McLeod Ganj - A tale of India's mini Tibet

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About McLeod Ganj 

McLeod Ganj is a hill station in Himachal Pradesh near Dharamshala. It is so popular among people who love trekking. It is an outlying district of Dharamshala in Kangra district of Himachal. It is also called 'Little Lhasa' or 'Dhasa' because of the population of Tibetians. It is located on the Dhauladhar Range. It has an average elevation of 2,082 metres .The trekking route to Triund starts from McLeod Ganj. McLeod Ganj culture is beautiful mixture of Tibetan with British influence. This place has very beautiful and mesmerizing landscape view and attracts lot of tourists. 

Best season to visit 

This place is year round destination and can visit any time of the year. But best time to visit are  pre summer months like March and April and pre winter months between September and November. In these months the tourists are spotted mostly in compare to months of snow and rain. 

How to reach 

  •   you can take the regular flight as the nearest airport is Kangra Airport ,15 km away from Dharamshala. 
  • The most common medium of transport is bus which is mostly used by people. There are many buses available from Delhi with a distance of 485 km. it takes an overnight or 10-11 hours of journey via bus to reach McLeodganj. 
  • The nearest railhead is Pathankot which is at a distance of 91 km from McLeodganj and 88 km from Dharamshala. 
  • further, you can also hire a taxi or cab.
  Where to stay 

You can choose any hotels, homestay, guest house and hostels in Dharamshala or McLeod Ganj as per your convenient. But I sugguest to choose hotels near Bhagsu waterfall, or Dharamkot as this location is easily to visit the places of interest and also for trekking to Triund. 

What to eat 


There are many restaurants and cafes that serves you Tibetian cuisine, Italian, French and Mexican. But I would say you must try Thenthuk, Thupka and Tibetian butter tea and also don't forget to try Tibetian soup. Some good restaurants where I did go were Tibet Kitchen and Indique Restaurant. You can also try delicious pancakes here.  

Places to visit 

BhagsuNaag Temple and waterfall 


  It is located in Dharamsala, this temple is believed to be ancient temple where lord Shiva had prevailed himself and it is the most worshipped temple between hindu pilgrims. Thus this temple is must visit for all. You have to walk little bit so wear a comfortable footwear. Photography is not allowed in the temple so you can't click pictures. You can take a dip in cool water pool of temple premises. This temple have peaceful aura and nature, you will enjoy it much. 



     The Bhagsunag waterfall situated 1 km from Bhagsunag temple. I would say this place is amazing to sit and relax. The small falls, chilled water and trekking to waterfall gives you awesome experience at the top. There is also food joints so you can eat while enjoying view. 
Don't miss Shiva cafe which serves you scrumptious tibetian cuisine and munchies. 

Dalai Lama Temple 


You must go there. You will experience very peaceful and positive vibes all around the place. This place is very serene. Dalai Lama visit this temple twice or thrice ever year to preach and bless. The temple is also famous for giving religious teachings. 

Norbulingka Institute 


This institute is dedicated to preserve Tibetian culture and art. This is very holy place which value charity and kindness. This institute showcase many art and culture of Tibetian. The place is so well designed that I ended up being mesmerizing by its vibe. You will surely enjoy this place. 

Dal Lake 


It is small lake in Dharamsala. The lake is surrounded by deodar and trees and there is also small Shiv Mandir on its bank. This place is very quiet and beautiful. 

St. John in the Wilderness Church 


This church is dedicated to John the Baptist. It was built in 1852. You will find this place little bit haunted but the atmosphere is very peaceful and you can also witness the Victorian architecture. One can go around the forest behind the church and benches to sit and spend time. 

Dharamsala Tea Garden 


The garden is in Kangra District. Both black and green tea have been produced in this garden. You can witness beautiful landscape and varieties of teas plants. You feel very amazed while visiting this place. 

HPCA Stadium 


Himachal Pradesh Cricket Association stadium served as the home ground for the HPC team for Ranji Trophy matches and other domestic matches. The stadium also hosted some IPL matches. You must take a tour of this stadium you will surely enjoy the scenery. For entry you need to pay 30 rupees to visit in the stadium. 

Chamunda Devi Temple


The temple is also known as Chamunda Nandikeshwar Dham. This is the most prominent temples in the Himachal Pradesh and one of the most popular temple of in all over India. The overview location of this temple is awesome. Clicking pictures is not allowed here but you can click pictures outside the temple premises. 

Triund Trek


The favourite part of my trip to Mcleodganj is Triumd Trek. Don't miss the Triund Trek if you for a trip to MacLeodganj as this this will be your most adventurous moment of your life. Dharamkot is the base to start the trek for Triund. You can also trekking from MacLeodganj itself. The distance is of 9 km to Triund top. You will experience steep slopes structures uneven roads. The trek is highly recommended as a once in a lifetime experience. 

Shopping 


MacLeodganj central square is famous for Thangka Tapestry paintings, wooden carvings, and handicrafts. Must check Son General store and Nowrojee. There is also Tibetian Mini Market where you can shop different souvenirs and knick knocks. Kotwali Bazaar is also where you can buy for rugs and carpets. 

Some Do's and Don't 's 

  • The weather is chilly here, so must take some warm clothes with you. 
  • Wear comfortable shoes or footwear while trekking and exploring as you will have to walk on rough terrain.
  • Carry some medicines with you in case to avoid any health related issue. 
  • Take your cameras with you to capture beautiful sights and view of the region. 
Is McLeod Ganj worth visiting 

Yes, this place offers you extremely beautiful scenes of Dauladhar ranges. This place is well known for its Tibetian culture as well as breathtaking mountain view. There are various sites like temples, sunset view point monasteries which make this place. I must suggest you to explore this place as this place will going to be your lifetime experience. 




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