So, you’ve just seen the movie ‘7 years in Tibet,’ and you’re getting this urge to experience Tibetan culture authentically, but you’re here in India.

Well, there’s good news that you need not go, Tibet, as India has got its own little Lhasa in McLeodganj.

‘McLeodganj–The Little Lhasa of India.’

McLeodganj is a hill station nestled in the mountains of the Dhauladhar range near Dharamshala in Himachal Pradesh, India. The town is the home of his holiness 14th Dalai Lama as the Tibetan government-in-exile is headquartered in McLeodganj.

McLeodganj makes you feel you have come to Tibet. There’s Tibetan people, monasteries, prayer flags, and snow-covered mountains all around here.

The place attracts a lot of tourists throughout the year as it’s the home of his holiness Dalai Lama and it’s very well connected by road and air.

McLeodganj is one of those places which never disappoint any traveler or tourist. It would be best if you visited this place to experience why it is so.

Now, the question comes, what places you cannot miss visiting when you’re here in McLeodganj.

I’ve got you covered.

Note: I’ve myself lived in McLeodganj for seven months. So you need not look further for McLeodganj or Dharamshala guide.

• ‘WMIS’ stands for ‘what makes it Special.‘

10 Best Places to Visit in McLeodganj

1. Bhagsunag Waterfall

‘It’s about the journey, not the destination’

Bhagsunag waterfall, also known as ‘Bhagsu Falls,’ is a medium-size waterfall in the quaint Bhagsunag Village, just 2 km far from the main McLeodganj square.

• WMIS—To reach this waterfall, you’ve to hike a km, and the scenery along the way makes the Bhagsu falls a must-visit place in the McLeodganj.
• Timings -Before sunset and after sunrise.
• Entry fee– No entry fee.

📌 Read more about Bhagsunag falls: Bhagsu Falls

 2. Bhagsunag Temple

‘A 5000-year-old temple.’

Bhagsunag temple, dedicated to Hindu Lord Shiva, is believed to be a 5000-year-old temple. There’s nothing much particular about the architecture of the temple. It’s the history of the temple which makes it unique.

The temple falls on the way to Bhagsu Falls. So, tourists stop by to take the blessings of the god while going to Bhagsu falls.

• WMIS– The history of the temple.
• Timings– Before sunset and after sunrise.
• Entry Fee– No entry fee.

📌 Read the more about Bhagsunag Temple: Bhagsunag Temple

3. Triund

‘Crown jewel of Dharamshala’

It’s a one-day easy level trek. Whoever comes to visit Dharamshala doesn’t miss doing this trek. To know why, you have to do this trek.

• WMIS– view of the mighty Dhauladhar Range Mountains.
• Timings– 07:00 A.M to 10:00 A.M
• Entry Fee– There is no entry fee but you can’t go without a guide, and the guide charges 1000-1500 rupees per person.

📌 Read the full guide on Triund: Triund Trek

4. Namgyal Monastery/ Tsuglagkhang Complex / Theckchen Choeling Temple

‘Residence of his holiness Dalai Lama temple.’

Don’t get confused with the names. It’s all at the same place in a shared complex called ‘Tsuglagkhang complex,’ and the temple of god Buddha is called ‘Theckchen Choeling temple,‘ a.k.a ‘Dalai Lama Temple’ and the monastery where the monks live is called ‘Namgyal monastery.’

It’s the major attraction of the McLeodganj.

• WMIS- The sacredness of the place
• Timing: 09:00 AM to 05:00 PM
• Entry fee: No entry fee

 5. McLeodganj Market

‘Only happy faces all around.’

McLeodganj market has its own charm. You’ll find many cozy cafes, shops selling winter clothes, jewelry, paintings, Momos, Tibetan street foods, and loads of positive vibes.

I love walking down the McLeodganj Street, and you would love it too.

• WMIS- The vibe, the momos, and the smiling faces all around.
• Timing- you’re always welcome
• Entry fee- a happy face

6. St. John’s in the Wilderness Church

‘Only building which survived the 1905 Dharamshala Earthquake.’

