20 Places to visit in McLeoadganj | McLeodganj | McLeodganj Tourism | McLeodganj Tourist Places | McLeodganj Things to do | Tourist Places in McLeodganj | McLeodganj Places to Visit | Part-02
History of McLeodganj
The city of McLeodganj, settled in the 19th century, is considered to be one of the major tourist destinations of Himachal Pradesh at present. By the way, McLeodganj is a suburb of Dharamshala. But as a tourist destination, this beautiful city has its own distinct identity. Located in the Dhauladhar range of the Himalayas, McLeodganj is considered an ideal tourist destination for all types of tourists.
If you want to get away from your daily routine and do something exciting, then there is someplace around McLeodganj where you can calm your adventure appetite. Apart from this, if you want to spend some relaxed moments away from your runaway lifestyle, then the Buddhist monastery built here can give you inner peace. Along with being a famous tourist destination, McLeodganj is also a religious pilgrimage site for the Gaddi community of Himachal and Buddhist followers.
Throughout the year, people who believe in Buddhism keep visiting Buddhist monasteries built in McLeodganj. Apart from this, there remains the residence of 14th Dalai Lama, who came from Tibet in McLeodganj, because of this Buddhist followers also like to visit this city. Among the residents of McLeodganj, you can find more number of Himachal’s Gaddi community and refugees from Tibet.
Apart from the residents, you can see some foreign nationals in McLeodganj who came to visit here, but the beauty of this place did not let those people return to their country. All the foreign nationals currently living in McLeodganj have opened a restaurant or shops to live here. Overall, this suburb of Dharamshala, McLeodganj, has welcomed all kinds of people since its inception.
You are more diverse than the local inhabitants of McLeodganj as it is naturally diverse. This social diversity makes McLeodganj a beautiful tourist destination, where you get a chance to feel the culture of not only India but many other countries of the world. Just you have to take care that when you go to visit McLeodganj you become a traveller and not a tourist…
Aghanjar Mahadev Temple McLeodganj
Khaniara, a village comes 12 km before McLeodganj. There is an ancient Shiva temple in Khaniyara village for which it is said that this ancient temple was built by the Pandavas during the Mahabharata period. This ancient Shiva temple is known as Aghanjar Mahadev here. According to the legend associated with the construction of the temple, when the Pandavas were unidentified at the time of Barah festival, Arjuna established Gupteshwar Mahadev in a cave here to obtain Pashupati weapon from Lord Shiva.
After that, when the war of Mahabharata was over, all the Pandavas went on a journey to the Himalayan mountain to get rid of their sins. At that time, on the way Arjuna again saw Gupteshwar Mahadev and together with his brothers, Built the Aghanjar Mahadev Temple at the place. The main reason behind the construction of this temple is that the Pandavas killed their brothers, gurus and ancestors during the war of Mahabharata.
For this reason, all the brothers considered themselves to be partakers of sin, and to get rid of these sins, the Pandavas built the Aghanjar Mahadev Temple at this place. The history associated with Maharaja Ranjit Singh in the Aghanjar Mahadev Temple is also mentioned on the inscription built in the temple premises.
A three-hundred-year-old inscription in the temple complex describes the visit of Maharaja Ranjit Singh to this temple, according to the inscription, Maharaja Ranjit Singh once went hunting and wandered and accidentally reached this ancient Aghanjar Mahadev temple. Maharaja Ranjit Singh was so impressed by the priest of Aghanjar Mahadev Temple that after that he had visited this ancient Shiva temple many times.
There is an unbroken Dhuna in the Aghanjar Mahadev temple which is constantly burning. During the visit of Aghanjar Mahadev Temple, devotees visit the Gupteshwar Mahadev Temple built in the cave. The fame of this ancient temple can be gauged from the fact that many foreign travellers also regularly visit Aghanjar Mahadev Temple.
Aghanjar Mahadev Temple Timings
05:00 am to 09:00 pm
Aghanjar Mahadev Temple Entry Fee
Admission free
Kalachakra Temple McLeodganj
Kalachakra Temple was built in 1992, located just 2.5 kilometres from the main city of McLeodganj. The Kalachakra temple, associated with Buddhism and the Tibetan community, is extremely famous among devotees and tourists. This temple is based on the concept of time hence it is called Kalachakra temple.
