20 Best Things To Do In Mcleodganj – 2023
Snuggled in the Shivaliks, Mcleodganj is a one of its kind destination. Vibrant monasteries, stunning backdrop, quaint cafes, and thrilling adventure activities have made it one of the favorite summer holiday destinations in India. 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.
But before we go ahead with the list of the best things to do in Mcleodganj, let us quickly scan through some essentials that will help you plan your trip to Mcleodganj. Pick the ones that you like the most and slide away for an exciting trip right away!
20 Best Things To Do In Mcleodganj
Now that we have information on when to go to Mcleodganj, let us check out the amazing things to do in Mcleodganj and around. Keep scrolling down and read along!
- Dal Lake – Feel The Serene Blue Waters
- Sightseeing – Enjoy The Exotic Beauty
- Local Markets –Collect The Bizarre Things
- Camping – Love The Nature
- Kora Circuit – Feel The Tranquillity
- Star Gazing – Stars Will Charm You
- Yoga Sessions And Spa Therapies – Relax Your Muscles
- Cooking Lessons – Learn The Delicacies
- Tibetan Institute Of Performing Arts – Know The Ancient Culture
- Cafés And Restaurants – Relish Delicious Food
- Triund – Experience The Bounty Mountains
- Kareri River Trek – Be Close To Nature
- Bhagsu Trek – Dive In Natural Beauty
- Tsug La Khang – Witness The Eternal Power
- Tibetan Museum – Gain Knowledge About Art & Craft
- Dhauladhar Range – A Spectacular View
- Indrahar Pass Trek- Experience The Thrill
- Kangra Valley Trek – Encounter The Lush Green Cover
- Namgyal Monastery- Storehouse Of Tibetan Culture
- Nechung Monastery – Witness The History Of Tibet
1. Dal Lake – Feel The Serene Blue Waters
Set amidst the lush green Deodar forests, the beautiful Dal Lake of Mcleodganj offers boating options to tourists. The peaceful & beautiful setting of the lake makes boating in Dal Lake one of the most popular fun things to do in Mcleodganj with kids. The opening hours is 7 am to 8 pm of this.
Time Required: 2-3 hours
2. Sightseeing – Enjoy The Exotic Beauty
Mcleodganj is known for its monasteries, museums, temples, waterfalls, lakes, and Tibetan settlements. While considering the best places to visit in Mcleodganj, tourists can take a half-day city tour. Mcleodganj sightseeing tours include Namgyal Monastery, Tsuglagkhang (the residence of Dalai Lama), Bhagsu Falls & Bhagsunath Temple, and Tibetan Museum.
Time Required: 2-3 hours
3. Local Markets – Collect The Bizarre Things
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 – that opened in 1860. The entire market area is famous for its wooden carvings, Thangka tapestry paintings, and handicrafts.
Time Required: 2-3 hours
4. Camping – Love Nature
For those who don’t want to go for typical sightseeing, there are other offbeat things to do in Mcleodganj. Camping is one of the fun things that attracts tourists each year. Camping in this heavenly place is like a vacation amidst nature’s beauty. It allows the traveler to enjoy the peaceful time and the gorgeous view of the Himalayan peak. Enjoying camping under the stars with a warm bonfire is one of a kind experience.
Time Required: 1 to 2 Days
5. Kora Circuit – Feel The Tranquillity
Pilgrims and enthusiastic tourists often explore the Kora Circuit, one of the major Mcleodganj tourist attractions. The downslope road around the Tsuglagkhang Complex is a prayer-flag-draped path. At approximately 1.5 km from the begin of the prayer-draped path, one can see the collections of prayer wheels, chortens, and photos of Tibetans who had self-immolated from 2009. The circuit is serene with stunning views, but the track is steep and sometimes quite bumpy.
Time Required: 2-3 hours
6. Star Gazing – Stars Will Charm You
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 travellers of all kinds – solo travelers, couples, & families – and must not be missed.
Time Required: 3-4 hours
7. Yoga Sessions And Spa Therapies – Relax Your Muscles
There are many yoga learning centers that offer meditation and yoga sessions for travellers. These kind of activities are popular among spiritual tourists and solo travellers. Om Yoga Centre, Himalayan Iyengar Yoga Centre, Universal Yoga Centre, and Tushita Meditation Centre are popular Mcleodganj tourist attractions for those who seek peace and relaxation of the soul.
Mcleodganj is also known for the myriad Ayurvedic healing therapies and spa treatments for the complete rejuvenation of body and mind. One such famous place is the Ayurvedic Rejuvenation Centre. Located near Bhagsu Nag, this Ayurveda centre has professional experts and doctors who offer the best-in-class spa treatments. Relaxing spa therapies is one of the refreshing things to do around Mcleodganj.
Time Required: 2-3 hours
8. Cooking Lessons – Learn The Delicacies
Lhamo’s Kitchen and Sangey’s Kitchen offer cooking sessions of authentic Tibetan cuisine for travelers. And believe me, this is one of the most interesting things to do in Mcleodganj. You will get to know the traditional recipes of all the famous dishes from soups to noodles. Afterall learning a new skill is a good deal anyday. The opening and closing hours of this place is from 7 am to 9 pm.
