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Places to Visit in McLeodganj

Constituting one of the top trekking trails in the country, the 9000-foot ridge behind the Dhauladhar range is Triund. Is one of the places to visit near Mcleodganj situated just nine kilometers away from , the extremely popular nine-kilometer trek is much sought-after. The Triund trail begins from Tushita road which is not far from the main square. 

The trail is also blessed with a view of the Moon Peak-Indrahar Pass, and it only gets better with snow-engulfed Dhauladhar Mountains on one side, and the Kangra valley on the other. If you are even remotely interested in bird-watching, this trek will amaze you with rare sightings.

Often described as the crown jewel of Dharamsala, the evening sky will compel you to camp overnight and soak in the comforting lap of the Himalayas. Trekking at Triund remains one of the most popular adventure destinations from McLeod Ganj, suiting beginners and professional hikers alike. 

Best Time to Visit: The months between March and December.

Distance from Mcleodganj: 7 Kms.

Check Out: Best Trekking tours in Mcleodganj for the thrilling experience
Must Visit: Manali

Namgyal monastery, also known as the 14th Dalai Lama’s monastery, is a sacred place where rituals involving various Buddhist practices such as the Kalachakra, Vajrakilaya, Guhyasamaja, Yamantaka, and Chakrasamvara.

A monastery is a great place for meditation and all tourists are welcomed to join the meditation sessions. It is also the largest Tibetan monastery outside of Tibet. The monastery manages the tantric college and a home for elderly people in Shimla. Anyone who wishes to get a touch of spirituality can visit Namgyal monastery.

Best Time to Visit: Summer Season.

Distance from Mcleodganj: 5 Kms.

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Dharamkot is a village adjoining McLeodganj that oozes sparkling sceneries. Not far from Dal Lake, the festival-fair organized every year adds to the vividness of Dharamkot. More spellbinding views of the Dhauladhar range await you, and a spiritual retreat at one of the several dedicated centres is just a step away. 

Although located only a stone’s throw away, the village of Dharamkot is in complete contrast to the Tibetan realms of McLeodganj. Trek to the villages at Naddi and Triund, which are right around the bend, and delve into the offerings of bountiful nature. A few cafes en route to Dharamkot sees the crowd dwindling, and peace is on the offing at throwaway prices. 

One of the most popular things to do among hikers is to rent a room in relatively noiseless Dharamkot and travel back and forth to McLeod Ganj—with the goal being solitude. Getting one’s own stock of alcohol from a kilometer away and chilling in the cafes is another one of travelers’ favorites. 

Best Time to Visit: September to June.

Distance from Mcleodganj: 8 Kms.

Must Checkout: Best time to visit Shimla

The Minakini pass is a part of Dhauladhar ranges which offers some splendid and spectacular view of nature and landscape is  a must visit place near Mcleodganj. If you are a photographer, you would love to capture the scenic beauty the pass has to offer. The slope, which is not located in a high altitude area unlike the other slopes, offers a good trekking experience for the tourists.

Besides the lush green vegetation, you can also spot the wildlife in this area. The wildlife mainly comprises of different species of birds and leopards of the region.While most people prefer private cars nowadays, you can also use bus transport to reach the place. The closest airport to Minakini pass is the Kangra airport of Dharamshala.

Best Time to Visit: April to June.

Distance from Mcleodganj: 12Kms.

If you want to the beauty of snow-capped mountains, there could be no better place than the Naddi viewpoint. The Naddi viewpoint is one of the tourist places in Mcleodganj that offers a splendid view of the hilly areas.  Not only can photographers capture the moments, but they can also watch the beautiful sunset and sunrise from this high altitude area. 

Besides, the place is full of green vegetation cover, creating an atmosphere of tranquillity all around. People often take a meal to dine/ have lunch in this beautiful valley.

Best Time to Visit: April to October

Distance from Mcleodganj: 4Kms. 

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The slopes of McLeodganj have one of the most picturesque lakes around. Named after the more-celebrated Dal Lake in Srinagar, this small lake is close to a beautiful village called Tota Rani. Flanked by Deodar trees, that are so typical of the region, lend the lake a mystical ambiance. 

A small shrine dedicated to Durveshwar Mahadev causes Dal Lake to be considered sacred, and a festival-fair held every year is evidence of that. The mid-altitude lake takes a greenish-hue and has varieties of fish inhabiting the water. 

The mist in the mornings and evenings make Dal Lake the perfect place for an introspective walk alone, or with the beloved. If you’re lucky, boating in the lake is an amazing experience, when available. The lake next to the Tibetan Children’s village is a nice stopover before you proceed to other attractions, and is regularly listed in the places to visit in McLeod Ganj.

