McLeodganj sits in the Himalayas like a hidden prize, calling to those who love its winding trails, Tibetan warmth, and crisp mountain air that lifts the spirit. Perched above Dharamshala, this hill town buzzes with life—monks murmur prayers, markets spill with colour, and towering peaks watch over it all like wise elders. Whether it’s tracking down a waterfall, sipping tea with a valley stretching below, or soaking in a temple’s calm, there’s plenty to stir the soul. For travellers wondering about things to do in McLeodganj, this blog lays out 20 handpicked adventures for you to include in your Himachal tour package. Keep reading further to know more!
Top 20 Things to Do in McLeodganj
McLeodganj offers a rich mix of adventures that spark curiosity, from trails that challenge your stamina to temples that bring a sense of peace. This blog gathers 20 standout experiences, like hearty treks, quiet moments with tea and a view, and markets buzzing with life. It’s a carefully chosen list for travellers eager to explore the town’s wonders.
1. Trek to Triund Hill
For those who love a good hike, trekking to Triund Hill is one of the best things to do in McLeodganj. Starting from town, this 9-kilometre path climbs through pine trees and rocky bends, opening up to a grand view of the Dhauladhar Range. It’s not too tough, so even beginners can manage, and the top is a brilliant place to camp. Watching the sun dip below the peaks feels like a reward. Travellers say it’s a slice of Himalayan heaven, blending effort with pure, wild beauty.
- Location: Starts from McLeodganj
- Timings: Best March to June and September to December
- Entry Fee: Free (camping gear rental extra)
Suggested Read: Captivating Places To Visit In McLeodganj
2. Visit the Dalai Lama Temple
One of the calmest things to do in McLeodganj is popping into the Dalai Lama Temple or Tsuglagkhang Complex. It’s where His Holiness lives, and the place glows with a golden Buddha and spinning prayer wheels. If luck’s on your side, you might hear monks chanting or catch a rare talk. The quiet wraps around you like a blanket, perfect for pondering life. Visitors find it a gentle way to peek into Tibetan ways and feel the town’s spiritual pulse.
- Location: Temple Road, McLeodganj
- Timings: 5:00 AM to 8:00 PM
- Entry Fee: Free
3. Enjoy Bhagsu Falls
Heading to Bhagsu Falls is one of those refreshing things to do in McLeodganj that’s hard to skip. A quick 2-kilometre walk from town brings you to this 20-metre drop, where water splashes into a cold pool hugged by green trees. It’s a sweet spot for a picnic or a paddle, and the Bhagsunath Temple nearby adds a holy twist. Monsoon makes it roar but watch your step. People love the cool rush and the chance to kick back in nature.
- Location: Bhagsu Village, 2 km from McLeodganj
- Timings: Open all day (best in daylight)
- Entry Fee: Free
Suggested Read: Himachal Pradesh in March
4. Stroll Through Dharamkot Village
Wandering around Dharamkot Village is one of the chill things to do in McLeodganj if you need a breather. Sitting 2 kilometres up from town, this little place—called the "Yoga Village"—has killer mountain views and a free-spirit feel. You can sip tea at a cafe, stretch out in a yoga class, or just enjoy the hush. The walk-up is pretty, and it’s less packed than McLeodganj. Travellers dig it for a slow day soaking in the hill vibes.
- Location: 2 km uphill from McLeodganj
- Timings: Anytime (cafes open morning to evening)
- Entry Fee: Free
5. Shop at McLeodganj Market
Dipping into McLeodganj Market is one of the fun, busy things to do in McLeodganj for a taste of local life. Kotwali Bazaar and Jogiwara Road are packed with stalls hawking Tibetan trinkets, warm shawls, and prayer flags. You can haggle for a singing bowl or grab some hot momos off the street. It’s a mash-up of Indian and Tibetan flair, loud and lively. Visitors enjoy the buzz and hunting for treasures to take home from this hill town.
- Location: Central McLeodganj
- Timings: 10:00 AM to 8:00 PM
- Entry Fee: Free
Suggested Read: Hill Stations In Himachal Pradesh
6. Boat on Dal Lake
Taking a boat out on Dal Lake is one of the easy, quiet things to do in McLeodganj that feels just right. Tucked 3 kilometres from town, this little lake’s framed by deodar trees, and a paddle across it is pure calm. There’s a Shiva temple close by, adding a bit of charm. It’s great for families or anyone wanting a soft break from hiking. The green and the water make it a gentle, happy stop on your trip.
