Top 15 Photography Spots in Dharamshala for Stunning Shots!

Introduction

Dharamshala is a small town located in Himachal Pradesh and is a paradise for those who seek spirituality as well as the beauty of nature. Rich in scenic beauty, culture, and monasteries, it is a photographer’s delight with plenty of locations for that perfect shot. 

Whether you are a professional photographer or just wish to capture memories, the photography spots in Dharamshala will leave you wanting for more. Check out the budget-friendly Himachal Tour Packages for a guided trip to Dharamshala and seize the most out of your trip.

Ready to explore the world through your lens?

Overview of Dharamshala

Located in the northern Indian state of Himachal Pradesh, Dharamshala is divided into two distinct parts: Lower Dharamshala also called Dharamsala proper; and Upper Dharamshala or McLeod Ganj, which is also one of the best photography places in Dharamshala. While Lower Dharamshala has more of the business and commercial area, Mcleod Ganj is well known as the residence of the Dalai Lama and is the hub of the Tibetan culture. Dharamshala is also one of the best vacation destinations for photographers because of the balanced combination of natural and man-made sites here.

Best Time to Visit for Photography

Spring (March to June)

Flowering plants begin to blossom in Dharamshala in spring which is why it is perfect for exploring nature through photography. The views are colorful and the weather is good, the sky is bright for capturing your desired shots.

Autumn (September to November)

Autumn is another suitable time for taking photos, the skies are clear, the sunlight is warm, and has a beautiful golden tint to it, making the town look even more picturesque. The climate is ideal and added to the fact that the trees are turning different hues of colors gives the photos a magical look.

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Top Photography Spots in Dharamshala

1. Triund Hill

One of the best photography spots in Dharamshala is Triund Hill. Triund is also an easy trek with a splendid view of the Dhauladhar mountain range on the way as well as on the top. Again, the views from the top are incredibly spectacular, and this can be a photographer’s paradise, especially for nature lovers. 

Try to be on top by sunrise for nice photographs, anticipating the sun and clear sky. Further, during the night, there is no cloud cover at Triund and thus it turns out to be an ideal location for photography especially astrophotography with Milky Way and star trails.

2. Bhagsu Waterfall

There is another pretty photo shoot location near McLeod Ganj, and it is the Bhagsu Waterfall. The waterfall starts from a certain altitude and freely falls making it a picture Perfect Place in Dharamshala. The beautiful green environment enhances the beauty of the place hence ideal when it comes to documenting natural occurrences. 

Especially, during the monsoon period, you can get a full water-covered background of the waterfalls. A Shiva temple and a charming village are also seen in the vicinity of the waterfall, which are worth shooting and represent the lifestyle and architecture of the region.

3. Dal Lake

Dal Lake is a beautiful lake fringed by tall trees of deodar. This implies that there is an opportunity to take great photographs of reflections of trees and the sky on the still water of the lake. It is one of the best photography spots in Dharamshala where you can take subtle shots of calm and serene beauty. 

Sidelights in the morning or the evening will give good reflection which makes everything look magical. Furthermore, the lake is holding an annual fair in August which gives the representations of active local holiday festivities and various essential activities. 

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4. St. John in the Wilderness Church

This belonging to Gothic architectural design is a beautiful church located in a deodar forest. The small architecture of the church coupled with its surrounding environment can make any photograph session beautiful. The architecture of the church aids in getting some of these shots especially due to the play of shadows and the light inside the church. 

The graveyard located just beside the building where Lord Elgin, a former British Viceroy of India is buried also forms an interesting historical spot adding more interesting photographic objects to the place.

5. Norbulingka Institute

Norbulingka Institute is a colourful and lively place as it follows Tibetan culture and tradition very closely. The exterior environment comprises beautiful gardens, the authentic Tibetan design of the buildings as well and the several art studios guarantee many backdrops to take pictures. 

It is a beautiful place to visit located at Dharamshala that represents the true Tibetan Culture in its best way. Moreover, there is the institute exhibiting artisans at work producing Thangka paintings and wood carving for effective shots of the real artwork.

6. Tsuglagkhang Complex

The Tsuglagkhang Complex which includes the residence of the Dalai Lama is a religious cultural centre. Notable features marked within this place include prayer wheels, religious sculptures and even the practitioners clad in their robes. 

This place has a rather relaxing and pleasant effect while making each of your pictures more special. However, the fact that the complex houses a museum of Tibetan Culture and History makes it picture Perfect Place in Dharamshala.

7. Dharamkot

Dharamkot is a small village lying just below McLeod Ganj and it provides excellent vistas of the Kangra valley and the Dhauladhar mountains. Located slightly off the main strip it only adds to the calmness of the area, making it one of the best photography spots to visit in Dharamshala for scenic views of the region. 

Dharamkot is also the beginning of several trekking trails in Dharamshala including the one to Triund leading to the scenic beauty and photography of the trails and landscapes.

