8 Things To Do In Mcleodganj In 2023 For An Exciting Himachal Trip
Himachal Pradesh is a northern Indian state in the Himalayas. It is bounded by Jammu and Kashmir union territory to the northwest and Ladakh union territory to the northeast, by the Tibet Autonomous Region of China to the east, and by the states of Uttarakhand to the southeast, Haryana to the south, and Punjab to the west. Its home to scenic mountain towns and resorts such as Dalhousie. Host to the Dalai Lama, Himachal Pradesh has a strong Tibetan presence. The region is also well known for its trekking, climbing and skiing areas.
Himachal Pradesh has several hidden gems that many tourists aren’t aware of, Mcleodganj is one such spot that you can visit and explore. The weather conditions in Himachal Pradesh are mostly pleasant throughout the year, it isn’t surprising that people suggest visiting during summers for an even better experience like no other. It is a myth that the place is only meant for the Buddhist temples and monasteries but has a lot to offer. If you are planning on visiting McLeodganj in 2023, we have sorted out some of the best things to do in Mcleodganj. Immersing yourself in the outdoors can increase your higher order cognition in more ways than one. The travelling and the outdoor activities can make you more focused activity in the prefrontal cortex than they did before.
1. Camping
A bi-product of travel is raising your self-awareness and it’s one of the most beneficial parts of taking on an adventurous trip overseas. Adventure travel brings you closer to your “inner self”, giving you the chance to examine and challenge yourself in ways you didn’t think were possible. Camping is possibly one of the most popular things to do in Mcleodganj. Camping near the Dhauladhar Mountains is possibly one of the most popular experiences that you just can’t foreget. Majority of the tourists who have visited and explored the spots have suggested saying that camping in McLeodganj is like being in the middle of lush greenery and taking in the beauty of the place around. There are several camping sites around that you can check out. If you are visiting during the peak season, you must book your slot beforehand.
Timings: Varies
Highlights: Adventure activities, trekking, Paragliding
Price: Varies
Age group: Any age
Trek length: varies
2. A visit to tranquil Dal Lake
There’s more to travel than just experiencing nature’s finest spaces. Embarking on a trip to some of the world’s most remote and untouched corners puts money into the local economy and helps preserve these pristine landscapes. There is a mesmerizing lake very close to Mcleodganj where it is worth visiting to have a picnic with lovely friends or family. It is nestled in lush green and Deodar trees. This place is surrounded by abundant nature and is very beautiful. The lake is abundant with fishes and you can enjoy fishing activities here. You can spend some time relaxing and walking around this lake.
Timings: 7.00 am to 8.00 pm
Highlights: boating, fishing, and scenic views
Price: Free
Age group: Any age
Trek length: 0 Km
3. Monasteries: Seek Blessings
Mcleodganj is well known for its Buddhist culture and traditions and you can experience the optimal dose of it when you visit Buddhist monasteries and visiting it is one of the spiritual things to do in Mcleodganj. The place comprises of the Namgyal Monastery and has several shrine rooms around as well. You will also find the statues of several well-known spots around including Buddha, Chenrezig, and even Guru Rinpoche. Apart from the peace and the beauty of this establishment, their artwork is also worth appreciating.
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4. Dharamshala Ropeway
Dharamshala is now just 5 minutes away from Mcleodganj via the new ropeway route inaugurated by Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Jai Ram Thakur. The ropeway, known as Dharamshala Skyway has a length of around 1.8 kilometres and was built at an estimated cost of over ₹200 crores. Developed in a private-public partnership by TRIL Urban Transport Private Ltd, the ropeway can reportedly carry 800 passengers per hour per direction. During the peak tourist season, traffic bottlenecks are common on the road between Dharamshala and Mcleodganj. However, now that the ropeway is operational, it will reduce the distance by 9 kilometres and save around 40 per cent of the travel time. The ropeway rides is exciting and is one of the best things to do in Mcleodganj.
Timings: 7.00 am to 6.00 pm
Highlights: Ropeway ride to McleodGanj
Price: 500 Rs
Age group: Any age
Trek length: 0 Km
5. Yoga: Meditate in the nature around you
There’s something special about embarking on an adventure into the unknown and really experiencing the world. You could kind of see it as essential "soul food". Another one of the popular and well sought after things to do in Mcleodganj is that tourists indulge in while visiting Mcleodganj is getting into yoga sessions and spa therapies. This is especially quite popular among solo travellers and spiritual believers. There are several such centres for yoga available all over Mcleodganj that you can later indulge in. If you want to catch a break from the constant hustle of life, these activities make for one of the best around. Google and find out a decent centre around you and book yourself a slot.
