Also known as Little Lhasa or upper Dharamshala, McLeodganj is a quiet and tranquil hill station in the Kangra Valley in Himachal Pradesh, nestled under the shadow of the mighty Dhauladhar range.
McLeodganj is a major Buddhist pilgrimage and houses many monasteries. It is also home to the exiled Tibetan spiritual leader, the Dalai Lama.
You will find genuine Tibetan food here in various restaurants. The famous ones are Tibetan Kitchen, Peace Cafe and Carpe Diem.
The momos and the delicious momo soup which you get here is extremely good and a must try!
If you’re the adventurous types, there’s a trek to Triund Hill which starts from McLeodganj. It is an easy level trek and can be done by trekkers.
When I visited, it was winters and was snowing during the trek, making it much more beautiful. By the time I reached Triund top it was fully blanketed in snow! The top has a few shacks which sell hot Maggi, which is the most delicious thing you will have after the trek.
McLeodganj also has a Bhagsu Nag temple, dedicated to Lord Shiva. A little ahead of the temple, about a 2 km hike, is the Bhagsu Falls.
For the hardcore foodies and adventurists, The Shiva’s Cafe and Snow View Cafe are a must visit in Dharamkot which is ahead of McLeodganj(can be walked to) for the delicious pizzas they serve.
The market here is excellent to buy cheap Tibetan jewellery and artifacts(depends on how much you bargain).
I stayed in the Hotel Pink House which is a budget place and pretty decent. The owners are very friendly and jovial people.
Going to McLeodganj was a serene and peaceful experience with good natured people there. A must visit!