mcleod ganj trip

Explore McLeod Ganj

Plan Your Trip to McLeod Ganj: Best of McLeod Ganj Tourism

Essential mcleod ganj.

Trending in the forums

McLeod Ganj Is Great For

Hiking tours.

Nature and Wildlife Tours

Eat & drink

Getty Images/Moment Open

Mcleod Ganj

When travelers talk of staying in Dharamsala, McLeod Ganj is usually where they actually mean. A couple of miles north of Dharamsala proper (or six miles via the looping bus route), McLeod Ganj is the residence of His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama and home to a large Tibetan population, including many maroon-robed monks and nuns. The Tibetan government-in-exile is based in between at Gangchen Kyishong. McLeod attracts thousands of international visitors, many of them volunteering with the Tibetan community, taking courses in Buddhism, meditation or yoga, trekking in the Dhauladhar mountains, shopping for Tibetan crafts, or just hanging out enjoying the spiritual vibe and the plethora of good cafes where you're never far from an interesting conversation.

Leave the planning to a local expert

Experience the real Mcleod Ganj. Let a local expert handle the planning for you.

Attractions

Must-see attractions.

Tsuglagkhang Complex

McLeod's main focus for visiting pilgrims, monks and most tourists is the Tsuglagkhang complex, a custard-coloured concrete monastic village that's home…

Tibet Museum

This must-see, two-storey museum sets out to remind visitors of Tibet's history as an independent nation, mourning the Chinese occupation (since 1949) and…

Men-Tsee-Khang

Men-Tsee-Khang is an organisation established to preserve the traditional arts of Tibetan medicine and astrology. The Gangchen Kyishong branch includes a…

Library of Tibetan Works & Archives

Inside the government-in-exile compound, nearly 2km downhill from the Tsuglagkhang complex, the Library of Tibetan Works & Archives began life as a…

Men-Tsee-Khang Museum

Three floors of displays explain the sophisticated sciences of Tibetan astrology and medicine.

Kalachakra Temple

Visiting the Tsuglagkhang clockwise, as is required by Buddhist convention, you pass a prostrating area then a door leads into the westernmost building,…

Cultural Museum

Upstairs in the Library of Tibetan Works & Archives is a small but interesting cultural museum with statues, old Tibetan artefacts and books, and a couple…

Tsuglagkhang Main Temple Room

Spiritually (if certainly not architecturally) the Tsuglagkhang's 1969 central temple room is the exiles’ concrete equivalent of the Jokhang temple in…

Plan with a local

Experience the real India

Let a local expert craft your dream trip.

Latest stories from Mcleod Ganj

Apr 11, 2019 • 9 min read

‘Run, run faster, run FASTER!’ shouted my instructor. I could feel a hint of panic rising as I pushed against the wind with all the strength I could…

in partnership with getyourguide

Book popular activities in Mcleod Ganj

Purchase our award-winning guidebooks.

Get to the heart of Mcleod Ganj with one of our in-depth, award-winning guidebooks, covering maps, itineraries, and expert guidance.

Dharamshala Travel Guide for Visiting McLeod Ganj, Dharamkot & Bhagsu in 2024!

Categories Asia , India

Updated 2023!. ‘I feel like I’m in another country!’. These were my words on my Instagram Stories after arriving in the town of McLeod Ganj in Dharamshala , up in the state of Himachal Pradesh with a big Tibetan Influence.

It’s good to know now that a lot of travellers travel to Dharamshala and get stuck, often staying much longer than planned, this is what happened to me, I ended up here for 10 days and then I returned the following year as soon as I could!

So here is my travel guide to Dharamshala for travellers and backpackers including things to do, where to stay, places to eat and things to note about Dharamshala, McLeod Ganj, Dharamkot and Bhagsu.

Dharamshala Travel Guide

To SEE Dharamshala, have a watch of my Youtube Video here:

SIM CARD FOR INDIA

I really recommend having a sim card in India as it makes travel in India so much easier! You may have heard that it’s hard to get a sim card in India but you can get a sim card in Delhi Airport, read this post to see how to buy a sim card in Delhi Airport or if you fly in elsewhere 3 ways to buy a sim card in India and you’ll be connected in just a few hours!

WHAT TO WEAR IN INDIA

If you are a woman, here’s what I recommend you pack and wear in India . Technically you can wear what you like in India in most places but to get fewer stares and feel more comfortable, read my post!

DON’T GET SCAMMED IN DELHI

Most people arrive for the first time into Delhi and get scammed within a few hours! Read my Delhi Travel Tips to help you enjoy Delhi, and the best places to stay in Delhi which is so important!

Find What You're Looking For Easily Here!

Where is Dharamshala?

Dharamshala or Dharamsala (it’s the same place, slightly different spelling) is in the North-Western state of Himachal Pradesh in Kangra , India. It’s one of the hill stations in Himachal Pradesh .

Dharamshala is an area and it’s also its own town, and within the area of Dharamshala is also McLeod Ganj, Dharamkot and Bhagsu . So when people say they are visiting Dharamshala, like I am saying, I mean the area it’s in with its other towns and villages. This confused me when researching where to stay in Dharamshala so I wanted to clear this up for you.

How to Get To and From Dharamshala?

Getting to dharamshala by train.

Dharamshala does not have a train station , the nearest station is Pathankot which is 85km to the East of Dharamshala and a then a 2.5hour drive up very windy roads, so getting to Dharamshala by train is not the best option although here is information on how to get from   Pathankot to Mcleod Ganj by bus if you wish to do this journey.

Getting to Dharamshala By Air

Kangra Airport (also known as Dharamshala Airport when you type it in on Skyscanner ) is the closest airport and only a 30-minute drive from Dharamshala . Internal flights in India can be pretty cheap so you can fly to Dharamshala from Delhi or elsewhere in India if you wish. Check out flights on Skyscanner here and look at transfers from Kangra Airport to Dharamshala here !

Getting to Dharamshala By Bus

Travelling to and from Dharamshala by bus is the easiest and cheapest option , even if it’s not the nicest due to the bumpy and windy roads that surround this area.

I took an 11 hour bus from Delhi to Dharamshala with Bedi Travels which I booked using RedBus for 800Rs and it really wasn’t too bad. Search for buses from Delhi to Dharamshala here .

Other popular places to visit before or after Dharamshala are Amritsar, Rishikesh and Manali.

There’s a day time bus from Amritsar to Dharamshala which is what I took to get there, it was a minibus with Laxmi Travels, took 5 hours and cost me 1000Rs and it wasn’t too bad at all. There’s also a public bus which will be cheaper but takes a bit longer and isn’t as comfortable.

I went to Rishikesh afterwards and took an overnight bus from Dharamshala to Rishikesh , this was one hell of a journey as the roads are very windy and bumpy all the way! I didn’t enjoy it I’ll admit, but it was the only option. It takes 11 hours and cost 1000Rs .

Manali is another place in Himachal Pradesh and a good place to go to before or after, on my second trip I took a bus from Dharamshala to Manali  overnight, it’s a fairly short overnight journey at 7 hours and leaving at 23:00 for 800Rs but at least it doesn’t waste a day of travelling.

RedBus is a good platform to pre-book buses on , or you can book them with agents in the towns.

Most buses will drop you off and pick you up in Dharamshala by the cinema and petrol station however the odd bus goes to Mcleod Ganj which is best as it’s that bit closer to where you’ll want to be. A taxi from Dharamshala to Dharamkot cost me 400Rs.

Related Posts:  Tips for Visiting Amritsar!

Getting to Dharamshala By  Car

Getting a private car in India is a popular thing to do, it’s not as cheap as public transport of course but for tourists with more money to spend or for people on a tight timeframe a private car is often the preferred option.

Taxies are readily available, a lady in my hotel was taking a day taxi from Dharamshala to Rishikesh which cost 10,000Rs. If you are visiting from Amritsar and want a private car, have a look at this good option on Viator !

Where to Stay in Dharamshala?

As mentioned, Dharamshala is the area as well as its own town. I DO NOT recommend staying in Dharamshala as this is a busy, local town.

The best places to stay are Mcleod Ganj, Dharamkot or Bhagsu and it really depends what kind of vibe you want from your stay as to which area you stay in.

Mcleod Ganj Accommodation

I stayed in the town of McLeod Ganj on my first visit in November and I really liked it. It has plenty of cafes, shops and accommodation. It is only a small town but during high season it can get very busy with a lot of traffic and a lot of beeping.

It has a big Tibetan feel to it as this is where the Dalai Lama resides . It’s also where the Dalai Lama Temple and the Tibet Museum are, which are some of the main things to do in Dharamshala . McLeod Ganj is a great central base and a short walk from Dharamkot and Bhagsu .

I’ve stayed at Ram Yoga House twice which I loved and I think is the best hotel in Mcleod Ganj! It only has 10 rooms, all with balconies and mountain views. It books up fast and I was lucky to get the last room on Booking.com !

I had the budget room and it was ‘budget’ as the balcony view had a building in front, but I still had a good view to the side, especially of the sunrise and at roughly 1100RS / £11.00 per night it is great value for a double room with private bathroom!

Ram Yoga House also has a cafe on site which makes it really convenient to get breakfast or dinner if you don’t want to go back into the town. The staff are really lovely including Ram who owns the place. And perhaps best of all is the Yoga Studio on the rooftop with an incredible view over the valley.

Daily lessons are offered in high season but whether lessons are on or not, you can use the studio on your own for free which is so great if you want to practise yoga in Dharamshala ! As you can tell, I did love it and you can check availability and rates for Ram Yoga House on Booking.com !

There are plenty of other hotels (not as many hostels though) in Mcleod Ganj though which you can search for on Booking.com here .

Dharamkot Accommodation

Dharamkot village is split into Upper Dharamkot and Dharamkot. I stayed for a few nights at Alt Life Hostel in Upper Dharamkot. It has amazing mountain views right outside, good dorm rooms and a nice cafe. The only thing about it is that you need to walk to and from everything, although it’s just 15 minutes from Dharamkot ‘village’ which is consists of a few streets nestled in the mountains.

Flugler Hostel  is another popular hostel in Dharamkot.

The vibe of Dharamkot is more hippie and alternative. There are vegan restaurants and shops selling cool jewellery. It has a very chilled out vibe too and because it’s literally located in the mountainside with a footpath there’s not the noise of any cars.

If this sounds right for you, search for hotels, hostels and guesthouses in Dharamkot here on Booking.com.

