Things To Do Mcleodganj

Himachal Pradesh India

3 out of 42 Places to visit in Himachal Pradesh

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Places To Visit In Mcleodganj

Baglamukhi Temple

Located in the Kangra district of Himachal Pradesh, snuggled in a spot amidst the mighty Dhauladhar range of the Himalayas, sits the holy Bagalamukhi temple. The shrine is dedicated to one of the ten Mahavidyas of the Supreme Goddess as per Shaktism. Devotees visit the temple with hopes of getting their wishes fulfilled, cases won, exams passed or life otherwise to be happy and successful. It is said that anything asked for after performing homagni and yajna at the temple is granted. The name Bagalamukhi comes from two separate Sanskrit words, 'Bagala' meaning 'bride' and 'mukhi' meaning 'face'. In essence, it translates to the deity having captivating and hypnotising powers in her face or herself which fights the evil away. It is said that yellow is the favourite colour of the goddess which is why the Baglamukhi Temple has been painted yellow in colour. All the worshippers of the Goddess wear yellow coloured clothes, and yellow sweets are offered to the deity. Many festivals are celebrated at Maa Baglamukhi Temple including Navratri, Guru Purnima, Vasant Panchami, and other special pujas and aartis. Read More

The Bhagsu Waterfall is perhaps the most famous tourist spot in Dharamshala and attracts tourists who wish to revel in the glories of nature and spend some quiet moments in peace and serenity. The Bhagsunag Waterfall is located on the main road which connects Mcleodganj and Dharamshala and is an ideal location for picnicking with family and loved ones. The prime attraction here is the famous Bhagsunath Temple. The waterfall starts at the base of the Dhauladhar Valley, which is also considered to be a religious spot. Before cascading down, the stream also passes through the famous Bhagsunath Temple. The Bhagsu Fall reaches the peak of its glory and majesty during the monsoon season when the water falls from a height of around 30 feet and looks captivating and breathtakingly beautiful. The cafes and coffee houses nearby serve lip-smacking food and light refreshments, and tourists especially love to sit down and enjoy a cup of coffee, while viewing the gorgeous Bhagsunag Waterfall. Bathing in the waterfall is also possible, but the water is freezing at times for the normal human body to handle. The trek that leads up to the waterfall is yet another unparalleled experience. Read More

Surrounded by lovely pools and lush greenery, the Bhagsunag Temple is one of the oldest ancient temples located about 3 kilometres from Mcleodganj. Also popularly known as Bhagsunath Temple, it is highly revered by the local Gorkha and Hindu community. The two pools around the temple are believed to be sacred and are considered to contain miraculous powers of healing. The grand temple is also surrounded by major tourist attractions, such as the Dal Lake and the Kotwali Bazaar. In fact, the Bhagsunath Temple is situated on the way to the famous Bhagsu Waterfalls, and thus tourists make it a point to stop by at the temple and seek the blessings of the Almighty before they proceed further on their journey. Read More

