McLeodganj and the Dalai Lama's temple
The Tsuglagkhang complex, the Tibet Museum and the town below: a walk down, and a taxi back up if your legs have had enough.
- Distance
- 2 km to McLeodganj square, 2.2 km to the temple complex
- Effort
- Downhill out, uphill home; or ₹100–150 in an auto
- Best time
- Any month; the museum is closed on Mondays
Tsuglagkhang is the largest Tibetan Buddhist temple complex outside Tibet and the Dalai Lama's residence in exile. Within it are the Namgyal monastery, the Kalachakra temple with its wall paintings, a three-metre bronze Sakyamuni Buddha, and the Tibet Museum, which is worth the hour it takes.
The walk down through the forest takes about half an hour. Walking back up takes rather longer and most people do not, which is what the autos at the square are for.
The Dalai Lama gives public teachings at the complex when he is in residence. Registration is required, opens a few days beforehand and closes the day before, and foreign visitors need copies of their passport, Indian visa and C-form. Dates are announced months ahead and we do not list them here because they move; check the official schedule, or ask us and we will tell you what we know.
Check it yourself
While you're here
The Triund trek
The ridge walk everyone comes to Dharamkot for: about six kilometres up from the Gallu trailhead, with the Dhauladhar on one side and the Kangra valley on the other.
Gallu Devi temple
A small ridge temple among the cedars, the Triund trailhead, and the best short sunset walk from the village.
Bhagsu waterfall and temple
A twenty-metre fall behind the old Bhagsunag temple, with the café terraces of Upper Bhagsu stacked above it.