त्योहार · HIMACHAL PRADESH
February 18-20 · McLeod Ganj
Three-day Tibetan New Year celebration marking the Fire Horse Year (2026). Families prepare khapse (traditional Tibetan sweets), monasteries conduct prayers, and thousands gather at Tsuglagkhang temple. Dalai Lama participates in celebrations.
क्यों मायने रखता हैMajor religious and cultural festival for the Tibetan exile community in McLeod Ganj, central to Buddhist practice and annual renewal.
February is McLeod Ganj's quietest month. Tibetan New Year (Losar) celebrations—if they fall in February—add colour, but otherwise the town hibernates. Temperatures: 2-12°C. Snow is possible. The Dalai Lama may or may not be in residence. The Tibetan market has its shortest hours. But the cafes are warm, the momos are hot, and the mountains are magnificent.
McLeod Ganj में अभी
Valley views within walking distance of Dalai Lama Temple, one-bedroom suite with jacuzzi, private deck and deep soaking bathtub
Popular backpacker hostel with Himalayan views, common areas for socializing, and walking distance to Dalai Lama Temple
सिग्नेचरchocolate log cake
It's beside Carpe Diem on Jogiwara Road but easy to miss — the entrance is a small staircase. The chocolate log slice and a pot of tea is the standard order; everything else is built around it.
सिग्नेचरItalian-style espresso
Order the open brown-bread sandwich plus a single espresso — the signature combination. Window seats face the valley; the room is small so go off-peak (3-5pm).
सिग्नेचरdaily Japanese set menu
Closed Sundays. The day's set is fixed and changes daily — there's no à la carte. Arrive by 12:30pm; the small dining room fills fast and they don't take bookings.
सिग्नेचरhot chocolate
If you spot a book in their wishlist (posted on the wall) and bring it next visit, the meal is on the house. Arrive 5pm for the sunset window, but expect a queue for balcony seats.
Popular 9 km trek to Triund Hill at 9,350 ft with panoramic views of Dhauladhar range and Kangra Valley.
Small mid-lake surrounded by deodar trees, sacred to Shiva. Annual fair held here in September.
Scenic viewpoint above McLeodganj with panoramic views of Dhauladhar range and Kangra Valley. Sunset spot.
Easy 1km walk from Bhagsu village to a 20m waterfall.
Personal monastery of the Dalai Lama and the largest Tibetan temple outside Tibet. Daily prayer sessions open to visitors.
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