservation of the region’s cultural heritage. In addition to the permanent collections, the museum occasionally hosts temporary exhibitions, workshops, and cultural events, which further enhance its role as an interactive space for both locals and tourists. The museum’s setting in Dharamshala, a popular hill station known for its Tibetan culture, adds a unique charm to the experience. Visitors can enjoy panoramic views of the surrounding mountains, adding to the overall appeal of the museum. Overall, the Museum of Kangra Art is an enriching experience, offering a deep dive into the artistic traditions of one of India’s most culturally vibrant regions. Its serene environment, informative exhibits, and dedication to preserving local heritage make it a noteworthy destination for anyone visiting Dharamshala.

This is the second place in Mcleodganj we tried Tibet food. No doubt this is one of our favourite place. The chef is friendly and amazing. You will understand his efforts while tasting the food. The soup and texture of the thenthuk was so yum. It was so soothing for that cold weather. I loved their Tibet butter tea as well. The ambience is so cute, calm and relaxing.

Lung Ta Japanese Restaurant is one of the most reasonably priced Japanese restaurant in the world where you can enjoy delicious food! In addition to Japanese food, you can also enjoy delicious bread and desserts. Besides chai and coffee, other drinks you shouldn't miss are green tea and Japanese roasted Tea(hojicha). Especially, one of my favorite is hojicha. Another reason I like this restaurant is because of its name, Lung Ta. Now that we are in the age of wind, I feel that there is a very deep meaning in this name.

Beautiful heartwarming cozy cafe with an owner who advocates for a vegan diet. You'll need to get here by cab or walking. The nearest paid public car park is a bit far. It's a small cafe with 3 to 4 tables in a room, located on first floor with no lifts. Accessibility could be challenging for some. You'll love the spirit of the place if you care about the establishment being pro-vegan though they carry vegetarian food as well. The owner is a lovely lady who cares about her causes. The place is stacked with a mini library that reflects her values. The menu is fairly limited to crepes, waffles, sandwiches, and other finger foods but you could still enjoy a meal here if you'd like that. The food itself was excellent. The thick banana Nutella pancake was heavenly. The vegan choco chip cookies blew my mind as they were made sugar free. I couldn't understand how it tasted so well if it had no sugar. The avacado sandwich and waffle tasted great too. My wife who is vegan loved the food and wished coming back on a Wednesday when the cafe offers only vegan dishes. Very thoughtful way to promote veganism. The food was well priced, expensive for Mcleodganj standards but definitely worth it if you care about supporting great vegan food!

Wow a pleasant surprise. Great food , tea and all in a reasonable price and good clean seating !! Super Aloo Parantha, and sandwich !!

Good restaurant to dine in, they have a place to park, punjabi dishes available.