Facebook
YouTube
WhatsApp
Twitter
McLeod Ganj is a preferable destination for a vacation as it offers a diverse range of locations and various treks. There are multiple places to visit near McLeodGanj that are suitable for solo travellers as well as family and friends. Situated in Kangra Valley, it is at an average elevation of 2,082 m. With enormous water bodies, oak trees, monasteries, and treks, this serene area offers something to travellers with diverse preferences. Plenty of people exhausted with their day-to-day hustle visit this place around McLeod Ganj to relax in its natural surroundings.
Top 10 Places To Visit Near McLeodGanj
Here are ten amazing places to visit near McLeodGanj that can offer a great time on your next trip to Himachal
1. Tsuglag Khang
Photo: Adam Jones / Wikimedia Commons
Packed with pilgrims throughout the year, TsuglagKhang is 2 km from McLeod Ganj Bus Stand. It serves a dual purpose of a temple and a residential space for the followers of the Dalai Lama. The structure holds the Tibet Museum, Namgyal Gompa, Tsuglagkhang Temple, and the Photang. The temple functions as a place of worship while the monastery is used to train monks.
Major Attractions: Tibetan Museum, Dal Lake, and TsuglagKhang Complex
Best Time To Visit: March to June (summer), and September to November (spring/winter)
Ideal Trip Duration: 2 – 3 days
Nearest Airport: Kangra Airport (Dharamshala Airport)
Nearest Railway Station: Pathankot Railway Station
Suggested Read: Best 10 Places To Visit In Barot Valley For Your Next Crazy Trip
2. Bhagsunag Falls
Photo: Nishat.ch100 / Wikimedia Commons
Bhagsunag Falls is situated 3 km away from McLeod Ganj, at a height of 20m. It is counted as one of the most popular attractions near McLeod Ganj, as it is an ideal picnic spot. Along with a sightseeing hub, this waterfall is treated as a refreshing swimming location by tourists. People also visit this area by trekking which adds to the experiences offered by this location.
Major Attractions: Bhagsu Nag Café, Bahgsunag Temple, and Bhagsu Village
Best Time To Visit: March to June (summer), September to November (spring/ winter)
Ideal Trip Duration: 1 – 2 days
Nearest Airport: Kangra Airport (Dharamshala Airport)
Nearest Railway Station: Pathankot Railway Station
3. Triund Hill
Photo: nishant / Wikimedia Commons
If short treks are your cup of tea, then Triund Hill is bound to please you. At an altitude of 2842 m, it is among the most popular trekking spots near Delhi. Most visitors commence their trek at BhagsuNag which ends at a steep uphill and curves leading to Triund. For camping, it is advisable to carry your tents and sleeping bags made of durable materials. Additionally, campers usually carry their drinking water owing to the scarcity of the same at the hill.
Major Attractions: Triund Trek, Snowline Café, and Triund Summit
Best Time To Visit: March to June (summer), September to November (spring/ winter)
Ideal Trip Duration: 2 – 3 days
Nearest Airport: Kangra Airport (Dharamshala Airport)
Nearest Railway Station: Pathankot Railway Station
Suggested Read: Things To Do In Parwanoo
4. Namgyalma Stupa
Photo: Rakesh.5suthar / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
Namgyalma Stupa is one of the most renowned places to see near McLeodGanj in the category of culturally rich destinations. It is a dome-shaped structure that holds the remains of Buddha which makes it a place of worship. This Stupa was constructed as a tribute to Tibetan soldiers who selflessly fought for the freedom of Tibet. Further, several prayer wheels surround this Stupa, and prayers are regularly offered by pilgrims and visitors here.
Major Attractions: Prayer Wheels, TsuglagKhang Complex, and Tibetan Museum
Best Time To Visit: March to June (summer), September to November (spring/ winter)
Ideal Trip Duration: 1 – 2 days
Nearest Airport: Kangra Airport (Dharamshala Airport)
Nearest Railway Station: Pathankot Railway Station
5. Dal Lake
Photo: Basharat Shah / Wikimedia Commons
Dal Lake is a mid-altitude site at a distance of 3 km from McLeod Ganj Bus Stand and 9 km from Dharamshala. This lake offers a holistic ecosystem for various organisms including a diverse species of fish. Oval in shape, this lake is surrounded by deodar trees and a temple on its bank. According to a mythological lore, Lord Shiva was worshipped by sage Durvasa here. It offers enjoyable boating facilities for visitors.
