McLeod Ganj is a small suburb of Dharamshala in the Kangra district of Himachal Pradesh. McLeod Ganj is located above Dharamshala; it hardly takes 10 minutes to reach by foot. It is the headquarters of the Tibetan government in-exile, hence, houses large population of Tibetans.
To all those who head up to the hills as the summers kick in or are planning to, here is the ultimate guide to sight-seeing and eating options in McLeod Ganj.
To all those who head up to the hills as the summers kick in or are planning to, here is the ultimate guide to sight-seeing and eating options in McLeod Ganj.
Considering the trademark culture of all the cities of Himachal Pradesh, these two places host a completely different lifestyle and are hugely influenced by the Tibetan culture. From outside, they look like any other hill-station of India but as they’re approached, the scenario changes. The most common sight in any street of these places is monks dressed in red robes, traveling around for their various chores. The Tibetan community forms a very integral part of them. A lot of Irish people visit as well; the effect on the cuisine makes it apparent.
These places are cold all through the year and rainfall is uncertain. Special attention should be paid on the clothes to be carried. McLeodGanj and are very cultural places and a lot can be learnt here by just walking around in the streets here.
The places to definitely visit are-
- Triund Hill (For the trek)
- Bhagsu Nag Complex (For the beautiful trek to the waterfall, the temple area and the market street.)
- Tsechokling Gumpa (This is a huge complex which houses Dalai Lama’s residence, monasteries, libraries. This is where you can meet the cute little monks and spend time with them.)
- Kalachakra Temple (A Buddhist temple in of the busiest streets is hard to miss.)
The cuisine here is international and some of the joints I tried and loved are:
- Jimmy’s Italian Kitchen (The food here is good. Don’t forget to end your meal with their tasty waffles)
- Tibetan Kitchen (Best place around to try the authentic Tibetan dishes. The staff is very well- mannered and helpful)
- Four Season’s Cafe (The pizzas and momos here stole my heart)
- Chocolate Log (Their cakes and coffee are worth the visit. Free Wi-Fi is like cherry on the top)
The biggest advantage with the above places is their central location.
- Triund Hill (For the trek)
- Bhagsu Nag Complex (For the beautiful trek to the waterfall, the temple area and the market street.)
- Tsechokling Gumpa (This is a huge complex which houses Dalai Lama’s residence, monasteries, libraries. This is where you can meet the cute little monks and spend time with them.)
- Kalachakra Temple (A Buddhist temple in of the busiest streets is hard to miss.)
The cuisine here is international and some of the joints I tried and loved are:
- Jimmy’s Italian Kitchen (The food here is good. Don’t forget to end your meal with their tasty waffles)
- Tibetan Kitchen (Best place around to try the authentic Tibetan dishes. The staff is very well- mannered and helpful)
- Four Season’s Cafe (The pizzas and momos here stole my heart)
- Chocolate Log (Their cakes and coffee are worth the visit. Free Wi-Fi is like cherry on the top)
The biggest advantage with the above places is their central location.
TIPS:
- Meals should be taken preferably by 9-9:30 as McLeod Ganj is an early to bed place.
- Walking alone at night should be avoided specially between McLeod Ganj and Bhagsu as many cases of rapes, assaults and monkey attacks are often reported from here.
- Meals should be taken preferably by 9-9:30 as McLeod Ganj is an early to bed place.
- Walking alone at night should be avoided specially between McLeod Ganj and Bhagsu as many cases of rapes, assaults and monkey attacks are often reported from here.