The 722 murals in the inner part of the temple depict the deities associated with Buddhism and the central Kalachakra image. The walls and pillars of the Kalachakra temple have engraved paintings from the ancient Thangka style of Tibet. Apart from the murals, a statue of Shakyamuni Buddha has also been installed in the temple. There is also a library and a café for tourists and devotees in the Kalachakra temple complex.
On the 15th day of the third month of the Tibetan calendar, an annual festival is organized in this temple, in which a large number of Buddhists and people belonging to the Tibetan community visit the Kalachakra temple to participate. The interior decoration of the Kalachakra temple, designed in ancient Tibet style, is capable of mesmerizing anyone.
The Kalachakra temple is located in the inner part of the Thekchen Choling temple complex located in McLeodganj. Kalachakra Temple is famous among tourists for its stunning murals.
Kalchakra Temple Timing
From 05:00 AM to 09:00 PM
Kalchakra Temple Entry Fee
Admission free
Nechung Monastery McLeodganj
The Nechung Monastery in McLeodganj is considered a major centre of religious faith for Buddhists and Tibetans. Situated just 3.4 kilometres from the main city, this Nechung Monastery also holds historical significance for Buddhists and people of the Tibetan community.
The Nechung Monastery is completely different from other Buddhist monasteries, with more pre-Buddhist rituals, Nechung occupation and exorcism in this monastery. Due to this, the atmosphere of this monastery also seems a bit scary. Apart from all these activities, all the artworks and murals made in the inner part of the monastery are also made completely different from other Buddhist monasteries.
In the inner part of the monastery is made of bright strange figures. Apart from the shining figures, the monastery also has paintings of serpents and humans, paintings of head and feet and garlands of thin clothing with artefacts of the angry gods. The pillars of the main hall of the monastery are also carved with figures of mythological animals of Buddhism such as horoscopes, snakes and dragons.
Nechung Monastery was the Oracle seat of Tibet until 1959, besides it is also believed that Nechung is His Holiness the Dalai Lama and the guardian deity of Tibet. Because of this Nechung has been given a lot of importance in the history of Buddhism and Tibet. In the 18th century, Nechung served as a spiritual guide for the Tibetan government.
Nechung is also known as Kooten by Buddhists and Tibetans. It is believed that when a medium reaches a trance-like state, the guarding deity takes over the medium’s body and advises and predicts the current Dalai Lama and Tibetan leaders. Before 1959, there were 115 monks in the original Nechung Monastery of Lhasa, Tibet, but after the 1959 revolution, only six Buddhist monks managed to escape from Tibet to India.
After that, the then Government of India permitted those monks to build Nechung Monastery here. After that, the construction of the new Nechung Monastery was started in 1977 and in 1984 it was fully completed by becoming a monastery. Due to the religious importance associated with the Nechung Monastery, people from all the Buddhist sects around it keep visiting this monastery.
Nechung Monastery Timings
Any time of the day
Nechung Monastery Entry Fee
Admission free
Naddi Village McLeodganj
Naddi village, just 04 kilometres from McLeodganj, is a very beautiful village situated in the Dhauladhar mountain range of the Himalayas. Located at an altitude of 2180 m (7154 ft) above sea level, Nadi village is very famous among tourists due to its beautiful natural scenery.
Most tourists like to visit this village by trekking. Nadi village has got a different identity because of the Dalai Lama. The Dalai Lama himself likes this village very much and many times a year he goes to Nadi village to spend time. If you have good luck, then you can also meet the Dalai Lama here.
If you like trekking then you must take a walk from McLeodganj to Naddi village. The best time to visit Naddi village is from April to October of the year. The rest of the year you can visit the Nadi village anytime. Just you have to take special care during the monsoon season
Best time to visit Naddi village
April to October…
Naddi Village Timings
Any time of the day
Naddi Village Entry Fee
Admission free
Lahesh Cave
Lahesh Cave, located at a distance of about 3.4 km from the Triund, is one of the favourite destinations for travellers who love adventure. Lahesh Caves is a camping ground. Located at an altitude of 3500 meters (11482 ft) above sea level, Lahesh Cave is one of the most popular and adventurous sites located near McLeodganj.
