Mcleodganj

A pretty imposing and cool tourist destination, McLeodganj is nicely situated in upper Dharmasala and is the renowned seat of the holy leader Dalai Lama. The city was named after David McLeod, the former Governor of Punjab under British rule. This is the administrative headquarters of the Tibetan Government in exile. Mcleodganj a real cross section of Tibet is a well known learning centre of Tibetan culture and Buddhist dharmas and rituals. It has been nick named as the little Lhasa, reverberating the Buddhist influence on the land. 

 The area is enriched with many ancient temples, monasteries and structures. The ambience of the area resonates with Buddhist religious practices and lifestyles. This is a bastion of the natural beauty as the Mother Nature has blessed this area with all its magnanimities. 

Sightseeing in McLeodganj -

Bhagsu Falls: Bhagsu Falls is a small yet beautiful waterfall located 2km away from Mcleodganj. Around 0.5 km from the waterfall stands the Bhagsunath temple and the waterfall is revered by devotees who throng the temple.

Dal Lake: Dal Lake, which is 2km walk westwards from Mcleodganj market, is renowned for its scenic beauty and the cool ambience. With an altitude of 1775 m, the lake is situated at the vehicular road between Mcleodganj and the village of Naddi. Surrounded by deep green Deodar forests, it is also a base camp for trekkers in Dharamsala and Mcleodganj. 

Hanuman Ka Tibba: Hanuman-Ka-Tibba is an ideal trekking route for all those who love challenges. Situated right in front of McLeodganj, it offers spectacular and a breathtaking sight. It is the highest point in the Dhauladhar ranges and is famous for scenic views. Also known as ‘White Mountain’, this peak is located at an altitude of 5,639 m above sea level and offers magnificent views of the Dhauladhar ranges and Pir Panjal ranges.

Triund: Triund, the name of a crest in the Dhauladhar ranges in The Himalayas, is a very famous tourist attraction, which is 9 km trek from Mcleodganj. This place gives a breathtaking view of the Moon peak-Indera Pass. Ideal for camping, its unpolluted air and the unspoiled environment make the place an eco-friendly tourist spot.

Tsuglagkhang: Situated towards the southern end of the town is the holy abode of the Tibetan leader, Dalai Lama, the Tsuglagkhang Complex. Namgyal Monastery is a part of this sanctum and thousands of pilgrims’ travel here seeking the blessings of the leader.

Namgyal Monastery: Namgyal Monastery in Dharamsala is a sacred building enclosing the residence of Dalai Lama, the spiritual leader of Tibetan Government in exile. The complex is constructed in a location near Mcleod Ganj and is overlooked by the mountain ranges of Dhauladhar. Lush pine forests offer the natural beauty and the atmosphere offers a perfect tranquility in the location. The monastery is located inside the Tsuglagkhang Complex, which also encloses a Tibetan museum, a cafeteria, a book shop and library, prayer wheels and Buddhist shrines, apart from the royal but simple residence of the Tibetan spiritual leader.

Trekking: Himalayan undulated ranges in Mcleodganj offer the most exciting trekking opportunity for the adventurous. The trails in Mcleodganj leading to Leh, Kullu, Ladakh and Kangra are the best, cool and comfortable trekking trails in the country. These offer mild to highly rough trekking opportunities for the enthusiastic trekkers. The shortest trek trail is Mcleodganj to Triund, around 2 km trek from northeast of Mcleodganj, Triund offers a fantastic view of Kangra valley and the plains of Punjab. The best time for trekking is during the months of July to September.

Shopping: Many Buddhist and Tibetan goods are put up for sale in Mcleodganj. Tibetan art and craft items are the major commodities sold in this place. Tibetan Carpets, ponchos, thangkas, chubas, masks, silver and stone jewellery, bottled products, muesli, jackets, statuettes and many other artifacts and handicrafts. 

How to reach:

By Air: Nearest airport is Gaggal (also known as Dharamsala airport) which is about 10 km away from McLeodganj. From Kulu and Delhi, flights services are available to Gaggal thrice a week. 

By Train: Kangra and Nagrota are the nearest meter gauge railway stations to McLeodganj. Pathankot (90 km) is the nearest broad gauge station, which is connected to all major cities in India by train.

By Road: Regular deluxe bus services are available from Delhi to McLeodganj which is about 530 km away from Delhi . State bus services connect McLeodganj with neighboring cities.