PLACES TO VISIT IN MCLEODGANJ AND DHARAMSHALA

Dharamshala is like any other big city, but serves as an important gateway to the Dhauladhar mountain ranges. Dharamshala also has the most beautiful cricket stadium, and on a clear day, mountain peaks are visible from almost everywhere in the city.

While it is perfectly alright to do nothing in McLeodganj, in case you are visiting for a long weekend in McLeodganj, here are some of the things to do in McLeodganj and places to visit in McLeodganj and Dharamshala.

✦ Pro tip: You can book this Private 6 hrs Mcleodganj & Dharamshala City Tour

Tsuglagkhang temple complex, Mcleodganj

Tsuglagkhang temple is one of the major attractions in Mcleodganj not just for the Buddhist monks but also visitors. The complex includes Tsuglagkhang temple, the Namgyal Monastery, Tibetan Museum, a bookstore, a cafe, and a library, along with many shrine rooms having statues of Lord Gautam Buddha, Guru Rinpoche (Padmasambhava), and Chenrezig (Avalokiteśvara).

Except for the Dalai Lama’s residence, visitors can visit other parts of the Tsuglagkhang temple complex. And you can meet the Dalai Lama if you are lucky! The temple is open from 5 am until 8 pm.

Namgyal Monastery, Mcleodganj

The Namgyal Monastery is a historic religious center, located next to the residence of the Dalai Lama within the Tsuglagkhang temple complex. The 16th-century Namgyal Monastery has Buddhist temples and prayer wheels inscribed with the mantra ‘Om mani padme hum’, a Tibetan verse.

Visitors can go around the monastery and witness the many activities happening all around.  When I visited the Namgyal Monastery, it was abuzz with decorations, food preparations, and monks chanting mantras, doing meditation, and performing ceremonies. The entire complex was bubbling with festive fervour. Later I came to know that the Dalai Lama was slated to visit the monastery the next day.

However, bookings were required for entry the next day and so I decided to pass and just soak in the positive and peaceful vibes from the place. From the highest point of the monastery, the snow peaks of the Dhauladhar range were clearly visible. The entire complex is full of lush green environs with trees. In spite of being on the main market road, once inside the complex, it is extremely peaceful.

Visitors are allowed to meditate anywhere in the complex. Entry to the monastery is free and the opening hours are from 9 am to 6 pm daily.  Note: As of December 2020, the monastery is temporarily closed due to Covid-19. Kindly check before your arrival.

Trekking the Triund Hill

Thanks to the beautiful mountain ranges around Mcleodganj, there are options for treks in Dhauladhar. Triund happens to be one of the topmost choices of trekking in Mcleodganj.

Although closed during the heavy snow season, Triund remains open throughout the year and at all times of the day. Triund is popular for one-day treks as well as overnight camping. Located at a height of 9350 feet (2850 meters) the entire trekking path offers gorgeous views of the mountains. It looks especially breathtaking in spring with the rhododendron in full bloom.

Triund rhododendron trek is a must-do! With steep ascents and rocky sub-trails, this 9km long trek rewards visitors with the most stunning views. A clear day will certainly make you fall in love with the mountains, with snow peaking and the sun caressing the valleys.  Camping is possible here if you carry your tents or if you go with local guides.

The only downside of this trek is the absence of toilets at the peak. There is one shop midway and one at the top which serves packet food, Maggi and chai.  There is also a possibility to volunteer with a local NGO and go on clean-up hikes on Triund. Volunteers can accompany the NGO staff which conducts the clean-up hike at Triund every Monday.

The trash is picked up through the entire trekking trail and collected at the mountain top. The trash is sent to Mcleodganj town on mules and further sent for recycling. Talk about plogging done right!  If you love trekking and have strength, ability, and time on hand, you can further trek to Snowline at 10,800 feet. Snowline trek is 2km further than Triund and has steeper ascents than Triund.

If you are camping in Triund overnight, Snowline can be covered the next day, and one can trek back on day 2. It is also possible to camp at Snowline, which also has a snowline cafe. I will highly recommend taking a guide along for the snowline, especially in winter.

✦ Pro tip: You can book this – Hiking Day Tour to Triund from Dharmashala 

Bhagsunath Temple and Bhagsu Falls

A small trek near Dharamkot leads to the Bhagsunath temple and Bhagsu waterfalls. It is one of the most popular places to visit in Mcleodganj and Dharamshala. Located at a height of 5,807 feet, the ancient temple was built by King Bhagsu and dedicated to Lord Shiva and the Snake God – ‘Nag Devta’. If you are staying in Mcleodganj town, Dharamkot can be easily reached on foot and will take 20 minutes.

