Places to visit in McLeodganj: Bhagsunag Waterfall

McLeodganj can be made a base for starting small treks of a few hours to a day’s trek to long high altitude treks or mountaineering expeditions.

The Bhagsunag waterfall from a distance

I first went to McLeodganj in 1987 when I did my first high altitude trek in this region and since then it has become one of my favorite destinations in the Himalayas due to various factors – some among them being close to Delhi, excellent Tibetan food at extremely low prices, accommodation available at extremely low prices with plenty of options to choose from and of course various grade treks that can be started from here.

Pool at Bhagsunag temple

One of the short treks (of a few hours) one can do is the trek to Bhagsunag waterfalls. One can either walk all the way from McLeodganj to this place or else can also take an auto/taxi till Bhagunag temple area, which has now become a town into itself. From McLeodganj to Bhagsunag would be approximately three km. Bhagusunag has a very old temple and also a pool of water where devotees come and take a dip.

The Bhasunag Waterfall

From there till the waterfall would be another 700 metres of comparatively steeper climb. Earlier it used to be a Kutccha (unpaved) path but now there is a cemented path going till the main falls. On the way there are two-three tea shops serving tea, cold drinks, biscuits, Maggi etc. The waterfall presents itself in various ways depending upon the season. During summers and Monsoon period the amount of water falling is massive compared to winter or the autumn period.

A smaller and more serene waterfall above the Bhagsunag waterfall

Most people go only to the main waterfall area so sometimes there is quite a crowd till the waterfalls. What is interesting is if you decide to go up beyond the main waterfall as hardly anyone goes above this point.

Another small waterfall near Shiva Cafe

The climb beyond this is steep thereby discouraging most people. But the views from there are breathtaking and there are other waterfalls which, though smaller, are beautiful and you can have them to yourselves for any amount of time.

The Scream of Nature

Also there is the Shiva Café near the above waterfall which can serve god tea and other refreshments. There is rock painting near this waterfall asking people to plant trees.

View of the Tibetan prayer flags, trek and Bhagusnag in the distance

McLeodganj is also the headquarters of the Tibetan Government in Exile. One can reach McLeodganj from Delhi in twelve hours or so by car. There are several ordinary, semi deluxe, deluxe and AC buses also plying on this route.

Also read:
McLeodganj, Dharamshala, Himachal
Why I love to go to McLeodganj
Skywatch Friday - Sunset at McLeodganj, Himachal