Mcleodganj
Mcleodganj is the residence of Holiness of Dalai Lama and a home to a large population of Tibetian including of many monks and nuns.This is a major attraction of tourists who visited this place to see the Tibetian culture , meditation , to trek. It is situated near upper Dharamshala. The towns of Dharamsala, Mcleodganj, Bhagsu Nag and Kangra are situated very close to each other and tourists cover all these destinations while travelling here.
How to Reach Us
By Air The nearest Airport to Mcleodganj is Gaggalwhich is well connected to all major Cities and is about 30 km away . One can hire cab/taxi to reach Mcleodganj from Airport.
By Rail The nearest Railway station is Kangra Mandir to Mcleodganj, it is about 25 km. One can hire cab/taxi to reach Mcleodganj from Railway Station.
By Road The Himachal Roadways and Himachal Tourism have regular bus service from Kashmiri Gate ISBT Delhi. From Dharamshala there are regular local buses for Mcleodganj or you can also take a cab/Taxi.
Best Time To Go Mcleodganj
Summer (April-July) Summers temperature ranges from 22 to 38 degrees Celsius.
Monsoon (July-September) The temperature in Monsoons ranges from 18 to 22 degrees Celcius.
Winter (October-February) The temperature ranges from -1 to 7 degrees Celcius. It is a great time to visit Mcleodganj in winters. Snow begins to fall by the end of the year and continues until February.
Nightlife in Mcleodganj
If you are looking for partying in night in Hills , then here you go in Mcleodganj to enjoy the nightlife. There are certain Bars ,Pubs and cafes where you can hang out . Some of the cafes are Tavern, The Bar, X-Cite Bar and Restaurant, Mcllo Bar and Restaurant, Roof Top Restaurant and Bar.
Local Food
Due to Tibetian culture mostly foods available here is momos, Thukpa, Tingmo, Bakleb (a Tibetan version of 'Samosas'). Another speciality is honey ginger lemon tea, which is a very refreshing drink. North Indian foods are also available in some of the restaurants like Parathas and Tandoori delicacies.
Attractions In Mcleodganj
Namgyal Monastery
Namgyal Monastery is the largest Tibetian temple outside Tibet and the home of the Dalai Lama. The monks living here perform rituals for the welfare of Tibet and work as a center of learning and meditation. The study of Buddhism includes modern studies of both Tibetan and English language, study of Sutra and Tantra texts, Buddhist Philosophy, making butter sculptures, torma offerings, sand mandalas, playing various ritual musical instruments, ritual chanting, and dances.
Bhagsunath Temple
The temple was built by King Bhagsu and is dedicated to Lord Shiva and situated about 3 kms from Mcleodganj. This temple is famous for its two pools which is having a healing properties. This place is surrounded by beautiful greenery , pools and a nearby waterfall and a number of shacks and cafes around.
Tsuglagkhang
The residence of Dalai Lama is known as Tsuglagkhang.This complex has a monestry,museum, temples, various stupas ,library,café and also having a beautiful statue of Lord Buddha.One can find a Tibetian culture and art here.
Dharamkot
Dharamkot is located in the district of Kangra in Himachal Pradesh at a distance of 9 Km from Mcleodganj. This place is surrounded with beautiful pictiresque scene, deodar trees and landscapes. This place is also famous for trekking ,one can trek here to the villages of Naddi and Triund which is approx. 3 Km and 7 Km from Dharamkot.
Dal Lake
Dal Lake is counted as one of the beautiful tourist destinations.This place is situated near Tota Rani in Kangra district of Mcleodganj. Dal Lake has greenish water and surrounded with greenish and blooming trees . This is a good place to capture the best moment in your camera for your best and memorable memories.
City Shopping
If you know how to bargain then you can purchase the local items of Mcleodganj like Tibetian carpets and mats. You can also buy woolen shawls, prayer wheels and prayer flags, traditional Tibetan hats, bags, trousers, slippers and other local items. Some of the markets are Kotwali Bazar, Jogibara Road, and McLeodganj Central Square.
Dhauladhar ranges
Dhauladhar Range is located in the district of Kangra in Himachal Pradesh and the major tourist attraction.This place is having a rocky landscape with lots of granite and slate stones. The highest mountain peak range is Hanuman Ka Tiba.
Minkiani Pass
Minkiani Pass is a beautiful trek in Mcleodganj,one can reach while trekking from Dharamsala to Chamba.
Norbulingka Institute
It is a beautiful and attractive place to visit and is a centre for practicing Tibetan art and crafts.The Losel Doll Museum here is also a attraction point which has a beautiful dolls depicting the Tibetian cultures and livelihoods.
Kareri Lake
This lake is also known as Kumarwah Lake, it is a beautiful, picturesque ,shallow, fresh water lake. This place is meant for trekking awesome and easy trek.
Naam Art Gallery
If you are art loving person then place is good for you, you can spend some relaxed and enjoyable time here.
