12 Best Places to Visit near Mcleodganj - 2024 (with Photos)

The home of Dalai Lama or Little “Lhasa”, Mcleodganj is set amidst some beautiful mountains while also filled with contrasting colours of adventure and relaxing environ. And places to visit near Mcleodganj has a lot of mini-paradises nearby, to offer you an unforgettable good time which are worth to cherish for life. 

Once you strike to any of these destinations, it is sure to meet trekking trails, pilgrimage centres, breathtaking views and unexplored flora and fauna.Places nearby like Dharamshala , Bir, Dalhousie, Triund, Dhauladhar range, Khajjiar, Palampur, Kangra offer a blend of spiritualism, worship and re-creation, which attracts devotees as well as thrill enthusiasts from all over the world. 

The buffet of destinations near Mcleodganj lets you also choose from adventure sports like paragliding, horse riding to vivid greens keeping the thrill and calm balanced. 

Here are some of the best places near Mcleodganj:

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01

Dharamshala

Image Credit : pbs.twimg.com

The Lama’s residence and a spiritual station! Indeed, a very popular destination for foreigners, backpackers, and students of Buddhism who love to be here and delve in plethora of activities. And yes! Do not forget to taste the exotic kahwa and kangra green tea while also tasting momos with hot tea. 

A place worth a visit all around the year, yet you can get the best in autumn and spring season, if you aren’t a wet and cold person.

Things to do: Hype your pictures whilst touring the Dharamshala International cricket stadium, if lucky enough you might find one of your favourite sport personality! It is an ideal destination for rock climbing enthusiasts and trekkers as circular treks surround it.

How to reach: A 23 minute bus ride from mcleodganj bus stop gets you to your station.

Distance from Mcleodganj: 9.2 kilometres.

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02

Khajjiar

Aka “Mini Switzerland” ;Landscape appreciator? If yes, thisplace is a bingo! A hill station surrounded by meadows and forests with chirpy mornings will soothe your soul to the core. Best entertainment in Khajjiar is to walk around the lake or to go for long strolls in the thick forests, to taste some adventure.

Things to do: Get set to take the jolts with amazing adventure sports like paragliding, horse riding, zorbing etc. Visit the Kalatop wildlife sanctuary to find some out of the blue flora and fauna. Also, Panch pandav tree is a must visit if mythological tales haunt you. You can visit this locale to quench your thirst for tales.

Distance from Mcleodganj: 121 kilometers from mcleodganj.

How to reach: a bus, or a cab is the best option to reach this paradise amongst the many places near Mcleodganj.
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03

Dalhousie

The town of ‘Lord Dalhousie’, ravish ancient word, is  nestled amidst snow clad mountains. And if you wish boasting its beauty, it is a must to go destination. Following architecture? Then the scottish-victorian styled institutions will mesmerize you for sure and push you towards a deep appreciation of such a marvelous construction during the era. Also, it’s a great destination for you to escape on your honeymoon!

Things to do: Toy train a childhood fantasy will not remain a mere fantasy once you reach here. Also, a two-day summer festival is organized in Dalhousie for cultural inclined enthusiasts. Do not miss out to go to café Dalhousie for an classy vintage experience.

Distance from Mcleodganj: 125 kilometres

How to reach: 4 hours away via bus, it's one of the best places near Mcleodganj.

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04

Bir Billing

If your openness to experience is set high, this is your one stop destination. Often stated as one place to go before you die, Bir won’t disappoint you! A simple walking trail to challenging treks, calmness of spirituality to uncontrollable thrill of paragliding, there is something for everyone. 

Bir enjoys a population of a tibetan settlement and a slowly growing crowd of  international enthusiasts as well as philosophy students.

Things to do: If film making interests you, exploring the Himalayan Film School is a 5 star thought! Fly high in Bir-Billing! This locale is for all the paragliding pilots. While the flying season is usually from September to October, you can soak in the charm of the town throughout the year. Visit Bir for some calmness in wilderness. 

For all the shiv bhakts, Baijnath temple is a must to bow down to and if you plan a prolonged stay then dive deep into philosophy at Dzongsar Institute. The list does not end here, you can explore café’s in Tibetan colony area, visit tea garden and deer park for never seen before fauna.

Distance from Mcleodganj: 72.3 kilometres

How to reach: There are direct buses to Bir Road/Upper Bir leaving at 6 AM & 2 PM from mcleodganj/lower dharamshala.
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05

Palampur

Image Credit : thrillophilia.com

Quench your thirst for water as this destination is a locale with abundant water. The blend of green forests and reflected blue gives this place a distinctive landscape look. Also, you will find a great level of contrast as Palampur is at the convergence of the plains and hills. Also, stated as the Tea Capital of North-West India, it’s reviewed as one of the best places near Mcleodganj.

