Himachal Pradesh, a land of enchanting landscapes and diverse cultures, has long captured the imagination of travelers. For me, the allure of this picturesque state led to a fulfilling journey, and Mcleodganj, nestled in the Dhauladhar Mountain Range, became the perfect starting point for my exploration. Mcleodganj, renowned for its Tibetan-infused culture, picturesque views, and peaceful ambiance, has a rich history. Once a quaint British colonial hill station, it transformed into a Tibetan refugee settlement with the arrival of the Dalai Lama in 1959. Today, it is a symbolic representation of a harmonious coexistence of cultures against the backdrop of the Dhauladhar peaks.
Mcleodganj – The place famous for its Tibetan-infused culture, view of the Dhauladhar
Mountain Range, Tibetan Culinary Delight, Local Delicacies, and a symbolic representation of peaceful life. Before visiting here, I did a lot of reading about this place and finally decided to start and end my trip at this place only. Some prefer staying at Dharamshala also as it is comparatively commercialized and offers better/luxury staying options. However, I wanted a place that still holds its rustic charm. So my trip begins by boarding a flight on Sunday for Dharamshala from New Delhi. As the flight approached the destination, my eyes eagerly started to get an aerial glimpse of the Dhauladhar mountains. Though I could see only a portion of that, however, after landing, the entire backdrop was scenic. As I stepped onto the runway, captivated by the surroundings, the urge to capture the moment became irresistible. Joining the ranks of those who had posed against this stunning backdrop, I seized the opportunity to have my snapshot. The airport, though small, exuded a well-maintained charm that hinted at the tranquility awaiting me in Mcleodganj. An airport pick-up was arranged by the hotel as requested by me. Tip: There are very few SUVs available at Mcleodganj as most tourist cabs are hatchbacks or sedans. So, if you are loaded with luggage then it is advisable to pre-book an SUV to avoid hassle.
The trip from Dharamshala Airport to Mcleodganj was approximately 40 minutes. The roads were insanely steep and narrow as you started entering Mcleodganj. We stayed at ‘The Posh Hotel’, the booking of rooms I did earlier directly by calling them. We got a good package, superb service, and an awesome room. Two rooms were adjoined by a huge balcony that overlooked the valley and the recently snow-kissed Triund Trek. As I arrived in Mcleodganj, the serene atmosphere enveloped me, its cool embrace both calming and enthralling. Taking a moment to absorb the tranquility, my senses were captivated by the sights and sounds that defined this enchanting haven. Amidst the backdrop of deodar (Cedar) trees, a pair of white pigeons stood out like crystals against the lush greenery. Their purity and grace seemed to mirror the untouched beauty of the surroundings. In this idyllic setting, my gaze was drawn to a solitary hotel, its rooftop painted a striking shade of red, an isolated gem embraced by the untamed wilderness. The quietude was interrupted only by the distant view of the road winding towards the Bhagsunag Temple, inviting exploration and discovery. The breeze, gentle and soothing, kissed my face with whispers of nature's secrets, while the sun, in all its glory, cast a warm glow over the landscape, illuminating every detail.
We had a sumptuous lunch and then decided to explore the local market at first. It was
Sunday and the weekend tourist crowds were returning to their destination. Though the market was bustling with tourists, I walked along the steep hilly roads to reach the main square of Mcleodganj. It was more like a recce on the first day as I looked for the eateries that I read on various blogs previously. The locals were selling vegetables, there were souvenir shops, Tibetan shops, and flea markets which were adorned by traditional Himachal cloaks and lower, caps and other woolen wears. There was a shop that displayed handmade cards and posters. I liked a poster and enquired its price which was a whopping 10000 bucks. As it was not handmade, I decided not to invest in that however, the postcard designs may be bought for souvenir purposes. Later, I bought a cap for my wife along with a pair of gloves from a local streetside vendor. By the time the sky was getting dusky, we reached the busiest part of the town - the main square. we sat along some benches at the main square and gazed quietly at the passing onlookers. It was a peaceful feeling. At that moment, as the town's heartbeat echoed around us, a profound thought crossed my mind. I envisioned a future where, in the later years of my life, settling down in a place like Mcleodganj would be the epitome of tranquility.
