Top 10 Things to Do in Kangra: Where History, Culture and Adventure Unite

Kangra, situated in the Kangra district of Himachal Pradesh is a welcoming city with lush green valleys and outstanding spiritual experience. Earlier, it was addressed as Nagarkot and in ancient times, the beautiful city was indicated as the “Land of the Gods” or “Devbhumi”. There is no dearth of options when we talk about the things to do in Kangra be it visiting famous tourist attractions such as Kangra Fort, Dhauladhar Range, Indrahar Pass, Kareri Lake. It has something for everyone be it shopping lovers, adventure enthusiast, spiritual worshippers or History Buffs.

Best 10 Things to Do in Kangra: Unveil the Hidden Gems of Himachal Pradesh

For adventurous and trek-loving visitors, there is a long list of Things to do in Kangra. Triund Trek and Dhauladhar range are the top-most options for seeking excitement through treks. Kangra has some of the best paragliding spots as well such as very famous Bir and Billing, it would make experience more thrilling for adventure lovers.  Moving forward, historically significant, The Kangra Fort, one of the largest forts in the Himalayas and has also found its mention in Mahabharat. In proximity to Kangra, there is breathtaking beautiful Dharamshala ideal for every kind of tourist and same applies of Mcloedganj, exile-in- home of Dalai Lama. From the months of September to June is the perfect time to visit Kangra and the nearest airport is Amritsar.

1. Triund Trek: Summit Breathtaking Views
2. Bir Billing: Soar the Skies
3. Mountain Biking: Pedal to the Top
4. Indrahar Pass Trek: Daring Quest Awaits
5. Dhauladhar Range: Unchartered Adventure Ahead
6. Masrur Temples: Travel To the Past
7. Palampur: Nature’s Serenity Awaits
8. Tashi Jong Monastery: Find Inner Peace
9. Himachal Delicacies: Savor Local Flavours
10. Shopping: Local Crafts Gallore

1. Triund Trek: Summit Breathtaking Views  

Triund is a popular trekking destination located in the beautiful Dhauladhar Range. It's one of the favorite things to do in Kangra. Adventure lovers due to its simple and smooth trails, picturesque, lush valley and majestic snow-capped mountains. Triund trek is best suited for beginners due to its very less difficulty level. It promises an unforgettable experience in between its galore natural beauty, making it one of the top destinations in Himachal Pradesh state.

Difficulty Level: Easy

Best time to visit: May, June, September and October

Trekking Distance: Approximately 9 kms (5.6 miles)

Trek Duration: Around 4 to 6 hours

Accommodations nearby: Triund Camps Riverside Resort, Hotel Sky Pie, Utopia Dharamko, Shalom Backpackers

Restaurants nearby: Before Triund, Trek and Dine, Magic View Cafe, Shiva Cafe, Sandy’s Kitchen

Maximum Altitude: 9350 feet (2850 meters) above sea level

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2. Bir Billing: Soar the Skies

Bir Billing has been explored as an adventurous destination in recent times within the beautiful Kangra Valley. It is very popular among the adrenaline junkies, those who stay very enthusiastic about trying their hands on new adventure activities such as paragliding. Flying from Bir and departing at Bill at the speed of 100kmph gives an adrenaline rush to passengers. Within this time, you can enjoy bird’s eye views from on-top of the magnificent mountains and gaze at amazing landscapes and elevated terrain when you fly. Paragliding in Kangra ensures that tourists can fulfil their flying fantasies. Bir Billing is a true depiction of Tibetan Culture.

Difficulty Level: Moderate

Best time to visit: March to June

Trekking Distance: 14 km (about 8.7 mi)

Trek Duration: 3 to 4 Hours

Accommodations nearby: The Hosteller Bir, The Trippy Tribe Extended, Sunset Point Homestay, Vivek Homestay Kotli Bir, Madpackers Bir

Restaurants nearby: Kababshala, Temptations, OCD- Orange Cafe and Diner, The Northern Cafe, AVVA's Cafe, Garden Cafe, Olive Kitchen

Maximum Altitude: 5003 Ft. (1525 m)

How To get around in Bir Billing:

• There are two nearest railway stations to Bir Billing. One is Ahju (3 kms away) and Pathankot (112.4 km away)
• The Nearest airport to Bir Billings is Gaggal, Dharamshala which is 68km away.

