The Ultimate Travel Guide To McLeodganj
About McLeodganj
McLeodganj is a small suburban town in Dharamshala, Himachal Pradesh. This town was named after Sir Donald Friell McLeod, who was the Lieutenant Governor of Punjab.
Why Go There
Rich Tibetan culture | Hiking | Eat Food | Picturesque Hills
Ideal For
Families | Friends | Solo trips
Trivia
McLeodganj is also known as “Land of His Holiness the Dalai Lama”
Things to bring back
Tibetan handicrafts and clothes (shawls etc.)
Places To Visit in McLeodganj
17. Kaleshwar Mahadev Temple
This temple pays tribute to Lord Shiva. The main attraction of this temple is the Lingam which is placed at the ground level of the temple. There are various other beautiful sculptures that tourists can adorn during their visit to the temple.
Distance From McLeodganj: 10 km
Ideal For: Religious People
Best Time To Visit Minkiani Pass: All Year Round
Location: Navigate
16. Bajreshware Temple
This temple is dedicated to Bajeshwari Mata. This temple is among the 51 Shaktipeeth.
Distance From McLeodganj: 11 km
Ideal For: Religious People
Best Time To Visit Minkiani Pass: All Year Round
15. Baglamukhi Temple
This temple pays tribute to Baglamukhi mata. It is said that her favorite color is yellow. For this reason, the temple is always decorated in yellow colors year-round.
Distance From McLeodganj: 8 km
Ideal For: Religious People
Best Time To Visit Minkiani Pass: All Year Round
Location: Navigate
14. Minkiani Pass
This pass often attracts many tourists trekking from Dharamshala to Chamba. It offers a panoramic view of beautiful hills and valleys.
Distance From McLeodganj: 47 km
Ideal For: Trekking Enthusiasts
Best Time To Visit Minkiani Pass: May-October
13. Bhagsu Falls
Bhagsu falls is the most popular tourist destination for those traveling to McLeodganj. The waterfall starts at the base of Dhauladhar Valley. This is a perfect place to enjoy peace and the majesty of Mother Nature.
Distance From McLeodganj: 3km
Time Required: 1-2 hours
Ideal For: Families | Friends
Best Time To Visit Bhagsu Falls: October & November
Location: Navigate
12. Namgyal Monastery
One of the biggest Tibetan temples this Monastery is also believed to be the humble abode of the Dalai Lama. The serene and ambient atmosphere attracts tourists of all faiths.
Distance From McLeodganj: 1-2 km
Time Required: 1-2 hours
Ideal For: Everyone
Best Time To Visit Bhagsu Falls: June-September
Location: Navigate
11. Bhagsunath Temple/ Bhagsu Nag Temple
This temple is one of the oldest temples in McLeodganj. Built by King Bhagsu and dedicated to Lord Shiva this temple is 1770 meters above sea level. This temple attracts devoted tourists looking for blessing of Lord Shiva.
Distance From McLeodganj: 2 km
Time Required: 1-2 hours
Ideal For: Families
Best Time To Visit Bhagsunath: September (An annual Fair Takes Place Around This Time)
Location: Navigate
10. Tsuglagkhang
This is the place where the Dalai Lama resides. The complex has monasteries, temples, a library, a bookstore and a café that visitors can explore. If you are very lucky, you might even get to meet His Holiness
Distance From McLeodganj: In Town
Time Required: 1 hours
Ideal For: Everyone
Best Time To Visit Tsuglagkhang: Summer
Location: Navigate
9. Dharamkot
Dharamkot is in the Kangra district of Himachal Pradesh. This popular picnic spot has a picturesque view of the Kangra valley. This place provides a complete contrast from the Tibetan atmosphere in McLeodganj.
Distance From McLeodganj: 9 Km
Time Required: 1 Day
Ideal For: Friends | Families | Backpackers
Best Time To Visit Dharamkot: All Year Round
Location: Navigate
8. Church Of St. John In The Wilderness
This church was built in 1852 and is considered one of the most important churches in Himachal Pradesh. This church was built in dedication to John the Baptist.
Distance From McLeodganj: Less Than 1 km
Time Required: 2 Hours
Ideal For: Everyone
Best Time To Visit Church Of St. John In The Wilderness: All Year Round
Location: Navigate
7. Dhauladhar Ranges
Dhauladhar range literally translates to ‘White Range’. These snow-covered mountains offer a majestic view that tourists can enjoy. The highest peak is named ‘ Hanuman Ji Ka Tibba’. You can enjoy a flattering view of the Kullu valley which is covered with Pine and Deodar trees.
Distance From McLeodganj: 5-9 km
Time Required: 5-6 Hours
Ideal For: Trekking Enthusiasts
Best Time To Visit Dhauladhar Ranges: May-September
Location: Navigate
6. Kangra Art Museum
This museum is dedicated to Buddhist and Tibetan artwork and their rich history. You will find a variety of things to look at which include; jewelry, sculptures, pottery, rare coin memorabilia and more.