Best Time to Visit: May to November

Distance from Mcleodganj: 4 Kms.

Dhauladhar ranges are a part of the lesser Himalayas that rises from the Indian subcontinent and ends up to the north of Kangra district, Dharamshala. The mountain ranges comprise of slopes and valleys those are loved by mountaineers and trekkers. It is one of the best tourist places in Mcleodganj as it satisfies the natural lust of most people. 

While on the valley, people would also come across the beautiful Bhagsu Nag waterfalls. Though the topography of the Dhauladhar ranges is kind of odd, the vast landscapes and spectacular views it showcases are perfect for an adventure junkie.

Best Time to Visit: September to March

Distance from Mcleodganj: 140 Kms.

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Tibetan Institute of performing arts is also one of the most popular tourist places in Mcleodganj. Set up by the 14th Dalai Lama Tenzin Gyatso, this institute was at first known as the dance, drama and music society. The main aim of establishing this institute was to preserve the entertainment culture of Tibetans.

Now an opera company is responsible for maintaining the institute. Different folk songs, regional songs, and dance, martial arts, etc. are performed here by the artists recruited by this opera group. The Tibetan Institute of performing arts is located in the Dharamkot road of Dharamshala.

Best Time to Visit: All Season.

Distance from Mcleodganj: 6 Kms.

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If you are not much of a trekker and you are looking for a first-time adventure, Indrahar pass trek could be the right choice for you. The place is counted among one of the best places to visit in Mcleodganj when it comes to easy or moderate trekking. 

If you want to observe the Dhauladhar mountain ranges and Pir Panjal mountain ranges, taking a trek in the Indrahar pass could be a good idea. The valley offers a direct view of those mountain ranges. Located at an altitude range of 2500 to 4500 meters, the Indrahar pass acts as a border between the Kangra and the Chamba districts.

Best Time to Visit: Mid-May to June and September to Mid-October

Distance from Mcleodganj: 9 Kms.
Great Deals Available On Catedral De Sevilla Tickets

The huge complex is also known locally as Tsuglagkhang, this is the residence of the Dalai Lama. Although the private residence of His Holiness is out of bounds for tourists, the complex comprises of several shrines, temples, a Tibetan museum, and souvenir stores. Each day, students congregate in the courtyard of the Namgyal Monastery and study ancient Buddhist philosophy.

A massive gilded statue of Buddha and two smaller statues of Guru Rinpoche and Chenresig stand amid natural serenity that the complex is filled to the brim with. Following many bloody sacrifices, parts of the statues situated inside the largest shrine here were brought over from Tibet. The chanting, drumming and the soft flowing of monks brush past you, and this iconic place to visit in McLeod Ganj is also the nerve centre of the town’s distinct culture. Lingkhor is a meditation trail that one must not miss.

Dotted with small shrines and stupas, a rare opportunity to indulge in the intrinsic soulfulness presents before yourself. A small western hall next to the main shrine is the Kalachakra temple, where the extremely fine work on murals is showcased on its walls. Other shrines are full of similar detailed works, and the Dalai Lama temple is a short walk away from the centre of the town.

Best Time to Visit: All Season.

Distance from Mcleodganj: 5 Kms.

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Constructed in 1852, the church was built on the lines of neo-gothic architecture and is dedicated to John the Baptist. Around 50 years after being built, the Kangra earthquake destroyed the church’s bell tower leaving the rest of the church undamaged. The church is embedded amid a grove of Deodars, with a quaint graveyard lying in the same grounds. 

Lord Elgin, once the Governor-General and Viceroy of India is known to have been mesmerized by McLeod Ganj so much, that he wished for it to be the summer capital of India. His final resting place lies very close to the church. The enchanting glass windows painted by a Belgian artist is known to have been gifted by Lady Elgin, the wife of Lord Elgin.

Not far from the main square of the town, the Church of St John’s in the Wilderness is an important place to visit in McLeod Ganj and is on the road to Forsyth Ganj. Your chance to experience the remnants of the days when it was a treasured British hill station is here.

Best Time to Visit: All Season

Distance from Mcleodganj: 1 Km.
How to Book: Nasrid Palaces Tickets

The 15-temple complex is an astonishing example of ancient rock-cut architecture in India. A short drive from McLeod Ganj, it is counted among the hidden gems around and the sights subdue the bumpy ride here. The ornately carved cluster of monolithic rock-cut shrines are among the most unexplored temples in Himachal Pradesh, and the crowds are sparse.  Partially in ruins, this stunning monument is believed to have been built between the sixth and the eighth centuries. 

