Top 10 Places To Visit In McLeodganj

McLeodganj or Little Lhasa is a suburb of Dharmshala in the state of Himachal Pradesh. This place is rich in Tibetan culture and is one of the most attractive tourist sites. Here is the list of places that you can give a visit to if you are planning a trip to McLeodganj. 

1. Triund Trek

Triund is a 9000-foot ridge behind the Dhauladhar range just 9km away from McLeodganj. This extremely popular nine-kilometer trek is a must-one. The trail also has a view of the Moon Peak-Indrahar Pass, and it only gets better from there, with the snow-covered Dhauladhar Mountains on one side and the Kangra valley on the other. If you have even a passing interest in birds, this trek will amaze you with rare sightings.

2. Naam Art Gallery

The Naam art gallery is a well-known location for its art culture. The location is mostly popular among historians. The Naam art gallery is primarily an art museum that educates visitors about the German painter Elsbeth Buschmann and his works. Aside from his paintings, the public is also shown contemporary arts.

3. Norbulingka Institute

If you love Tibetan culture, then you have to visit this place. The Institute safeguards ancient Tibetan culture through art, architecture, and paintings. This is an excellent method because most people dislike hearing a theoretical explanation of Tibetan history. The institute also holds workshop sessions where tourists can see how painters/artists use their artwork to bring Tibetan culture to life.

4. Tibetan Museum

The Tibetan Museum in Mcleodganj is a popular destination for photographers, historians, and tourists interested in the works of the Dalai Lama. The Museum educates visitors on ancient Tibetan culture and the Chinese invasion of Tibet.

5. Masroor Rock-Cut Temple

The beauty of the reflection of the rock-cut temples on the pond before it is simply indescribable. The view of the snow-draped Dhauladhar Mountains from the temple premises is unrivaled, ranking among the most exciting places to visit in McLeodGanj. A perfect blend of awe-inspiring man-made wonder and untouched natural beauty. A required visit.

6. Saint John’s Church

The church was constructed in 1852 along the lines of neo-gothic architecture and is dedicated to John the Baptist. The Kangra earthquake destroyed the church's bell tower around 50 years after it was built, but the rest of the church was unaffected. The church is situated in the middle of a Deodar tree grove, and on the same plot of land is a small cemetery.

7. The Dalai Lama’s Temple

The enormous complex, also known locally as Tsuglagkhang, is the Dalai Lama's residence. Although His Holiness' private residence is off-limits to tourists, the complex includes several shrines, temples, a Tibetan museum, and souvenir shops. Every day, students gather in the Namgyal Monastery's courtyard to study ancient Buddhist philosophy.

8. Indrahar Pass

Trekking through the Indrahar pass is a good way to see the Dhauladhar and Pir Panjal mountain ranges. The valley provides a clear view of those mountain ranges. The Indrahar pass, located at an elevation of 2500 to 4500 metres, serves as a border between the districts of Kangra and Chamba.

9. Kangra Fort

The Kangra fort is an ancient royal palace built by the royal Katoch dynasty. The fort has seen many wars, invasions, and evolutions. Kangra fort is a great place to visit if you want to see some of the oldest architecture in Mcleodganj.

10. Dal lake

This small lake, named after the more famous Dal Lake in Srinagar, is close to the lovely village of Tota Rani. The lake is surrounded by Deodar trees, which give it a mystical atmosphere. Dal Lake is considered sacred due to a small shrine dedicated to Durveshwar Mahadev, and an annual festival fair demonstrates this. The water in the mid-altitude lake has a greenish hue and is home to a variety of fish.