Distance From McLeodganj: 25 km
Time Required: 2-3 Hours
Ideal For: Everyone
Best Time To Visit Kangra Art Museum: Year Round
5. Naam Art Gallery
Naam art gallery is a popular tourist attraction. People can come here and enjoy a relaxing time. Tourists can also buy certain prints starting at INR 400.
Distance From McLeodganj: 11 km
Time Required: 2-3 Hours
Entry Cost: INR 10 Per Person
Ideal For: Everyone
Best Time To Visit Naam Art Gallery: All Year Round
Location: Navigate
4. Norbulingka Institute
This institute is the center for fostering and practicing Tibetan arts and craft. The Losel Doll Museum is a wonderful thing that people love to visit. Here, one can find dolls depicting the Tibetan culture and livelihood.
Distance From McLeodganj: 11 km
Time Required: 2-3 Hours
Ideal For: Everyone
Best Time To Visit Norbulingka Institute: All Year Round
Location: Navigate
3. Kareri Lake
Snow melting from Dhauladhar Ranges fills this shallow freshwater lake. The lake is situated 3km from the nearest road. People have to trek for a while to reach the lake. One can see the bed of the lake, making it all the more beautiful.
Distance From McLeodganj: 47 km
Ideal For: Friends | Families| Trekking Enthusiasts
Best Time To Visit Kareri Lake: Summer
Location: Navigate
2. Dal Lake
Dal Lake is located at a height of 1,775 meters near the village Tota Rani. The lake has greenish water and is surrounded by rugged mountains and deodar trees. This lake is also considered a spiritual place and has a small temple dedicated to Lord Shiva at its banks. An annual gala event is organized every September that attracts a lot of tourists.
Distance From McLeodganj: 3 Km
Time Required: 1 Day
Ideal For: Friends | Families | Backpackers
Best Time To Visit Dal Lake: All Year Round
Location: Navigate
1. Triund
Triund is a popular trek for those travelling to McLeodganj. Most beginners can attempt this trek. The trail is short and simple. It offers a majestic view of the entire Kangra Valley. You must carry food, water and tents if they plan on camping at night.
Distance From McLeodganj: 5-9 km
Time Required: 5-6 hours
Ideal For: Trekking Enthusiasts
Best Time To Trek To Triund: May-June & September-October
Location: Navigate
Other places & things to explore:
How To Reach McLeodganj
Flight | Train | Bus | Car/Cab
Nearest Airport
Gaggal (30km from McLeodganj).
Book flight tickets from any top booking sites via CashKaro and get Extra cashback.
Check out: Ixigo Coupons | GoIbibo Flight Coupons | Yatra Flight Coupons
Nearest Railway Station
Pathankot (90km away from McLeodganj) is the nearest railway station.
Nearest Bus Stop
McLeodganj
Book tickets on Abhibus | Niki.ai
Where Should You Stay?
These are some popular hotels that you can look at.
Prakriti Aalay | Treebo Roshan House | Hotel Dharamshala Paradise
Book a Hotel from Booking.com India | Cleartrip Hotels | TripAdvisor
Places Not To Miss In McLeodganj
The Chocolate Log
Nowrojee Shop
Chu Sum
Nearby Places to Visit
Khajjiar (134km), Dalhousie (124 km), Chamba (160km) and more
CashKaro Recommendation
There is plenty to do in McLeodganj. However, we recommend you definitely don’t miss the following things:
- Trek To Triund
- Shop In The Main Market
- Spend Time At Namgyal Monastery
The Most fun Way To Travel To McLeodganj:
While there are numerous ways to reach McLeodganj, we recommend you get in a car and drive there. Driving through the hills in Himachal is truly a refreshing experience. Your will find many stops on the way where you can eat food and freshen up. Remember not to drink and drive!
If you don’t want to take your own car, you can rent one.
You can rent a car from: Zoomcar | BlaBlaCar | MyChoize
You can rent a car from: Zoomcar | BlaBlaCar | MyChoize
Plan Your McLeodganj Trip With Goibibo:
People living in and around Delhi can take a bus from Delhi to Dharamshala and another one from Dharamshala to McLeodganj. Use Goibibo promo codes to get discounts while booking bus tickets.
People living farther from Delhi can reach McLeodganj via train. The nearest railway station, Pathankot Railway Station, is around 90 km from McLeodganj. From the station you can reach McLeodganj by cab or taxi. Apply Goibibo coupons on the purchase of train tickets to get cashbacks.
You can reach McLeodganj by flight too. The nearest airport, Gaggal Airport, is only 10 km from Dharamshala. From there, you can take a bus or a taxi to McLeodganj. Check out different Goibibo flight offers for buying flight tickets.
Once the travel is planned, accomodation is the next major question. Goibibo offers a variety of hotels for you to choose from. Use Goibibo promo codes and Goibibo coupons for discounts, cashbacks and more on booking rooms.
Check out different Goibibo offers for various travel and stay options on the app. For flights at the best prices, check out the Goibibo flight offers.
We wish you a happy vacation!