8. Kangra Fort

Kangra Fort is one of the oldest forts in India that tourists should not miss to visit. They used the standing structures such as the walls of architecture, gateways and the expansive views of the valley as a backdrop, especially for photography. The fort stands majestically beside the greenish valley in a little contrast. 

Within the territory of the fort, it is possible to find temples and other relics that give more information about the history of the place and more subjects for exciting shots.

9. Tea Gardens

Have you ever seen tea cultivation? If not, then the lush green tea gardens of Dharamshala are the beauty to look at. The tea plants are well-arranged in order where workers are seen as they pick the tea leaves. This is also one of the charming instagrammable places in Dharamshala.

This is among the best photography spots to visit in Dharamshala. Generally, you can plan to take your photographs in the early morning when the mist is still surrounding the gardens to get that mysterious look.

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10. Kareri Lake

Kareri Lake is a high-altitude shallow water lake which is a natural freshwater lake located in Kareri village. The lake is located amidst tall trees and snowfall mountains, which makes it one of the ideal photography spots in Dharamshala. 

The lake gives you a perfect spot to capture the views of the Himalayas as a background. It is also easy to capture sunrise and sunset around the camping sites because water at this hour creates excellent reflection.

11. Naddi View Point

Naddi viewpoint located nearby offers a spectacular view of the Dhauladhar range and the beautiful Kangra valley. It is a perfect location for taking pictures, especially the sunrise and sunset. Sky and its glorious hues combined with majestic mountains is a good hunting ground for photo enthusiasts. 

This viewpoint is also famous for birding. Therefore, you should be on the lookout for bird species that could be a bonus to your photoshoot.

12. Tibetan Market

The Tibetan Market in McLeod Ganj is a lively location and brightly lit market with people from all over. You can also visit the local shops in Dharamshala to buy traditional products such as handicrafts, clothes and jewellery from Tibet. 

It is a good place for taking pictures around the streets and feeling some of the vibes of the Tibetan people. As the place is quite popular with the locals as well as tourists it is easy to capture the spirit and the energy of daily life of the locality.

13. Sunset Point

Naddi village is home to the popular Sunset Point which provides a spectacular view of the sun setting behind the mountains. It is well known destination for photo enthusiasts, who want to take great photos of the city during the golden hour. 

This beautiful place in Dharamshala is made more appealing by the serene surroundings that can be equated to that of a fairy tale. Just be sure to get to the spot early and be prepared to photograph the sun as it sets and paint the sky orange, pink and purple.

14. Gyuto Monastery

As for the places of spiritual importance, we have Gyuto Monastery which is known for tantric meditation and Buddhist practice. The construction work and design of the monastery, people, motorcades, staining, and the surrounding scenery make it one of the best photography places in Dharamshala. 

Monks and their activities – performing rituals and services are good opportunities is a good scene to be captured. The monastery also extends scenic views of the rest of the surrounding area, meaning that your view will not be limited to just the scenery within the frame of any given photo.

15. River Spots in Dharamshala

Several rivers and streams in Dharamshala provided some amazing opportunities for photography. There is a visual appeal to clear water that borders each of the reefs, that is, the water is green. 

If you are looking for photography spots in Dharamshala River here you will find good shot locations for nature and landscape photographers. Consider areas where the water makes small waterfalls and where it gathers into a pool or a streambed as interesting, as this will give you some of the best reflection shots.

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Photography Tips for Dharamshala

1. Best Equipment to Bring

When it comes to taking a glimpse of everything that Dharamshala has to offer, then it is advisable to carry along a good camera with a variety of lenses. A wide angle lens is perfect for place scenery whereas the zoom lens is favourable when you have to shoot objects at a distance like wildlife or architecture. Do not forget to take a tripod for shots so that it progresses a steady shooting, especially at night.

2. Ideal Times for Photography

It must be admitted that the best time for photography in Dharamshala is during the sunrise and the sunset. It is beautiful during those times because of the soft and warm light that can be captured on the landscapes adding a romantic feel to your pictures. Moreover, the dawn and dusk are ideal for taking beautiful sceneries in general.

3. Respect Local Culture.

When taking photos of people, especially in religious or culturally sensitive areas never take a shot without permission. Always respect the culture of the area you are visiting for a good time exploring the place.

4. Explore Offbeat Places

Apart from the adjudged places, you can also visit some other offbeat places in Dharamshala. Dharamshala has numerous locations that are comparatively less explored for photography and yet are quite fascinating like the Taragarh Palace. Ask people you meet on the streets or fellow visitors to help you find such places.

Conclusion

Dharamshala is a paradise for photographers with lots of things to see and capture and some of the best natural scenery. It has much to offer in terms of cultural and historical landmarks. The Triund Hill which is quite composed and beautiful to the colorful Tibetan Market, every place gives you an exciting experience. 

So, Gear up your cameras, go to this wonder of the Himalayas and let the sight of Dharamshala develop slowly in your photographic lenses. Explore these amazing photography spots in Dharamshala and have a wonderful time.

Preserve memories with every click!!