Time Required: 2-3 hours
9. Tibetan Institute Of Performing Arts – Know The Ancient Culture
Once in Mcleodganj, don’t miss the cultural shows on Tibetan culture – folk dance and music – in Tibetan Institute of Performing Arts. This cultural center showcases occasional Tibetan cultural stage performances including traditional Lhamo – the local folk opera. One such performance continues for 6 hours. Of these shows, the annual Shoton Opera Festival – a 9-day long celebration of Traditional Tibetan Opera – is the most popular one.
Entry Charges: INR 50 per person
Time Required: 2-3 hours
10. Cafes And Restaurants – Relish Delicious Food
The cool and funky cafes and eating joints in Mcleodganj are really cozy and happening. They serve unworldly coffee, steaming hot momos, and thukpa. Relaxing in one of such charming cafes is one of the most preferred things to do in Mcleodganj, especially for solo travelers.
11. Triund – Experience The Bounty Mountains
One of the best things to do in Mcleodganj is trekking. Triund, a 9000 feet range is a 9km trek trail that will leave you with a breathtaking experience. This easy trek will offer you enchanting views of the entire Kangra valley. The short trek can be done from either McLeodganj or Dharamkot. The evening sky will give you all the feels and reason for planning an overnight stay.
Time Required: 3-4 hours
12. Kareri River Trek – Be Close To Nature
One of the most adventurous treks in Himachal, Kareri river trek is a pleasant weekend trek. This trek will take you through the alpine grasslands and subtropical forests. The trek can be completed in 2 days and has a moderate difficulty level. It will be a treat for your eyes to witness the whole region from the top and also the rare flora and fauna as you continue your trek. The best time to go for the trek is the summer season.
Time Required: 3-4 hours
13. Bhagsu Trek – Dive In Natural Beauty
Trek to the Bhagsu waterfalls is one of the exciting activities to do in Mcleodganj. It starts from Mcleodganj and you have to cover a distance of approximately 12 kms. The difficulty level is moderate and is best recommended for beginners. The Bhagsu trek will take you to a small waterfall near Bhagsu village and passes through Dharamkot, Galu, and Naddi Village. Walking through these places will offer you beautiful views.
Time Required: 6 hours
14. Tsug La Khang – Witness The Eternal Power
Tsug La Khang is one of the best places to visit in Mcleodganj. The place is well-known as it is the sanctuary of the Dalai Lama. It consists of Namgyal Monastery and also several shrine rooms such as the statues of Chenrezig, Buddha, and Guru Rinpoche. Art lovers should definitely visit the place to see great pieces of art. Visiting the temple is one of the most important things to do in Mcleodganj.
Time Required: 1-2 hours
15. Tibetan Museum – Gain Knowledge About Art & Craft
Located inside the Tsuglagkhang complex, the Tibetan Museum is unique in all aspects. It is a combination of the conventional and contemporary Tibetan architecture and one of the best places to visit in Mcleodganj. You can find various things here like the Tibetan historical documents, Thangka images, pottery, manuscripts and other handicraft items. Art admirers can also purchase paintings, handicrafts or shop souvenirs.
Time Required: 1-2 hours
16. Dhauladhar Range – A Spectacular View
The gorgeous sunset at Dhauladhar Range is something you should definitely experience. Spend an evening at the summit when you are done with the adventure activities and relax yourself and absorb the natural beauty. You can see the different shades of the sunlight and feel the cool breeze. This magical experience will be a natural therapy to soothe all your senses.
17. Indrahar Pass Trek- Experience The Thrill
If you are a trek lover and wondering what to do in Mcleodganj then you must surely do Indrahar Pass Trek in Mcleodganj which begins from Mcleodganj in the Kangra valley and culminates at Chamba. During the trek, people can gather beautiful views of mountain ranges like Dhauladhar and Pir Panjal. The trek will lead you to dense deodar, green meadows and dense forest cover. You will also get to have a look at ancient lands of Gaddi Shepherds. People get to experience the beauty of nature as well as the glimpse of wildlife.
Time Required: 4-5 days
18. Kangra Valley Trek – Encounter The Lush Green Cover
Experience the panoramic views of Dhauladhar range by opting for Kangra Valley Trek which must be included in some of the things to do in Mcleodganj. Travellers get to witness the ancient temples, scenic beauty of lakes, some of the undiscovered Hindu towns with snow-laden valleys. This trek starts from Mcleodganj and ends by passing through Kareri village and Kereri lake. You can do the trek from March to October which is regarded as the best time.
Time Required: 3-4 days
19. Namgyal Monastery- Storehouse Of Tibetan Culture
If you are in a dilemma of what to do in Mcleodganj then you can choose to visit Namgyal Monastery for sure and must include things to do in Mcleodganj. The monastery is one of the biggest Tibetan monasteries which was supposed to be the home of the Dalai Lama. Monks impart the knowledge about sacred arts, philosophy, debate and meditation. Experience the eternal environment along with the beautiful statues of Buddha which are admired by the tourists.
20. Nechung Monastery – Witness The History Of Tibet
One of the many things to do in Mcleodganj includes a visit to the Nechung Monastery which will give you a broad view of Buddha and the Tibetan State. You will get to witness some of the eerie things including imaginative murals in the inner courtyard. The uncanny paintings of thrashed humans are another strange thing that you will get to see along with deities with skulls of garlands. There are some animals and dragons also in the monastery.
Time Required: 1-2 hours
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