Mcleod Ganj is an outskirt of Dharamsala in Kangra District in the state of Himachal Pradesh. Mcleod Ganj is popular for its Temples, Monasteries, Lakes, Waterfalls, Museums, and its traditional and cultural Tibetan structures. Mcleod Ganj is also known as 'Little Lhasa' or 'Dhasa' in the wake of the huge Tibetan population. Namgyal Monastery, Bhagsu Falls, Tsuglagkhang (the residence of Dalai Lama), and Tibetan Museum are some of the highlights of Mcleod Ganj.
Namgyal Monastery is known as the largest Tibetan temple outside Tibet and has also been credited as an abode of Dalai Lama, Tibetan Spiritual Leader, and popularly called as "Dalai Lama's Temple" as it is the personal monastery of the 14th Dalai Lama. It was built in the 16th century by the second Dalai Lama and came into existence for monks to help Dalai Lama in religious matters. As of now, it is a house of more than 200 monks who meditate, skills, and practice Buddhist learning.
It is also known as Namgyal Tantric College preserves the learning of Buddhist philosophy, ritual chanting, sand mandalas, all are included in the Buddhist tradition. This location along with their traditional and intellectual expertise also offers you a peaceful environment positive aura and calm vibes. It beautifully reflects the Buddhist tradition and culture.
Bhagsu Falls resides on the main road connecting Mcleod Ganj and Dharamsala and is one of the most popular tourist spots here. The height of the falls is 30 meters which starts at the base of the Dhauladhar Valley certain religious belief is related to this spot and further runs through the popular Bhagsunath Temple which is also the highlight here and worth visiting spot.
To reach Bhagsu Falls tourist has to make a trek through the dense greenery and the view of these falls is just breathtaking. It is a perfect location for nature lovers and calm seekers, here you can spend some quality time with your family and friends. Several Cafes and Coffee House surrounds the area and travellers can enjoy the view of stunning falls while having some refreshments.
St. John in the Wilderness is located near Dharamsala and on the way to Mcleod Ganj as the name suggests this church was constructed amidst the lush green forests and is known as one of the oldest built structures in Dharamsala.
This one of the most important churches was built in 1852 in neo-gothic architectural style with the addition of Belgian stained-glass windows and was dedicated to John the Baptist.
The church looks beautiful and its location amidst deodar forests will enhance your visiting experience. Lord Ergin, governor-general and also the viceroy of British India once stayed here. This spot offers you a calm environment and beautiful forest view, the perfect location to spend some time with your loved ones.
Norbulingka Institute is located at a distance of 7.5 kilometres from the main city and is named after the summer residence of The Dalai Lama at Lhasa. It was constructed in pure traditional Tibetan style, beautifully set amidst the garden of curving paths, flowing streams, small waterfalls, and ponds with the stunning Dauladhar mountains of the outer Himalayas in the background.
It preserves the Tibetan culture through various paintings, sculptures, and statues and also enhanced employment to qualified Tibetan refugees. The location of its Institute is spell bounding with the surrounding of natural elements that have been the centre of attraction.
The Minakini Pass is located at a distance of 12 kilometres and close to the Kangra Airport. However, it is a part of the Dhauladhar ranges and gives you some scenic landscapes and to admire the beauty of nature.
One of the most photogenic locations in Mcleod Ganj and the photographer would love to capture the natural scenic beauty. It also offers a good trekking experience due to its location in low-altitude areas. Along with dense greenery, some extent of wildlife can be spotted like different species of birds and leopards.
Naddi Viewpoint is located at a distance of 4 kilometres and it is a perfect spot to admire the magnificent views of hilly areas and in the snowy weather, it offers you the stunning view of snow-capped mountains.
This spot is also an ideal to enjoy the sunrise and sunset, photographers, nature lovers, calm seekers everyone would love to stay here in this calm and peaceful environment. You can also plan a picnic over here. Every year numbers of travellers visit this spot to spend some 'me time' to take a break from the busy city life and you can either spend some good memories with your partner.
The Winter Season in Mcleod Ganj stays from October to February and Mcleod Ganj's Temperature ranges between 0 degrees Celsius to 9 degrees Celsius. Mcleod Ganj's weather in this season is marked quite chilly and crispy and it is an ideal season to visit for a lover as the entire valley is covered from snow and enhances the beauty of the location.
