Updated on November 14th, 2026
Travellers from Punjab, Chandigarh, Jammu, or Delhi with a few days (2 or 3) off work who want to visit the hills can make McLeod Ganj in upper Dharamshala their destination. This small town is located in the north-western region of the Kangra Valley in Himachal Pradesh. Another major city in the Punjab state of India is ‘Jalandhar’, about 166 km from here. The distance from Chandigarh is 239 km. So a visitor travelling from Jalandhar with his/her vehicle would need about 4 hours. After Jalandhar, Hoshiarpur is the last district in Punjab to touch Himachal. The hills start from Hoshiarpur as you enter Himachal Pradesh. Gaggal Airport is the nearest airport, about 15 kilometres away. Regular flights connect to Jammu (200 km), Amritsar (210 km), and Chandigarh.
Explore the scenic beauty all the way
Dharamshala is one of the most beautiful places to visit in the Himalayas, surrounded by the snow-capped Dhauladhar range. I travel here quite regularly while I stay in Jalandhar. I know many prefer Dalhousie, Jammu, or even Shimla, but I think Dharamshala offers better options. The entire drive is through Chintpurni, Kangra, and Hoshiarpur to reach Dharamshala. As you can see in the pictures, McLeod Ganj is also part of that amazing hilly terrain. The Himalayan Alpha ranges of the Kangra Valley are located in this hemisphere. It is one of the most scenic valleys in the Himalayas. Another good alternative is scooting via Pathankot, which is also a great route.
Kangra Fort: An icon of the historical past
As you reach Kangra by road, you’ll see the ‘Remains of Kangra Fort’ on your left. Bhuma Chand built this fort. It sits on strategic heights, surrounded by the Ban Ganga and Manjhi rivers. The saying, ‘Kangra belongs to those who conquer Kangra Fort,’ shows the fort’s importance. The Raja of Kashmir first attacked this fort in 470 AD. After that, many rulers targeted the fort. In the second half of the 18th century, after the Mughal Empire declined, Raja Sansar Chand II recovered his ancestors’ ancient fort in 1789, but Maharaja Ranjit Singh of Punjab compelled him to surrender it in 1809.
It remained in Sikh hands until 1886, when the British Took Control. Kangra Fort is a tourist attraction. Two temples stand 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. Today, the Archaeological Survey of India controls the fort. It was badly damaged in the 1905 earthquake.
McLeodGanj-Land of Monasteries
People worldwide also know McLeod Ganj for its scenic beauty and as the Dalai Lama’s residence, and they call it Little Lhasa. After the British left India in 1947, McLeod Ganj was a ghost town until the Dalai Lama, the Tibetan spiritual leader and Nobel Peace Prize winner, settled here with thousands of his followers in 1959, after which it gained prominence.
As Dharamshala became the headquarters of the Tibetan Government in exile, headed by the Dalai Lama, it gained worldwide prominence, and prominent personalities began arriving here. McLeod Ganj emerged as a major Buddhist centre. 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 were established in McLeod Ganj. With this mix, McLeod Ganj presents a multicultural face. It has now become a sort of hippie town, drawing visitors and travellers from all walks of life.
Tourists come from different nations and cultures. International tourists equally affect businesses. Today, it is a major tourist destination, with many hotels, restaurants, shops, and cafes that drive tourism and commerce. Several shops sell Tibetan art and literature. McLeod Ganj is also a shopping hub. It is an excellent place to shop for shawls, woollen dresses, ornaments, statues, and unique paintings. Tibetan arts and crafts items are also available for purchase.
Yoga and Reiki classes are also available, where you can learn to relax your mind and soul. Many yoga learning centres and spa therapies offer meditation and peace centres. These centres are among the most popular tourist attractions in McLeod Ganj for those seeking peace and soul relaxation. Relaxing Spa therapies are among the refreshing things to do in McLeod Ganj.
Tsuglag Khang or Dalai Lama Temple
Tsuglag Khang, the Dalai Lama’s temple, is a must-visit in McLeod Ganj. It is the biggest Buddhist temple outside Tibet and is located opposite the Dalai Lama’s residence. The temple is magnificent inside, and you can turn the monastery’s prayer wheels. It has statues of the bodhisattvas Shakyamuni, Avalokitesvara, and Padmasambhava. The temple is visible from a distance and covered in multi-colored prayer flags. Depending on when you visit, you may meet the Dalai Lama, as he often comes out to meet his devotees and followers.