Major Attractions: Shiva Temple, St. John in the Wilderness Church, and Naddi View Point
Best Time To Visit: March to June (summer), September to November (spring/ winter)
Ideal Trip Duration: 1 – 2 days
Nearest Airport: Kangra Airport (Dharamshala Airport)
Nearest Railway Station: Pathankot Railway Station
Suggested Read: Things To Do In Sissu For A Memorable Vacation
6. Gyuto Karmapa Monastery
Photo: Gerd Eichmann / Wikimedia Commons
Gyuto Karmapa Monastery is one of the major tourist attractions near McLeod Ganj, situated at Sabari on the road to Palampur. The study of Tantric rituals and meditation besides Buddhist philosophy is the main reason for its popularity. The Karmapa Ogyen Trinley Dorje here houses monks who study various Tantric texts including Yamantaka, Guhyasamaja, and Chakrasamvara.
Major Attractions: Meditation Sessions, Prayer Hall, and Monastery Grounds
Best Time To Visit: March to June (summer), September to November (spring/ winter)
Ideal Trip Duration: 1 – 2 days
Nearest Airport: Kangra Airport (Dharamshala Airport)
Nearest Railway Station: Pathankot Railway Station
7. Lahesh Cave Trek
Photo: Ashish Gupta / Wikimedia Commons
At an altitude of 3500 m above sea level, Lahesh Cave is used by shepherds during summers. Lahesh Cave is a 12 km trek from the McLeod Ganj Bus Stop which is organised by travel agencies and localities. Trekkers who trek towards this cave use Triund as a base camp for a comfortable break. A temporary shepherd camp called Lakha is situated 2 km away from Triund.
Major Attractions: Snowline Café, Lahesh Cave, and Triund Hill
Best Time To Visit: March to June (summer), and September to November (spring/ winter)
Ideal Trip Duration: 2 – 3 days
Nearest Airport: Kangra Airport (Dharamshala Airport)
Nearest Railway Station: Pathankot Railway Station
Suggested Read: Things To Do In Solan
8. St. John Church
Photo: Harvinder Chandigarh / Wikimedia Commons
Among the most peaceful places to visit near McLeodGanj, Himachal Pradesh, is an Anglican church known as St. John Church. This well-known structure is among the oldest churches in this region, which makes it a historically significant tourist attraction. It has been present since the British era and stands strong. Constructed in the Neo-Gothic architectural style, it holds Belgian stained-glass windows that add a vintage appearance.
Major Attractions: Elgin Memorial, Dal Lake, and TsuglagKhang Complex
Best Time To Visit: March to June (summer), and September to November (spring/ winter)
Ideal Trip Duration: 1 – 2 days
Nearest Airport: Kangra Airport (Dharamshala Airport)
Nearest Railway Station: Pathankot Railway Station
9. Norbulingka Institute
Photo: Sridhar Rao / Wikimedia Commons
Founded with the purpose of preserving Tibetan culture, Norbulingka Institute acts as a treasurer for Tibetan literature. Built in traditional Tibetan methodology, it is surrounded by gardens and water bodies. The Academy of Tibetan Culture and the Literary and Cultural Research Centre are the primary segments of this institute. A three-year course of higher education in traditional Tibetan studies is the most popular course taught here at The Academy of Tibetan Culture. Drawings from the life of the 14th Dalai Lama have been carefully preserved here, besides the murals of Buddha.
Major Attractions: Handicraft Workshops, Deden Tsuglagkhang Temple, and Norling Cafe
Best Time To Visit: March to June (summer), and September to November (spring/ winter)
Ideal Trip Duration: 1 – 2 days
Nearest Airport: Kangra Airport (Dharamshala Airport)
Nearest Railway Station: Pathankot Railway Station
Suggested Read: Things To Do In Spiti Valley
10. Guna Devi Temple
Photo: Ashish3724 / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
Guna Devi Temple is a place of worship dedicated to Goddess Kali that attracts innumerable devotees and tourists throughout the year. It is a pilgrim spot of a semi-nomadic tribe from the Chamba district that is used for offering prayers to Goddess Kali. This temple is situated in a lush green area forested with oak and deodar. The scenic view of the DhaulaDhar Mountains is visible from this temple which makes the surroundings peaceful for offering prayers.
Major Attractions: Trekking in DhaulaDhar Range
Best Time To Visit: March to June (summer), and September to November (spring/ winter)
Ideal Trip Duration: 1 – 2 days
Nearest Airport: Kangra Airport (Dharamshala Airport)
Nearest Railway Station: Pathankot Railway Station
From temples and monasteries to treks and mountains, there is a wide range of places to visit near McLeodGanj. From the rocky Lahesh caves to the cultural tapestry of the Gyuto Karmapa monastery and the serene Dal lake, this small suburb is an ideal blend for a quick escapade. Plan your getaway to McleodGanj with TripXL for a wonderful trip!
Cover Photo: Adam Jones / Wikimedia Commons
