Housed in the Kangra district and at the suburbs of the town of Dharamshala, Mcleodganj, Himachal Pradesh is one of the most favorite tourist destinations of recent times. Because of being occupied by a lot many of Tibetans who moved here after China’s invasion of their homeland, Mcleodganj is also sometimes referred to as the Little Lhasa. It is also noteworthy the exiled government of Tibet is also based in Mcleodganj only.
Speaking of Mcleodganj tourism, this quaint little town some 3 km away from Dharamshala is visited by thousands of tourists every year. People come here for various reasons like spirituality, volunteer programs, Himalayan experiences and adventures, and for much other sightseeing, photo and excursion opportunities in this religious small town cum hill station in the Himalayas.
The town of Mcleodganj, Himachal Pradesh is famous especially and foremostly for being a spiritual getaway and pilgrimage for the Buddhists. The reason behind that is it is home to the 14th Dalai Lama of the Buddhists, Lama Tenzin Gyatso, who came here in the year of 1960 after his exile from Tibet. Dalai Lama established Tibet Government in exile here at Dharamshala and made the quaint little town of Mcleodganj as his permanent residence.
The presence of His Holiness in town attracts a lot of tourists and pilgrims to the town. Mcleodganj is also one of the best places to see the real lifestyle of Tibetan Buddhists and monks from up close. One of the reasons this place is called Little Lhasa is because the people have built this place in the image of their previous abode. And it is possible to get a glimpse of the Dalai Lama on the occasions that he is in town and one of the many Buddhist festivals celebrated in the town.
Apart from this, Mcleodganj is considered by many to be an adventurous hub, especially in terms of trekking in Mcleodganj. Home to one of the most beautiful, scenic and exciting treks of the country, the Triund Trek, Mcleodganj is the base camp for reaching the summit of the famous hill. Starting from Dharamkot in Mcleodganj, the 9 km trek leads the trekker through forests of Oak, Deodar, and Rhododendron before opening up to one of the best sceneries that you will find in the Himalayas.
And as the elevation rises, the picturesque hills and valleys become clearer, giving it all a serene touch. Upon reaching the top of Triund, one can see far off hills of the Dhauladhar mountain range that look to be so close that you could touch them if you only extended your hand. The exciting trek has become such a favorite of the community that one can even call it the poster boy of Mcleodganj tourism. And speaking of mountain ranges, Mcleodganj lies in the Dhauladhar range, with the highest peak of the range Hanuman ka Tibba lying just behind the town. The 5,639m giant stands tall and like a guard in the backdrop which is a sight to behold from everywhere in the hill station.
And with such beauty and spirituality, sightseeing in Mcleodganj is something that will never bore a person visiting here. Apart from Triund, some of the places to visit in Mcleodganj include the name of the famous Bhagsunath temple. Attached to a wonderful legend, the medieval era temple dedicated to Lord Shiva is famous for a waterfall that flows right through the temple. The majestic cascading waterfall, called the Bhagsunag falls, forms a pool at the base which is considered to be sacred amongst the devotees and dip in the cold water brings about a different feeling of spiritual in the people.
Another famous tourist spot in Mcleodganj, Himachal Pradesh is Kareri Lake. Filled with the melting snow of the Dhauladhar ranges, this lake at the base of the Minkiani Pass is the perfect combination of offbeat trekking and scenic beauty in the middle of snow-capped peaks. Alongside the experience of trekking to this calm and serene lake is the added experience of camping by its side and in a scenic meadow right under the Minkiani Pass.
Speaking of which, the Minkiani Pass is another great place to see when in Mcleodganj. You can simply extend your trek to Kareri Lake to conquer the summit of this serene pass lying at an amazing height of 14,000ft above sea level. The view that one gets of the nearby ranges makes you feel like you are walking on the clouds. A great place to take pictures, Minkiani Pass trek is considered to be somewhere in between easy and moderate in difficulty and makes it worth facing the trek at the end.
