McLeod Ganj, Kangra

McLeod Ganj is a popular tourist destination located at a distance of 19 km from Kangra. This is the seat of the Dalai Lama and is located at an elevation of 1770 m above sea level. It was also the headquarters of the Tibetan government for three decades during the time of war.

This place has a beautiful monastery with large images of Lord Buddha, Padmasambhava and Avalokiteshvara. Other Buddhist and Tibetan sites in McLeod Ganj include Namgyal Monastery, Gompa Dip Tse-Chok Ling (a small monastery) and Tibetan Institute of Performing Arts. Apart from these, visitors can look forward to exploring Library of Tibetan Works and Archives, Gangchen Kyishong, Mani Lhakhang Stupa, Nechung Monastery and Norbulingka Institute on a trip to McLeod Ganj. Bhagsu Fall, Bhagsunath Temple and an Anglican church attract many tourists to the region as well.

McLeod Ganj is famous as a hub of ethnic Tibetan handicrafts and garments. A ten-day festival of Tibetan theatres, music and dance is organised in the month of April. It is surrounded by thick forests of oak, pine, deodar and rhododendron. The scenic town of McLeod Ganj is surrounded by snow-capped hills and remains cool and pleasant throughout the year.