BOOKING TRAINS IN INDIA

India is best travelled by train because its the quickest, cheapest and best way of getting to know the country. For an EASY option of booking trains in India use 12GO to search and book trains really easily. If you’ll be in India for awhile, you can use the local booking system, it’s a bit tricker but possible, here’s my post on how to book trains in India as a tourist .

BEST ACCOMMODATION IN INDIA

I always use Booking.com to book my hotels in India and Hostelworld to book my hostels . India has a great range of accommodation with brilliant hostel chains like Moustache, Zostel and Backpacker Panda as well as homestays to luxury hotels.

GUIDED TOURS IN INDIA

Many cities in India are best seen with a guide , even if it’s just a half day tour on your first day . Cities in India are chaotic and complex and what better way to taste the food and get to know the city than with a local. I recommend Get Your Guide & Viator for the best tours in India!

Bhagsu Accommodation

Bhagsu is also split into two – Upper Bhagsu and Lower Bhagsu although both are very close together. Upper Bhagsu is located closest to Dharamkot (at the bottom of a hill) and still has that alternative, chilled out, hippie vibe with cool cafes and lots of yoga, meditation, ecstatic dance and reiki workshops. Most of these sessions on offer are all in Upper Bhagsu.

Lower Bhagsu is much more touristy and I’d say more popular with Indian tourists, it’s where you’ll get asked if you want a taxi constantly and it’s closer to Bhagsu Waterfalls which brings a lot of day tourists to the area.

Upper Bhagsu has quite a few hostels and popular hostels in Bhagsu are  Hostel LaVie, Hostel Triangle Folks  and Worlds Hostel .

Search for more hotels, hostels and guesthouses in Bhagsu here on Booking.com.

Things to do in Dharamshala

Based on the 3 main areas of Dharamshala – Mcleod Ganj, Dharamkot and Bhagsu, here are the main things to do and with a bit of walking involved you can do all of these things from any base.

Related Post: The Full Guide To The Top Things To Do in Dharamshala, Mcleod Ganj, Dharamkot & Bhagsu!

The Dalai Lama Temple

This is a must-visit in McLeod Ganj because Dharamshala is now the home of the Dalai Lama so you have to visit his temple. Although he travels a lot, it’s also worth checking to see if he’s around when you’re there! You can view the Dalai Lama’s schedule here ! I went to one of his morning ceremonies and it was amazing to see him in real life.

The Tibet Museum

This is a must must visit in McLeod Ganj too. It’s right next to the Dalai Lama temple and it explains the history of Tibet and why it is in the situation it is in today. To be honest, I didn’t know much about the history and it kind of surprised me how many Tibetans I saw in McLeod Ganj when I arrived but it all made sense after visiting.

The history (and the current day situation) is really shocking so you really should visit and I recommend visiting on your first day as it will help you understand the area and people better. If you want to start reading up now, look into the history of Tibet from 1950-Present here !

Bhagsu Falls

This is another popular thing to do in Dharamshala and Bhagsu. It’s possible to walk from McLeod Ganj to Bhagsu and then up to Bhagsu falls. It isn’t the most impressive falls and it’s very easy to get to via a path which means it’s very touristy and heavily visited by Indians (who will probably want a selfie – see how to deal with selfies in India in my video here !) but it’s worth going and if you’re not staying in Bhagsu it’s a reason to visit the village.

Tushita Meditation Centre 

Up in Dharamkot is Tushita Meditation Centre , a Buddhist Centre which offers Buddhism Courses from 2 to 10 days most of the year, but also a daily meditation class from 9:30 everyday except Sunday . I only went once (actually I went twice but the first time it was cancelled due to there being another course on, so call them in advance to check it will be on!), and I really enjoyed it.

We did 2 simple meditations which lasted about 10-15 minutes each and it is on a donation basis. The centre is very quiet and relaxed and visiting made me really want to go back and do a course! I walked from McLeod Ganj to Dharamkot one day, it was ok but very steep! The second time I took a taxi which was 150Rs! Check out the location and courses here!

Do Yoga 

There’s lots of yoga in Dharamshala on offer, especially in the high summer season. The best places for yoga in Dharamshala are in Dharamkot and Upper Bhagsu. The best thing to do is to join the Dharamkot and Bhagsu Community Facebook Group to see what is on and look out for the flyers around the towns.

Classes & Training

It’s not just yoga on offer here, you can go to Ecstatic Dance Classes, Breathwork Sessions, Tibet Sound Bowl Healing. You can go to all of these as a participant or you can do classes like Reiki Training. Again the Facebook group is a good way to see what’s on and look out for the flyers about.

Cafe Hop! 

There are few cool cafes and restaurants around so it’s easy to pass a morning or afternoon in these, see more on those below!

Cricket Ground

Not something I was interested in but located in Dharamshala town is Himachal Cricket Ground which is the highest Cricket Ground in the world at 1457 metres, it’s said to be one of India’s best cricket grounds too so if you like cricket, try and see it! Check out the schedule of games here .

Hiking 

There are plenty of walks you can do around the area. If you want to go hiking with a local guide, have a look into this hiking day tour . Truind is one of the most popular hikes in Dharamshala which leaves from Bhagsu.

Adventure Activities in Dharamshala

Whilst nearby Manali is better for adventure activities if you are not going that way you can still book day tours and go Paragliding from Dharamshala as well as Rock Climbing and Camping in Dharamshala .

In general, this area is a good place to visit to chill out a bit, take in the fresh mountain air, explore and connect back to Nature. However if you want to see a lot Dharamshala in one day or with a guide so you can understand the area more, there are lots of day tours of Dharamshala on Viator which range in price, so I would recommend checking out these Dharamshala Tours !

The Best Cafes & Restaurants in Dharamshala

There are plenty of places to eat in all areas, here are my favourites:

Tibet Kitchen (Mcleod Ganj) – For some real Tibetan Food with friendly staff head here.

Jimmy’s Italian Kitchen (Mcleod Ganj)  – If you want good Pizza, head here.

Illiterati Cafe (Mcleod Ganj)  – It’s a bit of a walk downhill from McLeod Ganj to Illiterati Cafe but it’s well worth it! It’s like no other cafe in the area and feel’s like you could be in Europe! It is filled with books, it’s really cosy and has balcony views of the mountains. I wasn’t a fan of the food as it’s mainly international but they do nice drinks and good cake! They also have good wifi.

Moonpeak Espresso (Mcleod Ganj)  – If you need good wifi this is another good place to go in Mcleod Ganj. It’s only small with a range of sandwiches and Indian food but I found it a good place to work from.

Bodhi Greens Vegan Cafe (Dharamkot) – Dharamkot has quite a few vegan restaurants and this is a really good one with lots of healthy options and a nice vibe.

Cool Talk Cafe (Dharamkot) – Located at the top of Dharamkot town this place always looked busy when I went past.

Himalayan Tea Shop (Dharamkot) – Get a tea before or after meditation at Tushita Meditation Centre here and it’s a great place to meet other travellers doing the same.

Nature Twins Cafe (Upper Bhagsu) – I love the chill floor seating upstairs here and they sell a huge range of foods.

Rakus Place (Upper Bhagsu) – I had a good Avo on Toast here and it was super busy for breakfast in the morning.

Shiva Cafe (Top of Bhagsu Waterfall) – To get a sweat on and have a tea at the top, walk to Bhagsu Falls and keeping walking all the way to the very top until you get to Shiva Cafe which has good music, cool seating and good views.

Dharamshala Travel Tips

Firstly I would say to note the time of year you want to visit . I feel like there is no best time of year to visit Dharamshala as it depends on what you want weather wise and what clothes you have. I visited in Mid November and it was chilly at night but when the sun was out during the day it was quite warm, although I was still well covered up.

As a backpacker, I had to wear quite a few layers as I didn’t have any majorly warm clothes. From Dec-Feb it gets a lot colder and may even snow. Spring time is nice- especially April and May when it gets warmer but it also gets a bit busier in this time, especially with Indian travellers. Summer in Dharamshala is warm but they do get a monsoon season so keep this in mind.

With that said, there are plenty of market stalls and shops in McLeod Ganj especially selling Hiking Wear and clothes for all seasons so you can go shopping in Dharamshala for warm clothes.

The Altitude is another thing to note, it’s quite high up here and if you get out of breath quite quickly this will be why.

HELP WITH YOUR INDIA ITINERARY

I’ve spent many months travelling India in the last few years visiting over 50 places around the country, here are my recommended itinerary posts for India to help you plan your trip!

2 WEEK INDIA ITINERARY, PERFECT FOR YOUR FIRST TRIP!

2 WEEK SOUTH INDIA ITINERARY – GOA & KERELA

1 MONTH NORTH INDIA ITINERARY IDEAS!

1 MONTH SOUTH INDIA ITINERARY IDEAS!

2 MONTH INDIA ITINERARY IN THE NORTH & SOUTH

MY 4 MONTH INDIA ITINERARY!

24 BEST PLACES TO VISIT IN INDIA!

There are quite a few people begging , older Tibetans and poorer women and children.

The area is not totally pretty , I mean the mountains are, they are spectacular but the towns are quite tired, old and a bit dirty, this is part of the charm (except the dirt and trash part) but I just want to warn you now so you know what to expect!

For more of my posts on India see:

• All India Posts
• Tips for Visiting Amritsar’s Golden Temple and the Wagah Border Ceremony!
• The Best Way To See Jaipur aka The Pink City of India!
• 12 Things Perfect For Backpacker To Do in Pushkar, India!
• 6 Of The Best Way’s to See Jodhpur aka The Blue City of India!
• Things To Do in Colaba and How To See Mumbai From Colaba!

If you liked this please share it! 🙂

• Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window)
• Click to share on Twitter (Opens in new window)
• Click to share on Pinterest (Opens in new window)
• Click to email a link to a friend (Opens in new window)

By using this form you agree with the storage and handling of your data by this website. *

Vansh Tiwari

Monday 16th of September 2019

I am very glad that you have covered so much around Dharamshala, McLeodganj and Dharamkot. I had visited macleodganj twice and still I feel that few places have been left. That's crazy, Lower Dharamkot is energetic as compared to Upper Dharamkot. That's what I felt to be honest. Are you currently on a tour to India or anywhere around?

• Work with me
• Privacy policy

• Years in review
• United Kingdom
• Bosnia & Herzegovina
• North Macedonia
• Philippines
• South Korea
• South Africa
• Africa Overlanding
• Central America
• New Zealand
• Solo Travel
• Budget travel
• Travel tips
• Travel itineraries
• Hidden gems
• Bucket list
• Travel resources
• Digital nomadism
• Blogging tips
• Start a travel blog

Complete Dharamshala Travel Guide: Mcleod Ganj & Little Tibet

Table of Contents

This post may contain affiliate links to things like tours, hotels, Amazon associates and products. These help me earn a small commission at no additional charge to you.

