Places to visit in 'McLeod Ganj'

Dalai Lama Tsuglakhang Temple Complex

When you first arrive in McLeodganj, chances are you’ll land right in the middle of the small, bustling market. It’s a lively mix of colors and sounds — shops spilling over with Tibetan prayer flags, woollen shawls, handmade jewellery, carved wooden boxes, and tiny souvenirs that carry the scent of incense. Street food stalls serve steaming plates of momos and thukpa, perfect to warm your hands on a cool hill morning.

From the market, start walking uphill along the main road. Within a few minutes, you’ll see the entrance to the Dalai Lama Tsuglakhang Temple Complex. The path inside is lined with large golden prayer wheels, each one shining softly in the mountain light. Locals and visitors alike walk slowly around, spinning each wheel in turn and whispering mantras. The sound — a mix of the turning wheels and low chanting — feels like it wraps around you. From the temple courtyard, the view stretches far over the valley, with the snow-capped Dhauladhar range in the distance.

If you continue a short way from here, you’ll find the Kalachakra Temple. It’s smaller but bursting with life in its own way — walls painted with intricate Buddhist murals, every stroke telling a story. The prayer wheels here are smaller but more numerous, and the air feels thick with the soft hum of prayers. The colours — deep reds, bright yellows, and rich blues — give the whole place a warm, welcoming glow.

This short walk from the market to the temples isn’t just about sightseeing. It’s about slowing down, letting the rhythm of the wheels and the scent of incense pull you into the vibrant heart of Tibetan Buddhist culture.

Gyuto Monestry

Gyuto Monestry

If you’re looking for a quiet monastery surrounded by mountains and the gentle presence of monks, Gyuto Monastery is the place. Unlike some of the busier spots in McLeodganj, this one feels peaceful and open. You might even find yourself kicking a football around with the monks or sitting quietly to watch their prayers — a deep, rhythmic chant that can leave you completely mesmerised.

St. John Church

Tucked away in dense deodar woods, this eccentric stone church is why it’s famously called St. John in the Wilderness. Built in 1852, it’s one of the oldest structures in Dharamsala and is dedicated to John the Baptist. The calm here is almost otherworldly — tall trees all around, cool mountain air, and Belgian stained-glass windows casting soft patterns of color inside.

Naddi Village

Naddi View point

One of my favourite spots is Naddi View Point, in the quiet village of Naddi. From here, you get a clear, breathtaking view of the mighty Dhauladhar range — its peaks gleaming white in winter. It’s also the starting point for the famous Triund trek. You’ll often find a local man with a telescope, letting visitors catch a glimpse of a distant, well-known temple from up here. The air is crisp, the scenery endless, and the mountains feel close enough to touch.

Norbulingka Institiute

The moment you step into Norbulingka, you’re surrounded by intricate paintings, delicate wooden art, and beautiful sculptures. The place has its own calmness, the kind that slows you down and makes you notice every detail. It feels like stepping into another world — one built entirely around art, tradition, and quiet beauty.

This is one of my favourite spots in McLeodganj, though I have to admit — I forgot its name. A local person led me here, and it turned out to be a hidden gem, surrounded by mountains towering behind me. That’s the beauty of traveling here: the more you connect with locals, more you stumble upon places that don’t show up on any map, yet stay with you forever.