McLeodGanj is the little paradise on the foothills of Dhauladhar Range in Himalayas. It is a charming little picturesque town, famed for being the seat of His Holiness, the Dalai Lama. McLeodGanj- Dharamshala trip is one of the best trips to escape from all the stress and chaos in life. To the locals the region is known as Kangra and geographically it is the Kangra Valley. It is one of the most scenic places on earth.
Being the hub of adventure, it offers various recreational activities where one can relax and enjoy at the same time. McLeodGanj to Triund is one the famous trip among youngsters. At Triund one can enjoy trekking and all the adventurous activities. Vibrant monasteries, stunning backdrop, quaint cafes, and thrilling adventure activities have made it one of the favorite hangout destinations with friends. There are a lot of super fun things to do in McLeodGanj. From treks to strolls, hot beverages to delicious food, spiritual places to boat rides – the list has it all.
If you’re planning to take a hike to the next hill town of India with your friends, here is the list of the best things to do when in McLeodGanj with your friends:
1. Don’t miss the mesmerizing sightseeing at McLeodGanj
McLeodGanj is known for its monasteries, museums, temples, waterfalls, lakes, and Tibetan settlements. Taking a half day city tour is one of the many interesting things to do in McLeodGanj. For sightseeing one can visit McLeodGanj’s best places like Namgyal Monastery, Tsuglagkhang (the residence of Dalai Lama or Dalai Lama temple), and Bhagsu Falls & Bhagsunath Temple.
Tip: In order to enjoy the sightseeing it is best to rent either a bike or cycle as this ride on the roads of McLeodGanj is thrilling & totally fun which a four wheeler can never offer.
2. Take a boat ride in dal lake, for the memorable friends hangout
Dal Lake, McLeodGanj named after the Dal lake of Srinagar, this beautiful small lake is just 3 km from the McLeodGanj town. This lake is surrounded by deodar trees and also has a temple here dedicated to Lord Shiva. The peaceful & beautiful setting of the lake makes boating in Dal Lake one of the most popular fun things to do in McLeodGanj with your gang.
Opening Hours: 7 am – 8 pm
3. Trek, hike, & camp: Things for the adventure junkies
For those who don’t want to go for typical sightseeing, there are other offbeat things to do in McLeodGanj. The adventure junkies can go trekking, camping, and hiking on the surrounding trails. Of these,
o The Triund trek via Indrahar Pass is the most famous. The trek from McLeodGanj to Triund is a sharp one of over 1100 meters and it is absolutely worth it because of the refreshing walks. The trek offer panoramic views Bhagsu village, McLeodGanj, Dharamshala valley and distant views of Shivalik hills and plains of Kangra valley. The trek is moderate nature.
About:
Famous for: Trekking, Nature, Camping, Adventure.
· Tickets: No entry fee.
· Opening Timings: Open all days.
· Duration: 1 Day for trekking.
o McLeodGanj is not only a trekking paradise but it is also a hiker’s paradise. Dharamkot is the most famous spot for hiking lovers; it is situated at a distance of 9 km from McLeodGanj. It is a beautiful and scenic beauty which is frequently visited by tourists from all over the world.
About:
- Famous for: Nature, Meditation, and Adventure.
- Tickets: No entry fee.
- Opening Timings: Open all days.
- Duration: 0.5 to 1 day.
4. Mesmerizing star gazing is a must
The clear sky over the snow-capped peaks makes star gazing one of the most interesting things to do in McLeodGanj. The activity is delightful for travelers of all kinds – solo travelers, couples, friends & families – and must not be missed.
5. Shop at the local markets
Like any other destination, shopping in McLeodGanj has its own charm. Kotwali Bazaar, Jogiwara Road, & McLeodGanj Central Square are well-known shopping areas in the district. While the street shops of Kotwali Bazaar are most popular for Tibetan carpets, rugs, & exotic sculptures, the Jogiwara Road holds a reputation of the go-to place for souvenir shopping. The McLeodGanj Central Square is known to have the city’s oldest shop – Nowrojee and Son.
6. Sip and dine at the funky cafes with our friends
McLeodGanj cafes are one of the cool and funky cafes and eating joints to enjoy with your gang. They serve unworldly coffee, steaming hot momos, and thukpas. Relaxing in one of such charming cafes is one of the most preferred things to do in McLeodGanj, especially for the solo travelers.
Some of the popular names are:
Jimmy’s Italian Kitchen
Shiva Cafe
Peace Cafe
Lung Ta
Common Ground Cafe
Cafe Budan
Hummingbird Cafe
Seed Cafe
Namgyal Cafe
Tibet Quality Bakery
Lob-sang Four Season Cafe
7. Don’t forget to have a dip at Bhagsu falls with your friends
Summers are when the glaciers start melting and the chilled, purest waters flow down the valleys. Bhagsu falls are made up for such a retreat in McLeodGanj. The beautiful waterfalls are situated in the small village of Bhagsu, behind the Bhagsunath Temple.
About:
Famous for: Adventure, Nature, and Photography
Tickets: No entry fees
Opening Timings: Open all days from sunrise to sunset.
Duration: 1-1.5 hr.
8. Enjoy the Relaxing Yoga sessions
There are many yoga learning centers that offer meditation and yoga sessions for travelers. These kinds of activities are popular among travelers. Om Yoga Center, Himalayan Iyengar Yoga Center, Universal Yoga Center, and Tushita Meditation Center are popular McLeodGanj tourist attractions for those who seek peace and relaxation of the soul.
How to Reach McLeodGanj
· By Air: Gaggal Airport (18 km from McLeodGanj) is the nearest airport.
· By Rail: Pathankot Junction (90 km from McLeodGanj) is the nearest railway head.
· By Road: McLeodGanj Bus Terminal is well connected by buses from all major cities.
Best Time to Visit McLeodGanj
· McLeodGanj is a year-round destination. The summers, i.e. March to June, are pleasant and perfect for trekking & sightseeing tours.
· McLeodGanj receives heavy rainfall from mid-July to August, at times accompanied by landslides. So, people tend to avoid visiting McLeodGanj during these months. However, the post-monsoon lush green surroundings make September and October in McLeodGanj very beautiful.
· Winters, i.e. November to February, are cold in McLeodGanj. The snow-clad mountains make this destination perfect for trip to McLeodGanj during winters.
Must Carry:
· Heavy Woolen Clothing & socks
· Good rubber-soled shoes
· Personal Medication
· Camera with sufficient batteries and film / memory cards
· Id Proofs