Welcome to my Mcleod Ganj and Dharamsala travel guide! It’s been six weeks since my visit and it still seems surreal. Snowy peaks, swooping eagles and Tibetan temples? It’s just not how you picture India , is it? The weeks since have been full of busy cities, scalding desert and equally scalding temperatures. During the rest of my solo trip to India , nothing has been remotely comparable to this misty, mountainous region in the Himalayas.

MCLEOD GANJ ESSENTIALS India Lonely Planet Accommodation: Booking.com / Hostelworld Getting around: bus / train ( 12Go ) Travel insurance:   True Traveller  (European travellers) /   Hey Mundo  (other nationalities) /   Safety Wing  (digital nomads)

Quick background

Dharamsala was a British hill station during the colonial era. Once the British left and it was abandoned, it became occupied by fleeing Tibetans including the Dalai Lama who is now based here. Today, they’re joined by tourists who flock to this popular area, particularly during the summer when apparently it’s packed out.

Dharamsala travel guide

Let’s clear up some confusion. Dharamsala (also spelt Dharamshala) is the name of the region but it’s also the small city at the heart of it. Mcleod Ganj is a town within the Dharamsala region and, in my opinion, the best place to stay. It’s a great place for budget travel in India because you can explore on foot and there are plenty of cheap guesthouses. There are other nearby towns to explore like Dharamkot which you can visit whether you’re based in Dharamsala or Mcleod Ganj. The area of Dharamsala is in the state of Himachal Pradesh, up in the north of India and surrounded by the Himalayas. Along with other towns like Shimla, Dalhousie and Manali, the region experiences freezing winters and pleasant summers. Away from the clamour of India’s cities, it’s one of the top destinations for solo female travellers in India .

Getting to & from Dharamsala

First in my Dharamshala travel guide, how to get here and away… From Amritsar: At the time of writing, two buses run daily between Amristar and Dharamsala, one departing Amristar at 12pm and one at 6.30pm. The windy journey through the mountains dropped me at Dharamsala bus station and I took a taxi up to Mcleod Ganj. Book tickets using 12go . From Dharamsala, I travelled to Rishikesh on a very unpleasant 13-hour night bus through the mountains. Without any trains up in these parts, it was basically the only option. You can also travel directly to and from Delhi . It’s 13 hours by bus, the same as from Rishikesh. Bottom line: Dharamsala isn’t very close to anywhere but it’s worth the journey. Once you’re in the region, you can travel by bus to Manali and Shimla, too.

When to visit Dharamsala

Well, how much do you like the cold?! Winter in Dharamsala is from November to March and temperatures drop below freezing. This is a stunning time to see the snowy mountains if you can handle it. High season is from March to September and this is also the best time for trekking. I visited in late February and it was still really cold. I was actually quite excited to leave for that reason, but it was amazing to see the Himalayas capped in snow . Only a few weeks after I left (March), I heard it started to get much warmer. For daily upcoming weather in Dharamsala , check out Holidify.

Where to stay in Mcleod Ganj

There are options for all budgets in Mcleod Ganj. No doubt there are some fancy ones to be perused on Booking.com but I can only tell you about the two I stayed in:

Ram Yoga House

This gorgeous guesthouse was the dream and perfectly placed to admire the mountains from my balcony. Double ensuite rooms start at 1,000 rupees a night, around £11. The homecooked restaurant food, which you can eat in the rooftop cafe or in your room, is just amazing! The guesthouse a little hard to find so get your taxi driver to call them en route. Book Ram Yoga House here .

Yogis will love Ram due to the daily classes held in the rooftop studio overlooking the mountains. These cost 400 rupees and are led by the in-house teacher. Super idyllic.

Note – Ram Yoga House is really popular and often books up a few weeks in advance. Reserve ahead as it’s totally worth it!

Backpackers Inn

I wanted to stay longer in Mcleod Ganj but Ram Yoga House was full so I headed to Backpackers Inn which is a bargain at 300 rupees a night for the dorm. There are also private rooms from 1,000 rupees. Honestly, while I do recommend this hostel, only go if you are a budget backpacker. The rooms were definitely basic, there was never any loo roll, and the check-in/out process was slow. However, the views over the valley and mountains from the lovely outdoor terrace more than made up for it. The owner, Ganesh, is so lovely and basically waited on me when I was sick. It’s a good place to meet people, plus the location in the centre of town is perfect. The other hostels in Mcleod Ganj including Zostel are quite far away up in Dharamkot. Book Backpackers Inn here .

Things to do in Mcleod Ganj

There aren’t hundreds of things to do in Mcleod Ganj so it’s a great place to relax and recover in the middle of a busy India trip. Hiking and cafe-hopping are both popular so I’ll dedicate a section further down to the best food in Mcleod Ganj (something I’m a bit of an expert on). These are some of the best things to do in Mcleod Ganj:

The Dalai Lama Temple

Also known as the Tsuglagkhang Complex , this little religious site in Mcleod Ganj is worth a visit. It won’t be the most incredible temple you see in India but it’s certainly different; nothing like the Hindu and Sikh temples you find elsewhere. The Dalai Lama set up this temple when he fled Tibet and still visits to give talks. As well as an important pilgrimage site for many, it’s free for tourists to visit. Spin prayer wheels, listen to Tibetan gongs and soak up the mountain views. It’s a peaceful place minus the monkeys that make a racket jumping on the roof. No cameras are allowed inside the main temple but it’s gorgeous with really colourful, unusual artwork on the walls.

See if the Dalia Lama is holding talks

As I mentioned, the temple is still the practising headquarters of the Dalai Lama so you should see if your visit lines up with one of his teachings. I had one booked and missed it due to being sick but I luckily made it to his official ceremony the next day. This is where people come to give offerings and pay their respects while free food and drink are handed out to guests. The teachings are more interesting than the ceremony, however, and get translated by FM radio into a few different languages (obviously you won’t be able to understand the Dalai Lama unless you’re fluent in Tibetan!). Check the dates on the Dalai Lama website .

Bhagsu Falls

For a mini hike in Mcleod Ganj , take a walk over to Bhagsu Falls which is up in the Bhagsu Nag area of town. This takes about 40 minutes to walk to from Mcleod Ganj and you can stop off for coffee and mountain scenery at Open Heart Cafe , a good rest point with lovely views. Bhagsu Falls isn’t the biggest or most amazing waterfall ever, but it’s a nice thing to do in Mcleod Ganj for a dose of fresh mountain air. I befriended some goats, monkeys and selfie-loving locals on the way.

The Tibet Museum

If you don’t know, Tibet was once its own thriving country until China invaded in 1949. Not only do they now occupy the area and call it China, but they were also responsible for the deaths of 1.2 million Tibetans through executions and battle. While some Tibetans escaped to Nepal and India, those who remain face a cultural cleanse: they’re forced to speak Mandarin and learn from Chinese textbooks. Their religion, culture and cuisine are being eradicated and it seems no one wants to help, probably because of the daunting prospect of getting on China’s bad side. Visiting the Tibet Museum is the most important thing to do in Mcleod Ganj. It only takes an hour to walk around and read everything, plus entrance is free. Not only will you understand more about Dharamsala, but you’ll go away able to spread the word about what’s happening in Tibet.

Triund (and other treks)

If you visit Dharamsala in high season and feel energetic, you can experience more of the countryside. The Triund trek is the most popular, taking 3-4 hours and covering 9kms. You could obviously do this independently as a day trip but it might also be fun to do as an overnight camping trip. I saw this offered in Mcleod Ganj by lots of tourism offices.

Book your Triund trek on TripAdvisor

Meditation at Tushita

A peaceful spot in the mountains, Tushita Meditation Centre offers all sorts of retreats, as well as Buddhism and meditation courses. I was interested in the guided meditation drop-in session which runs daily at 9am (apart from Sundays). I was gutted it was closed during my visit as I had been keen to try meditation in the Himalayas. I’d recommend giving the centre a call on 89881 60988 in advance as the website doesn’t always seem to be updated. It’s a 25-minute walk uphill so you wouldn’t want to be turned away.

Bhagsu Naag Temple

If you go to Bhagsu Falls, stop at this temple site on the way. It’s dedicated to Lord Shiva and Nag, the snake god. There’s a swimming pool at the bottom where locals come to wash and pray. Not a place for you to have a dip, sorry!

Tibet World

I didn’t do this myself but I heard people talking about volunteering at Tibet World. It would be great to learn more about Tibet and (I imagine) a rewarding cause to get involved with. It seems you can bring any skills you want, even copywriting, web design or language teaching. Check out the Tibet World website.

Dharamsala Cricket Stadium

Himachal Pradesh Cricket Association Stadium is often voted the most beautiful cricket stadium in the world thanks to its mountain backdrop. I could spy it from my balcony at Ram Yoga House so didn’t bother taking a taxi all the way to Dharamsala. The photos on the Insta tag do look pretty immense, though!

Best food and cafes in Mcleod Ganj

One of the best things to do in Mcleod Ganj is eat! Well, maybe cafe-hop is what I mean. While you can eat loads of tasty Indian food in Mcleod Ganj, you can also get your fill of anything Western and indulgent if you’re in need of a break from curry . It’s also the ideal place to try Tibetan food, so save space for moreish momos and warming noodle soups. Next in my Dharamshala travel guide, the best places to eat and drink in Mcleod Ganj…

Illiterati Cafe

Hands-down the prettiest cafe in Mcleod Ganj, this bookshop and restaurant is every Instagrammers dream. The food is all Western but it’s very well done. If you’re not bothered about ordering food you could at home (though who doesn’t love pancakes?), you could just come for coffee and gaze at the views. There are so many books which you can sit and read so it would be the perfect place for a ‘me’ day.

Jimmy’s Italian Kitchen

Usually Italian food in Asia isn’t amazing but this was very good! The list of ravioli and gnocchi dishes goes on and on, plus there’s a woodfire oven for pizzas. Blackcurrant cheesecake and banoffee pie are on the menu for dessert. Plus, how stunning are these views?