The reflection of the rock-cut temples on the pond before it are simply indescribable for the beauty on offer.  Counted on top of the most exhilarating places to visit in McLeod Ganj, the view of the snow-draped Dhauladhar Mountains from the temple premises is unmatchable. An ideal amalgam of awe-inspiring man-made wonder and untouched natural beauty indeed. A compulsory visit.

Best Time to Visit: All Season.

Distance from Mcleodganj: 50 Kms.

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Counted among one of the top tourist destinations in Mcleodganj, Norbulingka Institute is the place you wouldn’t want to miss if you are a sucker of Tibetan culture. The Institute protects ancient Tibetan culture in the form of art, architecture, and paintings.

This is a great method as people don’t often like the idea of getting exposed to a theoretical explanation of Tibetan history. The institute also conducts workshop sessions where tourists can witness how the painters/ artists bring the Tibetan culture to life through their artworks. Visiting the institute isn’t free. While Tibetans need to pay INR 20, other tourists need to pay INR 50 as an entry fee.

Best Time to Visit: All Season.

Distance from Mcleodganj: 16 Kms.

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The Naam art gallery is one of the most renowned places for its art culture. The place is mainly popular among historians. The Naam art gallery is mainly an art museum that gives tourist an idea about the German painter Elsbeth Buschmann and his paintings. Besides his paintings, contemporary arts are also showcased to the public.

The Naam art gallery is located in Chamunda main road, Sidhbari, Dharamshala. Generally, the art museum opens around 10 in the morning and closes around 7:30 in the evening. However, visit duration for each person is limited to three hours at most.

Best Time to Visit: All Season.

Distance from Mcleodganj: 15 Kms.
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As the name suggests, it is the place where people can watch the sunset clearly. The blissful moment is created when the dawn sets in. Sunset can be viewed from the Naddi viewpoint. A lot of tourists flock around this place with their cameras to get a glimpse of the sunset and capture it in their cameras.

If you want refreshment, you can visit the dal lake of Mcleodganj which resides near to the sunset point. You can find nearby hotels if you want to stay a few days in the place.

Best Time to Visit: All-Season but preferably monsoon.

Distance from Mcleodganj: 4 Kms.

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Gunna Devi temple is one of the most famous places to visit in Mcleodganj that no tourist should miss. The temple, which mainly is dedicated to the Hindu Goddess Kali, is a pilgrimage center for a semi-nomadic group of people known as the Gaddi shepherds. The area is covered with trees such as deodar, oak, etc.

You can also go for trekking on your way to the temple as it is located in a high altitude area. The Gunna Devi temple is located 8 KMs away from the main district of Kangra in Himachal Pradesh at a height of 2300 Metres in Kangra valley.

Best Time to Visit: Summer (April - June)

Distance from Mcleodganj: 26 Kms.

Maharana Pratap Sagar Lake originated from the manmade reservoir built on the Beas River. Just like other slopes and lakes in the Kangra district, it offers a view of the pleasant scenic beauty. Here, people can choose paddle boating as a popular activity. Some of the other popular sports activities conducted in the lake include rowing, sailing, water skiing, canoeing, and etc.

Hence, undoubtedly Maharana Pratap Sagara Lake is counted among the best places to visit in Mcleodganj.Maharana Pratap Sagar Lake is situated on the Beas River, Siwalik Hills in Mcloeodganj. The closest railways station is 30 KM, and it’s the most suitable method of travel to the Maharana Pratap Sagar Lake.

Best Time to Visit: Winters

Distance from Mcleodganj: 3 Kms.

The Vipassana Meditation center provides 10 to 15 days sessions to the people who get admitted in these sessions. In this time period, people are encouraged to not stay in touch with the outer world (mobile phones, etc. are taken from everyone and returned only after the end of the training period).

The main purpose of the Vipassana meditation center is to help people see things as they are. It not only encourages healthy habits and practices but also helps people stay positive and focused.

Best Time to Visit: All Season.

Distance from Mcleodganj:8 Kms.

Amongst the best places to visit in Mcleodganj, Illiterati is a book cafe celebrated for it's scrumptious burger and mesmerising decor. The bookstore cum cafe is ornate with wooden stoves, a vast genre of books and an out of the world view capturing the mountains.

Apart from the books there are several board games that travelers can enjoy at the cafe. Distant from the noise city, Illiterati cafe is found on the Jogiwara road, a calm and peaceful place to relish time in solace. Book lover or not, this cafe is a must visit and is logged in among the perfect Mcleodganj sightseeing places.

Best time to visit: Between October and February which is the winter season.

Distance from Mcleodganj: 2.2 Kms