Updated on April 8th, 2024
If you live somewhere in Punjab, Chandigarh, Jammu, or Delhi, and you plan a trip to a hill station and have just 2 or 3 days off your work, Visiting McLeod Ganj in upper Dharamshala can be your destination. Dharamshala is in the upper reaches of Kangra Valley in the Himachal state of India. It is around 166 Km from Jalandhar, another important city in Punjab state. Distance from Chandigarh is 239 Km. It is approximately a 4-hour drive from Jalandhar if you are having your own car. After Jalandhar, Hoshiarpur is the last city in the Punjab state to touch Himachal. Hills start when you leave Hoshiarpur and enter Himachal Pradesh. The nearest airport is Gaggal Airport, located 15 km. from Dharamshala. Other airports having regular service are Jammu 200 km., Amritsar 210 km. and Chandigarh.
Explore the Scenic beauty all the way
Dharamshala offers a magnificent view of snow-capped Dhauladhar peaks. Living in Jalandhar, I often prefer my brief escapes to this place. Other nearest destinations are Dalhousie, Jammu, and even Shimla, but Dharamshala- McLeod Ganj still has better options. The entire drive from Hoshiarpur passes through Chintpurni, Kangra till Dharamshala. McLeod Ganj is full of natural breathtaking views. Kangra Valley is in the southern part of the Dhauladhar Ranges (White Mountains) of the Himalayas. it is one of the most picturesque valleys in the Himalayas. Another route is via Pathankot, which is also a wonderful drive.
Kangra Fort: An icon of the historical past
While reaching Kangra by road, you can see ‘Remains of Kangra Fort‘ on your left side. Bhuma Chand built this fort. It is located at strategic heights surrounded by Ban Ganga and Manjhi rivers. We can judge the importance of this fort from the common saying that ‘Kangra belongs to those who conquer Kangra Fort‘. Raja of Kashmir made the first attack on this fort in 470 AD. After that, there is a long list of those who made this fort their target. In the second half of the 18th century, following the decline of the Mughal empire, Raja Sansar Chand II recovered the ancient fort of his ancestors in 1789 but in 1809, he was compelled by Maharaja Ranjit Singh of Punjab to surrender this fort to him.
It remained in the hands of Sikhs till 1886 when it fell into the hands of British Rule. Kangra Fort is an attraction for tourists. There are two temples inside the fort. One is the Laxmi Narayan temple, and the other is the Adinath temple. Interestingly, this fort is the largest in the Himalayas and probably the oldest dated fort in India. At present, the fort is under the control of the ‘Archaeological Survey of India. It was badly damaged in the 1905 earthquake.
McleodGanj-Land of Monasteries
Also referred to as Little Lhasa, McLeod Ganj is well known worldwide for its scenic beauty and as well for the residence of the Dalai Lama. McLeod Ganj was also known as a ghost town after the British left India in 1947, till it came into prominence after the Tibetan spiritual leader and Noble Peace Prize winner, Dalai Lama settled here with thousands of his followers in 1959.
As Dharamshala became the headquarters of the Tibetan Government in exile, headed by the Dalai Lama, it gained prominence worldwide, and prominent personalities started arriving here. McLeod Ganj emerged as a major Buddhist center. During the last three decades, The Tibetans have built many religious, cultural, and educational institutions in and around McLeod Ganj. Several monasteries and Tibetan schools came up at McLeod Ganj. With all this mix, McLeod Ganj presents a multicultural face. It has now become a sort of hippie town, with visitors and travelers from all walks of life heading to this hill station.
Tourists come from different nations and cultures. International tourists equally affect businesses. Today, this place has become an important tourist destination, with many hotels, restaurants, shops, and cafes leading to growth in tourism and commerce. Several shops are selling Tibetan art and literature stuff. McLeod Ganj is also a shopping hub. It is an excellent place to shop for a few things like shawls, woolen dresses, ornaments, statues, and unique paintings. Tibetan art and craft items are also there to shop.
Yoga and Reiki classes are also available where you can learn to relax your mind and soul. There are many Yoga learning centers and Spa Therapies that offer meditation and peace centers. These centers are some of the popular McLeodGanj tourist attractions for those who seek peace and relaxation of the soul. Relaxing Spa therapies are one of the refreshing things to do around McLeodGanj.
Tsuglag Khang or Dalai Lama Temple
Tsuglag Khang or Dalai Lama’s temple is important to visit while you are in McLeod Ganj. It is the biggest Buddhist temple outside Tibet and is located opposite the Dalai Lama’s residence. The temple is magnificent from the inside, and you rotate the prayer wheels in a monastery. The temple has statues of the bodhisattvas Shakyamuni, Avalokitesvara, and Padmasambhava. The temple is visible from a distance, covered with multi-colored prayer flags. Depending upon the time of your visit and chance, you may meet the Dalai Lama as he often comes out to be with his devotees and followers.