According to legends, King Bhagsu came to the glaciers in search of water. He was challenged by the Snake God, who was the resident of this region. In the ensuing battle, the King was defeated; however, his plea for water to his fraternity was granted, and the place came to be known as Bhagsunath. The temple attracts a huge number of believers and tourists throughout the year.

Surrounded by freshwater springs and green areas, the springs are said to be sacred and hold healing powers and medicinal properties. The trek to the falls is quite challenging due to the steep ascent, but the views from the top are worth it. Visitors can say their prayers and then take a dip in the adjacent pool.  Walk to the Bhagsu falls nearby and soak in the beauty of nature around.

Bhagsu Falls is one of the most popular Mcleodganj Tourism places so it is extremely crowded at all times. One can take a dive in the bone-chillingly cold water, follow it by relaxing on the rocks and soaking up some rays and panoramic views from the top.

Shiva Cafe at the top of Bhagsu waterfall is extremely popular, and you just cannot go to Bhagsu and not visit Shiva Cafe and post Instagram stories about it. But be patient to get a seat here, especially in the afternoons and weekends.

Dharamkot

A little away from Mcleodganj town, there is a different world altogether. Dharamkot, situated 2 km away, is a cute little village that offers yoga and spiritual retreats. On the crest of a hill above McLeodGanj, Dharamkot quietly enjoys the panoramic views of the Kangra Valley and the Dhauladhar ranges.

Dharamkot has the famous Tushita Meditation Centre, which is a centre for the study and practice of Buddhism in the Tibetan Mahayana tradition, the Vipassana Meditation Centre, and the Dhamma Shikara.  The village is closer to Triund trek and Bhagsu waterfalls, and much peaceful than Mcleodganj, which is why it is a preferred place for accommodation for many backpackers.

Dharamkot also has many homestays and hostel options, which are cheaper than Mcleodganj town. If you have a car, it needs to be parked at Dharamkot square and carry the luggage by your own.

Dal Lake

Yes, there is a Dal lake in Mcleodganj! Located near the village of Tota Rani, the lake is 4k away from Mcleodganj. Probably 1/100th the size of the actual one, Dal Lake Mcleodganj is a small lake that is surrounded by deodar trees. It has a Lord Shiva temple on its bank. The lake is a good tourist spot for families who want to enjoy some boating. Kids can especially enjoy boating as there are many varieties of fish.

Kangra Fort

Located at a distance of 28 km from Mcleodganj, the 4th-century fort is one of the oldest forts in the country and the biggest fort in the Himalayas. Kangra Fort is the 8th largest fort in India  – covering an area of 463 acres. It was built by Maharaja Susharma Chandra, a descendant of the Katoch dynasty, the oldest living dynasties.

Despite over 50 invasions, it still stands tall after a lot of centuries. The Kangra Fort lies on a patch of land between the Manjhi and Banganga rivers and offers prominent views of the Kangra valley in all four directions. The fort boasts 11 gates, 23 bastions, alleyways, vast courtyards, and ancient temples within its premises.

The highest point is occupied by the palace courtyard, below which there is a large courtyard containing the stone-carved temples of Laxmi Narayan, Ambika Devi, and the Jain Temple Visitors can get a detailed understanding of the fort by visiting the Maharaja Sansar Chand Katoch Museum, situated right next to the fort.

Visiting the Kangra Fort from Mcleodganj will easily consume half the day. The fort itself will require 2-3 hours. So it is best to plan accordingly. Recommended Read about Fort trek: Lohagad Fort, Kumbhalgarh Fort Entry fee for Kangra fort: INR 150 for Indian nationals and INR 300 for international tourists Kangra fort timings: 09:00 am – 11:00 am I was super hungry after all the walking and climbing in Kangra fort.

Just near the car park, there was a small shop called ‘ Anand tea stall’ serving refreshments. I was too tempted by the lady making aloo parathas and decided to try one. I ended up hogging many. It was too delicious, especially after that trek!

✦ Pro tip: You can book this Historical Tour including Unesco Kangra fort & Rock cut temple from Dharamshala 

Naddi View Point

Trekking to Naddi is another option while in Mcleodganj. Situated 3km from the central town, Naddi is a small village that offers breathtaking views of the mighty Dhauladhar mountains and the vast expanse of Kangra valley. Just like Dharamkot, this village offers many homestays for the peace-loving crowds who want to curl up with the mountain views.

Naddi viewpoint or Naddi sunset viewpoint is one of the best places to visit in Mcleodganj and Dharamshala. By following the directions from the main roads, one ends up on a non-tar road with a signboard ‘Naddi viewpoint’.