Tibet Kitchen

For Tibetan food in Mcleod Ganj you have no shortage of options but this is renowned as the best. The Tibetan community eat here which means more to me than any TripAdvisor review! Tibet Kitchen is a modest restaurant with a focus on hearty food at reasonable prices. I had the cheese and veg momos which were absolutely divine and a steaming bowl of thukpa noodle soup. Honestly, I didn’t find this overly flavoursome but maybe I’ve been spoiled by too much amazing pho in Vietnam.

Crepe Pancake Hut

The first cafe in Mcleod Ganj I visited was Crepe Pancake Hut . Looking out over the mountains with a Nutella and banana pancake and a honey lemon ginger tea was bliss! I soon found out every other cafe in Mcleod Ganj had comparable views and food but still, this is a lovely spot and never too busy.

Moonpeak Espresso

For the best coffee in Mcleod Ganj, come down to this cosy cafe. I spent a few afternoons working at Moonpeak Espresso as the Wi-Fi was decent. They serve tasty Italian sandwiches and Indian favourites like Thali and curry.

Woeser Bakery

Those with a sweet tooth need to head to Woeser pronto. Aside from the gooey chocolate cake, the best thing about this cafe in Mcleod Ganj is that they make the Dalai Lama’s birthday cake each year. Last year it weighed 33 stone and you can see photos of it on the wall! I want it.

Lung Ta Japanese Restaurant

Since I’ve now told you about pasta, Tibetan food and cake, you’re probably not surprised that there’s Japanese food in multicultural little Mcleod Ganj. This vegetarian restaurant is run by Japanese owners so you can bet it’s authentic. Sushi is served on Tuesdays and Fridays which was initially a disappointment since I visited on a Monday, but I couldn’t complain when I paid only 170 rupees for okonomiyaki and miso soup. At Lung Ta, there are endless bookshelves to browse and an outdoor terrace. It would be a lovely place to spend an afternoon, post-hiking!

Thanks for reading my Dharamshala travel guide!

Check out my other India blogs:

• How much I spent in India
• What to pack for female India travel
• Travel in Rajasthan itinerary
• Solo travel destinations in India
• Tips and advice for travelling alone in India
• The ultimate Jaipur Instagram guide
• What to do in Pushkar
• 3 days in Jaipur: the perfect itinerary
• The best places to eat in Pushkar
• Is Pushkar worth going to?
• Rishikesh travel guide: yoga, nature and the Beatles!
• Where to find the best coffee in Rishikesh
• A guide to visiting Auroville from Pondicherry
• Solo female travel in India: my highlights + lowlights
• Amritsar things to do & travel guide
• Pondicherry travel guide
• Travel tips for Holi festival

See you next time for more adventures,

For more travel content, follow me on Instagram , Facebook , Twitter and YouTube .

Ps. Liked my Dharamshala travel guide? Pin it for later!

VISITING INDIA?  These are my trusted resources: Getting around by air – it’s easy to get between cities by flight. I use Skyscanner and search by whole month to find the best value dates. Buses – buses are comfy and efficient. Use 12Go to book . Trains – these are a good option for long journeys because you have a bed rather than a seat. Use 12Go to book . For hotels , I use Booking.com – they also have self-catering apartments. You can filter by review score and price to find the best-rated budget places. For hostels, I use Hostelworld . Browse tours and activities on GetYourGuide . I also check Viator and Klook in case they have a better price. For food tours with passionate local chefs and foodies, check out EatWith . Pack the latest copy of India Lonely Planet . Need travel insurance ? I use True Traveller (for UK & Europe residents) since it’s affordable but covers everything you’d need including various activities, valuables and pre-existing conditions. Unlike some companies, they insure you if you’re already travelling / don’t yet have your flight home booked. Get a quote . For travel insurance for other nationalities, I recommend Hey Mundo and for long-term digital nomad travellers, I suggest Safety Wing . Check out my resources page for more travel discounts and tips!

Rose is a solo traveller from the UK who has been on the road since 2015. She wants to show other women that solo travel isn't scary and doesn't have to be expensive! Rose has lived in Mexico, Canada and all over Asia, seeking out food, bubble tea and street art wherever she goes!

1 thoughts on “ Complete Dharamshala Travel Guide: Mcleod Ganj & Little Tibet ”

There’s so much more I’d still like to explore in India. The north of the country is definitely part of my wishlist! 🙂

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

You can see how this popup was set up in our step-by-step guide: https://wppopupmaker.com/guides/auto-opening-announcement-popups/

McLeod Ganj, India: Guide to Upper Dharamsala

Home of the Tibetans in Exile

Antoine BOUREAU / Getty Images

Located in the Himachal Pradesh region of India, McLeod Ganj is home to the Dalai Lama, the Tibetan government in exile, and thousands of Tibetan refugees.

When most travelers say "Dharamsala" or "Daramshala," they are probably referring to the touristy suburb of Upper Dharamsala, better known as McLeod Ganj. Few actually go down the valley to the city of Dharamsala itself. "Little Lhasa," as McLeod Ganj is sometimes called, attracts a torrent of travelers who come to learn about Tibetan culture and attend spiritual retreats near the Himalayas.

Set into the hillsides of the green Kangra Valley, Mcleod Ganj is one of the most popular destinations in Himachal Pradesh and certainly has a different vibe than the rest of India.

How to Get to McLeod Ganj

Both for budget reasons and convenience, most travelers arrive in McLeod Ganj by bus. Numerous tourist buses run travelers between McLeod Ganj, Delhi, and other popular stops in North India such as Manali . The nearest airport is in Gaggal (airport code: DHM), around 45 minutes by taxi from McLeod Ganj.

The bus journey to McLeod Ganj isn't especially comfortable. The elevation and winding, mountainous roads require some patience. Plan on at least 10 hours from New Delhi; at least 13 hours if traveling by night bus .

Orientation

Most tourist buses arrive just below the main square in the northern part of McLeod Ganj. You'll need to walk 200 meters up a hill to the main part of town. Two roads, Jogiwara (also spelled Jogibara) Road and Temple Road, lead south from the small main square and form a ring. At the end of Temple Road is the Tsuglagkhang Complex — home of the 14th Dalai Lama and the most popular attraction in town.

Bhagsu Road leads east out of the main square and is lined with numerous mid-range guesthouses and cafes catering to travelers. A small path branches off of Jogiwara Road to the east; the steep set of stairs by Yongling School leads to a lower section of McLeod Ganj where you will find additional budget guesthouses.

All of McLeod Ganj can be covered on foot, although there are plenty of taxis and rickshaws in the main square when you're ready to visit neighboring villages or attractions.

What to Expect

McLeod Ganj itself is compact; it can be walked from end to end in around only 15 minutes. As home to the 14th Dalai Lama and home-in-exile to a large Tibetan community, you'll see plenty of Tibetan refugees and maroon-robed monks chatting as they walk the streets.

Don't expect a tranquil mountain town blessed by Tibetan Buddhism as many travelers do or you'll wind up disappointed! Although the air is much cleaner than that in Delhi, horn-blasting traffic continuously clogs the narrow, rubbish-strewn streets. You'll also encounter plenty of stray dogs, wandering cows, beggars, and a handful of scammers who prey on tourists .

Restaurants serve steaming momos ; temples offer workshops and classes; Tibetan culture is apparent everywhere in McLeod Ganj. The opportunity to learn about Tibetan Buddhism and the plight of Tibet is everywhere.

Finding Things to Do in McLeod Ganj

Numerous cafes offer opportunities for warming drinks and enlightening conversation. Begin your visit by grabbing a free copy of Contact magazine — available in the Tibet Museum — or check their website for events and happenings. You'll find talks, workshops, and documentaries about Tibet.

McLeod Ganj is a popular destination for people who want to study Buddhism, holistic therapies such as massage, and participate in meditation retreats. The best way to interact with the local Tibetan community is by taking advantage of the numerous volunteer opportunities, even if it's only spending an afternoon to help Tibetan refugees practice their English.

The Tibet Museum at the southern end of town screens excellent documentaries and is a good place for learning about what's going on in town.

Accommodation

Fortunately, you won't find many high-rise hotels around Mcleod Ganj. But you will find an abundance of smaller guesthouses in all price ranges. These family-run places vary from the scary and grungy to cute and comfy.

All rooms include a personal hot water heater that must be switched on in advance. Most rooms are not heated , but some places offer personal heaters for an additional charge. Nicer rooms include a balcony with a view of the valley. Cheaper options may not even include bedsheets or towels!

There are several midrange guesthouses along Bhagsu Road just off the main square. For cheaper and long-term stay options, consider walking down the stairs below Yongling School on Jogiwara Road to the numerous budget guesthouses. Another option is staying in the quieter village of Dharamkot, a steep, one-kilometer walk from the main square.

Always ask to see a room first; many places smell moldy because of the persistent dampness of the valley. Stay away from rooms facing the main street; horns blare even in the night.

With plenty of Western travelers visiting McLeod Ganj, you'll never run out of budget and midrange restaurants around town. Indian, Tibetan, and Western food (especially pizza) is the norm.

Vegetarian fare is pretty well the rule rather than the exception, although a handful of rogue eateries cook chicken and mutton. Many restaurants have outside areas or rooftops with a mountain view; a majority advertise Wi-Fi which may or may not be working.

McLeod Ganj is a great place to give Tibetan food a try, particularly momo (dumplings), Tingmo (steamed bread), and a bowl of warming Thukpa (noodle soup). Excellent herbal teas are available everywhere as is chai.

When you grow tired of Indian and Tibetan food:

• Lung Ta: This nonprofit Japanese restaurant has a daily set menu; the vegetarian sushi days are the most popular. All proceeds support the Gu-Chu-Sum Movement of Tibet, an organization that helps political prisoners from Tibet.
• Seven Hills of Dokkaebi: An authentic Korean restaurant with fireplace, great food, large library, and classy music. The large pots of Korean teas are a great deal.
• McLlo Restaurant: Impossible to miss in the main square of town, this towering tourist restaurant isn't the cheapest but has the thickest menu in town. Uniformed staff deliver mountain trout and international fare that you can't find elsewhere.

Although places that attract a lot of backpackers tend to have plenty of nightlife, don't expect much in McLeod Ganj.

In fact, the town practically shuts down around 10 p.m. You'll find the two best choices on rooftops in the main square. X-Cite, despite being dark and intimidating, is a large discotheque open late. McLlo Restaurant, one of the busiest tourist restaurants in town, has a pleasant rooftop bar.

While smoking is usually tolerated inside the rooftop bars, you can be fined for smoking on the street. Don't do it!

