McLeodganj Sightseeing

About McLeodganj

A suburb in Dharamshala, Mcleodganj is a beautiful tourist attraction located at a height of around 1770 m. Fondly called “Little Lhasa” due to the presence of Tibetans, Mcleodganj is a quaint little hamlet known for trekking, boasting the plethora of idyllic landscapes and enticing bounties. Since it is home to His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama, the world famous Tibetian spiitual leader, makes mcleodganj famous around the world hence attracting thousands of Native and international tourists, some of whom starts taking courses in Buddhism with the Tibetian community. Thousands of Tibetan refugees also live here and so the sight of maroon robed monks and nuns is quite prominent.While in exile, Tibetan Government has been headquartered here for over three decades hence a major buddhist centre making it an important historic town. McLeodganj was named after Sir Donald Friell McLeod who was commanding as lieutenant Governor of Punjab. Being a home to Tibetan community, one can witness the Tibetan architectural styles,temples, culture, traditions, handicrafts can be seen around.

Best Time to Visit McLeodganj

To get a cool and pleasant break from scorching summers, months of March, April and May are the perfect months to spend pleasant time in McLeodganj. This is the peak season for tourism in McLeodganj. From the month of June to September, McLeodganj witnesses mild rainfalls hence the perfect time for honeymooners to visit and enjoy the romantic misty weather. There are chances of road blocks owing to occurrence of landslides. To experience the pristine white winters, December and January are the apt months to visit.

Famous Attractions of McLeodganj

Triund

A gem in the jewels of McLeodganj, Triund is located about 17 km from Dharamshala at a height of 2,827 m. The mighty hill overlooks the majestic snow-covered Dhauladhar Ranges on one side and Kangra Valley on the other.It is accessible via small and easy trek of about 8 km from Galu Temple of Dharamkot which is 2 km from Mcleodganj and follows an enchanting trail covered around with lush greenery and accessible forest across covered with tall deodars and rhododendron trees are a spectacular sight in itself. Night camping under the starts on the hilltop offers a pristine night landscape which completely takes you to another world.

Bhagsunath waterfall

The most famous tourist attraction located on the main road connecting Dharamshala and McLeodganj is Bhagsu waterfall sitauated around 11 kms from Dharamshala and only 2 km from McLeodganj. It is known for its fresh water spring and old temple shining amidst glorious natural beauty of mountains and trees. The major attraction here is the Bhagsu temple. The sole option to reach the waterfall is an adventurous trek. The waterfall starts at a relious spot called Dhauladhar valley and after passing through the famous Bhagsunag temple, cascades gracefully into a chilling spring. The cafeteria and restaurants near the waterfall to serve you coffee and lip-smacking dishes while sitting near or in the chilling water of spring while enjoying the wilderness amidst the gushing sounds of waterfall are a beautiful sight which you can never forget from your memories of Dharamshala or McLeodganj. During monsoons, the waterfall turns into an elegant sight falling from 20 m.

Bhagsunath temple

Located ahead of Bhagsunath waterfall, is the oldest and ancient temple famously called the Bhagsunath temple. The two pools inside the premises of temple are said to have curing magical powers and thus people from far and near visit the temple to take a holy dip in its waters and seek the blessings of Almighty It is said that after the King Bhagsu was pardoned from incurring the wrath of snake god, the King in gratitude built his shrine It is majorly visited by Gorkha community .

Tibetan Museum

One of the best places to visit in McLeodganj, The Tibetan Museum is famous for marvelous forms of arts like paintings or murals, pottery, handicrafts etc to explore the works of Dalai Lama also to have an insight about Tibetan Culture and struggles during Chinese invasions that took place in Tibet.Located inside the Tsuglagkhang complex, the museum is influenced by the marvelous Tibetan Architecture.

Namgyal Monastery

The home of Tibetan spiritual leader, the Dalai Lama often called ‘The Dalai Lama temple’ and largest Tibetan Temple outside Tibet lies inside the premises of Namgyal Monastery. Founded in the 1575 by the second Dalai Lama first in Tibet but had to be relocated and established in Dharamshala after the Tibet were invaded by Red Chinese in 1959. The monks residing here help Dalai Lama in his religious affairs like preserving ancient rituals and traditions. The study of the languages Tibetan and English, texts of Sutra and Tantra, Buddhist philosophy, sand mandalas, ritual chanting, and dances are all included in the study of Buddhism.

Tsuglagkhang Complex

Located in the upper division of Dharamshala which is the town of McLeodganj, located on the temple road, TsuglagKhang Complex is a religios centre for being the holy abode of the greatest Tibetan Leader, The Dalai Lama and his many monks and Nuns. The complex houses a monastery, a museum, library,various stupas, bookstore, statues of Lord Buddha, Chenrezig and Guru Rinpoche and cafe.

Dharamkot

Crowned beautifully on the top of a hill, around 14 km from Dharamshala overlooking the enchanting panoramic views of Dhaladhar Ranges and Kangra Valley lives a small quaint town named Dharamkot. On your trek to this destination, you can relax at Bhagsu Waterfall and continue your trek for this location to offer you with breathtaking views. It is famously called as ‘Yoga Village’ for it is home to Dhamma Shikhara Vipassana Meditation Centre and Tushita Buddhist Meditation Centre and now mostly occupied by foreigners who live in the village homes and practice meditation. If you are looking for a calm spiritual retreat , then Dharamkot is the ideal location for you.

St. John’s Church

Located about 8 km from Dharamshala, the church lies amidst McLeodganj in a dense forest area of Forsyth Ganj dedicated to John the baptist is built in a Neo-Gothic style. The Governer General and Viceroy of India, Lord Elgin loved the quaint and pacifying village of McLeodganj. The church overlooks the final resting place of Lord Elgin. The famous Belgian stained-glass windows was a gift from Lady Elgin, wife of Lord Elgin.

Dal Lake

Named after the Dal Lake of Srinagar and about 4 km from McLeodganj near a small village called Tota Rani lies Dal Lake. Surrounded by Deodar trees the lake has a greenish hue and is inhabited by fish. If available,boating in the lake is a magical experience.A small shrine is located in the near proximity to the lake of Durveshwar Mahadev(Lord Shiva).

Sunset Point/Naddi View Point

The pacifying experience of watching sun dawn at the Naddi View point is a mesmerizing experience. It lies in the close proximity of Dal Lake and people gather at this place for the pictures of the breath taking moments of sun dipping slowly in the Dhaladhar ranges.

Maharana Pratap Sagar Lake

Famously known as the Pong Dam Lake, Maharana Pratap Sagar Lake is a serene manmade reservoir built on river Beas, Shivalic Ranges about 3 km from McLeodganj. Popular sports activities conducted in the lake include paddle boating, rowing, sailing, water skiing, canoeing, and etc.