You’ve arrived in Mcleodganj. The stunning Himalayan valley with its incredible beauty has enticed you to come here to get away from the humdrum of everyday life, find peace and tranquility, or perhaps even find love. But being an avid traveler, you also want to make sure that your trip is as rewarding as it can be affordable too. So this is your list of 10 enticing places to visit Mcleodganj that will make your trip unforgettable and worth every penny you spend while in India.

1. Bhagsu Falls: 

The Bhagsunag Waterfall is the most popular tourist attraction in Mcleodganj. It is located 3 kilometers from town and can be reached by a long trek through the village of Bhagsu. Although the walk may seem a little long to some people, it is no more difficult than an average stroll and can be completed by elders and children as well.

From Mcleodganj, you will first reach Bhagsu Nag temple after hiking 2 kilometers and then continue walking to the waterfall for another 1 kilometer. Only the final part of this trek may be difficult for some people, but there are plenty of places where you can stop to rest along the way.

The waterfall is about 20 meters tall, and its lush green surroundings provide a scenic backdrop for photographs. You can enjoy the pleasant walk to the falls and then take a dip in its refreshing waters.

It is a great trek for people of all ages and groups, although most tourists stop at the falls. If you want to continue even further—and brave the bad weather that’s coming in fast—there’s info on Shiva Café down below

2. Bhagsu Nag Temple :

Bhagsu Nag Temple is located on the route to the waterfall. It is dedicated to Lord Shiva and there are stories about how it was founded by two brothers over 300 years ago.

According to one legend, Lord Shiva himself visited and blessed the spot in ancient times. As a result, this temple was built to honor him—and remains so today. Another legend has it that King Bhagsu (known for his snake worship) constructed this shrine in order to eulogize Nag Devta

Mesmerizing stone carvings, intricate floral decorations, and beautiful inscriptions are all over the walls of this temple. The location is also quite scenic; just a kilometer away lies Keylong’s famous waterfall.

There is also a pool in the temple that was built by the Gurkha rulers originally. Tourists are allowed to take a dip here, but it can get crowded sometimes.

3. Shiva Cafe :

From Mcleodganj, you will first reach Bhagsu Nag Temple and then Bhagsu Nag waterfall. The majority of people return from here; however, if you’re up for a bit more trekking—and a great cup of tea!—then continue further to Shiva Café.

Despite its humble appearance, the cafe offers breathtaking views of the forest that surrounds it. The trail to get there is not well maintained, but I still recommend visiting for an experience unlike any other!

The scenery at this cafe and the food served here are worth the effort it takes to get there. This is a good spot to sit, relax, eat something delicious—and take great pictures.

4. Triund :

The Triund Trek is one of the most popular treks in Mcleodganj. It has been called the “crown jewel” of trails in India, and most tourists visit this area when they come to Mcleodganj. While the short trek to Bhagsu Waterfall is more of a family affair, serious hikers go for the longer Triund route.

Although I said “serious trekking”, the difficulty level of Triund is more on the easy to intermediate side. As long as you are fit enough to walk for a few hours at a time (and don’t mind roughing it a little), you will be able complete this hike without too much trouble.

5. Sunset Point:

Located about four kilometers from the main town on Naddi road, Sunset Point is a popular spot to catch an amazing sunset view. It’s also known as the Naddi viewpoint.

The sunset view from here is stunning. It’s one of my favorite places to catch a sunset, along with Kali ka Tibba near Chail. As the sun goes down in the west, its light turns the snow-covered peaks of Dhauldhar into glowing orange towers.

It is worth seeing for its beauty alone, but visiting the Gandhi Darshan is also a way of paying your respects to one of history’s greatest leaders.

6. Saint John in the Wilderness Church :

Lord Elgin, who was once the Governor-General and Viceroy of India, built this church in 1852. According to legend, he visited Mcleodganj during his time as ruler of India—and so loved it that he decided to make this his summer capital!

He died here and is buried in a cemetery near the church. The stained glass windows were painted by a Belgian artist, who lived nearby for many years before moving to Mcleodganj. The church itself can be visited on your way into town or back from it

It is surrounded by lush green forests all around, and a visit to the church should be a priority for anyone visiting Mcleodganj. I personally recommend taking a short stop there.

7. Namgyal Monastery :

Even if you don’t have an interest in monasteries or Tibetan culture, a visit to Namgyal Monastery is still worthwhile. Often referred to as “Dalai Lama’s Temple,” this is the personal monastery of the 14th Dalai; it plays a key role in rituals involving him.

Namgyal Tantric College is located about five kilometers from Mcleodganj. Its main tantric practices include those of Kalachakra, Yamantaka, and Vajrakilaya—due to which it is often referred to as the Namgyal Tantric College.

8. Dal Lake :

Named after the much larger and better-known Lake in Srinagar, Kashmir—this small lake is located about 4 kilometers from Mcleodganj near Tota Rani village. Durveshwar Mahadev is a local Hindu deity, and because of his presence, the lake has come to be regarded as holy.

Once a year, the city holds a festival fair. Boating on the lake is available and can be fun for children—but it does get crowded here too.

9. Kareri Lake:

Kareri Lake is a shallow, freshwater lake located at an altitude of 2,934 meters. It remains frozen during the winter months and is fed by melting snow from nearby mountain peaks—Minkiani and Shiva temple on a hilltop near its shores.

The trail is long and challenging, with many breathtaking vistas along the way. But it should take no less than three days for a team to complete this trek.

The trek between Dharamshala and Kareri Lake is about 28 kilometers long, but it also serves as a base for scaling higher peaks such as Minkiani Pass (4,250 meters) and Baleni Pass (3,710 meters).

10. Dharamkot:

Dharamkot is a small village about 8 kilometers from McLeodGanj. It’s known as the “Hippie Village” because many foreigners have taken residence here, but it also offers impressive views of both the Kangra Valley and the mountains on the Dhauladhar range.

Although there are a few restaurants and guest houses here, most people prefer to head to Dharamkot because it is less crowded than Mcleodganj.

How to Reach Mcleodganj?

It is easy to reach here by airways or roadways. The Kangra airport, which is 15 kilometers from the city, is the nearest one. A narrow-gauge railway line—20 km from Dharamshala—runs through this valley and provides a convenient way of transportation for locals.

The most common and convenient way to travel to Mc leodGanj is by bus. The town is connected by highway to the metro city of Delhi, making it easy for people from all over India—and even abroad!—to visit here.

McLeod Ganj is a place where you can explore your inner self through a wholesome travel experience. McleodGanj is home to everything from culture and nature to fun!