by McLeod Ganj is one of the “Holy Towns” in the Indian state of Himanchal Pradesh. It’s a town of pilgrimage for both Sikhs and Buddhists and is famous for its Tibetan influence. The town got its name when the British officers who were surveying Himachal Pradesh called Mcleodganj by mistake. After seeing how much of an impact the town has made on political, religious and cultural history, there are many things to do in McLeodGanj to enjoy your stay.
Here Are The Top Things You Can Do in Your Trip To Mcleodganj:
1) Kareri River Trek
This trek is slow and peaceful, offering a tranquil and authentic Himalayan experience. A walk along the river bank feels like a walk in paradise. It is about 10 kilometers from McLeodGanj and a perfect way to get a taste of this region. A day trek on the banks of Kareri River is a must do.
2) Camping in Mcleodganj
One can camp in Mcleodganj and the area around it. Camping is very cheap and easy to do. The whole area is a good option for camping as there are plenty of cozy places to pitch tents, along with the wildlife. Camping at night under the stars gives one a chance to see some amazing shooting stars.
3) Bhagsu Trek
The trek offers wonderful panoramic views of the Himalayas. The route takes you to an isolated hill station, situated at 2000 m altitude, about four hours from McLeodGanj. The Bhagsumarg trek is extremely beautiful and serene, offering spectacular vistas of the Himalayas and endless expanses of tundra.
4) The Kangra Valley Trek
The trek is perfect for those looking for a longer trek in Himachal Pradesh. The route goes on through picturesque villages and forests and the ascent to high peaks of the Himalayas, and passes by temples, glaciers, and rivers. The magnificent panoramic views of the mountains and lush green forests along with a variety of flowers can be seen along the trail. The trek starts from Dharamshala and goes all the way to Kangra Valley, about 72 kilometers.
5) Go to Bhagsu Falls
The Bhagsu waterfall is a must see while in Mcleodganj. It is a two-hour trek from Mcleodganj and will lead you to the beautiful, stunning and majestic waterfalls. The architecture and landscape here is so serene that it will leave you breathless. There are some great pools here where you can take a dip in the cool water on those hot summer days. This place is perfect for swimming, hiking and picnics with your friends and family.
6) Trek to Triund
The Triund trek is one of the most famous treks in Mcleodganj. It takes you to the Triund hilltop, which offers a great view of the snow-capped mountains and the surrounding pine forests. The trek is not very difficult but involves a lot of steep staircases, which can be tiresome for some. The place has many temple and monasteries that are worth visiting while you’re here.
7) Paragliding in Mcleodganj
The paragliding at Mcleodganj is one of its kind and here you can complete your dream of flying like a bird. The place has one of the best wind conditions in the country and is perfect to explore the thrill of gliding in the Himalayas. You can sign up to a Paragliding lesson or learn to do it on your own by renting a glider.
8) Enjoy a Boat Ride in the Dal Lake
The lake is a great place to visit while in Mcleodganj. This lake surrounded by mountains and dense forests. The lake itself is a very beautiful place. This place takes you to a peaceful and scenic ride, with its crystal clear water, surrounding mountains and abundance of flowers which will leave you mesmerized.
9) Visit Dharamkot
Dharamkot is about 4km from Mcleodganj and offers beautiful views of the Himalayas. This place is ideal for a picnic. The picturesque hill station has a number of historic temples and buildings that were built during the British period. This place is wonderful to visit when one wants to get away from the city life and experience a quiet peaceful, serene and authentic part of this country.
10) Explore Tibetan Culture
With so much Tibetan influence in Mcleodganj, there is much to learn about their culture and tradition. The town is adorned with structures built by the Tibetans and their temples hold some amazing art work that one must see while they’re here.
11) Enjoy The Amazing sunset at Dhauladhar Range
There is no better place to watch a beautiful sunset than from the Dhauladhar mountain range. The mountain range is one of its kinds and has many interesting features. Being in Mcleodganj you have to go on top of the hill and take pictures while enjoying the sun set, which will be surely something you’ll never forget in your life.
