Constituting one of the top trekking trails in the country, the 9000-foot ridge behind the Dhauladhar range is Triund. Situated just nine kilometers away from McLeod Ganj, the extremely popular nine-kilometer trek is much sought-after. The Triund trail begins from Tushita road which is a not far from the main square. The trail is also blessed with a view of the Moon Peak-Indrahar Pass, and it only gets better with snow-engulfed Dhauladhar Mountains on one side, and the Kangra valley on the other. If you are even remotely interested in bird-watching, this trek will amaze you with rare sightings.
Legend has it that King Bhagsu incurred the wrath of the snake god, and following a war, the king was pardoned. In honor of the snake god’s generosity, King Bhagsu built the shrine. This medieval Shiva temple is one of the most important places to visit in McLeod Ganj and is frequented by members of both Hindu and Gorkha communities. The location of the temple is surrounded by pristine-looking coniferous forests, hills and a cascading waterfall that flows through the temple itself!
Namgyal monastery, also known as the 14th Dalai Lama’s monastery, is a sacred place where rituals involving various Buddhist practices such as the Kalachakra, Vajrakilaya, Guhyasamaja, Yamantaka, and Chakrasamvara. A monastery is a great place for meditation and all tourists are welcomed to join the meditation sessions. It is also the largest Tibetan monastery outside of Tibet. The monastery manages the tantric college and a home for elderly people in Shimla. Anyone who wishes to get a touch of spirituality can visit Namgyal monastery.
Take a guided drive to and around the quaint and hill station of Dharamsala. On this drive, visit the beautiful cloud-kissed tea gardens where you might get a chance to experience first hand on how tea leaves are plucked. Visit one of the highest international cricket stadiums in the world; Along with that visit the Kangra Art Museum, the War Memorial, the famous Buddhist institute of Norbulingka and ancient Hindu Temples including Tapovan, Aghanjar Mahadev Temple and the Indrunag Temple.
Dharamkot is a village adjoining McLeod Ganj that oozes sparkling sceneries. Just three kilometres to the north of McLeod Ganj, forests of towering pines and rhododendrons welcome you to experience bliss first-hand. Not far from Dal Lake, the festival-fair organized every year adds to the vividness of Dharamkot. More spellbinding views of the Dhauladhar range await you, and a spiritual retreat at one of the several dedicated centres is just a step away.
The Palampur valley is often called one of the most scenic pockets of the Indian Himalayas. On this tour, spend nine hours driving around the valley – breathe in the fresh mountain air at the scenic tea gardens, explore the serene cultural centres including Hindu Temples and Buddhist monasteries and get a first-hand experience with the Himalayan wildlife.
If you want to the beauty of snow-capped mountains, there could be no better place than the Naddi viewpoint. The Naddi viewpoint is one of the tourist places in Mcleodganj that offers a splendid view of the hilly areas. Not only can photographers capture the moments, but they can also watch the beautiful sunset and sunrise from this high altitude area. Besides, the place is full of green vegetation cover, creating an atmosphere of tranquillity all around. People often take a meal to dine/ have lunch in this beautiful valley.
The slopes of McLeod Ganj have one of the most picturesque lakes around. Named after the more-celebrated Dal Lake in Srinagar, this small lake is close to a beautiful village called Tota Rani. Flanked by Deodar trees, that are so typical of the region, lend the lake a mystical ambiance. A small shrine dedicated to Durveshwar Mahadev causes Dal Lake to be considered sacred, and a festival-fair held every year is evidence of that. The mid-altitude lake takes a greenish-hue and has varieties of fish inhabiting the water.