Things to Do in Mcleodganj

With a mix of relaxation and adventure, Mcleodganj offers an interesting set of activities for all the tourists. Vibrant monasteries, stunning backdrop, soothing cafes, and thrilling adventure activities have made it one of the favourite summer holiday destinations in India.

This hilltop retreat, perched almost 1,500 metres above sea level is the abode of the holy Dalai Lama, and is a major pilgrimage for Buddhists.

Here are the different activities to do in Mcleodganj:

• Trek to Triund
• Visit Dal Lake
• Dine at the cafes and colorful restaurants
• Offer prayers at Kalachakara Temple
• Explore Tsechokling Gompa
• Visit Nechung Monastery
• Get to know Tibetian hardships at Tibetan Museum
• Admire architecture at St. Johns Church in wilderness
• Indulge in City Shopping
• Step in History at Kangra Fort

Mcleodganj was once under the colonial rule of British but now widely known as the home of Dalai Lama. Today it is one of the best places to appreciate Tibetan culture. The most famous museum to visit here is the Tibetan Museum located inside the Tsuglagkhang complex.

It has a collection of brilliant forms of Tibetan art, which includes history documents, pottery, handicrafts, paintings etc. It also provides an insight into Tibetan culture and also the various struggles faced by them lately. 

Mcleodganj besides Offering extremely beautiful scenes of Dhauladhar ranges, has a host of places to keep tourists busy with many sightseeing opportunities. The beautiful town portrays a beautiful blend of Tibetan with some British influence.

Right from enchanting monasteries located in the heart of the town to lakes and waterfalls all around, Dharamshala has myriad sightseeing possibilities.

Here’s a rundown on best places for sightseeing here:

• Bhagsu Falls
• Namgyal Monastery
• Bhagsunath Temple
• Tsuglagkhang
• Dharamkot 
• Church of St John’s
• Tibetan Museum
• Norbulingka Institute
• Kangra Fort etc.

A lot of people come up to McLeodGanj to enroll themselves at one of the many meditation centres. The peace and quiet coupled with the inherent spirituality of the place makes it an ideal retreat for people trying to find their Zen. There are many yoga retreats in Mcleodganj where you can learn the basics of yoga by trained gurus and find your inner peace.

Some of the places for yoga here are

• Aryan Yoga & Reiki Center
• Ashta Yoga Valley
• Kailash School of Yoga and Holistic Healing

Mcleodganj boasts of a rich culture that one can witness only after paying a visit to the beautiful temples located there. Not only for the spiritually interested, but these temples serve as an important tourist attraction for everyone.

Dharamshala owes most of its air of tranquillity to the vibrant culture that prevails here, and it’s hard to miss in the many temples that dot the town.

Some of the famous temples here are:

• Dalai Lama’s temple
• Bhagsunath Temple
• Bajreshwari Mata temple
• Kaleshwar Mahadev Temple
• Bagalamukhi temple

A camping experience in Mcleodganj will take you close in the wilderness of nature showcasing its real grandeur. Spend the whole night under the star-studded night sky and witness the sunset and the sunrise the next day. It is also a fun outing with family and friends while enjoying an adventurous activity.

Some famous camping places in Mcleodganj are:

• Triund Mountain Lodge and Camping 
• The Bunker
• Snow Monk Camp
• Naddi etc.

Mcleodganj stands out for its world-renowned monasteries that give visitors a peep into Buddhism and a feel of Tibetan culture. McLeodganj is famous for its Tibetan institutions, Buddhist monasteries, culture, art and crafts. Being in the monasteries is an uplifting experience that is sure to help you reconnect with your inner-self. And its certainly a big reason to visit here.

Some of the famous monasteries here are:

• Namgyal Monastery
• Tsuglagkhang
• Tsechokling Gompa

Paragliding is the most adventurous activity to do in Mcleodganj to get an adrenaline rush. Not only it completes your quota of excitement but also offers some of the best vistas which you can witness from the sky. The view below would leave you spellbound and this is one experience you will never ever forget.

Bir Billing is the best place to go to Mcleodganj for this activity. A paragliding expedition in Mcleodganj will cost you about INR 7,000.

McLeodganj serves as a base camp for various trekking expeditions that cover Kangra and Chamba Valleys and Dhauladhar ranges. Short, casual treks around the place are a wonderful way to explore the scenery. The experience of hiking in the natural, pollution-free air and open green landscapes is truly exhilarating.

A number of treks are available in and around Mcleodganj which are:

• Triund Trek
• Kareri River Trek
• Guna Devi Temple Trek
• Bhagsu Trek
• Indrahar Pass Trek

The peaceful & beautiful setting of the lakes in Mcleodganj makes boating one of the most popular fun things to do in Mcleodganj with kids.

One can try boating in the famous Dal Lake of Mcleodganj on your vacation. with blue-green water so deep that you could go boating on it, Dal Lake is the best place for this experience. The lake is surrounded by deodar trees and is considered to be a sacred spot as there is small Shiva mandir (shrine) on its bank. 

May to October is the ideal time for boating in Dal Lake.

Today, Tibetan Institute of Performing Arts is a popular tourist stop and stay over and is a both educating and recreational. Here you will find shows, events and documentary screenings all year round. It is one of the first institutes established by the Dalai Lama. Its annual 10-day Shoton Festival attracts people from all over the country. 

Some of the highlights of this place are its eccentric cultural performances including a 1½-hour show of folk and ritual dance and song, Dances from the Roof of the World (which sometimes includes lhamo excerpts), and concerts by the popular electric folk fusion group Aa Ka Ma.