By Amanpreet Singh
Hey, Cloggers! We traded the chaos of the city for the crisp air and fluttering prayer flags of the mountains. Our destination: McLeod Ganj (Upper Dharamshala), often called “Little Lhasa,” the spiritual home of the Dalai Lama. This trip was a perfect mix of cultural immersion and challenging hiking, leading to one of the most epic views we’ve ever seen. This was our high-altitude, deeply lovely adventure with the crew: Rahul, Simran, Vikram, and myself.
Chapter 1: Stepping into Little Lhasa (The Lovely Start)
The moment you arrive in McLeod Ganj, the atmosphere shifts. The narrow streets are filled with the scent of incense, the sound of prayer wheels, and the sight of maroon-robed monks. It feels like stepping into a miniature piece of Tibet, nestled high in the Dhauladhar range. This cultural shift was the most Lovely part of the initial experience.
We spent the first day exploring the Tsuglagkhang Complex (the Dalai Lama’s temple) and the peaceful Namgyal Monastery. We learned how to properly turn the prayer wheels, watched the philosophical debates among the monks (a surprisingly energetic sight!), and felt the profound sense of calm that permeates the area.
The fun with friends involved getting completely lost in the small back alleys looking for the best momos and thukpa (Tibetan noodle soup). We judged every cafe fiercely, declaring the winner based purely on the authenticity of its chili sauce.
Chapter 2: The Triund Trek (The Epic Challenge)
The crown jewel of any McLeod Ganj adventure is the Triund Trek. This moderately challenging hike takes you up through dense forest and rocky paths to a grassy ridge that offers mind-blowing, 180-degree views of the Dhauladhar peaks on one side and the Kangra Valley on the other. This was the Epic physical challenge we craved.
The initial climb was steep, and the thin air was a battle, but the shared struggle made the journey incredible. We kept each other motivated with bad jokes and competitive pacing.
The Beautiful Moment arrived when we finally summited the Triund ridge. The massive, snow-capped mountains felt close enough to touch. We set up our tents and spent the evening watching the sunset paint the white peaks in shades of orange and purple, followed by a sky full of impossibly bright stars. Sharing that immense, quiet view, physically exhausted but spiritually renewed, was the highlight of our trip.
Chapter 3: Cafes, Culture, and Calm
Our final day was spent soaking up the calm of the town. We found a favorite cafe overlooking the valley, spent hours reading, sketching, and just watching the world go by.
McLeod Ganj is special because it offers both extremes: the intense physical effort of trekking to the highest ridges and the deep spiritual peace of its monasteries. It teaches you that true calm is often found right after a hard climb.
What’s your favorite spot in the world to find peace? Share your secret sanctuary below!
Stay serene, Amanpreet Singh clogtheblog.com