And one of the most important places in Mcleodganj is the Namgyal Monastery. The place is actually a personal monastery for the 14th Dalai Lama and relates to the very second Religious teacher of the Buddhist belief, dating back to the mid 16th century. Originally in Lhasa, the monastery was entirely relocated to Mcleodganj in the uprising of 1959 and is now the home to the Dalai Lama. It is also the largest Tibetan Temple outside of Tibet. Apart from being a beautiful monastery, Namgyal is also center for education, called the Namgyal Tantric College, where the arts of Kalachakra, Vajrakilaya and many other such Tantric practices are taught to the future Namgyal Monks.
With such beauty, spirituality, adventure, and serenity, Mcleodganj is truly one of the best places to visit in the Himalayas. In fact, Mcleodganj, Himachal Pradesh, and many areas around it are experiences that should be visited at least once in a lifetime. So let the adventure unfurl as you take on the spellbinding journey through this amazing hill station of the Kangra District and in the lap of the Dhauladhar mountains.
- thermal screening will be conducted by state health authorities upon arrival.
- No e-pass required to for Inter-state travel to Himachal Pradesh.
- Entry/Exit from state borders will be allowed only from 6am to 8pm.
- Face masks are compulsory when going out in public. Fine of Rs 1000 to be imposed on those not wearing masks.
- COVID-19 test is not required on entry to the state. However, thermal screening shall be done for all passengers entering the state.
- Night curfews (8pm-6am) declared in Mandi, Kangra, Shimla and Kullu till Jan 5.
- All supermarkets, parks, malls and attractions are open with strict COVID-19 prevention norms in place.
- Social distancing to be followed mandatorily when out in public.
- E-passes/ permissions not required for inter-state travel.
- For passengers arriving from red zone districts outside of Himachal Pradesh, carrying a COVID-19 negative test report from ICMR authorized lab, not older than 48 hours from the date of departure,14 days of Home Quarantine is allowed.
- 14 days of institutional quarantine is required for passengers arriving from any Red Zone district outside of Himachal Pradesh or passengers having ILI (Influenza Like Illness) symptoms irrespective of the zone from where they are arriving.
- All passengers must download Aarogya Setu App.
The nearest airpost to Mcleodganj is Dharamshala. Domestic flights are operational to the airport from Delhi and Chandigarh.
Himachal has two important railway stations in Solan and Una. Passengers can alight at these two stations from Pathankot, Punjab and Delhi.
Inter-state entry of private and government buses in restricted in the state, however, intra-state bus services are functioning in the city from 7 a.m to 7 p.m. with 60% passenger capacity.
Local transport services, like taxis, autos and buses are functioning in the state.
The government of Himachal Pradesh has taken several steps to curb the spread of Covid-19 while allowing travellers and tourists to visit the state. Thrillophilia recommends you follow all guidelines and safety measures issued by the government and practice personal hygiene to keep yourself safe.
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Mcleodganj Top Attractions
Places To Visit In Mcleodganj
An extremely popular trekking route from Dharamshala, the trek to Indrahar Pass trails in the lush folds of the Dhauladhar range. Surrounded by thickets of Deodars and Rhododendrons, the panorama of Pir Panjal range to the north and the plains to the south exhilarates trekkers. Treacherous precipices and steep ascents make this a moderately-difficult trek; passing through Triund Hill and an endless view of Kangra Valley. Overnight camping in the Lahesh caves is an experience that’ll leave you transfixed, and the trekking season runs from May to October. Distance from Delhi: 475 Kilometres approximately Nearest Railhead: Kangra Railway Station
Just 15 km away from Dharamshala, Chamunda Devi Temple is one of the most important places to visit in Chamba. Chamunda Devi Temple is an important pilgrimage place for Hindus located on the banks of river Baner. The temple is completely made up of wood and was built by Raja Umed Singh in 1762 and has a gabled roof, the only one in whole of Chamba. The temple is also famously known as Chamunda Nandikeshwar Dham and is believed to be the abode of Shiva and Shakti. The main shrines in the temple are of Lord Hanuman and Lord Bhairav. Previously, the devotees had to climb around 378 steps to reach the temple, but now, the newly built road is an easy way to reach the temple, which is 3 km from Chamba.