The Weather in McLeod Ganj

Despite being in the foothills of the Himalayas, McLeod Ganj is only at an elevation of 5,741 feet (1,750 meters). The elevation isn't drastic, especially when compared to destinations such as Leh, however, nights are cooler than you would expect. They feel even cooler after sweating in other parts of India.

With temperatures in the upper 80s, sunny summer days can be scorching. Things cool drastically in the evening. You'll need warm clothes and a jacket in the spring, fall, and winter months; numerous shops around town sell warm clothing and fake jackets simulating very recognizable outdoor brands.

The rainiest months in McLeod Ganj are July, August, and September.

Tips and Considerations for McLeod Ganj

• Power cuts are a common occurrence; carry a flashlight with you and be careful about charging electronic devices unattended . Generator starts can damage them. If the lights begin doing funny things, unplug!
• Many cafes and hotels advertise free Wi-Fi, however, speeds can be painfully slow depending on time of day and the weather. Be mindful about using shared computers to handle personal business.
• Jackets and outdoor gear aren't the only fakes found in shops. Counterfeited Western-brand cigarettes are a thing as are water bottles refilled with unsafe water. Always check the seal before paying.
• The valley stays green for a reason: McLeod Ganj gets a lot of rain! An umbrella and rain gear are excellent investments; they're for sale everywhere. Although mornings are usually clear, keep in mind that weather changes very quickly in the valley. Be prepared when hiking to neighboring villages.
• Rubbish and plastic bottles are piled high in McLeod Ganj. Take advantage of the water-refill stations in restaurants and guesthouses. You can refill bottles at Nick's Italian Kitchen and the Green Restaurant on Bhagsu road.

10 Things to Do in McLeod Ganj

10 Mindblowing Buddhist Monasteries in India

Tsuglagkhang

15 Ways and Places to Experience Rural India

12 Top Himachal Pradesh Tourist Places to Visit

Your Ultimate Trip to India: The Complete Guide

Travel Guide to Manali, India

The Complete Guide to Dharamshala, India

How to Go Teahouse Trekking in Nepal

16 Best Tourist Destinations in India

Guide to the Best Budget Hotels in India

The Ultimate Travel Planner for Visiting the Spiti Valley

India Travel: Issues to Know at Top Tourist Places

12 Diverse Ways and Places to Celebrate Diwali in India

20 Top Things to Do in Diverse India

12 Major Mountain Ranges in India

A Little Lhasa… 20 Things to Do in the Tibetan Town of McLeodganj, India

Last updated on August 20, 2023 by Shannon

The bus skirted the mountainside as my cousin and I traveled toward Dharamsala, India. In my many weeks backpacking through India, this past week had begun the tour of subgroups and other cultures strongly present within India.

En route to visit Dharamsala—or, more accurately the small town of McLeodganj—I stopped for several nights in Amritsar to learn more about the Sikh religion, and to visit the holy Golden Temple . Amritsar is a crowded, congested city and after sitting on the shores of the Temple’s lake, I boarded a bus that would take me further into the Himalayan foothills, and into yet another culture.

Although it’s still technically India, McLeodganj is better known as “Little Lhasa” since it’s the seat of power for the exiled Tibetan government. To walk the streets of this small mountain town is like an exit from India.

Although there are some ethnic Indians in the city, the bulk of the town is composed of Tibetan refugees. And, the His Holiness the Dalai Lama calls McLeodganj home.

Table of Contents

History of McLeodganj

McLeodganj is a hill town located in the Kangra district of the Indian state of Himachal Pradesh. It is known for its Tibetan culture and beautiful monasteries. The history of McLeodganj is closely linked to the history of Tibet.

After the Chinese invasion of Tibet in 1959, the Dalai Lama fled to India and settled in McLeodganj, which became the center of the Tibetan exile community in India. Many Tibetans followed the Dalai Lama to India and settled in McLeodganj, bringing with them their culture and traditions.

The town was named after David McLeod, the British Lieutenant Governor of Punjab, who founded the town in the 19th century. It was originally a small hill station that was popular with British officials and tourists.

In the early 20th century, McLeodganj became a center for Tibetan Buddhism and was home to many Tibetan monasteries and temples. The Dalai Lama’s residence, the Tsuglagkhang Temple, is located in McLeodganj and is a popular tourist attraction.

Quick Break: Realities of Traveling in India

Having spent more than a month in Rajasthan, an intensely populated area bustling with tourists and touts and people. This time in India’s far north was a chance to take a step back from the pace of my previous travels.

Arriving in McLeodganj was a sanctuary from the sensory assault of the past weeks. The weather was cooler, the mountains misted in the mornings, and the tall peaks blotted out the sun early in the day.

With a gorgeous guesthouse secured (we stayed at a great budget spot  the first few nights but then moved nicer when we got sick), my cousin and I decided to camp out in McLeodganj for a week.

I had high hopes that this base would afford me the chance to hike in the mountains around the city. Unfortunately, traveler’s sickness final struck, and it alternated its victim.

My cousin and I had done well for five weeks—we avoided even the whiff of sick. But the traveler’s adage proved true—it’s not a matter of if you’re going to get sick in the country, but rather when.  

I had traveled with a SteriPen for the past weeks in India. This little device was very handy. It saved us money and it also eliminated the assault on the environment that comes from mass consumption of bottled water in a country that has no effective waste management system.

The SteriPen never failed us, but instead we were felled by the street dumplings we had craved on arrival. I deeply love Tibetan momos and the chance to eat them all day from every location seemed fortunate. But instead, those dumplings shaved several days from our time in Dharamsala.

Traveling in developing countries has challenges, and now that I am many months into traveling through Asia—first Southeast Asia and now India —I am weary of hugging more toilets. I am also not a huge fan of mega dosing on antibiotics, but it’s a given for long-term travel.

Even though I had a huge course of antibiotics to overcome dysentery in Laos , I needed another course for this bout of traveler’s diarrhea. I am stepping up my caution once again. When so many weeks pass, it’s easy to let my guard down and crave fresh fruits even if I have a niggling doubt that they’ve been sterilized.

Best Things to Do in McLeodganj

Anyhow, that took me down for the count for part of my time in McLeodganj. But as for actually visiting the area in and around Dharamsala—there’s a lot to offer! The main activities center on either the Tibetan aspects of the down or the hiking. My cousin and I both took this time to learn more about the situation in Tibet. Knowing only the basics about the conflict between the Tibetans and the Chinese, learning the scope of the was sobering.

1. Visit the Tibetan Museum in McLeodganj

The Tibetan museum is a basic building and exhibits center on rooms full of pictures that tell stories about the many the Tibetan refugees crossing through the snowy mountains to find freedom. It’s harrowing, they faced frostbite, lack of food, and general poverty in their quest to live and find freedom. Once in India, the refugees struggle to rebuild their lives with the support of the Tibetan government in exile.

2. Visit the Dalai Lama Temple

The Dalai Lama Temple, also known as Tsuglagkhang, is a popular attraction in McLeodganj. It is a beautiful Tibetan Buddhist temple that is open to visitors and offers prayer sessions and teachings by the Tibetan monks. The temple complex also includes the residence of the Dalai Lama, the Namgyal Monastery, and the Tibetan Library. Visitors can also attend teachings and lectures by the Dalai Lama, when he’s well and in residence.

3. Don’t Miss Clapping Monks at the Tibetan Monastery

Near the museum is a large monastery where the Tibetan monks live. Visiting the monastery was a fantastic experience and a real highlight from my time in the city. The older monks were using the open grounds of the monastery to prepare for their final debates.

If you have ever seen a roomful of monks debate, it’s not something you are likely to forget! The debating style is unique. They emphatically argue their points to the other person, then make a large slapping/clapping motion at the end to both emphasize the point and throw the focus to the next person. I wrote a bit more on that here .

It was neat to hang out in the courtyard and observe the process. It’s an open and welcoming place, so there was no pressure to do anything other than enjoy and ask the occasional question when I found an English speaker.

The Dalai Lama wasn’t feel well during my visit, so I wasn’t able to see him speak in person. The week before I arrived, the Tibetans rallied against 50 years in exile (it’s now been over 60 years). Although the event had passed, the general tone of amplifying their message and sharing their struggles was ever-present. Tibetans are a peaceful people, but they wanted to let the world know and remember their struggles and displacement.

4. Hunt Down Tasty Momos and Salted Butter Tea

One of my favorite new finds is a tasty is a salted butter tea. Well, that and the Tibetan brown bread. Oh, and the momos, of course. In fact, all of the Tibetan food was delicious and contained a complexity of flavor within seemingly simple dishes.

McLeodganj is small too, so no matter which guesthouse you choose, you can visit any of the restaurants on an easy walk. For the first few days, my cousin and I made a point to try a new lunch and dinner spot each day—that was essentially enough time to try them all!

Once we had a few stand-out favorites, we spent the rest of the time popping around to each place, chatting with the owners, and downing delicious Tibetan eats.

With so many tasty options, we ate very well. Before a hike, my cousin and I usually packed some brown bread and snacks and hiked around the outskirts of town and into the nearby mountain towns.

4. Stop for a Photo Shoot at the Bhagsunag Waterfall

The Tibetan community is slower paced than the rest of India, but it’s still India. On one of our hikes my cousin and I found ourselves back in the spotlight with the locals. We hiked to the small but pretty Bhagsu Waterfall outside of town and found ourselves a delightful novelty to the Indians also hiking to the waterfall.

I had a mini photoshoot with a few hikers, and then laughed my way away from their group.

After the first impromptu photoshoot, I was still surprised when I was accosted for a second photoshoot with a large and boisterous family. There must have been 12 members of the family. They swarmed us, but in a much more fun and interactive way than the slow stalking at Gandhi’s Ashram when I had first arrived.

Once my cousin and I agreed to take a picture with family’s children, the mother of the group decided to gather the whole family together. It was so funny. They all jostled us around so that they could be touching some part of us during the  picture.

After they snapped a photo on one camera, the mother would grab our arms in a death grip to hold us in place. She wanted to ensure that we didn’t flee before we had posed for a full lineup of photo in various arrangements.

The family gave us a good laugh, they were genuine and friendly, but they would have never let us leave, so we did a walking backwards departure after ten minutes. There were lots of hugs, smiles, and waves until we rounded the bend and my cousin and I fast-walked out of there!

5. Explore the Bhagsunag Temple

The Bhagsunag Temple is an ancient Shiva temple located in the Bhagsunag village, just a short distance from McLeodganj. The waterfall mentioned above surrounds it and the entire area is a great place to relax and meditate.

