When you think of a destination to visit in India, you may think of exotic beaches, scenic caves, and palaces, amazing yoga retreats — hell, you could even think about so-called “holy towns”. But to me, these places only exist in the movies. I prefer traveling where the soul is not lost in organized religiosity for just one day or two. Places that inspire instead of alienating.
Places that don’t take themselves too seriously. Places where the people aren’t afraid to be who they are even though there are many complicated religious laws and customs that demand manifestations of conformity to match their standards.
If you’re looking for an amazing trip and want to get away from the endless hustle and bustle of everyday life, then you’ll want to travel to Dharamshala & McLeodganj in Himachal Pradesh, India. These two places have been completely transformed over the years. If you’ve ever traveled to this part of India before, you may have discovered that it’s not only beautiful but also has very friendly people and plenty to do. Here is list of things to do in Mcleodganj.
Heed the Dalai Lama’s example of a life well-lived.
The Dalai Lama is a Tibetan Buddhist spiritual leader and politician popularly known as the “joyful one”. His Holiness the Dalai Lama has been living in exile since 1959 when the Chinese invaded Tibet. He was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 1989 for his commitment to non-violence and his efforts to preserve human rights worldwide.
The Dalai Lama’s teachings have been instrumental in raising awareness about climate change, animal protection, and compassion towards others. He also champions the education of girls and encourages world peace through dialogue between all nations.
Must Read: 10 AMAZING THINGS TO DO IN MCLEODGANJ IN 2022
Stroll around McLeodganj
The town of McLeodganj is a great place to explore. It’s located at an altitude of about 3200m, making it a great place to escape the heat during summer months. The area has a lot of shops selling Tibetan handicrafts and jewellery, as well as restaurants offering local fare like momos (dumplings).
The town itself is very laid-back, with a lot of cafes and restaurants on your doorstep. There are also a few supermarkets that stock western products like bread and cheese if you want to self-cater.
Must Read: PLEASURABLE THINGS TO DO IN DHARAMSHALA THAT WILL MAKE YOU LOVE THE TOWN!
For a taste of Tibet, try Thukpa and Momos in Dharamshala.
If you want to taste something unique and different, then try thukpa and momos. These Tibetan dishes are both spicy and delicious and they are perfect for those who want to experience authentic Tibetan cuisine. Thukpa is made out of boiled dumplings with meat, vegetables, or potatoes inside them while momos are steamed bread stuffed with meat or vegetables.
Both of these dishes are served with a spicy sauce that adds even more flavor to the dish. If you want something spicy and healthy, then try Tibetan pilaf. It’s made out of rice, vegetables like potatoes or carrots, meat or chicken, and spices like coriander powder and chilies.
Learn to meditate in Dharamshala to heal yourself.
Many yoga and meditation learning centers offer classes for travelers. These activities tend to appeal the most to spiritual tourists and solo travelers. McLeodGanj, a village in the valley of Himachal Pradesh, is home to several meditation centers. Among them are Om Yoga Centre, Himalayan Iyengar Yoga Centre, and Universal Yoga Centre—places where visitors can seek the peace of mind.
The town of McLeod Ganj is known for the many different types of Ayurvedic treatments and therapies, which are used to rejuvenate both body and mind. One such famous place is The Ayurvedic Rejuvenation Centre. Nestled near Bhagsu Nag, this Ayurveda center has professional experts and doctors who offer the best spa treatments. Those looking for a relaxing respite from the daily grind are advised to visit Mcleodganj and make time for some pampering therapies at this wellness center!
See the beauty of Triund in all its bounty.
The best thing to do in Mcleodganj is trekking. Triund, a range 9km away from town and rising 9000 feet above sea level, offers an enchanting view of the Kangra valley. This easy trek will take you through forests full of wild flowers and birdsong—a great way to see nature up close!
The short trek can be done from either McLeodganj or Dharamkot. The evening sky will give you a reason to plan an overnight stay, but the spectacular sunset over the valley might motivate you to extend your journey by just one more day.
Escape to Dharamkot
For a less crowded experience, visit Dharamkot Village. Located above Mcleodganj and offering better views of the mountains, this village is more peaceful than its more touristy neighbor. It’s not just the views that are worth seeing here though! There are loads of things to do in Dharamkot as well.
Once in Dharamkot, you can walk along the riverbanks or take a walk in the forest if you like (there are plenty of places to camp around here). It’s also possible to catch a boat trip down the river if you have time and energy for it!
So if you’re looking for something different from all those crowded tourist spots, then Dharamkot is definitely worth checking out!
Final Thoughts
There is so much to see, do and experience in Mcleodganj: it’s the perfect place to explore, be immersed in a different culture, and simply make some great memories. This place carries such a unique energy, you feel renewed every time you visit. So if you’re planning a trip to this part of India, or are already based here, here are some really fun ideas above and beyond the typical sightseeing tour.