Very few travellers know about Lahesh caves. Hence most of the passengers travel from McLeodganj or Dharmkot to the Triund only. Travellers who like real thrilling and adventurous activity, along with their Triand journey, definitely visit Lahesh Cave. Lahesh cave is surrounded by high mountains of Dhauladhar mountain range of Himalayas.
Apart from this, there is also a green coniferous forest in the vicinity of this place which makes this place even more exciting. There are two main routes to reach the Lahesh cave, the first route goes through McLeodganj and the second way is from Dharamkot via the Galu Devi temple. The path from Dharamkot to Lahesh cave is 02 km shorter than McLeodganj.
If you want to reach Lahesh Cave and go camping, then you can contact any local adventure activity organization of Dharamshala and McLeodganj. The fee for trekking and camping till Lahesh Cave starts from Rs 2500 / -.
Best time to visit Lahesh Caves
From March to May and from September to December
Lahesh Caves Entry Fee
Starting from 2500 / – …
Lahesh Caves Timings in Hindi
Monday to Saturday from 08:00 am to 05:00 pm
Tibet Museum McLeodganj
Located just 2.4 kilometres from the main city of McLeodganj, the Tibet Museum is the official museum of the Central Tibetan Administration’s Department of Information and International Relations. The museum is located near the main temple of Tsuglagkhang located in McLeodganj.
The Tibet Museum aims to create awareness among the people about the occupation of Tibet by China and the violation of human rights by China. Apart from this, the culture and history of Tibet are also told in this museum. The Museum of Tibet has so far collected 30000 paintings and besides a travel exhibition and post-exile collection of documents in the museum.
The main purpose of the establishment of the Tibet Museum is to make people well aware of the history and culture of Tibet. On 30 April 2000, the 14th Dalai Lama inaugurated the Tibet Museum at a public event. The inauguration program was attended by around 300 dignitaries and volunteers at that time.
In this museum, history and religious texts of Tibet are presented through pictures and videos.
Tibet Museum Timing
Summer 09:00 am to 06:00 pm
In winter (October to March) from 09:00 am to 05:00 pm
note:-
01 is a holiday on Monday and Saturday.
(Museum is open for the rest of the week)
02 The museum remains closed during India’s national holidays and Tibetan holidays.
Tibet Museum Entry Fee
Admission free
Kareri Lake McLeodganj
Kareri Lake is one of the most beautiful places near McLeodganj, built with melted ice water from the Mankiani peak in the Dhauladhar range of the Himalayas. There is a village near the Gaddi caste near the Kareri lake. Whose name is Kariiri This lake is named after this village, Kareri lake.
The distance from this lake of Kariri village is about 09 kilometers. Located in Kangra district, this lake is a freshwater lake in the Dhauladhar mountain range. Being a freshwater lake, the water of this lake is absolutely clean and transparent. The water of this lake is so clear that you can see the bottom of this lake with your naked eyes.
The elevation of Kareri lake is 2934 meters (9625 ft) above sea level. Kareri Lake, located in the Dhauladhar mountain range, is considered one of the most spectacular trekking destinations near McLeodganj. Due to extreme cold, this lake remains completely frozen from December to April.
There is also an ancient temple dedicated to Lord Shiva on top of a mountain situated near the lake. A few kilometres from the lake, the old houses of the people of Gaddi are also built. The people of the Gaddi community living here use the grasslands situated near the lake as their pet pasture.
If you have time, you can also go to the Minkiani Pass (4250 m) and the Baleni Pass (3710 m), located ahead of the Kareri Lake. When you trek Kareri Lake, you find many camps during the trek. In these camps, you get many types of food options that make your trip convenient.