Kangra Fort
Kangra Fort is situated on the outskirts of Kangra in Himachal Pradesh at a distance of around 20 kms from Dharamshala. The Kangra fort in itself is a symbol of elegance and royalty.This fort was built by the founder of Katoch Dynasty. The history of this reveals that many invader wished to control the fort and that is the reason it was attacked many times, now the fort is the property of the Archaeological Survey of India. It was heavily damaged by the earthquake of 4th April 1905.
Baglamukhi Temple
Bagalamukhi temple is situated in the Kangra district and is dedicated to Bagalamukhi Goddess. Bagalamukhi is derived from two words that is first is ‘Bagala’ means the bride and other word ‘Mukhi’ means faced, whole word meaning is “ a face with the power to control” . Yellow colour is the most favourite colour of the Goddess. That is why the temple is painted in yellow colour. The devotees do wear yellow attire and yellow desserts (besan ki laddoo) are offered to the deity.
Kangra Art Museum
This place is good for art lovers as this museum has a great collection of various cultures specially Tibetians. This museum is having the large variety of collections like jewelry, rare coin memorabilia, paintings, sculptures and pottery.
Bajreshwari Temple
The Bajreshwari Devi Temple is situated in Kangra District of Himachal Pradesh behind the crowded market of Kangra Town. The temple itself have couting effects with spiritual significance, mainly because of its architecture. This temple is one of the most important attractions in Kangra as it is also among one of the 51 Shakti Peeths of India.
Kaleshwar Mahadev Temple
Kaleshwar Mahadev Temple is situated around 8 km from paragpur village of Kangra District in Himachal Pradesh. Lord Shiva is the presiding divinity of this temple. The temple is found on the bank of the River Vyas and appears as a perfect meditating spot.
Trekking
Himachal Pradesh is a very good destinations for trekker lovers. There are numerous treks are available in and around Mcleodganj. Here are few treks near Mcleodganj which can be enjoyed by the mountain , camping, trekking lovers . Some are easy, moderate and in difficult range.
Triund Trek
This is a easy and small trek ,located around 18 Km from Dharamshala and which can started from either Mcleodganj or Dharamkot.
Description
One can start the trek from the main Square in Mcleodganj to Triund.This trek is a vertical climb of over 1,100 metres, it is well-remunerated by energizing walks surrounded by rhododendron and oak trees. Inbetween the trial you will also come across the Gallu Devi Temple you can visit there as well. There are cafeterias and guest houses here you can rest for a while, it takes about three to four hours to reach the top of Triund Hill. Carry your own tent to set up the camp.
Best time to visit
Anytime through out the year except January – February due to heavy snowfall in this area.
Grade Easy to Moderate
Kareri River Trek
Kareri Lake is a popular trekking destination. The Kareri Lake trekking situated from the Kangra District of Himachal Pradesh. The lake is at a high altitude of 9629 ft from the sea level and is frozen from the end of November, early December up to April or start of May. Trek starting point would be Ghera village market. The village is having a navigable road walk through the village , cross the bridge that comes along the way, you will pass the dense forests, bridges , Khauli River, Sari Village. You can also stay in foerst guest houses or can set up your own camp which you have to carry your own.
Best Time to Visit Through out the year you can visit here , except from December to April end the lake is frozen.
Grade - Moderate
Guna Devi Temple Trek
Guna Devi is located around 8 Km from McLeodganj bus stand. The trek will start from Naddi Village above Dal Lake which is around 4 km away from McLeodganj. Trekkers can take cab/taxi from McLeodganj to reach Naddi Village. From Naddi there is a moderate trail leading to Baal village. 2 kilometres away from Baal village is the Guna Devi temple. This is a one day trek and you can come back again to McLeodganj so need to carry camp with you.
Best time to visit Throughout the year you can visit here.
Grade Easy
Bhagsu Trek
There are two places to visit in Bhagsu, one is Bhagsu temple and other one is Bhagsu waterfall. They are in 20 minutes time frame distance. Both are amazing and enjoyable . Bhagsu Waterfall is 3 km away from McLeodganj and one kilometre from the Bhagsu temple.
The trek from McLeodganj to Bhagsu is easy. You can also take a cab to reach Bhagsu temple and start trekking from there. For the waterfall, the trekkers need to climb half a hill, which may be difficult for some. Bhagsu has many refreshment centres as well and also houses the popular Shiva Cafe.
The trek is short and easy so no need to carry camp with you. One can stay in hotels or can come back to McLeodganj for stay. Best time to visit Throughout the year. Waterfall becomes impressive during monsoons.
Grade Easy
Indrahar Pass Trek
The Indrahar Pass trek starts from McLeodganj and is situated on the top of the Dhauladhar range at the peak of 14160 ft. The base camp will be set at Lahesh Cave. Lahesh Cave is 9km away from Triund and from Triund ridge the trial goes to the guest house and small Devi Shrine. The journey is a perfect combination of various nature and traditional colors of Himachal. The Indrahar Pass forms the border between Kangra and Chamba districts and lay uncovered the stretch of Dhauladhar range. The Indrahar Pass trek, which is one of the easy to moderate treks.
Where to Stay From the Indrahar pass, trekkers proceed to Chhata camp, which is downhill from the pass.
Best time to visit The best time to go is from September to October
Grade Moderate to difficult.
