Mcleodganj
Little Lhasa
Mcleodganj Tourism
Mcleod Ganj is popularly known as Little Lhasa because of its beautiful valleys and mountain ranges. Being a residence of His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama, McLeod Ganj has a large population of Tibetans. It is located in the suburbs of Kangra district of Himachal Pradesh, three kilometres north of Dharamshala. The Tibetan government-in-exile is based in between at Gangchen Kyishon. With a large range of engaging activities, McLeod has become one of the biggest tourist attractions for both Indian and International travellers and backpackers.
The culture here is a blend of Tibetian and some British influence. Located in the middle of lush green hills and valleys, Mcleodganj has some of the most mesmerizing and breathtaking views of landscapes when compared to the entire state of Himachal Pradesh. Thus this place is a tourist attraction throughout the year. The towns such as Dharamsala, Mcleodganj, Bhagsu Nag and Kangra are well connected and located close to one other. Home to some of the renowned monasteries, Mcleod gives a sense of spiritual retreat and inner peace. The scenic beauty of Dal Lake and Triund are a must to cover when you visit Mcleodganj
Bask into the beauty of nature and witness the spiritual ambience surrounding the valleys of Himalayas, there’s a lot to explore and experience here.
Rejuvinate with nature
What's so good about nature is that one glimpse of a lush green valley can make your day turn all the way around. Mcleodganj is the place for you to feel that way. It is a village in the suburbs of Dharamshala the Kangra district of Himachal Pradesh. Living on the lap of the Dhauladhar range, Mcleodganj is definitely nature's retreat. The culture here is a blend of Tibetian and some British influence. This is because during the British Raj, in order to avoid the heat of the plains, Mcleod Ganj was discovered. There are many places to visit such as Tsug la Khang, Masroor Temple in Kangra, Tibet Museum etc.
Top things do in Mcleodganj
1. Dharamkot
1 kilometres from city centre2. Dhauladhar ranges
34 kilometres from city centre3. Kaleshwar Mahadev Temple, Kangra
47 kilometres from city centre4. Norbulingka Institute
6 kilometres from city centre5. Bajreshwari Temple, Kangra
16 kilometres from city centre6. Tsuglagkhang
1 kilometres from city centre7. Tibetan Museum
1 kilometres from city centre8. Kareri Lake, Kangra
10 kilometres from city centre9. Bhagsu Falls
2 kilometres from city centre10. Namgyal Monastery
1 kilometres from city centre11. Church of St. Johns in the wilderness
0 kilometres from city centre12. Kangra Fort, Kangra
18 kilometres from city centre13. Bhagsunath Temple
1 kilometres from city centre14. Naam Art Gallery
7 kilometres from city centre15. Triund
1 kilometres from city centre16. City Shopping
2153 kilometres from city centre17. Trekking
1536 kilometres from city centre18. Minkiani Pass
1 kilometres from city centre19. Kangra Art Museum, Kangra
1 kilometres from city centre20. Dal Lake
1 kilometres from city centre
How to reach
Mcleodganj is just 90 km from Pathankot and is very close to the Punjab and Himachal border. Pathankot has the nearest broad gauge railway station that leaves trains to Mcleod. Its an overnight journey from New Delhi and around 6-7 hours from Chandigarh. Buses and taxis ply from the station to reach the final destination. Himachal State buses are available from major cities which have proven to be economical and comfortable.
How to Reach by Flight
The nearest airport is Gajjal, very close to Mcleod, 30 km away from the city. Taxis are available to reach Mcleod from there. Although the frequency of flights is minimal there, Chandigarh airport has many frequent flights that will help you commute to Mcleod. The Delhi Airport is the closest for International travellers from where hiring taxis or taking the bus to mcleod becomes easy and convenient.
How to Reach by Train
Kangra Mandir is the nearest railway station and is located around 25 km from Mcleodganj. Apart from this, the nearest broad gauge railway station in Pathankot is 90 km away. Taxis and buses are easily available.
How to Reach by Bus
Himachal State buses are available from major cities which have proven to be economical and comfortable. The Himachal roadways and Himachal Tourism have regular buses to the state from Kashmiri Gate ISBT in New Delhi.
How to Reach by Road
After reaching Dharamshala, you can take a bus or a cab that will take you to the main city of Mcleodganj that is only 9 km away.
How to travel within
Regular buses ply in the city along with hired cabs.
Food to try
Having a variety of things to eat from, ranging from authentic Tibetian food to fine Italian cuisine, Mcleodganj offers the most amazing delicacies.
Their speciality of Tibetian cuisine starts from Momos to Thukpa to Bakleb. This place is also known for its honey ginger lemon tea that is as refreshing to your palate as the greenery to your eyes. You can also take home a few treats such as lemon tarts, chocolate mousse and pancakes. This is truly a home for a food lover.
Mcleodganj Itinerary
DAY 1:
-Trek to the Bhagsu Waterfall for a breathtaking view.
- Indulge in some great food at Shiva Cafe
-Cafe Black Tent on Wednesdays has live music sessions.
DAY 2:
-Visit Tushita meditation centre for a free guided meditation session
- A three-hour trek to Triund campsite
- Hot parathas and noodles from the local dhaba nearby.
DAY 3:
-If you're into adventure sports, go paragliding in Bir-Billing.
-Visit Dirty Laundry, a store where travellers exchange used travel essentials at half the price.
- Visit Dalai Lama’s temple, Namgyal Monastery, known amongst all the spiritual travellers around the world.