Bhagsunag Waterfall

Bhagsunag Waterfall (also called Bhagsu Falls) is a small waterfall that is located at a distance of 7 km from Dharamshala. Even though the waterfall has a height of only about 20 m, the surrounding hills and valleys makes the view of the waterfall an absolutely marvelous one. It is amazing to find such beautiful waterfalls at an altitude of 2160 m / 7000+ ft. The waterfall is accessible only by foot, and involves a mild trek/hike of about 1 km from Bhagsunag Temple, the premises where vehicles can be parked.

Bhagsunag Waterfalls, Dharamsala, Himachal Pradesh

Bhagsunag Waterfalls

A well paved path of about 800m to 1 km will take you from the temple to the mesmerizing waterfalls. The trek is almost a flat one with occasional ascents of less than ten steps. Such a mild trek will make you focus on the surrounding natural beauty when you are making your way to the waterfall.

Trek route to Bhagsunag Waterfalls, Dharamsala, Himachal Pradesh

Trek route on the left. Waterfall at a distance.

After walking some distance, you can find the full view of the two step waterfall, where first step is very small and the water flows through a narrow trail, and the second step where the water widens a bit and drops 20 meters down directly.

Bhagsunag Waterfalls, Dharamsala, Himachal Pradesh

The crystal clear water from the Bhagsunag Waterfalls flows downstream and forms numerous pools. The clear water definitely attracts several people, from locals to visitors, to get into the water spend some time swimming or playing in it.

Near Bhagsunag Waterfalls, Dharamsala, Himachal Pradesh

The path also gives a birds’ eye view of the town of Dharamshala that lies at the foothills of Bhagsunag. The path also has few cafes that sell some light refreshments.

View of Dharamsala Town

It is really amazing to step into the cold water and get to the base of the waterfall.

Bhagsunag Waterfalls, Dharamsala, Himachal Pradesh

Bhagsunag Waterfall

After taking a dip in the waterfall, you can continue your trek towards Triund Hill (about 5 km steep trek), or head back to the temple. The Bhagsunag Temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva and has an interesting mythological story behind it. This the story of King Bhagsu whose kingdom had suffered severe draught. The king had set out an expedition in search of water and arrived in this area. He found the lake called Nag Dal, which belonged to the Serpent King (SheshNag). Bhagsu used his magical powers to empty the lake and hold it in a container (really?)! When Sheshnag found that the water has been stolen by someone, he decided to fight with the one who was responsible for it. There was a huge fight between the two, and the fight was won by Sheshnag. When the king realized that he was about to lose, he surrendered, told the story behind stealing the water and made a request to Sheshnag to let the water flow on, so that the water would reach the people of his kingdom.

Bhagsunag Temple, Dharamsala, Himachal Pradesh

The village of Bhagsunag is named after this story. The temple itself is a new structure and is dedicated to Lord Shiva. Within the temple premises, you can also find a swimming pool where people come to have fun. The swimming pool is perhaps the most crowded among all the surrounding areas here.

Bhagsunag Temple, Dharamsala, Himachal Pradesh

Location

Locate on Maps

Where to stay?

Dharamshala

Distance Chart

From Distance (in km)
Dharamshala 7
Dalhousie 120
Amritsar 205
Chandigarh / Shimla 250

 

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