One needs to cross a few street-side vendors to come to a point where telescopes are installed. And the view is just breathtaking! I visited on a cloudy evening so I could not witness the sunset but nevertheless, the views were amazing.

Church of St. Johns

The 19th-century neo-Gothic architectural marvel is the Church of St Jones in a forest, which is why it is called St John’s church in the wilderness. Built by the Britishers for the troops and families, the area around also serves as the final resting place of Lord Ergin, governor-general and viceroy of India during the British Raj.  Constructed of hand-cut granite, it is one of the only buildings which remained after the 1905 earthquake.

HPCA Stadium

Whether you love cricket or not, you cannot not visit HPCA Stadium if you are visiting Dharamshala. It is one of the best places to visit in Dharamshala and Mcleodganj.

HPCA stands for Himachal Pradesh Cricket Association Stadium and is the highest altitude cricket stadium in the world. It overlooks the beautiful Dhauladhar range from the seating area, making it one of the best places to view cricket matches with a view.

Visitors can enter the stadium from Gate No. 5. Just ensure that there are no matches scheduled on the day you plan to visit.

Timing to HPCA stadium: 9 am to 5 pm

Entry fees to HPCA Stadium: INR 30 per person

War Memorial, Dharamshala

The War Memorial in Dharamshala stands as a moving tribute to the brave soldiers who sacrificed their lives in the 1947–48 battles, the Indo-China War of 1962, the wars of 1965 and 1971, and various UN Peacekeeping missions. Dominated by three striking black stone panels, each rising 24 feet high, this solemn site honours their unwavering courage and heroism.

Around the memorial is a well-maintained, manicured garden with animal statues. A quick visit can be done while on the way to Mcleodganj.

Tea Gardens in Dharamshala

I did not know tea gardens existed in Dharamshala until my second visit, recently! Narghota Tea Estate and Factory, located 2km away from the War Memorial, is an amazing place to spend the evening and click photos.

Since I have visited tea factories in Manas, Munnar and Kandy I decided to skip the factory visit here and just take a walk around the tea gardens on one side of the narrow road and the mountains on the other side.

Norbulingka Institute of Tibetan Culture

A beautiful place tucked away in a corner of Dharamshala, Norbulingka Institute is a great way to spend a peaceful afternoon.

During my recent visit to Norbulingka, I was impressed by their commitment to preserving Tibetan art through sustainable practices. Guided by master artisans, the institute empowers a community of over 300 Tibetans by passing down age-old techniques and traditions in painting, woodwork work and traditional clothing.

I saw firsthand the incredible craftsmanship and the living legacy of Tibetan culture. It’s an experience I’d highly recommend to anyone with an appreciation for art and heritage. Visitors can enrol in some of the art workshops that take place here.

The campus has a monastery and a losel doll museum, which is extremely beautiful. There is a cafe, restaurant and a momo joint which ensures visitors have a good time to sit, relax and take in the atmosphere.

There are 10 guestrooms available, too, where visitors can stay overnight.

Norbulingka Timings: 9 am to 5 pm

PLACES TO VISIT NEAR MCLEODGANJ AND DHARAMSHALA

Bir

Popular as one of the best places for paragliding in India, the hills in Bir-Billing have a perfect place for lift-off and glide without obstructions. Many adventure enthusiasts travel to Bir-Billing only for this sport.

Even novices can try their first flight off if you are not scared on heights and get that adrenaline pumping! The cost of each flight per person varies between INR 5000 – 15000, which depends on the length of the flight. The package includes a GoPro video, safety gear, an instructor, and transfer to the take-off point.

Palampur

Palampur is famous for its tea garden and beautiful views. With homestays scattered across the town, chilling here is what makes Palampur a good choice amongst tourists. One can drive to Palampur and be back from Dharamshala.

Shaktipeeth Temples

Himachal Pradesh is blessed with 5 shaktipeeth temples, namely –  Jwalaji, Chintpurni Devi, Naina Devi, Brajeshwari Devi, and Chamunda Devi. These temples are popular pilgrimage sites dedicated to different forms of the goddess Durga. 

Tourists can easily cover any 3 temples in a day and feel blessed.

SHOPPING IN MCLEODGANJ AND DHARAMSHALA

Shopping is a retail therapy in Mcleodganj. With an array of things to buy in Mcleodganj and souvenirs from Mcleodganj, the options are many. From Thangka paintings to Tibetan carpets, from jewellery to artefacts, handicrafts to books, from cakes to winter wear, the options are unending on what to buy in Mcleodganj.

One of the main places to visit in McLeodganj is the Main Market. The entire street and around is lined with shops. There are plenty of bakeries and small restaurants around,d too. It is best to explore them on foot so as not to miss out on quaint cafes and cute stores.

