McLeod Ganj was named after Sir Donald McLeod, Lieutenant Governor of Punjab. McLeod Ganj is also known as Little Lhasa. It is also known as Nature’s Lover Paradise. The best season for tourists to visit McLeod Ganj is September to June. The average elevation of McLeod Ganj is 2,082 meters.

Dharamshala, Palampur, Kangra, Sidhbari, Tatwani, and Machhrial are also significant towns around McLeod Ganj.

Some places you must visit if you are visiting McLeod Ganj are –

Namgyal Monastery or Dalai Lama’s Temple

Namgyal Monastery or Dalai Lama’s Temple. Also known as Namgyal-Tantric College. It is the personal monastery of the 14^th Dalai Lama. This is the largest Tibetan temple outside Tibet. This monastery was founded in the 16^th century by the second Dalai Lama. It was established so that Namgyal monks could assist Dalai Lama in public religious affairs. Tibet martyr’s names are also written there.

Visiting time: 5:00 a.m. to 8:30 p.m.

Tsuglagkhang

Tsuglagkhang is a place where Dalai Lama resides (Photang). There is a Tibet museum inside the Tsuglagkhang. It has got a big meditation hall. There is a place called Namgyal Gompa which is reserved for Tibetan monks for their religious debate.

St. John in the Wilderness

This church is an Anglican church dedicated to John the baptism. It lies inside a dense jungle between McLeodganj and Forsythganj. The Belgian stained-glass windows donated by Lady Elgin, Lord Elgin’s wife, are the major attraction. The structure is so powerful that it even survived the 1905 Kangra earthquake.

Dal Lake

This is a small lake near village Tota Rani in Kangra district. The lake is surrounded by deodar trees. Many people go boating in the river.

Tibetan Institute of Performing Arts

This was founded by Tenzin Gyatso, the 14^th Dalai Lama. It is the first institute set up by Dalai Lama.

Library of Tibetan Works and Archives

This library was founded by Tenzin Gyatso on 11 June 1970. It’s one of the world’s most important libraries of Tibetan literature. The second floor contains a museum.

Norbulingka Institute

It was founded by Kelsang and Kim Yeshi at Sidhpur. It is dedicated to the preservation of the Tibetan culture in its library and artistic forms.

Bhagsu Nath

This temple is one of the oldest ancient temples located near McLeod Ganj. The temple is surrounded by major tourists.

Bhagsu Falls

This is a very beautiful waterfall. It has 20 minutes of walking distance from the temple. It has a height of 30 feet. It’s a lovely location for a picnic.

McLlo Restaurant

This the oldest restaurant in McLeod Ganj and is famous for opening till late for tourists. On the top floor, you can go with your friends and can have a beer while listening to some cool music.

If you are visiting McLeod Ganj, you should visit these amazing places. The monasteries are so peaceful and beautiful. The market is also really nice for shopping.

McLeod Ganj is a very beautiful and calm place.