Nature Lovers Itinerary: Dharamshala, Bir, Kangra Valley

  1. Day 1 - Hiking in Dal Lake
    30 minutes (11 km) from Dharamshala

    Hike the shaded paths of Dal Lake and temple surrounded by deodar trees, the largest cedar species in the world. Enjoy a peaceful boat ride in the lake and take in the stunning mountain views.

  2. Day 2 - Monasteries and Waterfalls
    1 hour 5 minutes (27 km) from Dharamshala

    Visit Bhagsu Nag Temple and Bhagsu Falls, the picturesque waterfall and worth hiking to the top. Explore Tibetan History and Culture at Tsuglag Khang, the Dalai Lama's temple and nearby museum. Continue to the waterfall trail and end the day at St. John in the Wilderness Church.

  3. Day 3 - Paragliding in Bir
    1 hour (35 km) from Dharamshala

    The Bir valley is a world-famous free-flying site that attracts both novice and skilled pilots. Take a tandem flight with an experienced pilot from Billing to Bir and enjoy the panoramic views of the Dhauladhar mountain range. End the day at Deer Park Institute for Buddhist teachings.

  4. Day 4 - Kangra Fort and Temples
    40 minutes (20 km) from Dharamshala

    Visit the Kangra Fort, which dates back to the 4th century and see the beautiful shrines in the nearby temples. Explore Masroor Rock Cut Temple, a wondrous temple hewn out of a single rock. Witness Kangra miniature paintings at the Kangra Art Museum.

  5. Day 5 - Tea Gardens and Hikes
    1 hour 20 minutes (45 km) from Dharamshala

    Walk through the lush Tea Gardens in Palampur and then climb the Neogal Park hill. View the snow-capped peaks of the Dhauladhar Range while enjoying a cup of tea. Continue to the nearby Gopalpur Nature Reserve to see the region's colorful avian species.

Time and Costs Estimates

  • Dal Lake (2 hours, free)
  • Bhagsu Nag Temple (1 hour, free), Tsuglag Khang Temple (1-2 hours, free), St. John in the Wilderness Church (1 hour, free)
  • Bir Paragliding (2-3 hours, INR 3,000 per person), Deer Park Institute (1-2 hours, free)
  • Kangra Fort (1 hour, INR 150 per person), Masroor Rock Cut Temple (1-2 hours, INR 50 per person), Kangra Art Museum (1 hour, INR 200 per person)
  • Tea Gardens (2 hours, free), Neogal Park (1-2 hours, free), Gopalpur Nature Reserve (2-3 hours, INR 200 per person)
  • Total Estimated Costs: INR 3700 per person

Useful Tips

For visitors with more time, head to Dharamkot for spectacular views. Add an extra day to explore Masroor rock-cut temples and, enjoy trout fishing at the Pong Dam Reservoir. Visitors with less time can skip Kangra Fort and the Kangra Art Museum, and spend only half a day in Tsuglag Khang or select either Bhagsu Falls or the monasteries.

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