Home of His Holiness Dalai Lama, situated 2082 meters above the sea level, McLeod Ganj is a beautiful serene town located in Himachal Pradesh in India. It is a part of Kangra Valley which is also known as Upper Dhamashala.
To reach McLeod Ganj, you can either go by private car or board bus. Nearest airport to McLeod Ganj is Gaggal airport which is about 15 km from the town.
Dharamshala and McLeod Ganj are about 10-12 km apart but doesn’t feel like different towns. There are many beautiful monasteries in these towns. The place gives you Tibet vibes. In fact, there are many sign boards, handbills and posters of ‘free Tibet’ and books in the monasteries and museums about Tibet.
The place is very serene and beautiful.
McLeod Ganj is a home to His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama.
HH Dalai Lama has been living here in McLeod Ganj since 1959 after the Chinese invaded Tibet. Perhaps because of this reason, Buddhism religion is very common here and one can see a lot of monks on the streets of McLeod Ganj and Dharamshala.
Namgyal Monastery which is also known the Dalai Lama’s temple is said to be his office and personal monastery. Though it is impossible to meet His Holiness here, because of his busy schedule, but you can always inquire about his dates from the office helpline and if you are lucky, you can meet him in the monastery or see him greeting and blessing people on the streets of McLeod Ganj.
When I visited the monastery, I couldn’t meet him because he was not in the town.
Nevertheless, visiting the Namgyal Monastery is such a beautiful and peaceful experience. You must visit this Monastery in McLeod Ganj whenever you visit Dharamshala and McLeod Ganj.
The vibes of this town are completely different. Natives of this town are often seen praying and chanting with beads-mala while they walk in the morning, jog or even while sitting free. You will always be surrounded by monks too.
Locals mostly earn their living by selling handicrafts, Tibetan art pieces, running food stalls or home-stays.
Not just from India, but there are plenty of foreigners visiting these towns, especially the backpackers. Many people including the foreigners, come to McLeod Ganj and Dharamshala to learn spiritual healing and Buddhism and seek inner peace.
Since these two twin towns are a backpackers paradise, you can find many budget stays and hostels here, apart from luxury hotels and healing resorts.
All in all, I highly recommend you to visit McLeod Ganj and especially His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama’s house Namgyal Monastery during your visit to Dharamshala or McLeod Ganj.
Best time to visit: All through the year as every season is beautiful in these two mystical twin towns, but you may re-think your visit in between July – September. Because this is high monsoon time and you don’t want rains to ruin your plans.
Also read:
Gyuto Monastery, Dharamshala – Famous Tantric Meditation Monastery
Asia Health Resorts & Spa, Mcleodganj – Hotel Review + Photos
Norbulingka Institute, Dharamshala – for Preserving Tibetan Arts & Culture
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