Being in closed vicinity of the popular Bhagsunath Temple of Lord Shiva, this waterfall is known as the Bhagsu Falls. Spending a day here is one of the most exhilarating things to do in Mcleodganj. It is not only famous as a picnic spot but is also a significant place of pilgrimage. The sight of this 20 M tall waterfall is like a heaven on earth during monsoons. One can also cherish the delicious food served in the cafeteria near the falls. If you wish to add on to the excitement of this excursion, then you have a choice of trekking to these falls through the beautiful vistas. Carry your camera and capture the enticing exquisiteness of Mother Nature.Timings: - Open from 7 am to 9 pm
Forsyth Gunj protects the famous Anglican Church, St. John in the Wilderness which is dedicated to John the Baptist. The church has a very old history as the background as it was built in the year of 1852 near Dharamshala, on the way to McLeod Ganj. The neo-Gothic architectural style accommodated by the church suggests totally a different appeal to it and also the surroundings filled with deodar trees add beauty in abundance to the whole location. The church is just a 20 minute downhill walk away from the Bus Station at McLeod Ganj. The ruins of a graveyard where the British people who were killed in the earthquake of 1905 are seen on one side and a restored bell tower on another side of the church attract people’s eyes so fast.
Namgyal Monastery comes with a deep history. Located in McLeodganj in the Kangra district, this hermitage was founded by the third Dalai Lama. Earlier meant for conducting daily Tibetan customs, this historical monastery was moved to Dharamshala soon after the Tibetan Revolt. Buddhists from around the world try to make at least one visit as it is one of the leading monasteries for learning the art of meditation in lines with Buddhist teachings.They have a guest house of their own alongside a café and a library. The monastery mansion has poised images of Buddha, Avloketshwara, and Padmasambhava. Many visitors lost their hearts to the Thangka paintings that have been exhibited within these sanctified walls. Even the non-religious people who set foot into Namgyal Monastery are drawn by its soothing ambience and are forced to praise its beauty.Where exactly: Next to Central CathedralDrop by: 5.00am to 8.30pm.
Situated close to Manimahesh Kailash Peak in the Pir Panjal Range of Himalayas, Manimahesh Lake is located in the Chamba district and is one of the most important places to visit in Chamba. The lake is located at a height of 4, 080 meters from the mean sea level and has high religious significance after Lake Mansarovar in Tibet. The lake is a major pilgrimage trek, which is carried out during the months of August and September on the eighth day of new moon period, as per the Hindu Calendar and is known as 'Manimahesh Yatra.'
Akhand Chandi Palace displays the lavishness of Mughals and the artistic architecture of the British. It is a perfect blend of western and eastern architecture and was built in the year 1748-1764. While visiting the Akhand Chandi Palace, you can have a picturesque view of various other beautiful tourist destinations like Chamunda Devi Temple, Sui Mata Temple, Lakshmi Narayan Temple, Rang Mahal and many more.One of the most beautiful features of the palace is that it has distinguishably green roof as the other houses in Chamba along with a conical roof to shed the snow. The palace has beautifully designed windows, which are painted in white. Until 1957, the palace was with the royal family and in 1958, it was handed over to Himachal Government, which opened a college and district library in the palace.
Located near the Police Post and Treasury building in Chamba, Champavati Temple is one of the most religious destinations and best places to visit in Chamba. It was built by Raja Sahil Varman in the memory of Champavati who was her daughter. The temple's Shikhara style and various ornamental stone carvings make it distinguishable from others. It resembles the architectural pieces of Nepal, featuring structures that are cylindrical in shape and are categorized into 5 to 9 parts. The temple holds the shrines of Vasuki Naga, Wazir and Goddess Mahisasuramardini, an avatar of Goddess Durga. The best time to visit temple is from the month of March to June as the climate is so pleasant during this duration. The temple has a great archaeological and historical value and is taken care by Archeological Survey of India. Millions of hindus visit the temple each year, especially during Navratri.