St. Johns in the wilderness church is an Anglican church dedicated to John the Baptist and was built in 1852.

This church is the final resting place of Lord Elgin, the British viceroy of India in 1861.

One more special thing about this church is that it’s the only building in the area which survived the devastating 1905 Kangra earthquake.

• WMIS– the Belgian stained glass windows of the church
• Timing– Mon-Sat: 07:00 AM–06:30 PM
• Entry fee: No entry fee

 7. Dal Lake

 ‘A natural paradise.’

Dal Lake is situated at 1775 meters above sea level. It is famous for the scenic beauty, and there’s a temple of a Hindu Lord Shiva on the bank of the lake which is considered very sacred among locals.

• WMIS– The scenic beauty of the lake
• Timings-No timing
• Entry fee– No entry fee

8. Naddi viewpoint

‘Paradise for sunset lovers amidst the mountains’

As the name suggests, it’s a viewpoint in Naddi village nearby McLeodganj from where you can enjoy the glorious sunset and the breathtaking view of the Dhauladhar Range Mountains.

When you’re here, grab a cup of tea with Maggi and enjoy the view.

• WMIS– Sunset and the view
• Entry fee– It’s all yours
• Timing– You’re always welcome

9. Tibetan Institute of Performing Arts

‘Keeping alive the Tibetan arts’

The Tibetan Institute of Performing arts (TIPA) was established by His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama in 1959 to preserve and promote Tibetan musical heritage and associated skills.

It’s a must-visit place if you’re curious about the rich culture and tradition of Tibet. The site also hosts a lot of cultural, activities and shows throughout the year.

• WMIS– The museum
• Entry fee– 50-100 Rupees
• Timings– 09:00 AM to 05:00 PM

📌 Website: Tibetan Institute of Performing Arts

10. The Tibet Museum

‘For history lovers’

It is situated near the main temple in Tsuglagkhang complex.

The Tibet museum presents Tibet’s history and visions through texts, photographs, videos, and installations. It has a permanent exhibition that documents the Tibetan journey into exile across the Himalayan ranges.

• WMIS– The exhibition and the photographs about the Tibetan journey into exile
• Timings– 09:00 AM to 05:00 PM
• Entry fee– No entry fee

📌 Website: The Tibet Museum

11. Kareri Lake

‘A perfect weekend trek.’

Kareri Lake is at 2950 meters above sea level. It’s a short trek of 14 km from kareri village. This trek is famous for the deep blue water of the Kareri Lake and the beautiful view of the Himalayas.

• WMIS– Breathtaking vista of the clear deep blue of the Kareri Lake
• Timings– Anytime
• Entry fee– No entry fee

How to Reach

By Air

The nearest airport is Gaggal airport, located in Gaggal nearby Dharamshala.

There are frequent flights from Delhi to this airport.

By Train

The nearest railway station is Pathankot Cantt. , which is 91 km from McLeodganj and 88 km from Dharamshala.

Further, to reach McLeodganj , you can either hire a taxi or take direct buses from Pathankot bus stand.

By Road

McLeodganj is 10 km far from Dharamshala.

There are frequent buses and sharing taxis between McLeodganj and Dharamshala bus stand.

From New Delhi,

You can either take a flight to Gaggal airport which would take 2 hrs or an overnight bus from New Delhi (ISBT) Bus stand.

Closing Thoughts

These are the places to visit in McLeodganj, which you can’t afford to miss when you’re here in McLeodganj or Dharamshala.

McLeodganj is a perfect weekend getaway destination. If you’ve not visited this place yet, I highly recommend you visit McLeodganj once, and most likely, you’ll revisit this place after that. And don’t forget to share your experience with me in the comments section.

Over To you

If you’ve visited McLeodganj before, then tell me what do you like the most about McLeodganj?

If you’ve got any queries about McLeodganj, shoot it up in the comments section.☺

FAQ

Happy Traveling!