Things to do: It's one of the most popular destination to visit if you wish to meditate and be in peace with nature. Sobha Singh Art Gallery in Andretta village is a must visit if art tingles your palate.

Distance from Mcleodganj: 42.2 kilometres

How to reach: One and a half hour bus ride from Mcleodganj is worth travelling. 
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06

Triund

Image Credit : wanderglobe.org

For a city aborigine, nothing could be more relaxing than traveling to hills that are covered with lush greenery and fresh air. Triund is one of the most popular places near to Mcleodganj that requires a good trekking while the destination top offers itself with snow clad mountains and space for settling down for a night. The tricky terrains and curves offer a perfect edge to its trekkers.

Things to do: For all the mountaineers: pack your bag well and of course a good pair of trekking shoes! While you trek even in summer, the weather can change from hot and sunny into a small snowstorm very quickly. On the way, you will pass several small villages, cozy cafés, and enjoy breathtaking views from the top. 

Opt for a tent pitch and view the night sky at this lively campsite termed as the crown of Himachal. This could be an add on in your bucket list with friends at places near Mcleodganj.

Distance from Mcleodganj: 9 kilometres

How to reach: Walk uphill for 9 kilometers from Mcleodganj at your pace and enjoy the bliss.

07

Indrahar Pass

Image Credit : staticflickr.com

The fist of an endless range, looking for pure ecstasy? This is where you need to be. Passing another set of hills after covering Triund and Snowline peak will let you discover Indrahar pass from where view of other side is just mind blowing. Trekking to Indrahar pass will be compensated through many moderate to tough terrains while the feel the clouds breeze through your hair!

Things to do: Being one of the best places for bird watching, you can also capture the Himalayan fauna on your way!

Distance from Mcleodganj: 8.3 kilometres

How to reach: Start trekking from Mcleodganj to find your way to this campsite.

08

Una

Image Credit : cdn.indiatourism4u.in

The “Land of Gurus”. Una is a religious hub, hidden away in the lush green hills of Himachal Pradesh. From dusk till dawn, you can listen to the echoes of holy hymns within the premises of the town. All of this creates an healthy aura for your mind to be at peace.

Things to do: A small locale with a rich history and Quila is a good option to visit. People across the nation and globe come here to visit the various shrines. Thrice a year a fest commonly known as ‘Mata da mela’ is organized here for devotees to throng in.

Distance from mcleodganj: 126.3 kilometres

How to reach: However you need a taxi to reach here as no direct buses are available.

09

Dhauladhar Range

Image Credit : wikimedia.org

The “White Mountain”; the frozen lakes shall give you immense of scenic pleasure and be a treat for your eyes. The range is favorite among tourists and backpackers as they slowly make their journey up the hilly terrains. There is nothing more fascinating than witnessing a place which glows day in and out with nature’s delicacy.

Things to do: Trek and watch the religious snake worship performed by the locales, and feel the shiva chants soothe your soul. This large landscape canvas is one of the best places near Mcleodganj to spend your vacay.

Distance from Mcleodganj: 134.4 kilometres

How to reach: To reach here you need to take a five -hour taxi ride from Mcleodganj.

10

Kangra Fort

Image Credit : thegrandindianroute.com

It is said “he who holds the kangra fort holds the hills”. You got to unveil the glorious history of this fort and see what made it so captivating. Even after numerous attacks, the fort somehow stands still to show its past to the passerby. Not to forget that visiting this fort could be termed both as leisure and an “educational tour”!

Things to do: This goofy ancient monument is sure to make you awestruck. Get your photographs on point. You must pass through the gate leg first. Never lead with your head because if there is an enemy on the other side, you might lose your head", Just a tip quoted by a scion.

Distance from Mcleodganj: 31.2 kilometres.

How to reach: To walk into this royalty all you need to do is catch a bus from Mcleodganj.and take a one hour ride.

11

Kaleshwar Mahadev Temple

Image Credit : sadhana108.com

Away from the modern world this pilgrimage spot lies on the banks of river Beas. According to the belief of the temple caretakers and people around, every year at the times of monsoon, the flow of the Beas River keeps increasing till the time it reaches itself to the Shiva Lingam. After the water reaches the Jalhari of the Shivling, it subsides, Check out for yourself if it’s a myth or not!

Things to do: Chant BUM- BUM BHOLE and be near to Shiva along with a huge number of devotees, follow the spiritual lineage. The lively sculptures are worth capturing.

Distance from Mcleodganj: 56 kilometres.

