Mcleodganj, nestled in the Shivalik, is a one-of-a-kind place. Its vibrant monasteries, magnificent setting, small cafes, and thrilling adventure activities have made it one of India's most popular summer vacation destinations. Mcleodganj has a variety of exciting things to do. The list includes everything from treks to strolls, warming beverages to delectable meals, spiritual sites to boat cruises. But, before we get into the best things to do in McLeodGanj, let's go over some essentials that will help you plan your trip to Mcleodganj. Choose your favorites and glide away for an amazing journey right away!
Top 10 Things to Do in McLeodganj: Escape the Ordinary and Embark on a Thrilling Adventure
Discover the best things to do in McLeod Ganj, from trekking to spiritual retreats and cultural tours. Find out where to go and what to see with our comprehensive guide to this picturesque Himalayan town.
- Camping: Feel Alive and Rejuvenated with a Nature Adventure
- Kangra Valley Trek: The Real Worth of Dharamshala
- Sightseeing: Give Your Eyes a Soothing Experience
- Triund: Discover the Beauty of Nature from a New Perspective
- Dal Lake: McLeodganj’s Most Experssive feature
- Shopping: A Therapy
- Indrahar Pass Trek: Find Your Inner Adventurer and Unleash It
- Tibetan Museum: know a Little More About Tibetan Culture Dhauladhar
- Range: Experience a Rush with Thrilling Trek adventures
- Kora circuit: Travel to the Heart of Nature and Discover its Secrets
1. Camping: Feel Alive and Rejuvenated with a Nature Adventure
There are more unusual things to do in Mcleodganj for individuals who do not want to go sightseeing. Camping is one of the enjoyable activities that draw travellers each year. Camping in this lovely location is like taking a holiday in the midst of nature's magnificence. It allows the traveller to appreciate the serenity and beauty of the Himalayan peaks. Camping under the stars with a toasty bonfire is an unforgettable experience.
Location: Bhagsunag
Cost: Starting from INR 1200/-
Suitable For: Friends, solo and couples
Time for Exploration:
Ideal Time to Visit: March to June
2. Kangra Valley Trek: The Real Worth of Dharamshala
Kangra Valley Trek, which should be included in some of the activities to do in Mcleodganj, provides panoramic vistas of the Dhauladhar range. Travellers can see old temples, the beautiful splendor of lakes, and some hidden Hindu settlements with snow-laden valleys. This trip begins in Mcleodganj and concludes in Kereri village and Kereri lake. The walk may be done from March to October, which is considered the optimum season, and it's considered one of the best places to travel in India.
Location: Kangra
Suitable for: Friends, group and solo
Time for Exploration: 3-4 days
Ideal Time to Visit: January to June
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3. Sightseeing: Give Your Eyes a Soothing Experience
Monasteries, museums, temples, waterfalls, lakes, and Tibetan communities may all be found at Mcleodganj. Tourists can enjoy a half-day city tour while selecting the top locations to see in Mcleodganj. Namgyal Monastery, Tsuglagkhang (the Dalai Lama's palace), Bhagsu Falls & Bhagsunath Temple, and Tibetan Museum are among the sites to see in Mcleodganj.
Location: Tibetan Museum,Dal Lake, Kangra Fort,The Dalai Lama’s Temple and many more
Suitable For: Everyone
Ideal Time to Visit: March to June
4. Triund: Discover the Beauty of Nature from a New Perspective
Trekking is one of the top activities to do in Mcleodganj. Triund, a 9000-foot range, is a 9-kilometer trek track that will provide you with an unforgettable experience. This short climb will provide you with breathtaking views of the entire Kangra valley. The short hike can be completed from McLeodganj or Dharamkot. The evening sky will offer you all the sensations and cause you to stay the night.
Location: Near Dharamshala
Suitable for: Friends, group and solo
Ideal Time to Visit: May to June and September to October
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5. Dal Lake: Relax Amidst the Tranquil Vibes
The magnificent Dal Lake in Mcleodganj, set amidst the lush green Deodar trees, provides tourists with boating choices. Boating on Dal Lake is one of the most popular things to do in Mcleodganj with kids due to its tranquil and picturesque surroundings.One of the quirky things to do in Mcleodganj is to take a boat ride on Dal Lake, which is surrounded by stunning green Deodar forests. This boat ride at Dal Lake is not to be missed with drifting over peaceful waters.
Location: Kangra
Cost: No fee
Suitable For: Family, Friends and solo
Time for Exploration: 1 hour
6. Shopping: A Therapy for Your Soul
Shopping in Mcleodganj, like any other place, has its unique allure. The district's well-known shopping areas include Kotwali Bazaar, Jogiwara Road, and Mcleodganj Central Square. While the street shops of Kotwali Bazaar are known for their Tibetan carpets, rugs, and exotic sculptures, Jogiwara Road is known for its souvenir shopping. The Mcleodganj Central Square is home to the city's oldest shop, Nowrojee and Son, which was founded in 1860. The market region as a whole is well-known for its wooden carvings, Thangka tapestry paintings, and handicrafts.
