Top 10 Places to visit in Mcleodganj

Mcleodganj the idyllic town nestled in the Dhauladhar offers stunning mountain views in every season. This guide covers all the places to visit in Mcleodganj.

I have fond memories of Mcleodganj, a stunning town surrounded by the Dhauladhar mountain range in Himachal Pradesh. Many spring seasons ago, when I was volunteering at Triund, I had the opportunity to explore all the places to visit in Mcleodganj and the many things to do in Mcleodganj.

ABOUT MCLEODGANJ

Thanks to its pristine location, Mcleodganj is a hub for tourists, adventure junkies, trekking enthusiasts, and Buddhist monks. The Dalai Lama and his Tibetan followers migrated to Dharamshala in 1959 and it has been their home ever since. The Dalai Lama now resides in McLeodganj, a town in the Dharamshala district.

Mcleodganj has since then gained spiritual importance. Just like Rishikesh, Mcleodganj has also gained popularity for yoga and meditation camps and is one of the most popular places for tourism in Himachal Pradesh. 

Also known as Little Lhasa, Mcleodganj has one of the most stunning landscapes in all seasons of the year. The snowy peaks are especially amazing around the spring.

Also Read: Manali Travel Guide

PLACES TO VISIT IN MCLEODGANJ

While it is perfectly alright to not do anything while 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.

Tsuglagkhang temple complex

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

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 Dhauladhars. Triund happens to be one of the topmost choices of trekking in Mcleodganj.

Although closed in the heavy snow season, Triund is open all year round and at all times of the day. Triund is popular for one-day treks as well as overnight camping.

Located at the height of 9350 feet (2850 meters) the entire trekking path offers gorgeous views of 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 own 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 mid-way 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 in hand, one 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 all the way 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 snowline, especially in winters.

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.

Located at a height of 5,807 feet, the ancient temple was built by King Bhagsu, and dedicated to Lord Shiva and 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 on the afternoons and weekends

. The ‘No name cafe’ is another option which is located at the bottom of the waterfalls. Both cafes offer the typical Himachal Pradesh backpacker food – Maggi and momos! Savour and indulge.

Dharamkot

A little away from the Mcleodganj town, 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 center 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 homestay 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 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 parking, there was a small shop called ‘ Anand tea stall’ serving refreshments. I was too tempted with the lady making aloo parathas and decided to try one. I ended up hogging many. It was too delicious, especially after that trek!

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. By following the directions from the main roads, one ends up on a non-tar road with a signboard ‘Naddi view point’. 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 between a forest that 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.

SHOPPING IN MCLEODGANJ

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 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, there are many cafes and restaurants 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 chili 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

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

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 in Pathankot. Trains from south and north stop here. 

There are two options to reach Mcleodganj from Pathankot – take a taxi or 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 personally stayed in Dharamkot and can vouch for peaceful surroundings. Some of the options for hostel, homestay, 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

• 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 will help you to plan your trip. Did I miss out on any things to do in Mcleodganj? Let me know in the comments below.

Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. It means it adds no extra cost to you if you book through the link but I get a referral bonus which helps me earn a little to keep this website up and running.

Pin this post!