The temple is located in a beautiful setting and is a popular spot for picnics and outdoor activities. I had a mini photoshoot with a few hikers, and then laughed my way away from their group.

6. Learn Tibetan Cooking

With a good amount of time on our hands in McLeodganj, we signed up for a cooking class. I have eaten my weight in Tibetan momos these past weeks in India’s north, so I decided to learn the process with a hope that I can make them myself when I’m back home and longing for the flavors.

The class was simple and a fun way to pass the afternoon. Sanji Tashee taught two classes each day with several different lessons. Now, there is a great vegetarian cooking class on offer at Lhamo’s Kitchen that comes highly recommended.

For my class, of course I only had eyes for the class that took me through the momo process from start to finish. Traditional vegetarian momos have just a handful of flavor combinations. There are: spinach and cheese; cabbage, onions and veggies; mixed vegetables.

The real treat turned out to be my favorite of the three—a chocolate momo! This is definitely  not  a traditional Tibetan momo, but Tashee knew his audience well. He won my undying affection with the delicious combination of cocoa, sugar, and sesame seeds all steamed in a dumpling shell. Unbelievably good.

And one of the coolest parts was learning how to roll out the momos, stuff them, and then how to fold them into pretty little dumpling shapes.  Between the Laotian cooking class and now with the Tibetan momos, friends and family back home can expect a special international cuisine night when I get home.

7. Visit the Norbulingka Institute

The Norbulingka Institute is a Tibetan cultural center located in McLeodganj. It is a great place to learn about Tibetan culture and see Tibetan artisans at work. The institute is home to a beautiful Tibetan garden and offers classes in Tibetan art and culture. Visitors can also watch Tibetan artisans at work and purchase handmade Tibetan items.

8. Visit the St. John in the Wilderness Church

The St. John in the Wilderness Church is a beautiful Anglican church located in McLeodganj. It is a popular tourist attraction and is known for its beautiful architecture. The church was built in the 19th century and is surrounded by beautiful gardens.

9. Visit the Triund Hill

Triund Hill is a popular trekking destination located just a few kilometers from McLeodganj. The trek to Triund Hill offers stunning views of the Himalayas and is a great place for nature lovers. The trek is not too difficult and can be completed in a day—you’ll need a full day though.. There are also several guesthouses and campsites at the top of the hill where visitors can spend the night.

10. Relax at Dal Lake

Dal Lake is a beautiful lake located just a few kilometers from McLeodganj. It’s a great place to relax and enjoy the natural beauty of the region. The lake is surrounded by forests and is a popular spot for picnics and outdoor activities.

You can take a walk around the lake, go boating, or just sit by the lake and enjoy the peaceful surroundings. It’s also a great place for birdwatching, as it is home to a variety of bird species. Dal lake is accessible by road and is popular with both tourists and locals alike.

11. Go paragliding

Paragliding is a popular activity in McLeodganj, and it offers stunning views of the Himalayas. There are several operators offering paragliding tours in the region. The tours usually include a brief training session and a guided flight with an experienced instructor.

12. Shop at the Tibetan Market

The Tibetan Market in McLeodganj is a great place to shop for souvenirs and Tibetan handicrafts. It is also a good place to try some Tibetan food and watch local artisans at work. The market is filled with stalls selling handmade Tibetan items such as prayer flags, Thangka paintings, and Buddhist statues.

13. Take a yoga class

McLeodganj is a great place to practice yoga and there are several studios and instructors offering classes in the region. The town is known for its peaceful atmosphere and is a popular destination for yoga retreats and teacher training programs.

14. Visit the Kangra Fort

The Kangra Fort is a historic fort located just a short distance from McLeodganj. It is a great place to learn about the history of the region and see some beautiful architecture. The fort was built in the 4th century and has a long and interesting history. It is now a popular tourist attraction and offers beautiful views

15. Plan a Proper Long Trek

In addition to the Triund Trek mentioned, plan some proper hiking in these gorgeous mountains. These are the most popular treks near McLeod Ganj.

The Kareri Lake Trek : The Kareri Lake Trek is a beautiful trek that takes you through the forests and meadows of the Dhauladhar range. The trek starts from McLeodganj and takes you to the Kareri Lake, which is a beautiful high altitude lake surrounded by snow-capped peaks. The trek is moderate in difficulty and takes about 3-4 days to complete.

The Minkiani Pass Trek : The Minkiani Pass Trek is a challenging trek that takes you through the Dhauladhar range and over the Minkiani Pass, which offers stunning views of the Himalayas. The trek starts from McLeodganj and takes about 8-9 days to complete. It is suitable for experienced hikers and requires good physical fitness.

The Bhrigu Lake Trek : The Bhrigu Lake Trek is a beautiful trek that takes you through the forests and meadows of the Dhauladhar range to the Bhrigu Lake, which is a high altitude lake located at an altitude of 4,300 meters. The trek starts from McLeodganj and takes about 4-5 days to complete. It is suitable for moderate to experienced hikers.

The Hampta Pass Trek : The Hampta Pass Trek is a beautiful trek that takes you through the forests and meadows of the Pir Panjal range and over the Hampta Pass, which offers stunning views of the Himalayas. The trek starts from McLeodganj and takes about 5-6 days to complete. It is suitable for moderate to experienced hikers.

16. Enjoy the Relaxed Pace of Life

Take time to sit and drink tea at the tiny coffee shops. Browse for Tibetan handicrafts as souvenirs in the shops and street side stalls. Accept a cuppa chai tea when you’re invited. Bundle up and go stargaze in the evening.

In short, McLeodganj is not the place to stick to a frenetic pace of life. The Tibetan community brings a calming influence to the city, and a spiritual one too. Many foreigners take classes in yoga and meditation nearby.

Others are there for the same reasons I found myself enjoying McLeodganj—simply to enjoy the pace of life.

It’s a pretty little city, and one unlike anywhere else in India. Nestled in the foothills of the Himalayas, surrounded by beautiful forests, mountains, and valleys. There is just no shortage of things to do no matter what type of traveler you are.

Quick Travel Tips: McLeod Ganj

McLeodganj is a hill town and can be quite cold, especially in the winter months. It is a good idea to pack warm clothing and comfortable walking shoes. However, it is also important to pack light as you will be carrying your luggage up and down the hills.

Stay hydrated

The weather in McLeodganj can be quite dry, and it is important to stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water. It is a good idea to carry a reusable water bottle with you at all times so you can fill up at guesthouses (or buy a big jug and fill up from it to save plastic).

Respect the culture

McLeodganj is home to a Tibetan exile community and it is important to respect their culture and traditions. It is a good idea to dress modestly and remove your shoes before entering temples and monasteries.

Be prepared for high altitudes

McLeodganj is located at a high altitude and some people may experience altitude sickness. It is a good idea to acclimatize to the altitude before engaging in any strenuous activities.

McLeodganj is generally a safe place to visit, but it is always a good idea to take precautions and stay aware of your surroundings. Avoid walking alone at night and be careful when carrying valuables.

Essential Travel Planning Resources

❗ Yes, you need travel insurance . IMG Global is the travel insurance I’ve used for well over a decade of traveling solo, and with kids. Here’s why .

🧳 Smart packing can save your trip. Shop my favorite travel gear , including all of the packing essentials for world travel , gear to keep you safe on the road, my favorite travel books , and more.

🛏️ Find great accommodation . Booking.com is essentially the only hotel booking site that I use. It has a wide and affordable selection of traditional hotels, but also hostels and vacation rentals, too. Use these pro tips to find the best travel accommodation .

📍 Navigate more effectively. Rome2Rio is super handy to assess the full range of transport options between two cities—shows everything from flights to trains, buses, minibuses, and more. If you’re booking a rental car, I’ve always found the best deals on RentalCars.com .

✈️ Book affordable flights. Expedia is one of the first places I look for low-cost flights .

☕ Peruse all of my tips for round the world travel , or learn how to move and live abroad .

What am I reading right now? : The Inheritance of Loss by Kiran Desai

3 thoughts on “A Little Lhasa… 20 Things to Do in the Tibetan Town of McLeodganj, India”

Dharamshala is One of the best place to hangout in Himachal! Love it.

What great photos. I love hearing about your travels Shannon, you tell it straight like no one else :)

Mmmm I am looking forward to you making me some of that when you get home :)

Leave a Comment Cancel reply

• Group Tours Calendar
• Planning, Sightseeing & Routes
• Preparing for Ladakh Trip
• Stay, Eat, Permits & Others
• Taxis, Self-Drives & Bike Rentals
• Public Transport & Budget Travel
• Preparing for Spiti Valley Trip

Dharamshala & McLeod Ganj – A Complete Travel Guide for Tourists

Are you planning a trip to Dharamshala & McLeod Ganj and confused on how for the journey? Well, this comprehensive travel guide of Dharamshala and Mcleodganj for backpackers & trekkers will answer all your questions.

The first thought that comes to mind while seeing the majestic Dhauladhars for the first time could well be ‘ if these are the foothills of the Himalayas, how enormous the actual Himalayas would be ’! Dhauladhar mountain range situated in the Kangra district of Himachal Pradesh is pristine, snow-clad (most time of the year) and full of beautiful treks .

Let us look at this detailed travel guide of Dharamshala and Mcleodganj for tourists, backpackers, and trekkers in this article.

Download your FREE high-resolution version pdf copy of this detailed travel guide of Dharamshala & Mcleodganj infographic guide. If, you liked it and found it helpful, please feel free to share it with your family and friends to help them too.

Let's quickly dive into the details:

About Dharamshala & Mcleodganj

The most famous hill town in these mountains is Dharamshala , which shot to fame when His Holiness the present Dalai Lama established Tibetan government-in-exile here. One of its suburbs, the upper Dharamshala (McLeod Ganj ), became a paradise for foreign and Indian travelers. People who wanted to experience Tibetan culture, enjoy a melange of cuisines from Indian to Tibetan, Israeli to Italian, meet the Dalai Lama , learn meditation or yoga, and escape from the mundane city life.

Even today, Dharamshala and its surrounding villages, McLeod Ganj, Dharamkot, Naddi, and Palampur, are full of foreign travelers and dignitaries. They include folks concerning business with the Tibetan government or tourists that come here for pleasure. However, like any other touristy place, this one also gets a lot of tourist footfall, which has led to an increase in vehicular traffic and urbanization.

So, if you are visiting Dharamshala to escape the city crowd, you might be disappointed, especially over a long weekend! But peace and tranquility still prevail here amongst the numerous monasteries, eating joints, trails, and beautiful sunsets.