How to reach: Two hour journey from Mcleodganj will bring you to this destination.

 

12

Barot

Image Credit : cdn.theculturetrip.com

Barot might look a bit demure at first sight! The small wooden huts give it a fascinating wild west look. It is one of such unknown places which has not received due encouragement and credit on tourism map of the state.Yet if you are an explorer by heart and soul, this place is your right call.

Things to do: Travel here to get a laid back experience and simple joys. You can sit on the banks of a river or hike around the nearby hills. Very few travelers have explored this unexplored and unexploited destination. The unpolluted air will mesmerize you and leave you on trail for sightseeing. 

As one explores the region, they are bound to immerse in the tranquility all around that makes them want to stay there forever.

Distance from Mcleodganj: 118.5 kilometres 

How to reach: Four hours away this is a must visit paradise in the list of places to visit near Mcleodganj.

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Newly Added Mcleodganj Experience

Camping in Mcleodganj

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Trekking in Mcleodganj

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Mcleodganj Top Attractions

Places To Visit In Mcleodganj
03 January 2020
Pooja Sabarwal Triund Trek
Excellent
31 Dec 2019 always memorable for me just because of this trip. It was my first experience on hills specially on trekking. Our guide Mannu Sharma such a nice person. Just like our family he take care of everything. Wonderful experience with wonderful peoples.
20 August 2018
Yogananda Sree Triund Trek
Excellent
My trip to triund was super. The guide Mukesh was friendly and fun company. Guided very well. Bit disappointed that I couldn't stay there due to bad weather but the accommodation provided to me was simply superb . Environment friendly and peace loving. Food was simply superb and hospitality was excellent. Will once again visit in future.
11 October 2019
Jagruti Nawale Triund Trek
Excellent
This was my first trek and I'm so glad I opt it. In triund is all the nature you can experience at once. The cold breeze, the mountains, the water, the trees, the rocks (they are real beauty of the trek), the clouds/fog, the animals, the people, everything about triund is special. The views were breathtaking, I wanted to capture everything I could in my camera. This is one of a hell experience you should not miss. The camping arrangement was nice. They provide you good tents, sleeping bags, nice and clean. We got snacks and meals and even breakfast and it was unexpectedly awesome. You get less options but you get to choose what you will be eating. This experience made me fall in love with trekking.
04 February 2021
Oindrila Bhattacharya Triund Trek
Excellent
First trek experience with friends, couldn't be any better option than thrillpphilia. Best vender and guide assigned. Best deals in this price. From food to facilities everything was as promised. We were 2 girls in group and it's totally safe for girls.
21 December 2019
Dhananjay Dhananjay Kareri Lake Trek
Excellent
The best experience I could get could considering that it was my first Trek,the picturesque locations and the admirable hospitality was something someone can only dream of.Though due to off season in December my group was not able to complete the trek but whatever we witnessed was something neither of us can forget.The camping under a boulder is something I can never forget.The best thing of this trek is that you will always find a dog companion who will keep you motivated on this trek...
20 March 2021
Prachi Sharma Triund Trek
Excellent
Hello everyone, the round trek was breathtaking. But the experience became amazing only because of our guide - Rahul. Rahul helped me to conquer my fear of heights. He kept on motivating me to go further and also helped me to come down by constantly holding my hand. I went with 3 of my friends and we all loved the service and we made many new friends as well in the group :) And that’s why I will recommend thrillophilla to everyone. And As far as the stay is concerned, it is comfortable and cosy and the vibe is surreal.
20 March 2021
SUmit Pal Triund Trek
Excellent
Thrilling trek to the top of Triund trek. Rahul is a amazing guide friendly and cheerful. Highly recommended. A must try trek !!!
07 March 2021
Ayush Aggarwal Laka Glacier Trek
Excellent
I booked this trek at the end of Feb 2021. The weather was somewhat pleasant and a lot windy. The trekking company just started its operations in Leta village after camping in triund got prohibited due to which the washroom situation was not the best. However, the tents were good and the owner was also very accommodating, providing extra sleeping bags to overcome the cold. Our guide was amazing and very supportive throughout the trek. We went till snowline due to time and safety concerns. The food and bonfire were also very good. Overall an amazing experience.
25 February 2021
Mayank Yaduvanshi Triund Trek
Excellent
This is our 2nd trek on triund. Recommanded trek for the amazing views. We went on 23 jan 2021 and enjoyed the beautiful mountains with the lovely snowfall (that's what we went there for the second time). If you go in around September you may also experience the breathtaking views from triund top and bhagsunag waterfall.
16 February 2021
Yogananda Sree Triund Trek
Excellent
It was just amazing

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