If you want to buy affordable souvenirs from Mcleodganj as gifts for your friends, I will suggest picking up Buddhist prayer flags, beaded jewellery, yak mittens, or shawl.

WHAT TO EAT (AND WHERE) IN MCLEODGANJ | CAFES IN MCLEODGANJ

With a lot of Tibetan influence, the entire town of Mcleodganj has many options of Momos and Thukpa. Since there are a lot of visitors from European countries, Mcleodganj cuisine offers a lot of continental dishes such as pizzas, lasagnas, pasta, pancakes, hummus, and Shakshuka. The bakeries are amazing as well and have delicious cakes, cheesecakes, and croissants. Being a spiritual town, many cafes and restaurants are offering vegan menus in addition to vegetarian options.

Momos in Mcleodganj

Momos are Tibetan dumplings that are usually stuffed with pork, chicken, or veggies. They are served with red chilli chutney. There are way too many restaurants and street vendors selling momos in Mcleodganj, and it is hard to pick one place which is the best. I tried momos in Trek N Dine in Dharamkot and a couple of street vendors (vegetarian versions), and all were great.

Bhagsu Cake

The best dessert has to be a local one! Bhagsu cake is a crunchy pie crust, layered with sticky caramel toffee sauce and topped with dark chocolate or white chocolate. It had this cake in Moonlight Cafe in Dharamkot.  Check out this detailed Food guide to cafes and restaurants in Mcleodganj.

BEST TIME TO VISIT MCLEODGANJ AND DHARAMSHALA

According to me, the best time to visit Mcleodganj is spring, between March and April. The weather is not too hot or cold for treks. There is still snow on mountain peaks, and the nip in the air is perfect for walking around without wrapping too many layers. The rhododendrons are in full bloom, which looks extremely pretty around the town.  Summers are also pleasant to visit Mcleodganj with maximum temperatures hovering at 30°C. But if you want to witness the snow, then winter is ideal. Storms are not quite common here as the region receives heavy rain annually. It is best to avoid July and August due to the heavy rainfall.

HOW TO REACH MCLEODGANJ AND DHARAMSHALA

By air

The nearest airport to Mcleodganj is Kangra Gaggal Airport, also called Dharamshala airport. It is located at a distance of 20 km from McLeodganj. Private cabs can be booked from the airport to reach Mcleodganj.

By Train 

The closest railway station to Mcleodganj is in Pathankot. Trains from the south and north stop here.  There are two options to reach Mcleodganj from Pathankot – take a taxi or a public bus to Mcleodganj. The taxi takes around 1.5 hours, depending on the traffic, and the buses take 3 to 4 hours since they stop at many villages to pick and drop people.

By Bus

Private buses of all kinds (air-conditioned, Volvo, sleeper, semi-sleeper) leave from Delhi (Majnu ka Tilla, Kashmiri gate) for Mcleodganj. It is an overnight comfortable journey of 10-12 hours. They drop at the Mcleodganj bus stand.

Bike rent in Mcleodganj

It is possible to rent bikes in Mcleodganj. There are many local shops in the main market which offer these services. Visitors also have the option to rent a 2-wheeler from many rental vendors in the city. The vendors drop the vehicle at your hotel and pick it up. The rent range is between INR 300-500 per day.

WHERE TO STAY IN MCLEODGANJ

There are many options to stay in Mcleodganj. Many visitors prefer to stay in the quieter nearby areas of Mcleodganj, such as Naddi or Dharamkot, or Bhagsu. I stayed in Dharamkot and can vouch for peaceful surroundings. Some of the options for hostels, homestays, and hotels in Mcleodganj are

Hostel: The Hosteller, Hostel Triangle Folks, Zostel

Hotel: Treebo Trend the Trance, Hotel Norbu House

Homestay/ AirBnB: Anandam Homestay – A Wandertrails Stay, Satobari Greens Homestay

SUSTAINABLE TIPS FOR PLACES TO VISIT IN MCLEODGANJ AND DHARAMSHALA

• Mcleodganj is a hill town and so it is best to avoid polythene bags. Do not use single-use or disposable plastic. Dispose of biscuit wrappers, wafer packets, and juice boxes in designated bins. Do not litter the highways, places of tourist interest or riverbanks.
• Respect nature during adventure activities and do not harm it in any form. A single cigarette butt can give rise to fires hurting the economy of the entire region.
• Do not pluck flowers/fruits without permission. Be a responsible and respectful tourist.
• Eat and enjoy local food.

I hope this Mcleodganj travel guide on Places to visit in Mcleodganj and Dharamshala will help you to plan your trip. Did I miss out on anything to do in Mcleodganj? Let me know in the comments below.

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