McLeodganj is famous for its culture, crafts, etc. and tourists flock in from different parts of the world to experience it and be a part of it. The shopping experience in McLeodganj is worth remembering, provided you know how to bargain and purchase the local items of the place such as Tibetan mats and carpets. If you're planning a visit there, see the sights, soak in the scenery, sample the local food and before leaving, grab some souvenirs and gifts from the local markets to carry the feeling and memories of Mcleodganj home with you. As a bonus point, many of the stores on our list give part or all of their proceeds to local relief organisations.Below, we've made a list of what you can buy while Shopping in Mcleodganj that is unique to that area: 1. Singing Bowls These produce a beautiful melody when rubbed with a wooden stick. customised worldwide, singing bowls have been used in meditation, music and its related professions. Make sure that you buy an authentic bowl if you want it to produce the beautiful music. Many vendors also sell decorative bowls. The bowls come in different sizes and often have engravings etched upon them.Where to buy? Shops such as Village Boutique, India Divine Buddha Handicrafts, Tibetan Handicrafts Centre, Tibetan Museum souvenir shop, as well as the various street markets such as along Jogibara Road and in Kotwali Bazaar. You might also find your perfect bowl at the Tibetan Mini Market. Source 2. Buddha statues, Prayer wheels and Prayer flags Often referred to as 'Little Lhasa', Mcleodganj is the headquarters of the Tibetan Government-in-exile. It is also the home of the Dalai Lama. Pristine beauty comes together with spiritualism in this town, and there are many shops selling statues of Lord Buddha, prayer wheels, colourful prayer flags and other such things. The sculptures are made in different sizes and are of different postures. Some are decorated with stones and other decorative materials. Prayer wheels come in different sizes, sometimes with beautiful decorations or inscriptions emblazoned upon them. Colourful flags gently swaying in the breeze can be found in abundance throughout the locality, and you can even buy some for yourself in the many markets in the city. You can also purchase aromatic candles and oils, incense sticks, etc.Where to buy from? You will find these at many of the craft shops near the Dalai Lama temple. Shops include Potala Handicraft Shop, Jewels of Tibet, Village Boutique and Divine Buddha Handicrafts. Many of the street side vendors at the local markets too will have these products. Be wary however of lower quality or overpriced products when shopping. Source 3. Local Tibetan handicrafts and decorative knickknacks Bowls, wind chimes, carved boxes, wall hangings, cushion covers, lamps and other colourful items and souvenirs. Most of these are handmade local creations that incorporate the unique styles and designs of the Tibetan and Buddhist cultures. Many of the shops selling these handicrafts are NGOs and charitable organisations that use the proceeds to better the lives of the locals. Where to buy from? Shops such as Rogpa, Lha Tibet Fair Trade, Divine Buddha Handicrafts, Tibetan Children's Village Handicraft Centre, Potala Handicraft Shop, Jewels of Tibet, Village Boutique, Tibetan Handicrafts Centre and Stitches of Tibet. Visit the shop at the Norbulingka Institute for some beautiful wall hangings and decorative pieces. You can also buy from the street markets in places such as Jogibara Road Bazaar and Kotwali Bazaar. Visit the Tibetan Mini Market and the Mcleodganj Central Square too as you search for the perfect handicraft to take home with you. The oldest shop in Mcleodganj, Nowrojis, which was opened in 1860 carries a beautiful collection that includes metal crafts, wooden masks and such. Source 4. Jewellery Bead necklaces, metalwork jewellery and other accessories are crafted by the locals using in unique designs and styles and make for quite a fashion statement. Colourful beads, intricate metal designs, beautiful gems, all put together in a bohemian style. Keep in mind the fact that a lot of the jewellery you find is made in the traditional artistic designs which are unique to the people of the area and is not easy to find elsewhere.Where to buy from? The numerous street markets such as Jogibara Road Bazaar and Kotwali Bazaar have many vendors selling jewellery. You can also visit the Tibetan Mini Market to look for more options. Many of the shops that have been previously mentioned also stock selections of jewellery. Go to Nowrojis to imbibe some history while you purchase beads and metallic creations. You can even find Buddhism inspired jewellery in the shops close to the entrance of the Dalai Lama temple. Here, prayer beads, healing stones and even pendants with chants and inscriptions in the Tibetan script or miniatures of prayer wheels and such can be found.Along the main street of Bhagsu, there are many stores which offer daily classes to teach you the art of jewellery making and designing. Create your jewellery under the tutelage of local experts using gems and crystals as well as silver and other metals. Not only do you get to keep your creation you have the added bonus of knowing that you made it yourself. Source 5. Beautiful Cloth Silk and satin wall hangings, ethnic designs upon clothes and bedspreads, fabric paintings, table mats and many other creations can be found in the markets of Mcleodganj. A lot of these designs are unique to the Tibetan culture of the area, infused with cultural and religious symbols and made using traditional designs and styles. They are handmade and often done on a day to day basis. So, if you want a customized design with your own chosen design, size and colour specifications, you can easily get it in these shops.Where to buy from? There is an abundance of options available to you as you walk down the Mcleodganj Central Square, Jogibara Road and through Kotwali Bazaar. Some vendors have clothes designed using the local styles while others carry anything from bedspreads to scarves to decorative scrolls. In the markets, you can even get your very own Chuba (the