- Location: 3 km from McLeodganj
- Timings: 7:00 AM to 8:00 PM
- Entry Fee: Boating charges ₹100-₹200
7. Explore Namgyal Monastery
Checking out Namgyal Monastery is one of the deep things to do in McLeodganj, right inside the Tsuglagkhang Complex. Monks live here, studying Tibetan Buddhism, and you might catch them debating or praying. The walls are full of colour, and the air feels still like time slowed down. It’s a chance to see their world up close, away from the town’s noise. People leave with a quiet respect for the traditions holding this place together.
- Location: Tsuglagkhang Complex, McLeodganj
- Timings: 5:00 AM to 8:00 PM
- Entry Fee: Free
Suggested Read: Best Places to visit in Himachal Pradesh
8. Hike to Naddi View Point
Hiking up to Naddi View Point is one of the prettiest things to do in McLeodganj, and it’s only 3 kilometres from town. The walk’s gentle, with little cafes to pause at, and ends with a wide-open look at the Dhauladhar Range. Sunsets turn the sky gold, and the mountains feel alive. It’s a favourite for snapping photos or just sitting with the view. Travellers call it an easy win—big beauty without breaking a sweat.
- Location: Naddi Village, 3 km from McLeodganj
- Timings: Best at sunrise or sunset
- Entry Fee: Free
9. Relax at Shiva Cafe
Hanging out at Shiva Cafe is one of the oddball things to do in McLeodganj that people love. It’s up above Bhagsu Falls—a short, sharp climb—and serves chai and snacks with a killer hill view. The vibe is relaxed, pulling in wanderers who want a break with a twist. Getting there is half the fun, and the reward is a seat overlooking the green. Visitors say it’s a quirky stop that perfectly mixes effort and ease.
- Location: Above Bhagsu Falls, Bhagsu Village
- Timings: Morning to evening (seasonal)
- Entry Fee: Free (food/drinks extra)
Suggested Read: Best Time to Visit Himachal Pradesh
10. Camp in the Hills
Camping out in the hills is one of the wild things to do in McLeodganj, with places like Triund or Kareri Lake calling your name. You can set up a tent, spark a bonfire, and sleep with mountains all around. Local folks rent gear and show the way, so even first-timers can join in. The night air’s sharp, and the stars feel close. Travellers reckon it’s the best way to ditch the everyday and dive into nature’s lap.
- Location: Triund or Kareri Lake areas
- Timings: Overnight (best March to June)
- Entry Fee: Camping packages ₹800-₹1500
11. Visit the Tibetan Museum
Popping into the Tibetan Museum is one of the thoughtful things to do in McLeodganj, tucked in the Tsuglagkhang Complex. It’s small but packs a punch with old photos, bits of history, and stories about Tibet’s ups and downs. You’ll see what shaped this town’s heart. It’s a stop for anyone who likes a bit of depth with their travels, and the hush inside makes it stick with you. People find it a moving little detour.
- Location: Tsuglagkhang Complex, McLeodganj
- Timings: 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM (closed Mondays)
- Entry Fee: ₹20
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12. Trek to Indrahar Pass
Trekking to Indrahar Pass is one of the tough things to do in McLeodganj, climbing to 4,342 metres in the Dhauladhar Range. It’s a few days of hard walking, with views that knock the wind out of you—peaks and valleys stretching forever. You’ll want a guide for this one; it’s no stroll. The payoff is raw, untouched wildness that sticks in your bones. Hikers come back buzzing about the challenge and the sheer size of it all.
- Location: Starts from McLeodganj
- Timings: May to October
- Entry Fee: Free (guide fees extra)
13. Walk the Kora Circuit
Strolling the Kora Circuit is one of the soulful things to do in McLeodganj, looping 1.5 kilometres around the Dalai Lama Temple. Prayer flags flap, wheels spin, and little shrines dot the way—pilgrims set the pace. The hills peek through, though some bits climb steeply. It’s a mix of moving your legs and settling your mind, wrapped in Buddhist calm. Visitors find it a gentle, grounding way to feel the town’s sacred side.
- Location: Around Tsuglagkhang Complex
- Timings: Open all day
- Entry Fee: Free
Suggested Read: River Rafting In Himachal Pradesh
14. Visit St. John in the Wilderness
Seeing St. John in the Wilderness is one of the offbeat things to do in McLeodganj, just a quick hop from town. This old church from 1852, with its pointy arches and coloured glass, sits under deodar trees. The graveyard’s full of faded British stories, and the quiet sinks in deep. It’s a spot for history fans or anyone after a peaceful nook. Travellers like the old-time feel cutting through the hill bustle.
