Mcleodganj -A Dreamy Haven In Himachal Pradesh

Mcleodganj is an extension of the developed city of Dharamshala in Himachal Pradesh. It is a great place to unwind in the Himalayas. Dharamsala, along with Mcleodganj, was once a popular hill station in Himachal Pradesh. Now, it is steadily becoming a hotspot for expats who have forsaken city life to live in the Himalayas.

Historically, Mcleodganj was a popular summer retreat for officers stationed at the Kangra cantonment during British India’s control, hence they named Dharamsala, which means “rest house.” When the Dalai Lama sought sanctuary at Mcleodganj, the hill station was transformed into a Tibetan refugee camp and Buddhist pilgrimage site. Beautiful monasteries, waterfalls, lakes, and tiny cafes set against the majestic Dhauladhar Himalayas contribute to Mcleodganj’s appeal as a tourist destination.

Must read: List Of The Most Beautiful Lakes In India

Best Places to visit in Mcleodganj

Triund Trek

Triund, a 9000-foot ridge below the Dhauladhar range, is one of the best trekking trails in the country. The Triund trek is one of the shortest and simplest Himalayan hikes, offering beautiful scenery and a picturesque vista of the snow-covered Dhauladhar peaks and Kangra valley.

This two-day short walk can easily be completed over the course of a weekend. Most of us don’t have enough time to travel, discover new areas, or embark on an adventurous journey. Triund trek allows us to enjoy the beauty and tranquillity of the Himalayas; this trek may be brief, but it will undoubtedly provide you with a taste of adventure as the trail is a little steep at times. Not for all, but for hikers, Triund Trek is one of the best places to visit in Mcleodganj.

Bhagsunath Temple And Waterfall

The magnificent Bhagsu Waterfalls, located in Bhagsu hamlet, is one of the key attractions of Mcleodganj in the picturesque state of Himachal Pradesh. The temple itself isn’t much to write home about. A sacred and refreshing soak in a local mountain spring is available to pilgrims.
We arrived at a little but lovely waterfall after a 2-kilometre uphill hike. The majority of the trip consists of steps, and it may take 30 to 40 minutes to reach the waterfall. We were greeted by cool, pure water. The towering Bhagsunag temple, dedicated to Lord Shiva, adds beauty and mystique to the location, making it immensely popular among believers. The beautiful waterfalls, which are a short walk from the temple, are of tremendous magnificence.

The vista from the top of the spectacular Kangra valley that surrounds the waterfalls is not to be missed by any nature or adventure enthusiast.

Naddi View Point

The view from Naddi Viewpoint of the Dhauladhar Ranges is spectacular. To get to this place, you can either walk or take a cab. The weather and the snow-covered peaks will certainly enchant you. The surrounding area is highly forested, creating a peaceful atmosphere. People frequently bring food to this picturesque valley to dine/have lunch. There are several Maggi and tea points. You may eat hot noodles while admiring the grandeur and splendor of the mountains. Naddi is one of the must-visit places to visit in Mcleodganj. Do not miss out at any cost.

Dal Lake

On the slopes of McLeodganj, you’ll find one of the most stunning lakes in the vicinity. This small lake, named after the more famous Dal Lake in Srinagar, is located near the picturesque village of Tota Rani. The lake has a strange ambiance because it is bordered by Deodar trees, which are typical of the region.

Dal Lake is considered sacred because of a small shrine dedicated to Durveshwar Mahadev, and an annual festival fair demonstrates this. The water in the mid-altitude lake is greenish in color and is home to a variety of fish.

Kangra Fort

The Kangra Fort is a historic royal house constructed by the Katoch dynasty. Several conflicts, invasions, and revolutions have occurred at the fort. Kangra Fort is a fantastic place to visit if you want to view some of Mcleodganj’s oldest structures.

In addition, this place is perfect for photographers and historians interested in India’s past. The Kangra fort is located on the outskirts of Kangra, around 20 kilometres from Dharamshala. The nearest airport is Kangra.

The Dalai Lama’s Temple

The Dalai Lama’s residence is the massive edifice known locally as Tsuglagkhang. Although His Holiness’ private residence is not open to the public, the compound has a number of shrines, temples, a Tibetan museum, and souvenir stores. Every day, students meet in the courtyard of the Namgyal Monastery to study ancient Buddhist doctrine.

Saint John’s Church

The well-known Anglican Church of St. John in the Wilderness, dedicated to St. John the Baptist, is protected by Forsyth Gunj. The church has a lengthy history, having been built in 1852 on the road to McLeod Ganj in Dharamshala. The Belgian stained-glass windows, the major feature, were provided by Lady Elgin, Lord Elgin’s wife. The structure is so strong that it survived the Kangra earthquake of 1905, which killed over 19,800 people and damaged most of Kangra, Mcleodganj, and Dharamshala.

These are some of the best places to visit in Mcleodganj. So pack your bags and be ready to experience some amazing places in Mcleodganj.

Must read: A Perfect Weekend In Nahan – Places To Visit In Nahan

Know The Best Time To Visit Mcleodganj?

Mcleodganj is a destination that can be visited at any time of year, however, the summer months of March to June and the pre-winter months of September to November are the best times to visit. When opposed to the months of snow and rain, these are the months when Mcleodganj sees a higher number of tourists. Monsoons are not recommended due to the region’s annual significant rainfall. Because of the high rainfall, it is better to avoid July and August.

Mcleodganj’s Laid-Back Cafes

Mcleodganj appears to be a peaceful little town where every mountain lover would want to reside and build his own café.

Each café here has something unique and fantastic to offer. The warming teas and tasty cuisine will enchant you. You won’t be sorry if you try any of the eateries here. Here are a few of my favorites:

  • Black Tent Café: A cozy low-sitting café with a Tibetan design (They refill your tea mugs with hot water)
  • Jimmy’s Italian Kitchen: Excellent cuisine, fresh ingredients, and a quiet supper spot.
  • Mcllo Beer Bar: It’s more of a restaurant than a beer bar. But it’s the only place that offers beer and wine. Rooftop candle-lit meals are very lovely here.

So if you are planning the best weekend in the mountains near Delhi, then Mcleodganj should be on your list. If you have any suggestions, doubts, or queries related to the blog, feel free to write in the comment section below. At Travelist, you can read about other places as well. So keep visiting and keep reading.

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