McLeod Ganj: Home to Dalai Lama.

Tripoto
31st Jul 2018
Photo of McLeod Ganj: Home to Dalai Lama. by Wandering Boots

McLeod Ganj is a suburb of Dharamshala in Kangra district of Himachal Pradesh, India. It is known as "Little Lhasa" or "Dhasa" (a short form of Dharamshala used mainly by Tibetans) because of its large population of Tibetans. The Tibetan government-in-exile is headquartered in McLeod Ganj.

McLeod Ganj has an average elevation of 2,082 metres (6,831 feet). It is situated on the Dhauladhar Range, whose highest peak, "Hanuman Ka Tibba ", at about 5,639 metres (18,500 feet), lies just behind it.

Mcleodganj is known as Little Lhasa and is famous all around the world for being the home to Tibetan spiritual leader Dalai Lama. It is a beautiful town situated near upper Dharamsala and rests amidst majestic hills and lush greenery.

The town is prominently influenced by the Tibetan culture and has one of the most mesmerising landscapes in the entire state of Himachal Pradesh thus attracting a lot of tourists every year. Some of the most eminent and significant monasteries of India are situated here in Mcleodganj.

Places to Visit in McLeodganj:

1) Triund- A trek to Triund offers majestic views of the Himalayas and is a short and simple one. Thus, it can be done by beginner trekkers too. The first half of the trek is a gradually inclined walk; not very difficult. The last 2 km involves a vertical climb all the way till Triund.

Photo of Triund Trek, Trail to Triund Hill, Dharamshala, Himachal Pradesh, India by Wandering Boots
Photo of Triund Trek, Trail to Triund Hill, Dharamshala, Himachal Pradesh, India by Wandering Boots
Day 2

2) Bhagsu Falls- These falls are situated 2 km away from McLeodganj and is spread over a vast expanse of land. Visitors are recommended to take their time to explore the majestic beauty of the area. Another option here is trekking. There are also some cafes nearby where tourists can find light refreshments.

Photo of Bhagsu Falls., Trail to Shri Gunna Devi Mandir, Dharamshala, Himachal Pradesh, India by Wandering Boots
Photo of Bhagsu Falls., Trail to Shri Gunna Devi Mandir, Dharamshala, Himachal Pradesh, India by Wandering Boots

3) Bhagsunath Temple- This temple is surrounded by pools and lush greenery. It is located at a height of 1770 metre above sea level and attracts a huge number of devotees and tourists every year.

Photo of McLeod Ganj: Home to Dalai Lama. by Wandering Boots
Photo of McLeod Ganj: Home to Dalai Lama. by Wandering Boots

Dalai Lama Temple: This is a very peaceful temple to visit for sightseeing and meditation. Once you enter the temple, you can find a few lamas in the way. A few shops inside the complex that sell ritual items and books. This temple is the frequent preaching spot of Dalai Lama.

Photo of McLeod Ganj: Home to Dalai Lama. by Wandering Boots

Distance From Delhi: 477 kilometres via NH 44 and NH 503

Best Time To Visit: September to June

Things to do in Mcleodganj: Meditation, Volunteering, Yoga, Trekking

Transport

Air

The nearest airport is Kangra Airport, 15 km from Dharamshala.

Rail

The nearest railway stations on the narrow-gauge Kangra Valley Railway line are at Kangra and Nagrota (about 20 km south of Dharamshala). The nearest railhead (broad gauge) is at Pathankot (85 km).

How to Reach From Delhi:

-By Rail: The nearest railway station is called Pathankot that is 85 kilometres away. You can take a taxi or bus from Pathankot to reach Mcleodganj

-By Bus: There are  direct connecting buses between Delhi to Mcleodganj.