If you’re looking for a place where heritage and natural allure combine for your next vacation, look no further because we have one such spot well within our country; McLeodganj! McLeodganj is a little suburb in Dharamshala tucked deep within the Kangra district of Himachal Pradesh. Also lovingly called Little Lhasa, because of its Tibetan population, Mcleodganj is the pinnacle of natural beauty that the state offers!
If you’re wondering why the name sounds strangely English, that’s because it is! McLeodganj was originally named after the famous Lieutenant Governor of Punjab, Sir Donald Friell McLeod. The beautiful town today is known for its centers of spirituality and its heavy, enchanting influence of Tibetan culture and aesthetics sprinkled across the little suburb. Read our McLeodganj travel guide if you’re planning a trip here.
History And Culture Of McLeodganj
Dharamshala, which houses McLeod Ganj, wasn’t always called that. But its transition to being an army cantonment after the second Anglo-Sikh war in March 1850 then gave it the reputation of being a Hindu rest-house – or a dharamshala! It became the place where the Britishers sought respite from the simmering heat in the rest of the country during summers and news of its sheer beauty soon traveled.
McLeodganj itself was a town that shared space with Forsyth Ganj, which then went to see great advancement in trade, commerce, and capitalism and became widely regarded as the unofficial capital of the Kangra district. But the Tibetan influence began when Tenzin Gyatso, the 14th Dalai Lama who sought refuge in the district from the Communist Party of China after he revolted against them. With his official residence in McLeodganj came a significant wave of worshippers from Tibet that carried the cultural exchange between the two countries and a rise in population, and monasteries. Tenzin Gyatso kickstarted the signs of development in the region by building a Tibetan Hospital, Tibetan Library, and Tibetan School.
Traditionally, women wear pattu that are essentially thick attires pinned using silver brooches called boomini. They favor vibrant colors like bright reds and blues. The dialects that the natives favor are Pahari, Tibetan, and, of course, Hindi. The local cuisine combines an interesting mix of Indian and Tibetan culinary styles, the most popular dishes being momos, thukpa, and a wide variety. Some delicious options to try are tudkiya bhat (a rice dish with potatoes seasoned with garlic and ginger), shapta (Spiced chicken gravy paired with bao), mittha (sweetened rice dessert garnished with dried fruits), thukpa (a Tibetan noodle soup), and bhagsu cake (a three-tier chocolate-caramel cake) which originated from the Bhagsunag region of McLeodganj.
How To Get To McLeodganj
Getting To McLeodganj By Air
The closest airport to McLeodganj is the Gaggal Airport, which is roughly 15 kilometers from Dharamshala. However, since the airport is not that well connected to the hill station, your best bet would be to fly to the Indira Gandhi International Airport in Delhi and then book a taxicab or a private bus from the airport to your desired destination.
Getting To McLeodganj By Train
90 kilometers from McLeodganj is the Pathankot railway station, which is the closest station in the vicinity. This railway station is also known for its connectivity to other prime spots like Delhi, Ahmedabad, Jammu and Kashmir, Bhatinda, Jaipur, etc. The other meter-gauge railway stations closest to the city are at Kangra and Nagrota.
Getting To McLeodganj By Road
McLeodganj is a fairly well-connected suburb owing to its good road network. It is connected to other major cities of the country through public and private transport facilities organized by the state and companies, respectively. The National Highway 503 connects to Dharamshala directly and makes a trip via road from the cities of Jalandhar, Amritsar, and Chandigarh possible.
Best Time To Travel To McLeodganj
McLeodganj or Little Lhasa is best traveled in the winter season for a breathtaking view of the mountains and the valleys submerged in snow. Temperatures during the months of December and February can often see a dip of up to 1°C and can be the perfect escape from the tropical heat of the rest of the subcontinent.
Summer seasons also offer plenty of sights to behold for a visitor with a pleasing temperature frame that does not go beyond an agreeable 25°C. This is the time to choose if you’re more inclined to explore the countryside and the gorgeous exteriors of the suburb, and undertake other outdoor activities like trekking, hiking, paragliding, etc. Festivals like the Himachal Carnival and Buddha Purnima are held in February and March, or April, respectively. So make sure to chalk those in while you make the itinerary!
McLeodganj has the tendency to be quite difficult to explore during the rain, so keep in mind to avoid the monsoons or the months from July to September, while planning your trip.
Getting Around McLeodganj
By Bus
The Himachal Road Transport Corporation (HPTC) and Haryana Road Transport Corporation (HRTC) offer public bus transport services that not only allow you to travel locally but also from nearby cities like Delhi. You can also book the services of private transport companies like Volvo, AA Tours and Travels, etc. which is your safest bet for a stipulated period of time.