traditional Tibetan dress) hand-stitched if you wait awhile. Some of the stores selling these beautiful cloth products are the shop within the Norbulingka Institute, Stitches of Tibet and Eternal Creation. The Green Store carries some brightly painted clothes alongside many other wares. Another place where you can get clothes tailored for yourself is Semshook Tibetan Handicraft. Source 6. Colourful Bags and Purses The vibrant culture and beauty of Mcleodganj find expression through bright bags, purses and other accessories in unique designs in many of the shops of the area. Traditional designs and a variety of materials and sizes and colours ensures that there is something for everyone to take home.Where to buy from? Shops such as Rogpa, Semshook Tibetan Handicraft, Divine Buddha Handicrafts sell these colourful accessories. The markets such as Kotwali Bazaar and Jogibara Bazaar too have numerous options for you. Source 7. Handcrafted diaries and handmade paper Handmade paper and diaries are one of the creations Mcleodganj is well known for. The area began its recycling initiative several decades ago and converts waste into paper products. The recycled products are designed into beautiful products such as diaries and other paper stationery and are popular with tourists. It is interesting to think that the recycling bins and instructions to going green scattered around different locations in Mcleodganj are the same initiatives that are creating these beautiful paper products from things we discard. You can also find handmade diaries here covered in leather and cloth sleeves which are available in different colours and sizes. Whether you want to keep a record of your travels or just a souvenir, these are a must-have.Where to buy from? The Green Shop is an outlet that sells paper and other 'green' Items. It is one of the funding sources for The Clean Upper Dharamshala Program. You will also find beautiful diaries in several of the shops already mentioned in the list as well as in the market lanes. Source 8. Books (on Tibetan culture and Buddhism) The history and culture of Tibet are both exciting and unique. In Mcleodganj, you can find books on Tibet as well as on Buddhism that give knowledge and insight into the vibrant art, culture, history and other arenas of the local population. You can also find books on fiction and other areas of interest here. As this place sees tourists from many countries, books are often available in a variety of languages including German, French, Spanish and Japanese.Where to buy from? There are many bookstores in the town with an excellent collection. Some of the shops include Buddhist Bookshop, Bookworm, Tibet Book Store, the Namgyal Bookstore in the temple complex and Youtse Book Shop. There are also several cafes that have books that you can peruse while you grab a delicious meal. Source 9. Rugs and carpets Exquisite handwoven rugs and carpets in the ethnic styles of the Tibetans are available in Mcleodganj. They have designs based on scenery, symbols, folklore and so on. Where to buy from? Shops such as Tibetan Handicraft Center, Village Boutique, Tibetan Children's Village Handicraft Centre offer beautiful pieces that you would love to see in your own home. Some of the stores even ship their products, so if you want that, please do enquire as to the possibility. The street shops in Kotwali Bazaar often have some beautiful carpets and rugs, so make sure you take a look. Source 10. Paintings Tibetan and Buddhist art offers beautiful works that can be purchased by tourists here. There are many places where you can buy Mandala paintings and beautiful thangkas to make sure you take back a piece of the vibrant culture of Mcleodganj when you leave.Where to buy from? Mcleodganj Central Square has several shops you can visit to purchase a beautiful painting or two. Some of the shops selling thangkas and mandala paintings are Potala Handicraft Shop, Jewels of Tibet, Semshook Tibetan Handicraft, Tibetan Handicraft Center, Tibetan Children's Village Handicraft Centre, the shop within the Norbulingka Institute. Thangkas and Gifts is one of the most popular shops among tourists. Source 11. Tea If you're a tea enthusiast, you must purchase some tea before returning. The area offers a variety of delicious and aromatic blends such as Kangra Tea, Tibetan Tea, Green Tea and many other varieties that should be sampled at least once. Where to buy from? There are several shops in the area where you can shop for tea. Try the Dharamshala Tea Company or even one of the small shops near the Dalai Lama temple or one of the other market lanes of the city. Source 12. Woollens Mcleodganj can be a cold town. And there are many stores you can visit should you want some warm clothes or even if you're looking for a gift. Sweaters, scarves, socks and every other woollen item that you use or can imagine is very likely available here. The products are often designed with ethnic symbols and patterns and are both unique and beautiful. Whether you're looking for a light jacket or a yak wool shawl, you'll find everything you want.Where to buy from? You can buy woollen garments from several shops including the Lha Tibet Fair Trade. The shops in the market areas are teeming with woven products, and you can snag quite a few attractive pieces for yourself while you're there. Source Things to remember while you shop to your heart's content: Bargaining, to a degree, is acceptable and can be done during some of your purchases when buying from street markets.Keep a tight hold of your belongings, just in case. You don't want anything to be stolen.Remember to grab a bite during your shopping break in one of the nearby local eateries.The number of ATMs in the area is not high, and you will often find a long queue. So it is advisable to have cash at hand before you venture out shopping, just in case.Keep in mind, that this is not a comprehensive list, and please do reach out to us if you can think of any item or shop that we've missed.Also, if you're planning a trip to Mcleodganj or have been there already, leave us a comment below to tell us about your shopping experiences there. Read More

