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Nestled in the Shivalik range of the Himalayas, Mcleodganj has attained great popularity as a tourist destination in the past decade. It is a haven for backpackers and trekkers and is truly a unique region in the mountains. Whether you want to get away from the chaos of the city, indulge in the beauty of mountains and nature, or want to engage in thrilling adventure sports, Mcleodganj will give you all. There are places of spiritual healing, the food here is great and the accommodation quite inexpensive, especially during the off seasons. Here are some things to know about this lovely mountain town and what are the activities you may do here.
Depending on which time of the year you are visiting Mcleodganj, you will find and will not be able to do certain activities here, mostly for safety concerns. Nevertheless, the place can be visited round the year, but being a hill station, most of the tourists prefer to go there between the months of March to June. Post- June, once the monsoons set in, the topography can get a bit tricky because of the occurrences of landslides. The rains here are quite heavy and while the locals are used to it, it can be difficult for the tourists to get around, unless of course, you are driven by the urge to see the beauty of the Himalayas in the mountains. Once the rains are over, the lush green landscapes are a real treat for the eyes. As the winters start to approach, the temperatures start dropping rapidly from November and you can see snowfall in the mountains and the wonderful snow clad peaks. The region becomes a popular spot for honeymooners who at this time. The easiest way to reach Mcleodganj is via the Gaggal Airport by air, and traveling to the Pathankot junction by train.
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Once you are in Mcleodganj, one of the first things you will do like every other tourist is to go around the city for sightseeing. There is no dearth of monasteries, museums and temples in Mcleodganj and most of them are Tibetan because this region is home to the 14th Dalai Lama, His Holiness. The Tibetan settlements here draw the tourists who are interested to know about the history of the Tibetans and how they sought for asylum in India after their exile from Tibet. You should visit the Namgyal Monastery, which is a popular place for Tibetan learning and the Tsuglagkhang, which is the residence of the Dalai Lama. The Tibetan Museum is a treasure trove of old manuscripts, paintings and historical documents, along with many artifacts of the Tibetans.
This is not to be confused with the Dal Lake in Kashmir. The Dal Lake here is also situated among lush deodar forests and the mountains are reflected gloriously in thw waters of the lake. This is the perfect site for family outing and one of the things to do in Mcleodganj in summers, because the lake in frozen in winter. You should go for boating in the lake and it will be a great experience as you row with the mountains around you. The timings are from 7 am to 8 pm.
You cannot go to Mcleodganj and come back without engaging in some shopping. The stalls here are famous for selling sculptures, souvenirs and Thangka paintings. For getting the best buys, you need to visit the Kotwali Bazaar, the Jogiwara Road and the Mcleodganj Central Square. These are the popular shopping districts of the city. The Tibetan rugs and carpets are to die for. You will also get exotic sculptures, especially those of Buddha and Tara and they make for great gift items. The oldest shop in the city is the Nowrojee and Son and it has been operational since 1860. Located in Mcleodganj Central Square, the shop is famous for wooden carvings, paintings and handicrafts and is a must- visit.
Over the years, this hill station has gained quite a reputation for being a destination for adventure enthusiasts and there are quite a few off beat things to do in Mcleodganj. A number of hiking trails lead away from Mcleodganj and you can choose anyone depending on your intensity. The most popular trails are around Triund via the Indraprahar Pass. You should pile up on your woolens and your leather jackets because it can get freezing cold out there, even during the summers.
The Kora Circuit leads to the Tsuglagkhang Complex and you will see the path draped with prayer- flags after making a few turns. This is a path best walked into and about 1.5 km away, one will come in sight of the prayer wheels, chortens and the photos of those who had immolated themselves from 2009 for the cause of liberation of Tibet. The road slopes downwards and at places it is quite steep. However, those who are looking for spiritual solace or have a religious bent of mind find deep peace over here.
One of the other things to do in Mcleodganj in the summers is to go for camping and then sleep under the stars. This is obviously not possible during monsoons, or even winters, because of the freezing cold. The night sky is crystal clear in Mcleodganj because of very less pollution and the crystal clear mountain breeze. It is also a great retreat for solo travelers and families come out here too.
One of the things to do in Mcleodganj in winters is to opt for yoga sessions and indulging in relaxing spa treatments here. There are quite a few yoga learning centers here and travelers who want to take a break from their busy lives and schedules should come here. Some of the most well known yoga centers are the Om Yoga Center, the Himalayan Iyengar Yoga Center and the Tushita Meditation Center. This is one of the top places to know about Ayurvedic healing and treatment methods and the spa treatments here are done with completely natural herbs and plants. They leave the mind and soul relaxed and rejuvenated. The Ayurveda doctors here will ensure that you have a complete holistic experience here.
It is well known that cooking is an art form and can be very therapeutic at the same time. Two popular joints here are Lhamo’s Kitchen and Sangey’s Kitchen which provide cooking classes on authentic Tibetan cuisine for travelers. One will come to know about making a number of dumplings, momos, thukpas and other kinds of stews and breads.
The cultural show on Tibetan culture is definitely a high point in Mcleodganj, which is home to the Tibetan refugees now. It is a wonderful show on Tibetan folkdance and music and is attended by locals and tourists alike. There are cultural stage performance held regularly and it includes the Lhamo- the local folk opera as well that continues for 6 hours. The annual Shoton opera Festival is a 9 day long traditional Tibetan opera festival and entry is only INR 50.
Considered to be one of the oldest forts in India, the Kangra fort has a very interesting past and an equally opulent architecture. It preserves the war records of Alexander as well as the records of invasions of the Mughals. This fort holds proofs of many historical happenings and has been standing here since the 4th century. The fort is open from 9 am to 5:30 pm and should not be missed.
Known as the Tel Aviv of India, Dharamkot is another spiritual retreat and is one of the more unconventional places here. It is a popular Buddhist destination and you will find many monks residing here. For those who want to delve deeper into the culture of the region and find out about how the people live and think, Dharamkot is the ideal location. It also serves as the base for many who want to take the Triund trek. With so many things happening here, there is something for everyone that Dharamkot offers.
You might have seen many sunsets in your life but the one you see in Dhauladhar will take your breath away and stay with you forever. You could trek up to the summit and stay for the sunset and then come down again. The sky turns a myriad of colors and they are reflected in the snows of the mountains. Visiting this region is like a natural therapy and you will come back refreshed and rejuvenated.
Mcleodganj will impress you in so many ways and so no matter which time of the year you visit, you will have the most surreal experience ever.
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April 15, 2024 