Location: Kotwali Bazaar and Jogiwara Road
Cost: At your own pace
Suitable For: Anyone
Time for Exploration: 2- 3 hours
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7. Indrahar Pass Trek: Find Your Inner Adventurer and Unleash It
If you enjoy trekking and are wondering what to do in Mcleodganj, you must try the Indrahar Pass Trek, which begins in Mcleodganj in the Kangra valley and ends in Chamba. Beautiful views of mountain ranges like Dhauladhar and Pir Panjal can be obtained during the trip. The trail will take you through lush deodar forest, green meadows, and dense forest cover. You will also be able to see the historic territories of the Gaddi Shepherds. People can enjoy the beauty of the environment as well as catch a peek of wildlife, so remember this place when you think of adventure in India.
Location: Dhauladhar range of the Himalayas
Suitable for: Friends and solo
Ideal Time to Visit: May to June and September to October
8. The Tibetan Museum: know a Little More About Tibetan Culture
Tibetan Museum located within the complex, is one-of-a-kind in every way. It is one of the best sites to visit in Mcleodganj since it combines traditional and contemporary Tibetan architecture. Tibetan historical texts, Thangka images, ceramics, manuscripts, and other handicraft products can all be found here. Art lovers can also buy paintings, handicrafts, and shop gifts.
Location: Near the main temple of the 14th Dalai Lama, Tsuglag Khang, in the Dharamshala
Cost: No fees
Suitable For: Everyone
Time for Exploration: 2 hours
Ideal Time to Visit: March to July
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9. Dhauladhar Range: Experience a Rush with Thrilling Trek Adventures
The breathtaking sunset at Dhauladhar Range is something you must see. After you've finished your adventure activities, spend an evening at the summit relaxing and taking in the natural beauty. You can see the various colours of the sun and feel the cold breeze. This amazing encounter will serve as natural healing for all of your senses.
Suitable For: Friends, group, solo
Ideal Time to Visit: March to June
10. Kora Circuit: Travel to the Heart of Nature
Pilgrims and enthusiastic tourists often explore the Kora Circuit, one of the major Mcleodganj tourist attractions. The downslope road around the Tsuglagkhang Complex is a prayer-flag-draped path. At approximately 1.5 km from the begin of the prayer-draped path, one can see the collections of prayer wheels, chortens, and photos of Tibetans who had self-immolated from 2009. The circuit is serene with stunning views, but the track is steep and sometimes quite bumpy.
Location: Temple Rd, McLeod Ganj, Dharamshala
Suitable For: Solo, friends and group
Time for Exploration: 2 to 3 days
With so many fun and exciting things to do in Mcleodganj, make a vacation to Himachal a priority. You will undoubtedly have the fun of your life with your family and friends in this picturesque hill station. Himachal tour packages provide a comprehensive revitalizing therapy as well as natural beauty that will soothe all your senses. With so many wonderful spots to visit in Mcleodganj, people simply plunge in close to nature, feeling the cold breeze on their faces and listening to the bird's chirp.
FAQs
The milder months of March, April, May, and June are ideal for visiting Mcleodganj.
Some must-do activities in Mcleodganj to make the most of your visit include:
- Dal Lake boat ride
- Journey to Triund
- Going to Bhagsu Falls
- Visiting the local market
Some of the best trek in this picturesque hill station are:
- Kareri River Trek
- Indrahar Pass Trek
- Kangra Valley walk
- Bhagsu hike
The winter season, from October to February, is the best time to visit Mcleodganj. This is a good time to pursue your interests in adventure activities such as trekking and paragliding. During this time, sightseeing is the most enjoyable.
The ideal days good enouhg for Begin your adventure at Dharamshala, which may be explored in three days (McLeodganj, Triund for hiking, Palampur Tea Garden, and Kangra Fort).
Mcleodganj is well-known for its rich Tibetan culture, breathtaking natural beauty, monasteries and temples, and a diverse range of adventure sports. With something for everyone, the location attracts crowds from all over.
The months of December to February are great for experiencing snowfall in Mcleodganj. The area transforms into a winter Elysium during this time of year. Important winter festivals, such as the International Himalayan Festival and the Himachal Winter Carnival, are also celebrated with zeal.
Singing bowls, which produce beautiful music when rubbed with a wooden stick, Budhha statues, prayer flags, prayer wheels, Tibetan authentic jitters, decorative items, silk and satin wall hangings, jewellery, handcrafted diaries, colourful purses, and a wide variety of tea are available for purchase.
You can reach Mcleodganj by boarding a train to Pathankot Junction, which is the nearest railway station to this hill station.
Mcleodganj is a hill station in Himachal Pradesh, so you'll get to witness a gorgeous mountainous landscape here.
Mcleodganj is approximately 6.2 km away from Dharamshala, so you can reach there in around 30 minutes via car or bus.
The distance between Mcleodganj and Ludhiana is approximately 200 km, and it takes around 6 hours to reach there.
Here are the adventure activities to do around Mcleodganj:
- Kareri Lake Trek in Dharamshala
- Paragliding in Palampur
- Trekking in Himachal Pradesh
Yes, it's definitely safe for female solo travelers to take a trip to Mcleodganj because of this hill station's small size.
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