Things to do in McleodGanj & Dharmsala, Himachal Pradesh

Mcleodganj, an extension of a developed city - Dharamsala in Himachal Pradesh, is a perfect choice for some chilled out time in the Himalayas. Once a popular hill-station in Himachal Pradesh, Dharamsala along with Mcleodganj, is slowly evolving into a hotspot for the expats, who have left their city-life to live in the Himalayas.
Historically, Mcleodganj used to be a favourite summer destination for the officers serving at the Kangra cantonment during the British India rule and hence the name Dharamsala - meaning a "rest house". Later, when Dalai Lama took refuge in Mcleodganj, the hill station transformed into a Tibetan refugee centre and  Buddhist pilgrimage destination. The beautiful monasteries, waterfalls, lakes and quaint cafes in the backdrop of the mighty Dhauladhar Himalayas, contribute to making Mcleodganj an interesting tourist destination. 

The colorful town

Things to do in Mcleodganj / Dharamshala:

The best thing about Mcleodganj is that it lends fluidly to different genres of travel. There's something for everyone here.

Cozy guesthouses in Mcleodganj:

The pleasure of being in Mcleodganj is to just "be" there and spend some laid back time looking at the snow-capped mountains from the cozy rooms. Mcleodganj offers ample of options from guest houses to homestays and resorts.

Jogiwara Road: This road has lots of cafes, stores, flea shopping and guest houses. Pink House, situated around 100 steps below the main road, is one guest house which is famous amongst the backpackers .
Bhagsu Road: The cheapest of the accommodations can be found on this road. It also has a variety of cafes including few organic cafes. You'll find lots of foreigners, mainly Israelis staying here for long stays.
Dharamkot Road: This road is peaceful and almost non-commercialized. Secluded guest houses and homestays can be found here.

Laid-back cafes in Mcleodganj:

At first glance, Mcleodganj looks like a serene little place where any mountain-lover would want to settle and open up his own café.
Each café here has unique and awesome things to offer. The hot teas and fresh food will leave you spellbound. You won't regret trying any of the cafes here. My favourite ones here are:
Black Tent Café: Cozy low-sitting, Tibetan decors, Bottomless Teas (They refill your tea mugs with hot water)
Jimmy's Italian Kitchen: Very nice menu, fresh ingredients and cozy dinner place.
Mcllo Beer Bar: It's more like a restaurant, but the only place that serves beer and wine. Rooftop candle-lit dinners are beautiful here.

Walk around the vibrant streets and explore exciting things - monks on streets and cafes, Tibetan massage parlors, tattoo studios, handicrafts, paintings, flea shopping. The local wines here are worth a try, they are available in various flavors like plum wine, apple wine, kiwi wine to name a few. You can actually walk around the entire town on foot.

Street of McleodGanj

Tattoo Studio

Tibetan Paintings

Laundry exchange at 50% discount

Shop some cool hippie stuff

Rotate prayer wheels at the main square

Enjoy some lip smacking street food. The uncle at the Tibet Quality Bakery is so sweet that you'll want to stop over and buy something every time you cross him. And the momos here are just too irresistible.

Yak cheese cake, carrot cake, beet root cake, apple cinnamon rolls....

Vegetable, chicken, potato, chocolate Momos

Walk to Bhagsunath and climb to Bhagsu waterfall (30 minutes). Climb a little further to get into trance at Shiva Café.

On the way to Bhagsu waterfall

Bhagsu waterfall

Get into trance at Shiva Café

SPIRITUAL:
McleodGanj has very strategically located Monasteries and church which makes them special. There are quite a few yoga and meditation centers for spiritual journeys.

Gyuto Monastery in Sidhbari (15 kms from McleodGanj) is located amongst lush green fields in serenity with Backdrop of the Dhauladhar mountains. The monks here are known for their "chordal chanting".

Gyuto Monastery

The monks chanting

Dip Tse-Chok Ling is a small Monastery located among trees in beautiful valley which is 300 mtrs below McleodGanj

Dip Tse-Chok Ling

Prayer wheel at Dip Tse-Chok Ling

St. John in the Wilderness is a very old church from the 1850s, located amongst dense deodar trees. The peace inside as well as outside the church is one thing to be looked forward to.

St. John in the Wilderness

St. John in the Wilderness

Seat of Happiness Temple (Deden Tsuglakhang) in Sidhbari (15 kms from Mcleodganj) is located inside Norbulingka Institue. This institute is a prime center for Tibetan art and culture. Various Tibetan art forms like painting, sculpture, fabrics, woodwork are taught and displayed here. It also has a doll museum depicting Tibetan culture.

Seat of Happiness Temple

Mani stones at Norbulingka Institute

Norbulingka Institute

Café at Norbulingka Institute

ADVENTURE:

Rent a bike and ride through the tea gardens of Palampur (approx. 40 kms from Mcleodganj) and Bir (approx. 60 kms from McleodGanj).

Bikes on rent on the streets of Mcleodganj

Tea Gardens at Palampur

Paragliding: Bir-Billing, at the height of 2400 mtrs, is one of the best sites in the world for paragliding. It is not operational if the weather is not clear. You can enquire at adventure points on the streets of McleodGanj.

Paragliding at Bir

Trekking to Triund (9 kms, 2800 mtrs height): Its a 4-5 hrs ascend and 2-3 hrs descend. Facilities are there to eat and stay there overnight, else you can carry your own tents to camp there. Hike further for 6-7 hrs (9 kms) to reach Lahesh caves after crossing the Snow Line. This route further leads to Indrahar Pass.

How to Reach:
If I have been too descriptive about this fascinating place, I won't mind because this place deserves it all! So finally, how to reach there:
By Air – Gaggal airport is the closest (25 km), flight frequency is low and cost is high.
By Road – lots of comfortable HRTC buses available from ISBT Delhi. The buses stop at the Main Square Mcleodganj. McleodGanj is just 9-10 kms away from Dharamsala. Frequent taxis are available from Dharamsala bus station to McleodGanj
Tickets can be booked here: http://www.hrtc.gov.in/hrtctickets/.

Best Season:
The tourist season is from March – June and mid-September - November. Rainy season is from July-Sep. However, if you are one of those kinds who like keeping away from crowds, I would recommend to go just before the season starts . Also, there’s nothing better if you can avoid the weekends.

Over the years, Mcleodganj has become a hub for the expats, who have been lured by the mountains to leave the city life behind. Mcleodganj has slowly turned into a centre for performing arts, creative arts and spirituality in the Himalayas.

Related Posts:

Bir - My first abode in the Himalayas

Bir - ecotourism, spirituality and adventure