Mcleodganj Tourism (2019) - India > Top Things To Do in Mcleod Ganj

"Land of His Holiness the Dalai Lama - Little Lhasa"

Mcleodganj Tourism

Mcleodganj is a hill station near Dharamshala, popular among trekkers. Its culture is a beautiful blend of Tibetan with some British influence.

Also known as Little Lhasa and famous around the world for being home to the Tibetan spiritual leader Dalai Lama, Mcleod Ganj is a beautiful town situated near upper Dharamsala. Nestled amidst majestic hills and lush greenery, this town is culturally blessed by a prominent Tibetan influence owing to the major settlement of Tibetans here. Mcleodganj has one of the most mesmerising landscapes in the entire state of Himachal Pradesh and attracts a lot of tourists throughout the year. The towns of Dharamsala, Mcleodganj, Bhagsu Nag and Kangra are situated very close to each other and tourists must cover all these destinations while travelling here. Few of the most eminent and religiously significant monasteries in India are located here, including the Namgyal Monastery and Tsuglagkhang, where the spiritual leader Dalai Lama resides. Tourists must also visit the scenic Dal Lake and Triund, which are apt for quiet picnics.

Places to Visit In Mcleodganj

Bhagsu Falls

Namgyal Monastery

Tsuglagkhang Complex

Bhagsunag Temple

Tibetan Museum

Triund

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Mcleodganj Packages

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History of Mcleod Ganj

In 1885 when India was under the colonial rule of British Empire, various settlements were established in Dhaluadhars, near the western range of Himalayas. In 1849, were stationed in Kangra after the second Anglo – Sikh War. The place got its name from the small rest house in the cantonment where they were residing, which was commonly referred to as ‘Dharamshalas’. It later became the administrative head office of Kangra district. Civilian settlements started establishing, Macleodganj named after David McLeod, the then Lt. Governor of Punjab and Forsythganj, named after a Divisional Commissioner. Lord Elgin was the British Viceroy of India from 1862 to 1863 who fell in love with the place as it reminded him of his hometown in Scotland. He died while travelling through Dharmashala in 1863 and got buried in St. John's Church-in-Wilderness which is located in Forsythganj. The town got destroyed in 1905 during an earthquake and later Dalai Lama was the one who once again revived the town.

Nightlife in Mcleod Ganj

The nightlife of Mcleodganj includes a multitude of Bars and Cafes inhabited all over the place. The recurrent travellers love to boast about their time spent in these cafes. Black Magic, MCLO Resto and Bar, Xcite Bar, Indique Kitchen Bar Café, B 6 Lounge and Bar and Bob'snBarley - Restaurant and Bar are some of the places to enjoy the nightlife.

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Rendezvous with the Tibetan culture in Mcleod Ganj

Dotted with the Tibetan monasteries and wishing wheels, McleodGanj is the upper part of the Dharamshala region, showcasing the Tibetan and Buddhist culture. House yourself at the peaceful Tibetan monastery, meditate and introspect the inner you. Brief yourself with the Tibetan culture, dig in some delicious Tibetan cuisines and fill your bags with the authentic Tibetan souvenirs from the McleodGanj Market.

Trekking in Mcleodganj - Pave a way for the enthralling treks

McleodGanj is also a starting point for a number of treks that takes you to the steep slopes of the great Himalayan ranges. Most famous of them is the Triund trek, graded as an easy trek. The short trek of 3-4 hours will fill you up with the most astonishing sights of the Dhauladhar ranges changing their mood every minute. You can further trek to Indrahar Pass from Triund, which is a difficult graded trek that takes you to the snowy slopes of the Himalayan ranges. Apart from this, you can trek to BhagsuNag Fall and enjoy the waterfall set amidst the green hills of McleodGanj. You can also go for the Kareri Lake trek which begins from Ghera village, located close to McleodGanj and Dharamshala.

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Restaurants and Local Food in Mcleodganj

Dominated by a variety of authentic Tibetan cuisine, dotted with bakeries selling indulges at minimal prices, a Lebanese surprise, a delicious dash of Italian food, a rather French brunch and a pampered North-Indian meal with Parathas and Tandoori delicacies are what make Mcleodganj an almost surprising paradise for those who live to eat. The almost staple influence of Tibetan cuisine over the food here will offer you a variety of Momos, Thukpa, Tingmo, Bakleb (a Tibetan version of 'Samosas'). Another speciality of this place is honey ginger lemon tea, which is a very refreshing drink. Do relish and maybe even take home treasures like lemon tarts, cakes, chocolate mousse and pancakes. Also, the city provides some of the finest and most delicious Italian delicacies. Other than these there are lots to savour from the typical North-Indian platters, Chinese, Japanese and continental cuisines available here.

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Suggested Itinerary

Day 1: Leave for the local tour after some rest and refreshments at the hotel. Visit the famous Tibetan monasteries in Mcleod Ganj- Namgyal and Tsuglagkhang monastery. Day 2: Leave for Bhagsunag after breakfast. A short trek to BhagsuNag fall and temple is a must-do in Mcleod Ganj. Afterwards, head to Shiva Cafe, enjoy some delicious meals along with the beautiful landscapes of the great Dhauladhar ranges. Do not miss the scrumptious brownies and pies from the local confectionery. Day 3: Head to Triund for the famous Triund trek. Camp stay at Triund.

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Mcleodganj Photos

Mcleodganj, suburb of Dharamshala in Kangra district

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Holidify's Opinion

What's Great?

Offers extremely beautiful scenes of Dhauladhar ranges, famous for Tibetan culture and is a great centre of meditation.

What's Not So Great?

Gets over-crowded in the peak seasons.

For Whom?

For people wishing to learn meditation and Buddhism. Adventure seekers who want to trek in the Himalayas. People looking for a family vacation in a hill-station.

Top Hotels In Mcleodganj

Grand Hill

9.2 (35 reviews)

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Hotel Norbu House

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Aqua Waterfall Hotel

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Treebo Trend Roshan House

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Hotel Udechee Huts

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Hotel Dharamshala Paradise

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Book Mcleodganj Activities

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How To Reach Mcleodganj

Mcleodganj is located close to Punjab and Himachal border and is just 90 km from Pathankot, which has the nearest broad gauge railway station. Mcloedganj is overnight from New Delhi and around 6-7 hours from Chandigarh. Taxis and buses are easily available for tourists to commute from there to Mcleodganj. Himachal State Buses ply buses to Mcleodganj from various parts of the state, Punjab, Harayana and Delhi and they are the most economical and decently comfortable way to reach Mcleodganj.

From Delhi

477 km

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From Chandigarh

248 km

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From Gurgaon

514 km

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Mcleodganj Reviews

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Sonam Pandey 4 weeks ago

Mcleodganj is a beautiful and adventurous spot for a memorable retreat. Settled within the snow-covered Dhauladhar Mountains, this Indian town in the state of Himachal Pradesh is a picture-perfect amalgamation of natural beauty and spirituality. This is the best destination for enjoying a holiday with friends, family and especially for the newly married couples. You can book your cab with Bharat Taxi for a visit to these places and make your trip memorable and happiest.

Shivani Gulati 1 year ago

Mcleodganj is an amazing place thatbhas something for everyone. Tibetian monasteries, awesome places to eat, adventure activities, treks and waterfalls.. I could not have asked for more :)

Shirish Narnaware 1 year ago

Very nice place but seems to be getting more congested and dirty nowadays..Budhist temples are really amazing having Tibetan style..enjoy the water fall and street food, momos and street shoppings..

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