Popular Related Destinations
People Also Ask About Mcleodganj
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Which are famous places to visit in Mcleodganj?
Here is the list of the few spots that you must visit in Mcleodganj:
1. Triund Hil;: This is a stunning ridge located in the Dhauladhar Mountains that offers gorgeous views of the mountains and the valleys. Triund is an ideal destination for some of the best adventurous activities like trekking, camping, and hiking. It also has a Devi Temple situated at the highest point where you can seek some blessings.
2. St.John’s Church: St.John’s Church is a neo-Gothic style church that was erected by John The Baptist in 1852. It has Belgian stained windows designed by an Italian artist. The Church overlooks a graveyard having the gravestone of Lord Elgin. You can also attend the mass prayer over here every Saturday.
Location: Naddi Village, McLeod Ganj, Dharamshala, Himachal Pradesh 176215.
Timing: 7 am-6 pm.
3. Tibet Museum: If you wish to know about Tibetan culture and traditions, then this museum should be a must-visit for you. It has around three thousand photographs, installations, and videos that disseminate the knowledge of Tibetan history. You can also witness here a permanent traveling exhibition that documents the journey of Tibetans into the Himalayan region.
Location: Near Dalai Lama Temple, McLeod Ganj, Dharamshala, Himachal Pradesh 176219.
Timing: 9 am- 5 pm.
4. Dharamkot: This is a quaint sleepy village from where you can have an enthralling view of the Dhauladhar Range. It also houses the Tushita Retreat Centre, where you can meditate and attain some peace.
Trekking is one of the most popular activities that you can try at Dharamkot as it has some of the most popular hikes such as Indrahar Pass trek and Triund Trek. You can also visit Bhagsu Waterfall that is a serene gateway of nature sprinkled with lush greenery at Dharamkot.
Location: Mcleodganj, Himachal Pradesh.
5. Masroor Temple: Built-in Nagra architectural style Masroor Temple is one of the best spiritual retreats in Mcleodganj. It is a Hindu temple that was built in the 18th century by cutting the rocks.
It is a cluster of fifteen rock temples built around the central shrine and is also known as the Ellora of Himachal Pradesh due to its stunning architecture. It displays carvings on the monolithic rocks that look extremely appealing to the visitors.
Location: Lahalpur, Masroor, Himachal Pradesh.
Timing: 6 am to 6 pm.
6. Indrahar Pass: If you’re looking to visit the offbeat attractions in Mcleodganj, then Indrahar Pass should be your ideal spot. It has some of the most adventurous trekking trails that offer a splendid view of the Himalayan ranges. Located at a height of 4324 feet, it entices the hikers and trekkers all across the globe.
Location: Alangari, Himachal Pradesh 176219.
7. Maharana Pratap Sagar Lake: Located amidst the stunning landscape of alluring mountains, Maharana Pratap Lake is an artificial lake that arises from the reservoir located across the Beas River. You can indulge in several activities over here, such as bird watching, fishing, and boating.
Location: Location: Kangra district, Himachal Pradesh. -
What are the different activities to do in Mcleodganj?
Here is the list of some of the most enthralling activities that you can enjoy in Mcleodganj.
1. Enjoy a boat ride in the Dal Lake: Witness the picturesque beauty of Mcleodganj by enjoying a boat ride in the Dal Lake. This beautiful lake offers a peaceful setting to the visitors to soothe their souls. You can also visit Lord Shiva temple that is located on the banks of this river after enjoying the serene boating experience.
Location: Kangra District, Himachal Pradesh.
2. Trekking to Kangra Valley: One of the best activities that you can enjoy at Mcleodganj is a trekking expedition to the Kangra Valley. This is a scenic trek that delights the visitors with its beautiful lakes, old temples, and remotely located Hindu towns. The starting point of the trek is Mcleodganj, and it then passes through Kareri Village. The best thing is that this trek is ideal for both the expert as well as the beginners.
Location: Bhagpur, Himachal Pradesh 176058.
