McLeod Ganj is a popular trekking destination near Dharamshala. McLeod Ganj, located in the Kangra district, has a magnificent mixture of Tibetan and British culture.
Also known as Little Lhasa, it is well-known throughout the world for being the residence of Tibet’s spiritual leader, the Dalai Lama. As a result of the large Tibetan settlement here, this town, nestled among majestic hills and lush greenery, is culturally blessed with a prominent Tibetan influence. McLeod Ganj has one of the most beautiful landscapes in Himachal Pradesh, attracting a large number of tourists all year.
The Namgyal Monastery and Tsuglagkhang, where the spiritual leader Dalai Lama resides, are two of India’s most eminent and religiously significant monasteries.
Best time to visit: October- June
Mcleod Ganj Places To Visit
BHAGSU FALLS
The Bhagsu Waterfall is perhaps the most well-known tourist attraction, attracting visitors who want to bask in nature’s splendor and spend some quiet moments in peace and comfort. The Bhagsunag Waterfall is located on the main road and is an ideal location for a picnic with family and loved ones. The stream also passes through the popular Bhagsunath Temple before cascading down.
During the monsoon season, the Bhagsu Fall reaches its pinnacle of glory and majesty. The nearby cafes and coffee houses serve delectable food and light refreshments, and tourists especially enjoy sitting down and sipping a cup of coffee while admiring the stunning Bhagsunag Waterfall. The hike up to the waterfall is another unforgettable experience.
Timings: 7:00 AM – 9:00 PM
NAMGYAL MONASTERY
The Dalai Lama is said to dwell at Namgyal Monastery in McLeod Ganj, and it’s also the biggest Tibetan temple outside of Tibet. Even those who are not religious will be drawn in by the serenity and atmosphere that this place creates in the minds of its visitors.
The monks who live here in the monastery practice Tibetan well-being practices and serve as a center of learning and meditation on Buddhist philosophical exposition. It is also known as Namgyal Tantric College and is home to 200 monks who collaborate to safeguard the monastery’s methods, skills, and traditions.
Timings: 5:00 AM – 8:30 PM
BHAGSUNAG TEMPLE
The Dalai Lama is said to dwell at Namgyal Monastery in McLeod Ganj, and it’s also the biggest Tibetan temple outside of Tibet. Even those who are not religious will be drawn in by the serenity and atmosphere that this place creates in the minds of its visitors.
The monks who live here in the monastery practice Tibetan well-being practices and serve as a center of learning and meditation on Buddhist philosophical exposition. It is also known as Namgyal Tantric College and is home to 200 monks who collaborate to safeguard the monastery’s methods, skills, and traditions.
Timings: 5:00 AM – 8:30 PM
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TIBET MUSEUM
The famous Tibetan Museum, which is very popular, is located in the McLeod Ganj suburban district. The authorized museum of Central Tibetan Administration Department of Information and International Relations. The Tibet Museum is completely handmade by Tibetans, and it houses historical documents, earthenware, handiworks, and various wall paintings. The exterior of the museum, built in the traditional yellow and white Tibetan style of engineering, exudes positive energy, enticing visitors to visit and explore what the museum has to offer.
The Tibetan Museum aims to raise awareness about the occupation of Tibet, China’s human rights violations, and how Tibet overcame all other challenges. The museum’s interior is filled with various exhibitions, documentary screenings, talk series, photographs, and workshops that run along a single line and are always bustling with visitors.
TRIUND
Triund is a short trek in Himachal Pradesh that takes you into the majestic Himalayas. It is a few kilometers from Dharamshala and has an elevation of 2828 meters. It is best suited for hiking, with amazing routes providing spectacular scenic views of the entire Kangra Valley.
The journey to Triund is short and straightforward. It is possible to start from McLeod Ganj or Dharamkot, which is 2 kilometers ahead of McLeod Ganj. The first half of the hike is a gradual ascent, with the final two kilometers from Snowline Cafe involving a steep ascent all the way to Triund. The evening sky from Triund is a sight in and of itself, and a good reason to camp here at night.
Best time: May-June & September-October
KARERI LAKE
Kareri Lake is a beautiful and picturesque lake that appears to have been plucked straight from a Hollywood film. This shallow, freshwater lake is also known as Kumarwah Lake. The Kareri Lake, located at an elevation of 2,934 meters above sea level, is a popular trekking destination in the Dhauladhar range in addition to being a major tourist attraction.
Because of the extensive pasturelands that the Kareri Lake contains, the lake is mostly visited by the Gujjars and Gaddis who live in nearby villages. The lake also has beautiful clusters of dense conifers and various types of colorful perennial flowers.
While the majority of backpackers visiting Himachal Pradesh flock to the Triund or Indrahar Pass circuits, a short trek to Kareri Lake provides a more luxurious and quieter experience. The lake appears to be especially appealing from December to March when it is frozen and an air of tranquility surrounds it. A visit to Kareri Lake is thus unquestionably worthwhile, particularly for nature lovers.
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