We will explore more of this interesting hill town in this article which I will call as a comprehensive travel guide for visiting Dharamshala and McLeod Ganj.

Location & Weather

Located at higher altitudes of Kangra district in Himachal Pradesh, Dharamshala has a cool climate most of the year. Though summers, especially the month of June, can get hot here with the temperature soaring as high as 40-degree Celsius.

However, monsoon in July brings immediate respite from the heat and keeps the region wet till mid-September. Dharamshala is one of the wettest places in Himachal. Dharamshala city has an average elevation of around 5500 feet while the altitude of McLeod Ganj is 7800 feet above sea level.

October onwards it starts getting chilly and winter is at peak during December and early January with the city witnessing the good amount of snowfall in the upper reaches (McLeod Ganj, Naddi, and Bhagsu). Amongst Dharamshala’s suburbs, McLeod Ganj is most p by travelers. The little town is nicknamed mini Lhasa or ‘Dhasa’ (mix of Dharamshala and Lhasa) by Tibetans.

Trip Suggestion : If you love hiking and trekking, then you must also check out The Trek to Gaumukh – A Step by Step Guide

Best Season to visit Dharamshala & McLeod Ganj

Dharamsala can be visited throughout the year, and roads are accessible during all seasons. However, the safe and best time to visit Mcleodganj or Dharamshala is from March to May. It will help you avoid the scorching summer heat. Otherwise, October to December is also a good time to visit Dharamshala if you want to avoid chilly winters. Snowfall can be best enjoyed during January , and if you are lucky, you can get to see it in late December too.

February remains chilly as well, but spring onsets during March and make the weather pleasant. In my personal experience traveling there during October – November gives you the best of both worlds. The hills are fresh green after the monsoon, but the snow hasn’t set in yet. It is cold but not too chilly, just the perfect weather to trek around and explore the place.

How to Reach Dharamshala & McLeod Ganj from Delhi

I have written about Dharamshala’s connectivity to Delhi and the rest of India in my previous article on monasteries in Dharamshala . Here I will elaborate on the details. The city has developed a lot in the past few years, and last year it was chosen as the second capital of Himachal Pradesh.

It has also been listed under PM’s smart cities program. As I mentioned before, Dharamshala is well connected by road, air, and train to Delhi and other major cities like Hyderabad, Mumbai, and Jaipur.

Plenty of private bus services operate from Delhi to Dharamshala, Punjab, and many cities of Himachal too. Even HRTC and HPTDC buses are available for traveling from Delhi to Mcleodganj. From Delhi, most operators run Volvos providing a comfortable night journey to Dharamshala. There are multiple pick-up points for these buses in Delhi, including Ramakrishna Ashram Marg, Majnu ka Tila, and ISBT.

Though these operators provide blanket and water during the journey. I would advise you to carry an extra cover for yourself, especially if you are traveling during winter. Mostly, these journeys are safe even for solo women travelers. I have traveled on these buses many times with my female friends and alone too.

Travel time could be anything between 10 to 13 hrs depending on road and weather conditions. Of course, you can always hire a taxi or do a self-drive trip to Dharamshala from Delhi.

The nearest train station from Dharamshala is Pathankot (85 km away). Taxis are easily available at the station to travel further, or you can pre-book a taxi too. You can also take a bus from Pathankot to reach Dharamshala. Both state transport and private buses operate on this route.

Pathankot to Dharamshala drive duration is approximately 3 hours. The overnight train journey from Delhi is a comfortable option; there are multiple trains available from Delhi that halt at Pathankot. Those fascinated by the narrow gauge trains (toy trains) can also take the toy train from Pathankot to Kangra. Six different toy trains run from Pathankot to Baijnath / Joginder Nagar that stop at Kangra. Cabs and buses regularly ply from Kangra to reach Dharamshala.

I recently traveled by Jhelum express, which started the journey around 9 pm from Delhi and reached Pathankot at 7:00 in the morning. As I was traveling with family (kids), we needed to break our journey for some refreshments while driving down to Dharamshala.

There is a decent hotel in Nurpur, Jyoti Hotel & Restaurant. It is almost 30 minutes (13 km) away from Pathankot station. Jyoti Hotel offers a clean and comfortable garden seating area, restaurant, and washrooms to travelers. The staff was good, and they even cooked customized meals for small kids. It is a good place for families to freshen up and even stay for a night if necessary, their rooms are clean and affordable.

Kangra airport located at Gaggal is 13 km away from Dharamshala and about 15 km from McLeod Ganj. A flight from Delhi takes a little over an hour to reach here. Besides, Delhi, the Dharamshala airport is connected to other cities like Mumbai, Kolkata, Pune, Jaipur, and Hyderabad.

It is a domestic airport and most international flyers reach here via Delhi. Air India and SpiceJet run most flights in Dharamshala, and the last flight leaves the city around 5 pm for Delhi.

You can easily hire a taxi from the airport to reach the main city. If you are traveling from cities other than Delhi, then you can fly to Chandigarh (244 km away) and then take a taxi or bus from there. Delhi to Amritsar is a comparatively reasonable flight route, Amritsar is 200 km away from Dharamshala and distance can be conveniently covered by a taxi or bus. Alternately, one could also fly into Jammu, which is around 230 km away.

How to Get Around Dharamshala & McLeod Ganj

Dharamshala and its suburbs – McLeod Ganj, Bhagsu, and Naddi are all beautiful hilly places that can you can easily walk around if one chooses to. However, there are plenty of transport options available in the city including taxis, public & private buses and auto-rickshaws.

Dheeraj Sharma

Private and Public Buses

These buses touch almost all major destinations in and around Dharamshala. They are the most economical option to travel around and are easily available but more time-consuming. Besides waiting for the buses (almost half an hour), you lose time while they make multiple stops to drop off and pick up passengers. You can hop on a bus at the Dharamshala bus stand or any of the bus-stops around. Fares range between 10-30 INR.

Auto-rickshaws

These are accessible for local sightseeing with fixed rates for a particular number of sights. They follow tariffs fixed by their union which can be anything between 100 to 500 depending on the number of places you want to visit.

Taxis in Dharamshala

Private taxis are a convenient way of intracity travel in Dharamshala. Similar to auto-rickshaws, taxis also have fixed rates for sightseeing and most-frequented destinations in and around the city. The government approved taxi-union is located near Kotwali Bazaar in Dharamshala, you may hire taxis from here.

You can find many taxis near McLeod Ganj market or down at Dharamshala. You may view and pre-book a sightseeing package at the taxi union’s website, Dharamshala taxi union. You can also get connected directly to some of these taxi drivers in Himachal Pradesh . These drivers can also come and pick you up from Manali / Shimla / Delhi / Chandigarh too, of course with a price of a pick-up as well.

You should always carry your water bottle and refill it as many times as you need water. It will not only keep you hydrated always, but you will also help in saving the Himalayas from plastic garbage. Remember, every tiny step counts and your step in this direction can help save the Himalayas too !! 🙂 🙂

Food options at Dharamshala & McLeod Ganj

Dharamshala’s food culture is an amalgamation of Himachali, Punjabi, Tibetan , Italian, and Israeli cuisines. In lower reaches of the city, you will mostly find Indian and Tibetan food, while the higher you move (McLeod Ganj and Dharamkot) you will see more variety of Italian, Israeli, European, American and even Japanese food joints.

Because of the high number of foreign travelers visiting the city, the quality of global cuisines is pretty good here. Some of these travelers have started living here and opened their restaurants. I will elaborate more on Dharamshala’s food culture and restaurants in my upcoming article. But, here is a snapshot of what all dishes you should try there:

Tibetan Food

This is one place in India where you can get authentic Tibetan food cooked by the Tibetan people in a rustic way, devoid of too many spices. Food in this region is unlike the Indian version that’s usually available in Delhi or other cities in India. If you are looking for more than Thupka and Momos in Tibetan food, then you must try Kailash restaurant. You can find it on the temple road in McLeod Ganj.

This eatery is pretty famous amongst the local Tibetan population, and a lot of them are likely to recommend this place for the taste of authentic Tibetan food. It offers a good view and a rooftop seating with decent service and tasty food. For starters, you should try Gyuma, a local dish, especially to go along with some beer or fruit wine (if you order). They also offer a variety of Tibetan bread and teas, which are a delight to sample.

When in McLeod Ganj, one must taste mutton momos and Thupka at several places. Don’t forget to try Tibetan street food – visit Sheila Chowk in Dharamshala for mutton momos. A street vendor there sells delicious momos.

Italian Food

While Jimmy’s Italian is locals’ favorite, it is popular amongst tourists too. You get extremely delicious and well served Italian food up in Dharamkot at Trek & Dine. However, if you are craving Pizza, head to Namgyal cafe in McLeod Ganj without a doubt in your head (don’t forget to choose to sit on their terrace).

Himachali and Punjabi Food

When in Himachal, taste one of their famous street foods – Bun Chhole. You can find it at street vendors dotted along Himachal, including Dharamshala, and also try the juice of locally grown Keenu. You can start seeing Keenu juice vendors while driving down from Pathankot to Dharamshala (it has to be in season through – spring or late winter).

While you can get Indian/Punjabi food at most of the places in the city, I would suggest trying some dishes at Mcllo restaurant. It is the most famous restaurant in town, mainly because of its location and ambiance. Situated right at the McLeod Ganj market square, it is the biggest four-story place with a rooftop. Travelers come here mostly to enjoy alcoholic drinks and beer.

Israeli Food

Dharamkot and Bhagsu are dotted with numerous cafes and bakery serving global cuisines. I discovered a little gem of a place during my recent visit to Dharamkot earlier this year – Trek & Dine. A hillside cafe with a laid-back setting serving the most delicious food I have had in Dharamshala. From Hummus, Pita, and Falafel to Ziva, you will get all delicious Israeli dishes at this restaurant. There are many other cafes in Dharamkot serving Israeli cuisine, so explore!

Some of the good restaurants you should try are Hummingbird, Moon peak cafe, Illiterati, Woeser bakery, Snow Lion, Morgan’s place. Further details in my upcoming article on ‘ Food culture in McLeod Ganj ’.

Shopping options at Dharamshala & McLeod Ganj

There are numerous shops and sellers in Dharamshala selling everything from Tibetan handicrafts to apparel. I brought home some Tibetan crockery and clothes from the main McLeod Ganj market. Here are some suggested places to shop from:

Norbulingka Shop

Norbulingka institute has been nurturing Tibetan artisans and Buddhist art forms such as statue-making, thangka painting, thangka applique, wood painting, tailoring. You can buy all of these and more from here.

