Bhagsu Nag

One of the major attractions near Mcleod Ganj is Bhagsu Nag, a temple that was rebuilt by the first Gurkha rifles stationed here after the earthquake in 1905. According to local legend, 5,000 years ago, Nagdevata, the snake god was drawn into a battle with a local king, Bhagsu, who stole water from the sacred Nag Dal Lake. King Bhagsu was vanquished and forgiven by the god and the site consecrated as Bhagsu Nag. The temple is a place for pilgrimage for the indigenous Gurkha people from the nearby villages of Bhagsu and Dharamkot and is located in the Bhagsu village near the Dal lake. During monsoons, the Bhagsu Waterfall, located around 10 minutes from the temple, is a delightful sight with its full bodied stream stretching well over 25 ft, enhancing the contrasting black and green colours of the rocks and vegetation. One of the most popular attractions around Dharamsala, Bhagsu is frequented by tourists and adventure enthusiasts alike owing to the numerous trails in the area that offer short albeit delightful journeys through the surrounding forests.

Bhagsu Nag

Namgyal Monastery

One of the largest Tibetan temples, the Namgyal Monastery is renowned as the home of the Dalai Lama. Surrounded by lush greenery and snow-capped mountains, the monastery has a scenic repose. It also houses a tantric college where young monks learn and practice the various ritualistic traditions of Buddhism. It has been working for young Tibetan monks in the hope of ensuring the survival of the unique Tibetan Traditional Buddhist studies and practices. The monastery was founded by His Holiness the second Dalai Lama, Gedun Gyatso (1440-1480) to assist him in carrying out religious activities. The college has opened up several branches in Bodhgaya, Delhi, Kushinagar, Shimla and Ithica. Today, the monastery has nearly 200 monks, representing all four main Tibetan monastic lineages. These monks are given traditional and modern education and free accommodation throughout their stay at the monastery. It lies about 157 km from Chamba.

Namgyal Monastery

Triund

A popular hill station in the Dharamkot area of McLeod Ganj, Triund is the starting point for various trails that go up the Triund Hill. Some of these trails lead to the Inderahara point on the great Mt Dhauladhar. Throughout the trek, views of the entire Dhaulahdar range and the vast, lush green meadows offer a surreal experience that attracts several trekkers looking for a moderate-to-easy trek for the weekend. The trek, which begins from Dharamkot is 18 km in total and is marked with a well defined trail. It is advisable to hire a guide/ trek operator if this is your first experience of trekking as the trails runs between thick forests of rhododendron and deodar, which despite their beauty can be a little disorienting. The entire journey takes a maximum of six hours depending on your pace and there is a vast flat area that can be used to pitch a tent and acclimatise if you intend to head further up.

From the top of the Triund Hill, one can witness the spectacular Dhauladhar range rising over the area, The best months to visit are January, if you're looking for snowfall, and March-May for spectacular and clear views of the vast forest and the mountain ranges. It lies at a distance of 160 km from Chamba.

Triund