3. Buy souvenirs from the Local Markets:Shop till you drop at Mcleodganj to stock up some of the best souvenirs for your friends and family members. Some of the local markets located here, such as Mcleodganj Central Square, Kotwali Bazaar, and Jogiwara Road, are known for selling the best Tibetan rugs, carpets, and exotic sculptures. You can also buy wooden carvings and spices from these local shops at an extremely pocket-friendly rate.
4. Camping under the stars: Camping is another popular activity that you must try in Mcleodganj for offbeat adventure. Triund is the ideal spot for the camping enthusiasts as it is surrounded by mighty peaks and lush green valleys that offer you the unadulterated view of nature.
The campsites here offer warm bonfire, local food, and a clean and hygienic environment. You can listen to soothing music and play enjoyable games with your friends while camping here.
Location: Himachal Pradesh 176219.
5. Dine at the Lively Restaurants and Cafes: You can’t complete the tour of Mcleodganj without enjoying its local delicacies that are guaranteed to leave you mouth-watering. There are many cafes and restaurants located here that offer delicious momos and noodles that are the specialties of the Himalayan region. Some of the recommended cafes that you can visit over here are Namgyal Café, Jimmy’s Italian Kitchen, and Woeser Bakery.
6. Indulge in Spa Therapy: Refresh your tired body and mind by enjoying a rejuvenating spa session at Ayurvedic Rejuvenation Centre that offers some of the best massage treatments and best in class ayurvedic therapies. You’re also guided about your diet and routine at this spa center so that you can adapt to the Ayurvedic lifestyle and lead a healthy life.
7. Explore the Tibetan culture at Norbulingka Institute: If you wish to know about the teachings of the Tibetan community, then Norbulingka Institute should be a must-visit for you. This is a cultural center where you can watch several artisans wood-crafting, making thangka paintings and statues. The institute is also a scenic sight where you can witness different species of birds and water cascading through the Japanese style gardens.
Location: Palampur - Dharamshala Rd, Sidhpur, Himachal Pradesh 176057.
Entry Fee/Price: Rs 20 per person. -
What is the best time to visit Mcleodganj?
March to June is considered to be the best time to visit Mcleodganj as the temperature hovers between 25 degrees Celsius offering a pleasant and soothing climate. If you love chilled weather, then you can also visit the region between February to October when the temperature lingers around 9 to -1 degrees Celsius. -
How many days are enough for Mcleodganj?
A total of three days will be enough to visit Mcleodganj. You should reserve the first day for sightseeing and the second day to try the famous activities like paragliding, trekking, hiking, etc. On the third day, you can enjoy the local cuisines and have a shopping spree at the local bazaars. -
What can I buy in Mcleodganj?
There are plenty of things that you can buy in Mcleodganj:
-Jewelry
-Beautiful clothes
-Colorful Purses and bags
-Handmade paper and handcrafted diaries
-Singing bowls
-Buddha statues
-Decorative knick knacks
-Tibetan Handicrafts. -
What is famous in Mcleodganj?
Mcleodganj is extremely famous for its temples, lakes, and monasteries. Here are a few other things that are popular here:
-Museums
-Adventure sports
-Meditation Centers
-Himalayan food- thukpa, momos
-Carpets and rugs
-Paintings
-Tea
-Wollens. -
Is there snowfall in McLeodganj?
Yes, you can experience snowfall between February and December in Mcleodganj. -
Is McLeodganj safe to travel?
Yes, Mcleodganj is extremely safe to travel, and you won’t find any sort of notorious activities prevalent here. But you should take care of your belongings while going out to reduce the chances of burglary.
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What are the best treks in McLeodganj?
Get ready for some adrenaline rush by enjoying a trekking expedition at these popular treks in Mcleodganj.
1. Kareri River Trek: Located in the Southern region of the Dhauladhar range, Kareri River Trek is a popular trekking destination in Mcleodganj. The trail offers you a stunning view of the dense rhododendron forests and a wooden bridge. It is suitable both for experienced as well as beginners as it doesn’t have very narrow steeps.
