McLeodganj packs a remarkable amount of culture, nature, and spirituality into a small Himalayan town.
Tsuglagkhang Temple
Home to the Dalai Lama, the Tsuglagkhang Temple is the largest Tibetan temple outside Tibet. The walk from McLeodganj's centre takes about fifteen minutes along a trail with gorgeous mountain and stream views. The temple complex includes a large meditation hall and the Tibet Museum, which documents the Chinese occupation and the Tibetan exodus through photographs and videos (open Tuesday to Sunday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.).
Yoga and Meditation Centre of Vipassana
A few kilometres from town, this centre offers meditation classes led by long-practising Buddhists with years of training in meditation, breathing, yoga, and pilates.
Nowroji's Market
Excellent shopping including discounted Tibetan rugs, woodcarved masks, paper artwork, glass beads, and jewellery. Prices are mostly fixed, though you can barter when buying multiple items.
Dhauladhar Range Treks
Those staying a few days will love hiking the Dhauladhar Range, featuring some of the most stunning mountain scenery in the world. You can hike in shorts while photographing snow-capped peaks just a few hundred metres away. Local guides can be found at the coffee shops in town.
Tibetan Children's Village
A craft museum selling paper crafts and artwork created by local youngsters. Nearby, the Tibetan Medical and Astrological Institute is worth a wander.
Library of Tibetan Works and Archives
An important repository of Tibetan literature, manuscripts, and cultural artefacts.
Gu Chu Sum Monument Gallery
Created with involvement from former political prisoners, this gallery documents the political oppression suffered by Tibetans through countless photographs.
Environmental Education Centre
Run by the Tibetan Welfare Office, this centre addresses environmental issues affecting the area and explains why protecting McLeodganj's natural beauty matters.