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3. Mountain Biking: Pedal to the Top

Mountain Biking has gained a lot of popularity recently as one of the exciting adventure activities in Kangra. It allows visitors to discover the natural beauty all by themselves, riding on their two-wheeler without any disturbance and without their plans being interrupted. Kangra Tourism has peaked a lot with Mountain Biking as bikers mostly set out on a journey of self-love every year. If you are also one of them, then you must try stopping by the small villages to learn in detail about this beautiful town of Himachal Pradesh. You can also explore the popular monasteries and shrines in between your rides. It requires a lot of daring to embark on a Mountain Biking trip and might require specific skills for some routes.

Ideal Duration: 4 to 5 days

Best Time to Visit: Mid-May to Mid-June and September to October

Difficulty Level: Moderate-Difficult

Tips

• Make sure that your two-wheeler is set up properly
• Ensure that you have picked up the riding partners
• While riding, go easy on the brakes to avoid accident
• Do a thorough inspection of your bike before you hit the trails

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4. Indrahar Pass Trek: Daring Quest Awaits

Indrahar Pass, so far is highly acclaimed as one of the hardest trekking trails in Himachal Pradesh and the feeling that you experience after completing the trek is truly heavenly. This one is surely not an easy trek as the difficulty level has been graded between moderate to hard and it would take around 4-5 days to complete this trek and then you might feel like you are on top of the world. During the nights, camps are set up in between the routes. Not every person that sets out on this trek enjoys it as some people find it very draining and exhausting. During this trek, one must stay prepared for unpredictable climate changes like rain, hailstorms, snowfall or sunlight.

Difficulty Level: Moderate-Difficult

Best time to visit: April to October

Trekking Distance: 35 km

Trek Duration: 4-5 day

Accommodations nearby: Hotel Shivaay Morex, Hotel Shivani International. Hotel Gandhi’s Paradise, Spring Valley Resort by DLS Hotels

Restaurants nearby: Kababshala, Doon Eating Point, Signtaure Burger, Temptations, OCD-Orange Cafe and Dinner

Maximum Altitude: 14245 ft. (4342 meters)

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5. Dhauladhar Range: Unchartered Adventure Ahead  

Once you make it to the highest peak of the Dhauladhar Range, you will find out what heaven looks like. This range is surrounding the southern range of the powerful Himalayas, the top peak is called as Hanuman ji ka Tiba, makes it one of the most favorite trekking destinations for the tourists in Kangra. If you will believe us, then let us tell you this that the views of this range and from this range, both are the real aesthetic delight. One more good thing about this destination is that you can visit it anytime of the year to enjoy the fun things to do in Kangra. Residents surrender their lives to Goddess Dhaulandar.

Difficulty Level: Moderate Difficult

Best time to visit: June-November

Trekking Distance: 6 kms

Trek Duration: 1 day

Accommodations nearby: Dhauladhar View Village Resort Dharamshala, Dhauladhar Hills Resort & Spa, Hotel Dhauladhar Height, Hotel Snow Crest Inn Pvt. Ltd.

Restaurants nearby: Refuel Fast Food, Khanabadosh Cafe- Co Work, Food & Cinema, Snow Lion Hotel and Restaurant

Maximum Altitude: 4342 m

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6. Masrur Temples: Travel To the Past  

Masrur Temples, also known as Masroor, are popularly recognized as Rock Cut Temple that has its significance with the Sculptures of Ellora. Once you have reached Masrur, there you’ll see an artificial lake, where you can stay for some time and get the pictures clicked. This temple has its significance as in ancient time it was visited by Pandavas, central figures of the Hindu epic Mahabharata that carved out rock cut temples to brought honor to these temples.

Difficulty Level: Difficult

Best time to visit: October to April

Trekking Distance: Approx 50 kms

Trek Duration: 1 day

Accommodations nearby: Raadbali Retreat, The Tour Connection, Dhauladhar House, Saidham Fam, Moutain View Cottage, Hotel Sky Pie, Galaxy Residency Homestay

Restaurants nearby: The spot Restaurant, Melted Cheese Cafe, Walia Karyana Store

Maximum Altitude: 2535 ft.

