McLeodganj sits in the lap of the Himalayas, and some of its best days are spent leaving town for the valleys and ridges around it. Whether you are drawn here by Tibetan Buddhism, the mountains, or both, a few easy excursions reward the effort.
The classic walk is the climb to Triund, a grassy ridge at the foot of the Dhauladhar with sweeping views of the snow peaks above and the Kangra Valley below. It is a three- to four-hour ascent from the trailhead at Galu temple and can be done in a long day or as an overnight camp.
For something gentler, cycle or drive the 24 km to Palampur, the tea town of the Kangra Valley. The road zigzags through the Dhauladhar foothills past tea gardens and pine and deodar woods — a ride that stays in the memory as much for the journey as the destination.
Kangra, about 19 km away, is the older heart of the valley, with its ruined hilltop fort and the revered Vajreshwari Devi temple. Many Himalayan treks also start from here or from Dharamshala, heading up into lush valleys, springs, and the high ranges beyond.
Closer to town, the Norbulingka Institute, about 15 km out near Sidhpur, is the best place to understand Tibetan art and craft. Established to preserve the traditions of Tibet, it trains artisans in woodwork, weaving, and thangka painting, and houses the Losel Doll Museum, whose dolls depict the dress, dances, and festivals of each region of Tibet.