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6. Adventure: have a bite of it
Stepping into the unknown and taking a risk demands our increased attention and can bring an intense state of self-awareness – one of the reasons that people, such as mountain climbers, engage in adventure activities. Whether it’s a trek into the mountains, a cycle along rural back roads, a mountain bike challenge over rugged mountains or a climbing expedition to a majestic peak, an active adventure can liberate the soul and benefit your physical, mental and emotional state. Find a local travel agency near you and customize an adventure package for you. Ensure travel agency provides you a licensed Guide and Valid Insurance cover for the adventure trip.
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7. Treks: nature can rejuvenate your soul
Regardless of age and size, trekking adventure can create feelings associated with personal achievement. The more difficult the trek and the greater the challenge, the more sense of achievement we feel when we accomplish those goals. Trekking is one of the best things to do in Mcleodganj while you travel. Look for a licensed Guide or a travel agency who can embark you on a trek route which can reinvigorate your mental state and soul. Ensure your trip is insured and you have a valid licensed guide.
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8.
Explore the Local market and local
people
If you are around in Mcleodganj and want to indulge in something other than visiting and exploring the sightseeing spots around, roaming around is one of the best things to do in Mcleodganj. The local marketplace, Mcleodganj market and Kotwali Bazaar which is quite popular are quite remarkable, where you can buy souvenirs for yourself and friends. The place does have a lot to offer and you can easily but several items that catch your eyes. Some of the popular pieces that are worth spending your money on are the Tibetan carpets and rugs and some of the popular exotic sculptures around. The tapestry paintings and wooden carvings are also quite popular there. There are some popular cafes and restaurants, where you can have pure veg or non-veg food and some Lebanese, Chinese, continental and Himachal food cuisines. Visiting around you can often see shepherds with their herds hiking up into Dhauladhar Mountains for search of new grassland pastures.
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Mcleodganj is a beautiful place, irrespective of when you are visiting. If you are visiting in summers, not only is the weather optimal and quite pleasant, it also provides a wholesome experience like no other. For the best experience, we would suggest that you try these things to do in Mcleodganj. Visiting Mcleodganj in summers is the best options because the Mcleodganj weather is quite pleasant that time.
Frequently Asked Questions about Things to do In Mcleodganj
What is the best time of the year to visit Mcleodganj?
While the majority of people suggest visiting during the winter months, it is the summer months, especially the April to June section that makes for the best time to visit. The weather is clear and very pleasant.
Why is Mcleodganj famous?
If you aren’t aware, Mcleodganj is known for its serene natural beauty and the culture and traditions of the place. For those wanting to experience the Buddhist heritage from up close, this is the place to be in.
How can one visit Mcleodganj?
If you are planning to visit Mcleodganj, it is best suggested that you do take a trail to the Pathankot railway station and then take a cab from there. The roads aren’t the best but the experience is worth it.
Is it safe for women to visit Mcleodganj?
For the most part, there are no negative implications or safety issues when it comes to visiting Mcleodganj, so you can easily visit and not have to worry about safety at all.
What is the distance between Mcleodganj and Dharamshala?
If you are travelling by road, the distance between Mcleodganj and Dharamshala is around 25 km which takes around an hour or so to visit. There are no direct flights or such available, so travelling via road is the best available option.
What should one buy from Mcleodganj?
As for shopping needs, there are several markets around in the main city where you can buy things that catch your eye. The Tibetan stuff is possibly the best one that you can splurge on.
Does Mcleodganj experience snowfall?
Yes, Mcleodganj does experience snowfall during the winter months when the temperature often nears the zero degrees temperature, causing it to be bone-chilling and very tough to sustain. If you want to experience snow, visit during the January month.
Is it better to make all the bookings to Mcleodganj beforehand?
Since summers is such a favorable time to visit, there are chances that you might not get tickets at the last moment. This is the reason why it is better if you make all the bookings beforehand to avoid the last-minute rush.