Take a short hike to Bhagsu Waterfalls
Bhagsunag Temple is situated around 2 km from McLeod Ganj. You may choose to go there by your vehicle or even on walking. Walking would be a better option if you want to feel a cool climate on the way. Very next to Bhagsunag temple is a waterfall, one of the major tourist attraction spots in Dharamshala, Bhagsu waterfall is an ideal recreation and picnic spot. You can sit near the water stream and enjoy natural surroundings full of amazing views. You can also take a dip in the chilly water of fall.
McLeod Ganj is a great eating place, and the town has an abundance of restaurants, especially in the mid to upper range, that cater to tourists. You can have various dishes ranging from the local Tibetan to Chinese, Korean, Israeli, and many more. The must-try is the momos available in and around the restaurants, even in tiny carts and stalls. A few years back, during our visit to this place, we stayed in Hotel Jungle Hut on Bhagsu Road. It was a perfect hotel with good accommodations. Recently I stayed at Hotel King Castle, it was a small hotel with a homely stay. While you are in this beautiful place and you want to see all the attractions, it’s advisable to hire a local guide and even a taxi, this will save you time and avoid traffic.
Shopping for Local Crafts and other items
There is a beautiful market where you can spend time if you love shopping. Although people visit McLeod Ganj as an escape from the busy life of big cities still shopping may attract you. Local Tibetan handicrafts and other decorative things can be the best bargain to make your trip a memory for many years. A few items like singing bowls, beautiful silk and satin wall hangings, carved boxes, Buddha statues, jewelry items, beautiful gems, and fabric paintings are available. Yes, the price of things is a matter of concern. You must know the art of bargain. There is an abundance of items that you will love to buy.
Church of St John in Wilderness
Church of St John is another must-visit place while you are in McLeod Ganj. Being there, you really enjoy green nature. You will feel a beautiful blend of forest, mountains, and snow in winter, and the magic of the sun’s rays filtering through tall and green deodar trees in summer.
The excellent St. John Church McLeod Ganj holds a rich history. They constructed the church using Gothic Stone, in memory of John the Baptist. The churchyard is the last resting place of Lord Elgin, who served as the Governor-General and Viceroy of India in 1861 during the British period. The church is also famous for its Belgian stained-glass windows donated by Lady Elgin, wife of Lord Elgin.
Naddi- A tiny village near the sky
‘Naddi’ is another scenic picnic spot located 5 km northwest of McLeod Ganj. It offers a spectacular view of Kangra Valley. You can trek to Kareri Lake, Triund, and Guna Devi from here. It’s a top-rated destination for nature lovers. Triund is a nice trekking spot in the Dhauladhar range of the Himalayas, and it is around 9 km from Mcleodganj. The route to Triund from Mcleodganj goes through Dharamkot and Galu temple. The road is motorable up to Galu temple from Mcleodganj. Beyond Galu temple, the actual trek path to Triund starts. The trek route is very rocky, and one needs to be careful when walking.
The entire way up to Triund passes through a forest trail and is full of natural beauty. View of mountain peaks and forests has many things to create long-lasting impressions on your mind and soul. Triund is a beautiful mountain ridge portraying astonishing views of the snow-clad Dhauladhar Mountains in Dharamshala Himachal Pradesh.
Must explore another Dal Lake
If you are going toward Naddi, just at a distance of 2 Km from McLeod Ganj, there is an oval-shaped lake called Dal Lake. Although it is not big like the one in Srinagar, is also located beautifully and engulfed by deodar trees. There is also a Shiva shrine nearby. You can enjoy sitting there and if you like boating is also available. You can also enjoy fishing with the permission of concerned authorities. We should avoid swimming because of the possibility of snakes in the lake water.
This lake attracts tourists from all over the world because of its serenity and beautiful panoramic view. In September every year, tribal people living there celebrate a festival, so if you go around that time, you may take part in their activities. If you are staying in nearby hotels, this place is good for an early morning walk and also for spending some time relaxing in the woods near the lake.
The tribal people living in the surrounding regions of Dal Lake come to celebrate the most awaited festival in September, where several food stalls and other attractions are set up.
McLeod Ganj is undoubtedly a beautiful place with natural beauty. It has everything to make your trip really memorable and wonderful. You will certainly love to be there again and again. I like this place so much that I have been there so many times. If still wondering what else lies hidden in the Himalayas around McLeod Ganj and Dharamsala, the only way out is to plan your trip at soon as possible. The other best destination you must plan to visit is Dalhousie & Khajjiar in the Chamba District of Himachal. Another beautiful place near McLeod Ganj is a beautiful and calm village, called Dharamkot. Here read more on this Place. Dharamkot, A hippie village near McLeod Ganj.
