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HPCA Stadium
The HPCA Stadium in Dharamshala has hosted a Test, an ODI, a T20 World Cup and a Cricket World Cup, on one of the highest grounds in the world.
What it is
An international cricket ground in Dharamshala town, a short drive from McLeod Ganj, at 1,457 m — one of the highest venues of its kind anywhere, with the Dhauladhar range rising directly behind the stands.
Getting there
A short drive down from McLeod Ganj into Dharamshala town itself, under ten minutes.
The visit
The ground has hosted a genuine run of major cricket since the Pakistani team played a warm-up match here in 2005. The first ODI followed in 2013, India beating England by seven wickets; the first Test came in 2017, India over Australia; then matches in the 2016 ICC World Twenty20, and five games of the 2023 Cricket World Cup. It's also earned a reputation for six-hitting at altitude — Adam Gilchrist scored the first century in IPL history here in 2011, including a 122-metre six. Getting a match-day ticket, or simply seeing the ground with the mountains behind it, is the draw.
When to go
Any time of year for the setting itself; check the Himachal Pradesh Cricket Association's fixture list if seeing an actual match is the goal.
Around it
McLeod Ganj and the Dalai Lama's temple are a short drive back up the hill. Gyuto Monastery, in Sidhbari, is in the same general direction — see the two-day plan or the slow four-day plan for both.
Plans that include this
All Dharamshala itineraries →
Day plan · First visitClassic
One day in McLeod Ganj — the temple, the Mall, the waterfall
A single-day McLeod Ganj loop: the Dalai Lama's temple, the Mall, and Bhagsu waterfall — for a stopover, not a full visit. Free plan on HimLocal.
Best Mar–May · Sep–Nov
See the plan →
1 night · 2 days · First visitClassic
Two days in McLeod Ganj — the temple and the Triund climb
A two-day McLeod Ganj plan: the Dalai Lama's temple and Bhagsu on day one, the full Triund climb on day two. Free, copyable itinerary on HimLocal.
Best Mar–May · Sep–Nov
See the plan →
1 night · 2 days · FamilyTemples & heritage
Two days of temples and heritage around Dharamshala — no trekking
A trek-free Dharamshala plan: Kangra Fort, Chamunda Devi, Naddi, Dal Lake, a Tibetan nunnery and a colonial church. Free itinerary on HimLocal.
Best Mar–May · Sep–Dec
See the plan →
2 nights · 3 days · First visitClassic
Three days in Dharamshala — temple, Triund, and Norbulingka
A three-day McLeod Ganj plan: the Dalai Lama's temple and Bhagsu, a full day on the Triund climb, then Norbulingka and Dharamkot. Free on HimLocal.
Best Mar–May · Sep–Nov
See the plan →
3 nights · 4 days · Slow travelClassic
Four slow days in McLeod Ganj — cafés, walks, no rushing
A slow-paced McLeod Ganj plan for four days: cafés, Triund, Bhagsu, Naddi, Dal Lake and Norbulingka, spread out with room to breathe. Free on HimLocal.
Best Mar–May · Sep–Nov
See the plan →Nearby places
Questions people ask
What makes the HPCA Stadium unusual?
Its altitude — 1,457 m — with snow-capped Himalayan peaks visible behind the ground, a setting unlike any other international cricket venue in India. Its thinner air also gives it a reputation for six-hitting, still talked about among players.
What has the HPCA Stadium hosted?
A Test match between India and Australia in 2017, an ODI between India and England in 2013, games in the 2016 ICC World Twenty20, and five matches of the 2023 Cricket World Cup, including India against New Zealand on this same ground.
Can I visit the HPCA Stadium when there's no match on?
It's the home ground of the Himachal Pradesh cricket team and hosts domestic matches through the season; whether the ground itself is open to visitors on a non-match day varies, so it's worth checking locally rather than assuming access on arrival.