- Location: 1.5 km from McLeodganj towards Dharamshala
- Timings: 7:00 AM to 6:00 PM
- Entry Fee: Free
15. Try Tibetan Food
Eating Tibetan grub is one of the tasty things to do in McLeodganj, with spots like Tibet Kitchen dishing up the good stuff. Think hot momos, thick thukpa soup, and salty butter tea—it’s the town’s Tibetan soul on a plate. Perfect after a cold day wandering, the food’s simple but fills you right up. Visitors love digging into these flavours, a little piece of the hills in every bite. It’s a must for warming up and tasting local life.
- Location: Various eateries in McLeodganj
- Timings: 10:00 AM to 9:00 PM
- Entry Fee: Meals ₹150-₹400 per person
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16. Join a Yoga Session
Trying a yoga session is one of the uplifting things to do in McLeodganj, especially in Dharamkot’s little studios. They’ve got classes for everyone—slow bends or proper workouts—with mountains out the window. The air’s fresh, the mood’s light, and you walk out feeling new. Travellers swear it’s a gem, blending body and peace in a way that fits the hills. It’s a slice of calm you’ll carry home from this trip.
- Location: Dharamkot or McLeodganj studios
- Timings: Morning and evening sessions
- Entry Fee: ₹400-₹800 per class
17. Explore Kangra Fort
Taking a trip to Kangra Fort is one of the old-world things to do in McLeodganj, about 20 kilometres out. This place goes back to the 4th century BC, perched high with crumbled walls and temples telling tales of kings and fights. The audio guide fills in the gaps, and the valley view is a stunner. It’s a solid pick for anyone who likes their travel with a side of history, and it is worth the short drive.
- Location: 20 km from McLeodganj, near Kangra
- Timings: 9:00 AM to 5:30 PM
- Entry Fee: ₹15
Suggested read: Places To Visit In Dharamshala
18. Meditate at Vipassana Centre
Sitting still at the Vipassana Centre is one of the deep-down things to do in McLeodganj, just near Dharamkot. They run long silent retreats, but you can drop in for a taste too. It’s all trees and quiet, pushing you to look inside. Even a short go leaves you lighter, and folks chasing calm swear by it. In the hills, it’s a rare shot at shutting off the world and just being.
- Location: Near Dharamkot, 1 km from McLeodganj
- Timings: Check course schedules
- Entry Fee: Donation-based
19. Visit Guna Devi Temple
Hiking to Guna Devi Temple is one of the special things to do in McLeodganj, mixing a good walk with a bit of faith. It’s 7 kilometres through oak trees to this Kali shrine, with the Kangra Valley spreading out below. The path’s not too busy, and the temple’s plain but peaceful. Travellers like the double hit of nature and spirit, a steady climb with a view that pays off. It’s a quieter way to see the hills.
- Location: 7 km from McLeodganj, near Naddi
- Timings: Daylight hours
- Entry Fee: Free
Suggested Read: Prashar Lake Trek Guide
20. Watch a Sunset at Sunset Point
Grabbing a sunset at Sunset Point is one of the dreamy things to do in McLeodganj, out near Naddi. A short trip from townlands you where the sun drops behind the Dhauladhar Range, turning everything orange and pink. There are benches to sit and stare at and it’s pure magic. People with cameras or just their eyes love it—a soft, perfect close to a day in the mountains. It’s simple but sticks with you.
- Location: Naddi Village, 4 km from McLeodganj
- Timings: Late afternoon to sunset
- Entry Fee: Free
McLeodganj offers a journey that lingers, blending the thrill of exploration with moments of quiet discovery. This hill town weaves together vibrant markets, winding paths, and sacred spaces, leaving visitors with plenty to reflect on. It’s less about rushing through things to do in McLeodganj and more about savouring the small joys, like tasting warm momos or watching the hills shift in the evening light. Travellers walk away with tales worth sharing and a pull to return. The mountains hold more secrets, ready for those who’ll venture back to uncover them.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is McLeodganj famous for?
McLeodganj is known for its Tibetan heartbeat—think monks in red robes, the Dalai Lama’s temple, and those stunning Dhauladhar views. It’s a hill town with soul, blending culture and nature.
2. How to spend a day in McLeodganj?
Start with a trek to Bhagsu Falls, grab some momos for lunch and then wander the market for trinkets. End with tea at Naddi View Point as the sun dips—perfect day sorted.
3. Is McLeodganj costly?
Not really. Food and stays can fit tight budgets—think ₹150 meals and ₹800 rooms. Treks are free; it’s the extras like gear or guides that might nudge the cost up.
4. What to buy in McLeodganj?
Pick up Tibetan prayer flags, woollen shawls, or a singing bowl from the market. They’re little bits of the town’s charm you can carry home.
