McLeod Ganj and the Tsuglagkhang Complex

Overview

McLeod Ganj, the upper part of Dharamshala, has been the home of the 14th Dalai Lama and the Tibetan government in exile since 1959. It is often called Little Lhasa and is a centre of Tibetan Buddhism, culture and education.

The Tsuglagkhang Complex is the main temple complex, with the Dalai Lama's temple and the Namgyal Monastery, and a Tibet Museum nearby. Prayer flags, butter lamps and monks in maroon robes fill the streets and courtyards.

What to look for

• The Tsuglagkhang temple and its golden Buddha
• The Namgyal Monastery and the kora, the walking path around it
• The Tibet Museum
• Cafes, shops and views of the Dhauladhar range

Visiting tips

• Dress modestly and remove your shoes before entering temples; photography inside may be restricted.
• The Dalai Lama's schedule varies; public teachings are announced in advance.
• Allow time to walk the kora and the town.

Why visit with a private guide

A private guide shows you where to stand, when to arrive and what most visitors miss at McLeod Ganj and the Tsuglagkhang Complex, and fits the visit around the rest of your day.

More photographs

Nearby

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