By Rickshaw
McLeodganj is a place that offers the services of auto-rickshaws almost throughout the day. This is a simple, effective, and cheap way to go exploring locally, within the suburb. They are also available for local sightseeing.
By Car
Taxis are another common mode of transport used by many tourists to get around the town. You can always hire the services of a private cab to explore the city.
On Foot
If you’re a fan of an early morning stroll amidst the bustling streets of a local Tibetan market or while taking in the serene view of snow-capped hills, then look no further, because McLeodganj is the spot for you! Most of the tourist spots in the town are conducive to being explored gradually on foot. So don’t miss out on the opportunities to uncover the rare discoveries that await you in McLeodganj on foot!
Breaking Stereotypes About McLeodGanj
“McLeodganj only has Tibetan monasteries and nothing else.”
While it is true that the region rose in significance after the 14th Dalai Lama carved a home out of it, McLeodganj is a locality that boasts of so much more than just centers of religion and spirituality. It has an astounding view of the snowy mountain ranges, the Dal Lake, several institutions that promote education and enlightenment, and is also a hub of trade, commerce, and local produce.
Go Check Out
Kotwali Bazaar
The Tibetans are known for their intricate woodwork and patterned fabric. If you’re a fan of the hustle and bustle of a small-town market, the Kotwali Bazaar is the place for you! While you’re there, also visit Nowrojee and Son, which is the suburb’s oldest shop that opened in 1860! Buy yourself and your family back home some wooden carvings, handicrafts, handmade jewelry, local delights, and some Thangka tapestries!
Dal Lake
The Dal Lake is an iconic aspect of the state! It’s a picturesque haven tucked in the middle of the deodar forests and offers a magnificent view of the mountain ranges around. In the summer, the Dal Lake is usually abuzz with the floating markets selling their wares as well as small boats! You can enjoy a little picnic near the lake too.
Tibetan Institute Of Performing Arts
McLeodganj is known for its Tibetan influence, which has become an indispensable part of the culture and heritage of the little town. If you’re curious about the various Tibetan forms of dance and cultural arts, do visit the Tibetan Institute of Performing Arts. This institute is an imminent hotspot for a variety of dances, art forms, and the local folk opera called Lhaso. The annual Shoton Opera Festival, a 9-day long celebration of traditional Tibetan opera, is also one such event that you shouldn’t miss!
Kora Circuit
The Kora Circuit, located outside Tsuglagkhang Complex, is typically known for its rows and rows of colorful flags draped all across the road. But what’s often overlooked is the fact that the Kora Circuit is a site of pilgrimage that marks the spot where over 130 Tibetans have immolated themselves in the past against the oppressive regimes of rule in China. This space is of great historical and cultural weightage, and if you’re a biker, then visiting McLeodganj without a ride through the roads of Kora Circuit is a no-go!
Tsuglag Khang
This one is for the history buffs! The Tsuglag Khang is known for being the famed official residence of the 14th Dalai Lama after he fled from China. This little spot then flourished as the nucleus of Tibetan spirituality and worship under his watchful eye. Today, the Tsuglag Khang consists of several other smaller monasteries like Namgyal Monastery. The structure is also an architectural marvel owing to its reputation of having nearly 107 tunnels and 864 bridges while being built.
FAQs
How Many Days Are Enough To See McLeodganj?
A solid 4-5 days would be sufficient to explore the ins and outs of the little town and experience everything it has to offer. Properly planning your trip with at least a rough itinerary would make your trip as smooth as possible and help you see as many spots as possible.
Which Is Better, Dalhousie Or McLeodganj?
While both these spots reside in the same home state, they have their unique appeal in terms of cultural feel and tourist attractions. While Dalhousie is spectacular in the summers and known for its natural sights, McLeodganj is slightly more commercial and is the place to go if you want the authentic Tibetan experience in all its glory.
Which Place In India Is Known As Mini Switzerland?
Khajjiar is known as India’s Mini Switzerland for its awe-inspiring view of the snow-capped mountain ranges.
What Is The Best Time To Visit McLeodganj?
Based on the activities you’re inclined to, it can be an unforgettable trip to McLeodganj both in the winter and summer but do make sure to avoid the monsoons there as it would make travel near impossible.
How Do You Pronounce McLeodganj?
McLeod Ganj, named after an English General, is pronounced Mc-loud-gunj.
How Far Is McLeodganj From Amritsar?
McLeodganj is approximately 110 km from Amritsar by road.
How Far Is Khajjiar From McLeodganj?
Khajjiar is 125 km away from McLeodganj.