Amidst the lively market scene, my wife's insistence led us to a local vendor offering chickpeas prepared to her customized instructions. The aroma of the local delicacy wafted through the air, and satisfied with our delectable purchase, we continued our exploration of the market. The well-regulated market roads, managed by vigilant traffic police enforcing one-way passages, provided a welcome relief for pedestrians. Beginning our descent on the other side of the road, we found ourselves on a journey of discovery. Our path led us to the famous Kalchakra Temple, a mid-way point in our exploration. Upon entering the temple, the focal point was the giant prayer wheel nestled inside the main room. Tourists engaged in the meditative act of spinning the wheel, capturing moments on their reels. Despite my inclination to capture every experience through the lens, there are sacred places that demand reverence, leaving their ambiance undisturbed. The Kalchakra Temple was one such place, where the spiritual energy resonated in the air, encouraging a mindful presence. Continuing our descent, we stumbled upon another local street-side shop. This time, it showcased lowers intricately designed in the traditional style of Himachal Pradesh. Intrigued by the cultural richness woven into each piece, my mother decided to purchase one, a tangible memento of our journey into the heart of Mcleodganj's vibrant markets. As the day unfolded with our market exploration and temple visit, exhaustion crept in, fueled by the early morning flight and the subsequent delay that drained our energy. Adjacent to our hotel stood the famous Dakini House. A descent down a series of stairs led us to the quaint café. Opting for a comforting choice, we settled on a warm bowl of soup accompanied by perfectly prepared French fries. Satisfied with our evening repast, we retraced our steps back to the hotel. The descending night brought with it a palpable chill, prompting the necessity for a room heater. The accommodating hotel manager, sensing our need for warmth, graciously provided the essential amenity at no extra cost. As the warmth enveloped our room, we settled in for a cozy night, grateful for the thoughtful gestures that added an extra layer of comfort to our Mcleodganj experience.
The following morning unfolded with a sky painted in hues that seemed straight out of the dreamy drawings I used to sketch during my school days. My wife gently roused me from my slumber in the early morning, just as dawn was preparing to embrace the sky. Eager to capture the magic unfolding before me, I reached for my recently acquired camera, envisioning the frames that would encapsulate the essence of the breathtaking vista. As the first light of day began to emerge, the sun peeked out from behind the clouds, casting its golden rays upon the Dhauladhar peak. The landscape transformed organically, unfolding like a natural screenplay of events. In this captivating dance of nature, as I began to absorb the charm of the changing scenery, the sun burst forth brightly from the back of the valley, ascending above the clouds. It was a moment of sheer blessing to witness the sunrise, an experience that set the perfect tone for the day ahead. The ever-changing canvas of the sky, the illuminating sun, and the majestic Dhauladhar peak—all orchestrated in harmony to create a spectacle that painted the dawn with hues only dreamed of.
In that morning, my wife and I embarked on a leisurely stroll, meandering towards the Dharamshala Ropeway Station. Despite it being a Monday, when most markets close, a few shops still welcomed visitors. These markets boasted an array of items, from woolen clothes, jackets, and handicrafts to fridge magnets, accessories, stone bead necklaces, and intriguing metal curios. Street food stalls, particularly renowned for their momos, added a delightful touch to the local culinary scene. What struck me was the reasonable pricing compared to Dharamshala. The town, charming in its entirety, is easily navigable on foot. For those inclined towards sightseeing, local cabs are readily available for exploring attractions like the Dalai Lama Temple, Kalchakra Temple, Dharamshala Ropeway, Bhagsunag Temple and waterfall, Dal Lake, and Naddi View Point. Mcleodganj emanates positive vibes, and while it's bustling with tourists during weekends, my strategic weekday stay plan allowed for a more tranquil exploration of the town and its nearby attractions. The place is a magnet for both foreign tourists and those from nearby states like Delhi and Punjab, seeking a weekend retreat. In the upcoming part of this blog post, I look forward to sharing my experiences from these enchanting places.
In the symphony of Mcleodganj's serene beauty and cultural richness, I am reminded of Ralph Waldo Emerson's timeless words, "Do not go where the path may lead, go instead where there is no path and leave a trail." Choosing the rustic allure of Mcleodganj over the trodden luxury, I left a trail of cherished moments and authentic experiences. From the vibrant market scenes to the meditative spaces of temples, every step echoed the sentiment of forging my unique path in this enchanting town. As I anticipate the next chapter of exploration in places like the Dalai Lama Temple and beyond, I carry the spirit of Emerson's wisdom, embracing the uncharted and finding beauty in the unexplored corners of Mcleodganj.
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