Some of the locations like Tibetian Museum, Namgyal Monastery, and Bhagsunag Temple are the most preferred spots to visit in this season and one of the best things to do is the Triund Trek but only if you are comfortable with freezing temperature. Travellers can also be witnessed of International Himalayan Festival and Himachal Winter Carnival. Tourists are suggested to make bookings on accommodations and travel in advance.
The Summer Season in Mcleod Ganj is marked from March to June and Mcleod Ganj's temperature stays between 17 degrees Celsius to 33 degrees Celsius. In this season Mcleod Ganj's weather remains quite cool and pleasant with the warmth of the sunshine.
Most of the travellers visit in this season to enjoy the mesmerizing views and picturesque locations and it is the season when tourists can engage in activities like hiking and trekking and highly recommended Triund Trek and to Indrahar Pass.
Bhagsu falls and Namgyal Monastery are the spots to visit in this season and do not forget to be witnessed the exciting celebrations of Buddha Purnima as the temples are fully decorated and the vibes are full of positivity and joy. It is a good season to find some budget-friendly stays.
The Monsoon Season in Mcleod Ganj stays from July to September and Mcleod Ganj's temperature fluctuates between 18 degrees Celsius to 22 degrees Celsius. Mcleod Ganj is known for heavy rainfall and the weather is quite foggy and rainy in this season but simultaneously it gives you the location to its purest and fresher form.
It is a little inconvenient weather but this season offers you an amazing view of the entire valley and Butoh Dance Festival is the highlight of this season in which tourists can enjoy the fun atmosphere. It is called an offseason hence; tourists will be able to find some good deals on accommodations and travel.
How to Reach Mcleod Ganj by Air- Gaggal Airport or Kangra Airport at a distance of 20 kilometres away from Mcleod Ganj is the nearest airbase and well versed connected to other major cities like New Delhi, Kullu and Chandigarh.
Numbers of airline carriers such as Air India Regional, Spice Jet, and Jagson Airline run flights on regular basis for travellers to Dharamsala. Once you reach the airport you can easily avail the taxi and cab services to reach Mcleod Ganj which is approximately a 1-hour journey.
How to Reach Mcleod Ganj by Train- Pathankot Railway Station is the closest railhead serving Mcleod Ganj which is approximately 90 kilometres away. Pathankot Railway Station is widely connected to other major cities like New Delhi, Chandigarh, and Dehradun and tourists do have options of numbers of regular trains which travels to Mcleod Ganj such as Jammu Mail and Uttar Sampark Kranti from New Delhi and Hemkunt Express from Dehradun. Tourists can take buses or hire a taxi from outside the railway station for further journeys.
How to Reach Mcleod Ganj by Road- Mcleod Ganj is vastly connected to other prime cities via road networks like Dharamsala at a distance of 20 kilometres, Chandigarh which is approximately 250 kilometres away, and New Delhi at a distance of 500 kilometres.
Numbers of state and private buses commute to Mcleod Ganj and if you are heading from New Delhi, you can easily spot buses going to Mcleod Ganj from Kashmiri Gate ISBT or Majnu-ka-Tilla (A Tibetan Camp) along with-it Deluxe buses of Himachal Pradesh Tourism travel from Himachal Bhawan as well.
However, several travellers do like to travel from their vehicle either via NH-1 which is an approximately 10-hour drive.
There are some top qualities and up to the mark 4-star accommodations options that will make your stay comfortable and convenient. Best Western Plus Revanta is located at a Mcleod Ganj and offers you the services of Bar, Café, Restaurant, Paid Pickup, and Drop.
Gym, Yoga, Meditation Room, Activity Centre and Kids Club, Multilingual Staff, Steam and Sauna, Spa, Tours and Treks, Bonfire Pit, Rental Vehicles with some other basic services. Hotel The Vaikuntha- Centrally Heated and Air Cooled is located at Mcleod Ganj at a distance of 6 kilometres from main city centre and 820 meters from Mcleod Ganj Bus Stand and gives you the services of Currency Exchange, Restaurant, Dining Area, Concierge Service, Paid Airport Transfer, Smoking Rooms, Free Parking, and 24-Hour Room Services along with some basic amenities.
Citrus Classic Mcleod Ganj (Formerly Citrus Hotel Mcleod Ganj) is located at Mcleod Ganj at a distance of 5.5 kilometres from the city centre and 98 meters from Triund Trekking Point and provides you with the services of Café, Restaurant, Currency Exchange, Balcony/Terrace, Bonfire, Dining Area, Kids' Meals, and Luggage Assistance and some basic amenities as well.
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