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Best Places to Visit near Mcleodganj

The Lama’s residence and a spiritual station! Indeed, a very popular destination for foreigners, backpackers, and students of Buddhism who love to be here and delve in plethora of activities. And yes! Do not forget to taste the exotic kahwa and kangra green tea while also tasting momos with hot tea. 

A place worth a visit all around the year, yet you can get the best in autumn and spring season, if you aren’t a wet and cold person.

Things to do: Hype your pictures whilst touring the Dharamshala International cricket stadium, if lucky enough you might find one of your favourite sport personality! It is an ideal destination for rock climbing enthusiasts and trekkers as circular treks surround it.

How to reach: A 23 minute bus ride from mcleodganj bus stop gets you to your station.

Distance from Mcleodganj: 9.2 kilometres.

Aka “Mini Switzerland” ;Landscape appreciator? If yes, thisplace is a bingo! A hill station surrounded by meadows and forests with chirpy mornings will soothe your soul to the core. Best entertainment in Khajjiar is to walk around the lake or to go for long strolls in the thick forests, to taste some adventure.

Things to do: Get set to take the jolts with amazing adventure sports like paragliding, horse riding, zorbing etc. Visit the Kalatop wildlife sanctuary to find some out of the blue flora and fauna. Also, Panch pandav tree is a must visit if mythological tales haunt you. You can visit this locale to quench your thirst for tales.

Distance from Mcleodganj: 121 kilometers from mcleodganj.

The town of ‘Lord Dalhousie’, ravish ancient word, is  nestled amidst snow clad mountains. And if you wish boasting its beauty, it is a must to go destination. Following architecture? Then the scottish-victorian styled institutions will mesmerize you for sure and push you towards a deep appreciation of such a marvelous construction during the era. Also, it’s a great destination for you to escape on your honeymoon!

Things to do: Toy train a childhood fantasy will not remain a mere fantasy once you reach here. Also, a two-day summer festival is organized in Dalhousie for cultural inclined enthusiasts. Do not miss out to go to café Dalhousie for an classy vintage experience.

Distance from Mcleodganj: 125 kilometres

How to reach: 4 hours away via bus, it's one of the best places near Mcleodganj.

If your openness to experience is set high, this is your one stop destination. Often stated as one place to go before you die, Bir won’t disappoint you! A simple walking trail to challenging treks, calmness of spirituality to uncontrollable thrill of paragliding, there is something for everyone. 

Bir enjoys a population of a tibetan settlement and a slowly growing crowd of  international enthusiasts as well as philosophy students.

Things to do: If film making interests you, exploring the Himalayan Film School is a 5 star thought! Fly high in Bir-Billing! This locale is for all the paragliding pilots. While the flying season is usually from September to October, you can soak in the charm of the town throughout the year. Visit Bir for some calmness in wilderness. 

For all the shiv bhakts, Baijnath temple is a must to bow down to and if you plan a prolonged stay then dive deep into philosophy at Dzongsar Institute. The list does not end here, you can explore café’s in Tibetan colony area, visit tea garden and deer park for never seen before fauna.

Distance from Mcleodganj: 72.3 kilometres

Quench your thirst for water as this destination is a locale with abundant water. The blend of green forests and reflected blue gives this place a distinctive landscape look. Also, you will find a great level of contrast as Palampur is at the convergence of the plains and hills. Also, stated as the Tea Capital of North-West India, it’s reviewed as one of the best places near Mcleodganj.

Things to do: It's one of the most popular destination to visit if you wish to meditate and be in peace with nature. Sobha Singh Art Gallery in Andretta village is a must visit if art tingles your palate.

Distance from Mcleodganj: 42.2 kilometres

For a city aborigine, nothing could be more relaxing than traveling to hills that are covered with lush greenery and fresh air. Triund is one of the most popular places near to Mcleodganj that requires a good trekking while the destination top offers itself with snow clad mountains and space for settling down for a night. The tricky terrains and curves offer a perfect edge to its trekkers.

Things to do: For all the mountaineers: pack your bag well and of course a good pair of trekking shoes! While you trek even in summer, the weather can change from hot and sunny into a small snowstorm very quickly. On the way, you will pass several small villages, cozy cafés, and enjoy breathtaking views from the top. 