2. Guna Devi Temple Trek: Considered to be the most famous religious spots in Mcleodganj Guna Devi Temple is an abode of tranquility and peace. To reach this temple, you have to trek through the Naddi Village to Ball Village. While trekking through this route, you’ll come across Gaddi shepherds and lush flora and fauna.
3. Bhagsu Trek: The trekking route to Bhagsu is short but full of verdant beauty of nature. From the Bhagsu waterfalls, the trekkers have to climb a hill to reach Bhagsu temple. There are many refreshment centers and cafes on the way to this trekking route.
4. Indrahar Pass Trek: Located on the topmost part of the Dhauladhar range, Indrahar Pass is considered to be a trekkers delight with enthralling sceneries and boulder fields. Lahesh Cave is the basecamp for this trek, and the trail goes up to a small Devi shrine. -
Which are the best places for camping in Mcleodganj?
Here is the list of best-camping destinations in Mcleodganj:
1. Palampur: Located at a distance of around 42 km from Mcleodganj, this site offers an ideal camping experience as it is dotted with tea gardens and snow-capped peaks. You can pitch your tent here and appreciate the beauty of nature.
2. Kangra Valley: Kangra Valley magnetizes the visitors to have a memorable camping experience as it has numerous pristine streams and orchards and pine trees. The campsites here offer Himalayan cuisines, bonfire, and various other indoor activities.
3. Triund: Triund is considered to be a haven for camping as it takes you through the forests of pine, rhododendron, and oak and offers you the most surreal views. The campsites over here offer modern amenities such as a bathroom, barbeque, and music system.
4. Indrahar Pass: Located at 4342 meters above the sea level Indrahar Pass offers unbeatable vistas and a chance to interact with the locals while camping here. It has some of the luxurious campsites with raised wooden platforms and a bathroom. -
Which are some famous places to stay in Mcleodganj?
Enjoy a luxurious stay at these premium hotels to stay in Mcleodganj:
1. Greenwoods Inn: Surrounded by lush green forests and oak trees, Greenwoods Inn offers upgraded quarters with furnished rooms for a regal stay. The rooms are equipped with WiFi, television, air conditioner, and coffeemaker.
2. Silver Moon House: This guesthouse offers the best accommodation facilities with a free parking area, a shared lounge, and an in house restaurant. It showcases stylish décor and sleek architecture that gives an authentic Himalayan stay experience.
3. Tibet World: This is one of the most budget-friendly staycations in Mcleodganj that offers premium facilities such as a shared lounge, WiFi, and free parking area. It also has a terrace and a garden where you can relax and unwind.
4. Green Hotel: This is a family-owned heritage hotel that offers lavish accommodation options with balconies, parking area, and a terrace restaurant. The rooms are well furnished with modern interiors and facilities such as laundry services, WiFi, and wardrobe.
5. Hotel President Inn: Perched on the hillside, Hotel President Inn offers a serene stay experience to the visitors offering a splendid view of nature from each of the rooms. The rooms are various spacious equipped with amenities such as king-size bed, television, and antique furniture. -
What are the adventure sports I can do in Mcleodganj?
There are tons of adventure sports that you can try in Mcleodganj:
1. Paragliding: Soar in the blue sky like a free bird as you try paragliding, which is considered to be the most adventurous activity in Mcleodganj. The popular take-off sites for paragliding in Mcleodganj are Bir-Billing and Mahal Tahu.
2. Rock climbing: Mcleodganj is an ideal destination for rock climbing as several uneven mountains and hills enclose the town. The challenging terrains in the Dharamshala-Nayagaon region are the perfect spot for rock climbing.
3. Trekking: One of the most popular adventure sports that you must try in Mcleodganj is trekking that gives you a chance to appreciate the unadulterated views of nature. Triund and Indrahar Pass are some of the best trekking destinations in Mcleodganj with less rocky paths and broad trails.
4. Camping: The campers are bound to get some stunning background for pitching their tent at Mcleodganj as it is blessed with the most stunning natural beauty. Kangra Valley and Palampur are some of the best camping sites in Mcleodganj, where you can appreciate the raw beauty of nature.