Take a short hike to Bhagsu Waterfalls
Bhagsunag Temple is situated about 2 km from McLeod Ganj. You can go there by car or on foot. Walking is a better option if you want to enjoy the cool climate along the way. Right next to the Bhagsunag temple is a waterfall, one of Dharamshala’s major tourist attractions. Bhagsu Waterfall is an ideal spot for recreation and picnics. Sit by the stream and enjoy the natural surroundings and amazing views. You can also take a dip in the fall’s chilly water.
McLeod Ganj has plenty of restaurants, especially mid- to upper-range options, that cater to tourists. You can find a variety of dishes, from local Tibetan to Chinese, Korean, Israeli, and more. The must-try is momos, available in and around the restaurants, even at tiny carts and stalls. A few years back, during our visit, we stayed at Hotel Jungle Hut on Bhagsu Road. It was a perfect hotel with good accommodation. Recently, I stayed at Hotel King Castle, a small hotel with a homely atmosphere. While you are in this beautiful place and want to see all the attractions, it’s advisable to hire a local guide and a taxi; this will save you time and help you avoid traffic.
Cafés and Relaxation
Bhagsu also boasts a few laid-back cafes where you can enjoy a meal or a cup of coffee while soaking in the breathtaking views. These spots offer a great atmosphere to connect with fellow travellers and share stories from your adventures across the region. The local dish, bhagsu cake, is a must-try for its unique flavour and flaky texture, and it pairs perfectly with your drink.
Shopping for local crafts and other items
A beautiful market where you can spend time if you love shopping. Although people visit McLeod Ganj to escape the busy life of big cities, shopping may still attract you. Local Tibetan handicrafts and other decorative items offer great bargains, making your trip a lasting memory for years to come. You can find many items, such as singing bowls, beautiful silk and satin wall hangings, carved boxes, Buddha statues, jewellery, and fabric paintings, but bargaining is a must. You’ll need to know the art of bargaining. You’ll find plenty of items you will love to buy.
Church of St John in the Wilderness
Church of St John is another must-visit place in McLeod Ganj. While you’re there, you’ll really enjoy the green nature. You will feel a beautiful blend of forest, mountains, and snow in winter, and the magic of sun rays filtering through tall, green deodar trees in summer.
St. John’s Church in McLeod Ganj has a rich history. The church was built in Gothic stone to commemorate 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 spectacular views of the Kangra Valley. From here, you can trek to Kareri Lake, Triund, and Guna Devi. It’s a top-rated destination for nature lovers. Triund is a popular trekking spot in the Dhauladhar range of the Himalayas, located around 9 km from McLeod Ganj. The route from McLeod Ganj to Triund passes through Dharamkot and the Galu Temple. The road is motorable from McLeod Ganj up to the Galu Temple. Beyond the Galu Temple, the trek to Triund actually starts. The trek route is very rocky, so walk carefully.
The entire route to Triund follows a forest trail and is filled with natural beauty. Views of mountain peaks and forests leave a lasting impression 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 heading toward Naddi, just 2 km from McLeod Ganj, you will find an oval-shaped lake called Dal Lake. Although it is not as big as the one in Srinagar, it is beautifully located and surrounded by deodar trees. A Shiva shrine is also nearby. You can sit there and, if you like, go boating. You can also fish with permission from the concerned authorities. We should avoid swimming because of the risk of snakes in the lake.
This lake attracts tourists from all over the world for its serenity and beautiful panoramic views. Every September, tribal people living there celebrate a festival, so if you go around that time, you may take part in their activities. If you stay in nearby hotels, this place is great for an early-morning walk and relaxing in the woods near the lake.
The tribal people in the surrounding regions of Dal Lake celebrate the most anticipated festival in September, when 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 truly memorable. You’ll love being there again and again. I like this place so much that I have been there so many times. If you are still wondering what else lies hidden in the Himalayas around McLeod Ganj and Dharamsala, the only way out is to plan your trip as soon as possible. Another must-visit destination is Dalhousie & Khajjiar in Himachal Pradesh’s Chamba District. Another beautiful place near McLeod Ganj is the calm village of Dharamkot. Read more about this Place Here. Dharamkot, a hippie village near McLeod Ganj.
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2 Comments
This is a place is full of nature and one of my favourite places. I have been to this place few times.
The McLeod Ganj view of nature looks beautiful. Amazing scenery with natural beauty everywhere like lush green hills, grassy slopes, and lovely sunsets. Dharamkot is one of the must visited places. Keep it up.