Opt for a tent pitch and view the night sky at this lively campsite termed as the crown of Himachal. This could be an add on in your bucket list with friends at places near Mcleodganj.

Distance from Mcleodganj: 9 kilometres

How to reach: Walk uphill for 9 kilometers from Mcleodganj at your pace and enjoy the bliss.

The fist of an endless range, looking for pure ecstasy? This is where you need to be. Passing another set of hills after covering Triund and Snowline peak will let you discover Indrahar pass from where view of other side is just mind blowing. Trekking to Indrahar pass will be compensated through many moderate to tough terrains while the feel the clouds breeze through your hair!

Things to do: Being one of the best places for bird watching, you can also capture the Himalayan fauna on your way!

Distance from Mcleodganj: 8.3 kilometres

How to reach: Start trekking from Mcleodganj to find your way to this campsite.

The “Land of Gurus”. Una is a religious hub, hidden away in the lush green hills of Himachal Pradesh. From dusk till dawn, you can listen to the echoes of holy hymns within the premises of the town. All of this creates an healthy aura for your mind to be at peace.

Things to do: A small locale with a rich history and Quila is a good option to visit. People across the nation and globe come here to visit the various shrines. Thrice a year a fest commonly known as ‘Mata da mela’ is organized here for devotees to throng in.

Distance from mcleodganj: 126.3 kilometres

How to reach: However you need a taxi to reach here as no direct buses are available.

The “White Mountain”; the frozen lakes shall give you immense of scenic pleasure and be a treat for your eyes. The range is favorite among tourists and backpackers as they slowly make their journey up the hilly terrains. There is nothing more fascinating than witnessing a place which glows day in and out with nature’s delicacy.

Things to do: Trek and watch the religious snake worship performed by the locales, and feel the shiva chants soothe your soul. This large landscape canvas is one of the best places near Mcleodganj to spend your vacay.

Distance from Mcleodganj: 134.4 kilometres

How to reach: To reach here you need to take a five -hour taxi ride from Mcleodganj.

It is said “he who holds the kangra fort holds the hills”. You got to unveil the glorious history of this fort and see what made it so captivating. Even after numerous attacks, the fort somehow stands still to show its past to the passerby. Not to forget that visiting this fort could be termed both as leisure and an “educational tour”!

Things to do: This goofy ancient monument is sure to make you awestruck. Get your photographs on point. You must pass through the gate leg first. Never lead with your head because if there is an enemy on the other side, you might lose your head", Just a tip quoted by a scion.

Distance from Mcleodganj: 31.2 kilometres.

How to reach: To walk into this royalty all you need to do is catch a bus from Mcleodganj.and take a one hour ride.

Away from the modern world this pilgrimage spot lies on the banks of river Beas. According to the belief of the temple caretakers and people around, every year at the times of monsoon, the flow of the Beas River keeps increasing till the time it reaches itself to the Shiva Lingam. After the water reaches the Jalhari of the Shivling, it subsides, Check out for yourself if it’s a myth or not!

Things to do: Chant BUM- BUM BHOLE and be near to Shiva along with a huge number of devotees, follow the spiritual lineage. The lively sculptures are worth capturing.

Distance from Mcleodganj: 56 kilometres.

How to reach: Two hour journey from Mcleodganj will bring you to this destination.

Barot might look a bit demure at first sight! The small wooden huts give it a fascinating wild west look. It is one of such unknown places which has not received due encouragement and credit on tourism map of the state.Yet if you are an explorer by heart and soul, this place is your right call.

Things to do: Travel here to get a laid back experience and simple joys. You can sit on the banks of a river or hike around the nearby hills. Very few travelers have explored this unexplored and unexploited destination. The unpolluted air will mesmerize you and leave you on trail for sightseeing. 

As one explores the region, they are bound to immerse in the tranquility all around that makes them want to stay there forever.

Distance from Mcleodganj: 118.5 kilometres 

How to reach: Four hours away this is a must visit paradise in the list of places to visit near Mcleodganj.