Located at the height of 1,775 metres above the sea level near the village of Tota Rani in the Kangra district of Mcleodganj in Himachal Pradesh, the Dal Lake is a small yet picturesque lake. With its name taken from the famous and breathtaking Dal Lake of Srinagar, the lake is surrounded by rugged mountains and towering deodar trees. Quaint and calm, the lake invites nature-lovers to watch different kinds of fishes in their natural habitat. The lake, with its lush greenery and blooming trees, is a perfect spot to laze around with loved ones and enjoy a carefree day in the lap of nature. This tourist attraction is visited by nature lovers throughout the day. For adventure seekers, trekking expeditions around the lake are an option. Dal Lake is also a perfect place to stop over and relax if you are trekking up to Naddi, which is also known as the Sunset Point.A grand fair is organised at the banks of the Dal Lake every September, owing to the Shiva Temple here. This gala event is celebrated to mark the presence of Lord Shiva and is attended by a large number of people of the Gaddi Tribe. Read More

Illiterati Books & Cafe

Illiterati Books & Cafe is one of the most popular and sought after cafes of Mcleodganj. A perfect blend of books, coffee and amazing food, the cafe is crowded by guests and tourists all day long. Visiting the cafe is one of the prime things in Mcleodganj. Sometimes they also hold live music gigs and along with the perfect ambiance, the place looks just divine.

Minkiani Pass, nestled in the breathtaking landscapes near McLeod Ganj, is a hidden gem for trekking enthusiasts seeking an offbeat adventure in the Dhauladhar Range of the Himalayas. This high-altitude mountain pass offers a challenging yet rewarding trekking experience, providing stunning views of snow-capped peaks, lush green meadows, and pristine alpine lakes. The trek to Minkiani Pass typically begins from McLeod Ganj, taking you through dense forests, picturesque valleys, and rocky terrains. As you ascend to higher elevations, the air becomes crisp, and the panoramic vistas become increasingly awe-inspiring. The tranquility and natural beauty of Minkiani Pass make it a serene destination for those looking to escape the hustle and bustle of everyday life and immerse themselves in the raw beauty of the Himalayas. Read More

Located in Dharamshala near Mcleodganj, Naam Art Gallery is often visited by people interested in the art. Even people with a creative bent of mind can spend some relaxed and enjoyable time here, looking around at a number of works as well as spiritual artworks. The Naam Art Gallery showcases work of the European artists Elsbeth Buschman (watercolours and acrylics) and Alfred W. Hallett (oil paintings). Those interested in collecting art can buy some prints available here at a price of INR 400. Read More

Dalai Lama, the Tibetan spiritual leader, is believed to have his abode at Namgyal Monastery in Mcleodganj which is also the largest Tibetan temple outside Tibet. The serenity and ambience that this place creates in the minds of its visitors are enough to attract even those who are not inclined towards this religion. The Namgyal Monastery is often referred to as "Dalai Lama's Temple" as it is the personal monastery of the 14th Dalai Lama. The foundation of Namgyal Monastery was laid down in the 16th century by the second Dalai Lama and was set up for the monks to help Dalai Lama in religious affairs. The monks residing here in the monastery carry out practices for the well-being of Tibet and work as a centre of learning and meditation on the Buddhist philosophical exposition. Also known as Namgyal Tantric College, it currently houses 200 monks who work towards protecting the practices, skills, and traditions of the monastery. The study of the languages Tibetan and English, texts of Sutra and Tantra, Buddhist philosophy, sand mandalas, ritual chanting, and dances are all included in the study of Buddhism. Read More

Named after the summer residence of The Dalai Lama at Lhasa, the Norbulingka Institute is a popular learning centre that is located 7.5 km from the district of McLeodganj in Dharamshala in Himachal Pradesh. Built in a traditional Tibetan Style, it is set in a beautiful garden of meandering paths, flowing streams, small waterfalls and ponds with the spectacular Dhauladhar Mountains of the Outer Himalayas rising prominently in the background. It is, thus, a must place to visit for people who have a natural hunger for enhancing their knowledge and observe the live culture of Tibet. The main objective of setting up the Norbulingka Institute is to preserve the Tibetan culture through various paintings, statues and sculptures, and provide employment and care to qualified Tibetan refugees. The environment of the institute is so soothing that a look at the beautiful centre and its surroundings bring peace to the minds of people and the serene environment becomes one of the major reasons to explore this place. Many people come from different parts of the world to visit the Norbulingka Institute and get a glimpse of the natural beauty and are spellbound by its beauty. Read More