Located in northern Dharamshala, home to the Dali Lama, the Tsuglagkhang Temple is a must-see for all travelers passing through this beautiful, quiet Buddhist town. You can easily walk to the temple from the center of McLeodganj town or take a bus. The walk is about fifteen minutes and the journey is just as gorgeous as the end result. On the trail leading up to the famous adobe you’ll see the gorgeous mountains, streams, and trees that make Dharamshala one of the most captivating places to visit. You also won’t be alone on you walk – at least a dozen or so other tourists will also be walking up to the Dali Lama’s temple.

Yoga & Meditation Centre of Vipassana

Spend an afternoon in a meditation class at the Yoga & Meditation Centre of Vipassana, located a few kilometers from town. Your instructors are long-standing Buddhists with years of training in meditation, breathing, yoga and pilates. At the gift shop you can browse history books, purchase another meditation lesson or get soft hemp-woven souvenir tee-shirts.

Nowroji's Market

If you feel like a walk after your meditation class, head over to Nowroji’s Market for some unbeatable shopping, including discounted Tibetan rugs, woodcarved masks, paper artwork, glass beads, paper necklaces and jewelry, and other local crafts. The prices are mostly set, although in some places you can barter, especially if you buy two or three large items.

Dhauladhar Range

Those visiting McLeodganj for a few days will enjoy a day or three-day hike on the Dhauladhar Range, featuring some of the most stunning nature scenes in all the world. You can hike in shorts while snapping pictures of snow-capped mountains just a few hundred feet away. Hire a local guide from the trail edge, and you’ll hear about the entire history of the town, the biography of the Dali Lama and all about Buddhism. Some of the best trail guides can be found at the hip coffee shops in town, run by Westerners. You’ll have to ask around and barter for a price, but most all of the expats and locals can point you in the right direction to start the hike of your life.

Tibetan Children's Village

Children who may not want to hike for a more than hour will enjoy relaxing at the Tibetan Children’s Village, a craft museum selling paper crafts, artwork and other goods created by the youngsters of McLeodganj. Meanwhile, the scientist in your family will have a blast wandering through the Tibetan Medical and Astrological Institute, located near the children’s village.