The track at Kareri Lake is a moderate difficulty level track that you can complete in 02 days. Click here for complete information about Kareri Lake trek…
Kangra Valley Trek McLeodganj
If you want to see the beauty of Dhauladhar mountain range closely then you must go on Kangra valley trek starting from McLeodganj. During the Kangra Valley trek, you get a close look at the Dhauladhar mountain range, in addition to the snowy mountains, beautiful lakes, ancient temples and many old Hindu villages.
The Kangra Valley track starts from McLeodganj and passes through the Kareri Lake and the village of Kariiri. Kangra Valley trek is also a moderate difficulty trek, during the trek you have to pass through huge tree forests and steep slopes. The Kangra Valley trek starting from McLeodganj is considered to be one of the best things to do in McLeodganj.
The best time to trek the Kangra Valley is considered from March to October. Click here for complete information of Kangra Valley trek…
Laka Glacier Trek McLeodganj
The Laka Glacier, located near McLeodganj, currently enjoys a lot of popularity in the tourism sector. Located at an altitude of 3200 meters (10498 ft) above sea level, the Laka glacier offers stunning and spectacular views of the valley. You can also include the trek of Laka Glacier in your bucket list while doing the Triund trek.
The most special thing about Laka Glacier is that this glacier is situated very close to the snow line of Dhauladhar mountain range. If you have come to McLeodganj for a long time, then you should also complete the Laka glacier trek while doing the Triund trek. This is a trek that can show you the most spectacular views of your life.
The Laka glacier starts melting after July and by the end of the monsoon, all the ice in this glacier melts. If you want to trek on this glacier during the snow, then the time from March to June is considered to be the best. You can reach the Laka Glacier via Bhaksunag Temple and Triund in McLeodganj.
While trekking this glacier, you reach the meadows of the Triund through huge trees of oak, rhododendron and cedar. After completing the Triund trek, you can start the track of Laka Glacier. Click here for complete information of Laka Glacier…
Tibetan Institute of Performing Arts (TIPA) McLeodganj
The Tibetan Institute of Performing Arts (TIPA) in McLeodganj was founded by the Dalai Lama himself to keep Tibet’s traditional Tibetan dance, music, culture and art alive. You must visit the cultural programs held at the Tibetan Institute of Performing Arts (TIPA) during your visit to McLeodganj.
Due to these cultural programs, you will also get a chance to get to know the culture and art of Tibet closely and you will also get a different kind of experience. The Institute organizes a 10-day annual festival every year. In the programs organized here, the performers perform traditional dance costumes and perform dance and singing.
Apart from all this, Tibetan folk songs, interesting stories of fools, witches and yogis are told.
Tibetan Institute of Performing Arts (TIPA) Timings
The Institute’s timetable depends on the presentation made at the time of the annual function.
Tibetan Institute of Performing Arts (TIPA) Entry Fee
01 Adult: INR 50
02 Camera Fee: INR 100
03 Video Camera Fee: INR 500
Kora Circuit McLeodganj
The Kora Circuit located near Tsuglagkhang in McLeodganj is a well-known activity. The Kora Circuit is a 1.5-kilometre walkway that takes you a few minutes to complete. This 1.5-kilometre walkway is wrapped with Tibetan flags, in addition to the Tibetan flags, with Chortens and Tibetan prayer wheels.
On this route, photographs of 130 people of Tibet who have committed self-immolation in protest of Chinese rules. The Kora Circuit located in Tsuglagkhang near McLeodganj is just a few minutes of activity. But this activity helps you get rid of spiritual and worldly concerns.
Yoga sessions and Spa Therapies in McLeodganj
Many tourists visiting McLeodganj do not come here just to visit Buddhist monasteries, trekking in the mountains or visiting nearby tourist places. Rather, many tourists also come here to seek spiritual peace and freedom from material worries. There are many yoga practice centres in McLeodganj just like Rishikesh.
Not only here, but there are also many yoga meditation centres from which you can take various treatments besides yoga sessions and spa therapy, which help in re-energizing your body and mind. You must take the time to visit the Yoga Meditation Center and Ayurvedic Rejuvenation Center at McLeodganj.
Places to Visit near McLeoadganj
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