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7. Palampur: Nature’s Serenity Awaits

Palampur is near the Kangra Valley and world-wide famous for tea production. The tea plantations in Palampur are surrounded by mountains which attract both nature lovers and tea lovers. If you are a real tea lover, Palampur plantation is a must-visit as it will give you an exceptional experience. It is also referred as the “Tea Capital of North India”, Palampur is extensively dealing with teas and approximately 90% of it is exported. You shall be gratified by the fragrance of the tea estates as you visit various factories to witness tea production on such a large scale. Gopalpur Zoo is also a prominent visitor’s spot in Palampur which attracts vacationers every year and adds to the list of Adventure in Kangra.

Best time to visit: Throughout the year

Accommodations nearby: Adventure Palampur, Aarin Jungle Retreat, The Stone House Cottage Palampur, The Solitude Camp, Himalayan Retreat Homestay, Hotel Peak Bound

Restaurants nearby: Cloud7 Revolving Restaurant, Hub New York, PUNJCHIN, The Town House, Taj Restaurant

Maximum Altitude: 1300 meters (4265 ft.)

How To Reach Palampur:

• The Nearest narrow gauge railway station is Maranda which is 5kms away from Palampur and very easily accessible.
• The Nearest broad gauge railway station near Palampur is Pathankot which is 120 kms (about 74.56 mi) away.

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8. Tashi Jong Monastery: Find Inner Peace  

Tashi Jong is where you should proceed if you are looking for a mixture of peace and cleanliness in one place which also makes it one of the best places to visit in Himachal Pradesh. Not just a monastery, it is also a community of Buddhish Monks and Refugees. The visitors of Tashi Jong Monastery are diverse and just not include Buddhish Pilgrims. There’s a very famous Carpet Factory nearby wherein you can buy Tibetan Handicrafts. For visiting the main temple in this monastery, it is important to take permission from the person-in-charge. Apart from that, you can make a visit to Khampagar Institute. To be precise, visiting Tashi Jong Monastery is one of the best things to do in Kangra.

Best time to visit: March to June

Accommodations nearby: Hotel Munish Palampur, Hotel Ashiana, Hotel Rongla, Greenland Hotel & Restaurant, TaraVilla Resorts, Musafir Cottage

Restaurants nearby: Kumar Restaurant, Kangri Rasoi, Tashi Restaurant

Maximum Altitude: 1000 meters above sea level
How to Reach Tashi Jong monastery: Board a bus or hire a cab/taxi from Palampur

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9. Himachal Delicacies: Savor Local Flavors  

The Beauty of Kangra is better described in its cuisine than its landscape. Believe us! As we all know, many people are happy being at a place if they discover that the food matches their expectations. If you’re also the same kind of person then be happy because you’ll be pampereds in Kangra by the Pahari Cuisine available there.  The cuisine of Himachal set apart from itself with the special ingredients such as Yogurt and Cardamom. There would be lot of options to try from be it high-end cafes or roadside vendors. Trying all the Pahari cuisine is one of the best things to do in Himachal Pradesh.

Popular Dishes: Tudkiya Bhath, Dhamm Babru, Madra, Mittha, Chha Gosht, Babru, Kullu Trout and many more

Restaurants nearby: Firangi Dhaba, Crepe Pancake Hut, Common Ground Cage, Snow Lion, Joyful Cafe and many more

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10. Shopping: Local Crafts Gallore  

Kangra being one of the offbeat places in Himachal Pradesh, still has markets that are no less than the markets in bustling markets as they for its visitors be it miniature Pahari paintings or globally popular shawls and much more can be bought from Kangra. The Markets are so vibrant and extensive that there is something for everyone. Shopping is one of the things to do in Kangra that will never disappoint a shopaholic or traveler in general. Proceed to the Tibetan Market, Doonga Bazar, or Saryu Shopping Centre for the ultimate shopping experience in Himachal.

What to shop from Kangra Markets: Buddha statues, shawls, carpets, pottery, etc

Shopping Places in Kangra: Tibetan Market, Doonga Bazar, Saryu Shopping Centre, Flea and Street Markets

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In conclusion, Kangra is the unhidden gem of Himachal Pradesh and has been left unexplored by most of the people, the small town is a home to stunning beauty and offers ample opportunities for things to do in Kangra. If you are planning your trip to Kangra, then be ready to discover heaven on earth.  You can also have a look at our tailored Himachal Tour Packages to make your trip even more exciting and adventurous.

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