Mcleodganj, Himachal Pradesh, is one of the most popular tourist destinations for its Tibetan culture, nature walks, green landscape, ancient temples and monasteries and British influence. Mcleodganj is located in Kangra district and on the outskirts of Dharamshala.
Mcleod Ganj is famous as the home of the Tibetan spiritual leader, Dalai Lama, and is culturally marked by a strong Tibetan influence, as many Tibetans who fled their homeland have settled here. It is also worth noting that the Tibetan government-in-exile is based exclusively in Mcleodganj, which is why the city is also called little Lhasa.
Nestled among majestic hills and lush greenery, the city offers one of the most fascinating landscapes in the entire state of Himachal Pradesh and attracts numerous tourists throughout the year. The mountainous region and the oak, rhododendron and deodar forests make Mcleodganj a popular destination for trekkers, with the Triund Trek, the Kareri Lake Trek and the Thatharana Trek among the most popular.
The cities of Dharamsala, Dharamkot, Bhagsu Nag and Kangra are some of the nearest destinations to Mcleodganj. Some of India’s most famous and religiously significant monasteries are located here, including Namgyal Monastery and Tsuglagkhang, where the spiritual leader Dalai Lama resides.
The combination of serenity, adventure and spirituality makes Mcleodganj a real winter favourite among tourists and a unique experience.
Places to visit in Mcleodganj:
Bhagsu Falls, Mcleodganj
Bhagsu Waterfall is perhaps the most famous tourist spot in Dharamshala, attracting tourists who want to enjoy the glory of nature and spend some quiet moments in peace and serenity. Located on the main road connecting Mcleodganj and Dharamshala, Bhagsunag Waterfall is an ideal place for a picnic with family and loved ones. The main attraction here is the famous Bhagsunath temple. Read more…….
Namgyal Monastery, Mcleodganj
The Dalai Lama, the spiritual leader of Tibet, is believed to reside at Namgyal Monastery in Mcleodganj, the largest Tibetan temple outside Tibet. The serenity and atmosphere that this place evokes in the minds of its visitors is enough to attract even those who are not inclined towards this religion. Namgyal Monastery is often referred to as the “Temple of the Dalai Lama” as it is the personal monastery of the 14th Dalai Lama. Read more……
Bhagsunag Temple, Mcleodganj
Bhagsunag Temple is one of the oldest ancient temples, located about 3 kilometres from Mcleodganj and surrounded by beautiful ponds and lush greenery. It is also known as Bhagsunath Temple and is much revered by the local Gorkha and Hindu communities. The two ponds around the temple are considered sacred and are said to have miraculous healing powers. Read more…….
Triund, Mcleodganj
Triund is an easy trek in Himachal Pradesh that offers you an escape to the majestic Himalayas. Located just a few kilometres from Dharamshala at an altitude of 2828 m, it is an ideal place for trekking with beautiful trails offering picturesque views of the entire Kangra Valley. A trek to Triund is short and easy. It can be undertaken either from McLeodganj or from Dharamkot, which is 2 km before McLeodganj. Read more ……
Naddi View Point, Mcleodganj
Naddi View Point in Naddi village in Mcleodganj is the perfect place to catch a glimpse of the spectacular Dhauladhar mountains, especially in winter when the peaks are covered with snow. A hike or drive to Naddi View Point, especially in the evening, allows you to watch the sun set over the mountains, take photos and view the distant mountains through a telescope. Read more…
Dal Lake, Mcleodganj
Located at an altitude of 1,775 metres above sea level near Tota Rani village in Kangra district of Mcleodganj in Himachal Pradesh, Dal Lake is a small but picturesque lake. The lake, which takes its name from the famous and stunning Dal Lake in Srinagar, is surrounded by rugged mountains and towering deodar trees. The picturesque and tranquil lake invites nature lovers to observe various species of fish in their natural habitat. Read more…
Dharamkot, Dharamshala
The small hippie village of Dharamkot is close to Dharamshala and Mcleodganj, but unlike these places, Dharamkot is a quaint place that is not visited by many tourists. It is known as a yoga village and is ideal for taking time out and meditating in peace. Read more….
Shiva Cafe, Mcleodganj
The Shiva Cafe in Mcleodganj is located above the Bhagsunag waterfall and can only be reached after a steep walk uphill. It is an exceptionally photogenic hippie eatery serving delicious food from morning to night. The menu of pizza, pasta, pancakes, sandwiches, coffee and much more is a treat for foodies. But the tranquil ambience, the sounds of rushing water and the café’s excellent music collection also make for a relaxing experience.
Norbulingka Institute, Mcleodganj
Norbulingka Institute, named after the Dalai Lama’s summer residence in Lhasa, is a popular learning centre located 7.5 km from McLeodganj district in Dharamshala in Himachal Pradesh. Built-in the traditional Tibetan style, it is set in a beautiful garden with winding paths, flowing streams, small waterfalls and ponds. Read more…
Tibetan Institute of Performing Arts, Mcleodganj
The Tibetan Institute of Performing Arts (TIPA) is located in Mcleodganj, Himachal Pradesh, and was established to preserve and promote Tibetan cultural heritage. It is known for its focus on dance, music and opera. Folk music, opera and dance performances are organised, while thangka paintings are exhibited in the monasteries. Read more…
Naam Art Gallery, Mcleodganj
Naam Art Gallery is located in Dharamshala near Mcleodganj and is often visited by people interested in art. People with a creative bent can also spend a relaxing and enjoyable time here, viewing a range of works as well as spiritual artworks.
Sunset Cafe, Mcleodganj
Sunset Cafe is a chic little restaurant set amidst the mountains that serve as a resting place on the Gallu Devi Waterfall Trek, about 10 minutes from Gallu Devi Temple. The cafe is a simple eatery best known for its menu which includes snacks like maggi, masala chai, coffee, bread with omelette, smoothie shakes, etc. However, it is most famous for the breathtaking view of the Dhauladhar Mountains that it offers, especially at sunset.
Tibetan Museum, Mcleodganj
Located in the suburb of McLeodganj in Dharamshala, Himachal Pradesh, the famous Tibetan Museum is very popular. It is considered an official museum of the Information and International Relations Department of the Central Tibetan Administration and is very close to the popular temple of the Dalai Lama, popularly known as Tsuglagkhang, where His Holiness resides.
Kareri Lake Trek, Mcleodganj
The Kareri Lake trek starts from Mcleodganj and then climbs up to Kareri village, which is located at an altitude of 1,800 metres above sea level. The entire hike leads through a dense pine forest and some small villages. Read more…
Vipassana Meditation Centre, Mcleodganj
The Vipassana Meditation Centre in Himachal Pradesh is located in Dhamma Sikhara, meaning “peak of Dhamma”, on a 3-acre plot next to Dharamkot village. It is set amidst a deodar cedar forest in the Dhauladhar Mountains at an altitude of 2,000 metres.
