McLeod Ganj or McLeodGanj, the residence of His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama and home to Tibetans in India. The small town is also popular as “Little Lhasa” or Dhasa which one can feel when visits the place. This is also a headquarter place for Tibetan Government-in-exile at Gangchen Kyishong.
Apart from the unmatched beauty of Himalaya’s Dhauladhar range, thousands of visitors come to McLeod Ganj to see beloved Dalai Lama and his temple known as “Tsuglagkhang” or “Tsuglag Khang“. The temple is the heart of the town and it’s presence spreads joy and spirituality in it’s surrounding. The simple shrine is a perfect example of Tibetan Buddhist temple and also act as a office of the Dalai Lama. One must check for the guru’s availability if want to see or hear him well before visiting the town.
McLeod Ganj was named after Sir Donald Friell McLeod who was lieutenant governor of Punjab. Lord Elgin, the second viceroy of British Empire in India was in such a love of this place that he suggested to make the place as summer capital of India. His memorial can be seen in a magnificent Gothic church, St. John in the Wilderness , which on the way to Dharamsala and makes one of the main attraction here.
Virtual tour of McLeod Ganj on motorbike
Spirituality, adventure of trekking, relaxing Yoga, red-robed monks.. you got everything here for a peaceful vacation. Located 10kms away from Dharamsala, the town is well accessible. Road between Dharamsala and McLeod Ganj itself is an amazing and unforgettable small trip. Himalayan ghat road among the old cedars is a beautiful combo to try.
Read about my motorbike trip to McLeod Ganj
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Dalai Lama image: phayul