12) Go Shopping In Local Bazaar
The local bazaar offers a great place to shop and buy pretty much everything. You can buy souvenirs, jewelry, local cloths, arts and crafts and much more. The bazaar has the best harabashas (tea shops) serving some amazing chai with homemade biscuits. The best thing about shopping here is that everything is very cheap but of good quality.
13) Get A Massage at Tibetan Healing Centre
The Tibetan Healing centre allows you to experience some of the most amazing massages with herbal oils. The aromatic massage leaves you feeling relaxed, peaceful and recharged. The herbs in the oils used during the massage are believed to have healing properties.
14) Indulge in Yoga sessions and Spa Therapies
The plateau has many yoga and other meditation centers. The views of the Himalayas from here are tremendous and you can take a trek to the viewing points if you so wish. The place is perfect for Yoga as well as spa therapy.
15) Taste Authentic Tibetan Food
Tibetan food is famous all over the world. In McLeodganj, you can experience authentic Tibetan cuisine such as momos and bhajis and other varieties of foods. You can also get any of your favorite items from the menu including traditional Chinese, burgers, pizzas etc.
16) Experience Tibetan Culture in Mcleodganj
There are a number of places in Mcleodganj where you can learn about the Tibetan culture and tradition. Chapam Temple, the Tibetan Refugee Cultural Center, Tibetan Institute of Performing Arts, McLeodganj Museum and McLeodganj Heritage Village are some places to visit for a tourist to experience authentic Tibetan culture.
17) Experience The Buddhist Festival in Mcleodganj
The town is famous for its Buddhist festival that is celebrated every year. The festival starts with the evening alms giving and ends with a cultural program showcasing traditional dances perform by different ethnic people from Tibet.
18) Explore the beauty at Naddi View Point
The Naddi View Point is one of the most beautiful places in Mcleodganj. The view from here takes your breath away and up until today, it has been untouched by human hands. The point is best to visit at sunrise, during monsoon and autumn.
19) Visit Norbulingka Institute
The Norbulingka Institute is like a mini Tibet which showcases the Tibetan culture and tradition. This institute was established in 2000 and offers many activities related to Buddhism, traditional arts and crafts. There are shops selling Tibetan artifacts and souvenirs as well.
20) Visit Nechung Monastery
Nechung Monastery is located in the Mcleodganj area and was built by the Tibetan refugees. It is a Buddhist monastery and has a number of interesting features like its many chapels, prayer halls, stupas and bell towers. The architecture, colors and design of this place are very unique.
21) Explore The Colorful Cafes and Restaurants
There are a number of colorful cafes and restaurants in Mcleodganj . The blend of colors, the architecture and the vibrant atmosphere gives you a very peaceful and enjoyable time here.
22) Visit Tibetan Museum
The Tibetan museum is one of the best places to visit when in this place. It offers an insight into the history of different periods. The collection at the museum contains ancient objects and relics from Tibet, which are very interesting and informative.
23) Visit Namgyal Monastery
The Namgyal Monastery is a beautiful place to visit while in Mcleodganj. The monastery was built with 3 stupas which represent the birth, life and death of Buddha. Every year there is a festival that is celebrated here which showcases various high quality dances and songs that are performed by the monks and nuns.
24) Visit Tsug La Khang (Dalai Lama’s Temple)
Tsug La Khang is the Dalai Lama’s Temple that was built with the help of his followers. The temple is located on a hill and has many interesting features including shrines, statues, paintings and chapels.
25) Indrahar Pass Trek
The Indrahar pass trek is the one of the most beautiful treks to explore in McLeodganj. The road that leads to the pass is very narrow and there aren’t any facilities like public transport or refreshments. The views from here are spectacular and your eyes will surely get drawn towards them, especially at sunrise and sunset.
Conclusion
Being a crucial tourist destination Mcleodganj has a lot to offer for people who are curious about the Tibetan culture. Spending some time exploring this place will surely be very helpful in knowing the history of Tibet, Buddhist rituals and festivals.
McLeod Ganj is also known as “Little Lhasa” and is considered as one of the best places to visit in Himachal Pradesh. and if you want to know about more places visit us at Traveltricky.com
