Mcleodganj, just hearing the word makes the average Indian spring up in joy and excitement. Our mind ponders and resonates in the idea of unlimited adventure, trekking and authentic cuisine to satisfy our taste buds. And why not? The Himalayan town of Mcleodganj is a synonym for all of these excitements. Also known as Little “Lhasa” for it extensive Tibetan population and culture, a prime example of the blend of Tibetan and Indian culture and harmony, this mountain town has a lot to offer for the enthusiastic backpacker. Here are the 10 best places you DO NOT want to miss in Mcleodganj;
1. Triund
Located at the foot of the Dhauladhar ranges, this is the gem of the Dharamshala hilly range. The trek from Mcleodganj to Triund, takes you through a breathtaking landscape of lush oak and deodar forest. The snowcapped Dhauladhar mountains and the Kangra valley on each side are scenes worth taking the hilly trek. Also you get rewarded with rare sighting of mountain and forest birds. Night camping at the hilltop under the starlit sky is a feast for the eyes.
2. Minkiani Pass
The Minkiani pass, a part of the Dhauladhar ranges displays the scenic view of nature and landscape, a must visit place near Mcleodganj. It is the offspring of the icy landscapes of Northern Ireland and the rocky terrain of Colorado. A nirvana for the photography lover, a perfect place to spend hours snapping beautiful birds and wildlife. In the months from March to May and September to November, you may want to check for adventure sports.
3. Kareri Lake
The snow capped mountains of the Dhauladhar range gave birth to this freshwater lake in the high altitudes of Dharamshala. The water is so clear, you may want to take out your comb/hair brush and just comb your hair looking in the water for the sake of it. A marvelous wonder of nature, it is the ideal place to take a well-deserved relaxing break and just look through the wilderness of the pine trees and the snow capped hills.
4. Masroor Temple
This sparsely crowded Himalayan shrine can be defined in three words; Sculptures, Scriptures and Architecture! Dating back to ancient empires of India (6 th – 8 th century BCE), this Nagra style architecture bears a legacy to our ancient architects and culture. The ornately carved cluster of monolithic rock-cut shrines are among the most unexplored temples in Himachal Pradesh. History lover or not, you just have to visit this beauty. The pond that is adjacent to the temple adds cherry on the topping.
5. Illiterati Book Café
Once you enter this café, there is no turning back. Such is the beauty of this café and its location. You could be sipping its delicious and refreshing coffee, while ogling down the lush forests and ranges of Mcleodganj. Or you could be in trance, the eargasming calm instrumental music in background falling on your ear drums, while you are reading a book or just enjoying the rich taste of the famous Ravioli in this neat little book café in Mcleodganj, Illiterati.
6. Tibetan Institute of Performing Arts
Founded by the 14 th Dalai Lama, Tenzin Gyatzo, this Institute’s main aim is not only to preserve Tibetan heritage and arts but also to present its culture and uniqueness to the people visiting Mcleodganj. It brings about a sense of unity among Tibetans and Indians, living in harmony in this little mountain town of Mcleodganj. A must visit for every person who even steps a foot in Dharamshala.
7. Tibetan Market
Tibetan culture and Indian culture are like two rivers, they flow harmoniously in this town and merge continuously. One particular feature of the rich Tibetan culture here is the Tibetan market. It overflows with artifacts and handmade goods that make for suitable home décor, religious keepsakes or just souvenirs for yourself or for someone back home. Apart for beautiful handicrafts, do not miss to enjoy the mouthwatering local streetfood like thukpa, momos and thenthuk. Singing bowls, Buddha statues, prayer wheels, prayer flags, home decor items, jewelry, et cetera; are just some of the things you can buy at this cultural crossroad.
8. Tibet Kitchen
Now if you really want to experience and take in the extravagant tastes and cuisine of the Tibetan people, you just cannot miss going to The Tibet Kitchen. Located on the Jogiwara road, this place is equipped with three floors and a lounge, almost always full and the reason for that is the authentic Tibetan cuisine they offer. Ranging from Thukpas to steamed and fried momos you can lay your hands on anything on the menu. The staff here is extremely welcoming and courteous, you feel like you are back home, just waiting for you are momos and not poha or dosa.
9. Naddi Village
Located in the Kangra Valley, in the shadow of the Dhauladhar mountains, Naddi village is especially known for The Naddi view point,
adored with the snow draped mountain range and a view so scenic you will probably be thinking of moving and living permanently in this
beautiful village. In the evening, this place charmingly transforms to the Sunset point. A paradise for photographers and nature lovers alike, this point is your gateway to heaven. Also a popular visiting place is the Guna Devi Temple, surrounded by profuse green deodhar and oak trees, the Temple brings about a certain calm and trance in you.
10. Dharamkot
If you are looking for a peaceful and calm conclusion to your trip, or conversely a calm start to your trip, the village of Dharamkot is where
you want to head to. Blessed with scenic views of the Dhauladhar and beautiful flowering valleys, this village is the abode of yoga loving
fellows. One can relax here and venture to the nearly foggy and lush Dal Lake. Dharamkot is also the home to the Dhamma Sikhara Vipassana Meditation Centre and Tushita Buddhist Meditation Centre, so if you want to take a moment and connect with your soul and nature in a blending spell, this is the ideal destination for you. A perfect conclusion for a Himachal venture with lots of memories to take home.
By Arya Koyal