TCV Handicrafts

This is a non-profit organization working towards the welfare and education of Tibetan refugee children, especially orphans and destitute. Their stores (refer to the link for store locations) have an array of handicraft items to choose from, such as woolen garments, carpets, silverware, Tibetan ritual items, etc. You can visit their website for detailed information about what to buy from them.

Palaco Handmade Crafts

This one is situated close to the Dalai Lama temple and is famous for selling high-quality crafts, usually priced a little more than other shops. However, the variety and quality of crafts justify the cost. You may find good woolen wraps (shawls, scarves), lamps and thangkas here.

Explore the Kotwali Bazar and Jogibara road for a variety of Tibetan fare such as singing bowls, prayer flags, Buddha statues, bells, Tibetan jewelry, decorative hangings, etc. They serve well as souvenirs.

Attractions & Things to Do in Dharamshala & Mcleodganj

Dharamshala has plenty of places to explore and activities to do both within the city and in its neighborhood. You should divide your time experiencing Lower Dharamshala, McLeod Ganj, and Dharamkot in any 3-4 days trip.

If you have more days to spend, then you may head out to nearby getaways such as Dalhousie , Bir Billing, and Palampur . I will elaborate more on these places in my subsequent articles. Here are my recommendations for Dharamshala sightseeing:

Monasteries

Even if you aren’t a spiritual soul, you should visit them to experience Buddhism and Tibetan culture at their best. Not to mention the peace and serenity you will feel at these places. The Dalai Lama Temple (Tsuglagkhang Monastery), Namgyal Monastery, Gyuto Monastery, and Norbulingka Institute you sare not to be missed during your visit to Dharamshala.

Bhagsu Nag Temple

Bhagsu is located at upper McLeod Ganj and is one of the main tourist attractions here. A 3 km trek from McLeod Ganj town center leads to Bhagsu Nag temple (2 km away from the center) and Bhagsu waterfalls (Little over 1 km away from the temple).

It is an easy trek , and people of all ages can make it depending on their medical condition. As we traveled with family, my three-year-old son and 60-year-old father both did this trek on their own. There are tea shops and small cafes along the trek (near the temple); if you are not able to move ahead, you may relax in one of those.

The surrounding view is beautiful; stairs have been built for most of the trek which is covered with railings. The temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva , and it is believed that He visited this temple during the ancient period. This legend makes it a famous religious spot; locals revere this place.

The ancient 18th-century temple is built in stone, and its walls still contain some beautiful carvings and inscriptions. There is a pool inside the premises of the temple which is open for the public to take a dip into.

Bhagsu W aterfall & Shiva Cafe

Most travelers with kids and older people end their journey at Bhagsu falls. But, if you wish to visit the famous Shiva Cafe, you will have to trek a little further from the falls. The path to Shiva cafe is not well carved and is a little rough, but the journey is worth the effort, which you would realize after reaching Shiva cafe.

It is quaint, beautifully done, and located well up in the mountains. The ambiance is serene, and you will find people chilling in different moods here. They serve good food. Try their sumptuous Israeli breakfast, fresh juices and much more

This small but natural lake derives its name from the Dal lake in Kashmir and is a popular tourist sight in Dharamshala. Set in the backdrop of the Deodar forest, the lake could have been a quaint little gem. However, the presence of activities like boating and crowds of tourists have made it another tourist spot.

You won’t miss much if you don’t visit. Consider yourself lucky if you can hear the silence of the nearby forest! It is well in the reach of all major public modes of transport, and there are good chances of you passing by the lake while entering or leaving the town.

Tibet Museum

I am a connoisseur of history and politics, so I love museums. You must not miss this place if you want to know the details about the history of Tibet. You will learn about their relationship with China and what caused the great escape of the HH Dalai Lama and Tibetan people from their homeland.

Extremely informative depictions, pictures, and movies will enlighten you about the Tibet cause. Entry to the museum is free, and they run documentaries on Tibet twice a day. You may get all related information on their official website.

Sunset Point

This one will find a place in your list of ‘most beautiful sunsets in my life.’ It is not just about the actual sunset, but what makes it magical is the sight of mighty Dhauladhars on the opposite end. You would walk through the scenery of Dhauladhars to reach the sunset point. As the sun is setting, the golden orange glow will lit up those mountains situated exactly opposite the sight point.

You wouldn’t be able to decide which one to click first! It lies on Naddi road in Himachal with a couple of eateries to keep you nourished with tea and Maggi as you wait for the sun to go down. The road itself is wonderful to walk on, even post-sunset, – especially if you have a nice company.

Masroor Rock-Cut Temple

Situated 45 km from Dharamshala city, these temples date back to the 8th century. These are made from a monolithic rock, quite similar to the temples located in Mahabalipuram (Tamil Nadu) and Elephanta Caves (Mumbai). According to locals, Pandavas stayed here during their exile period and built this temple.

The temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva and has an exquisite architecture that holds mythological value for locals. Guides are not available at the site, but temple priests and locals are quite welcoming to tourists and their questions about the place. You cannot do Photography is prohibited in some parts of the temple.

There is a pool located inside the complex. There is a belief to cure pilgrims of all evil if they take a dip in it. So if you are looking for a dose of history, mythology, and archaeology, this is the place to be!

Kangra Fort

Located around 25 km and almost an hour’s drive away from the main town, this one is the largest fort in the Himalayas. History enthusiasts and curious tourists should give it a visit. Public buses or taxis can easily reach them.

Like any other fort, you will have to walk around a lot to explore this place. But the climbs are gentle, and if the weather is nice, you will enjoy exploring it. Audio guides are available at the ticket counter, which gives you the freedom to get around the fort at your own pace. Normally it takes 1.5 – 2 hours to see the entire fort.

Built by the Katoch dynasty, this fort has an interesting history that traces back to the Trigarta Kingdom from Mahabharata. The hilltop location makes it a perfect viewing point for the entire valley. The visit to the fort and Masroor rock-cut temples you can club together as they are a little over 30 km away.

If you are planning for a hike to Triund, you should local at our 12 Must-Have Things to Carry on Hiking or Trekking Trips

Triund Hill Trek

You should not miss the trek to Triund because this is where you will see the best of Dhauladhars. You will walk amongst cloudy trails, locating herds of sheep, see the stunning evening sky and spend the night camping here.

The trek level is easy, and it passes through the forest with some of the steep ascents. However, it is not advisable to trek with small kids as there are few steep and rocky sub-trails. But you can reach easily till Galu Devi temple (on the way to trek) and return.

You may choose to camp at Triund for the night and watch the beautiful sunrise the next morning or plan your return the same day. Both options are feasible. In case you have missed, you can always read our complete guide on the trek to Triund .

Paragliding

A paradise for paragliding, Bir – Billing , is just 70 km away from Dharamshala. Because of its topography, wind direction, and wind speed, this is the best location for paragliding in India. Couple it with the amazing view of the valley it provides from the air and the professional paragliding operators, you will have the time of your life here. It is a one day trip from Dharamshala.

Besides the above-listed places, there are a few moderate to easy treks around Dharamshala that will give you gorgeous views of lakes, valleys, and Dhauladhars. You can choose to go to Kareri Lake, Laka Got Glacier or Indrahar pass treks. I will give detailed information about these in my article on ‘ Treks around Dharamshala ’ .

Places to Stay at Dharamshala & McLeod Ganj

There are numerous stay options in the entire Dharamshala for every budget and requirement. From luxury resorts to beautiful, rustic homestays which give you a slice of local life and views of the Himalayas .

Hotels and Resorts

Asia Health Resort and Spa located in lower Dharamshala is a good option for travelers with family. Located in strawberry hills near Dal lake, this hotel is for people looking for a luxury stay. Staff is nice and cooperative; the chef here customized the food for kids when we were staying there. There is a pool, terrace-seating restaurant with a good view and game area for kids.

Udechee Huts is for travelers who like their surroundings free of the usual hustle-bustle of touristy places. Situated in Naddi village, 5kms from McLeod Ganj, this boutique hotel provides an amazing view of Dhauladhars and a quiet stay. The food here is simple, not too many options, but delicious. The hotel suitably lies at a place for pursuing various treks around Dharamshala.

Gandhi’s paradise is a budget hotel that provides all basic amenities with a beautiful view from their balconies and a common terrace. The hotel is in front of the highest peak of Dhauladhar mountain range, the “Hanuman Ka Tiba” – so the view is without a doubt gorgeous. This one is very close to Bhagsu, and the trek to Bhagsu waterfall is a short walk away from here.

Do not forget to check the list of things to carry on a Himalayan trip .

HPTDC Hotels

These are the hotels managed by Himachal Pradesh’s tourism department and the government is doing an excellent job maintaining these hotels. They are an excellent option for budget travelers and also for people who want more than just basic facilities. Some of the hotels are beautifully located, like Hotel Bhagsu.

Hotel Bhagsu is situated in McLeod Ganj, a short walk away from the main market square. The property is surrounded by Deodars, has a backdrop of snow-clad peaks and spacious, clean rooms with huge reading-windows.

Windows are built with a big sill. It means you can comfortably sit on them and look down upon the beautifully curated garden full of dahlias. Or you can look at the mountains at a distance. It has a garden-restaurant and terraces seating area along with a beer bar. What more can you ask for from the trip? 🙂

This one is for nature lovers who like to sleep, walk and eat amongst trees and mountains.

There are other options from HPTDC as well – The Clubhouse in McLeod Ganj, Hotel Dhauladhar, Hotel Kashmir House and Hotel Kunal in Dharamshala. HPTDC hotels can easily be booked through their website.

Homestays at Dharamshala & McLeod Ganj

The best homestays in Dharamshala are located in Dharamkot, including the Eagle’s nest – famous for hosting few celebs and foreign dignitaries. McLeod Ganj and lower Dharamshala also have many options to enjoy the hospitality of a homestay.

Staying and eating with locals is the best way to have a first-hand account of the amazing culture of McLeod Ganj – Dharamshala. Locals – both Gaddis and Tibetans are warm, welcoming people who love to host guests and even accompany them to the treks.

Trip Suggestion : If you have already been to Dharamshala or Mcleodganj, you may also try a trip to Parvati Valley from Delhi .

Suggested Itinerary for Dharamshala & McLeod Ganj

If you want to do all the things listed above, below is the itinerary for a trip to Dharamshala & McLeod Ganj covering it all.

Day 1 : Arrive at Dharamshala in the morning following any of the modes mentioned in the article. After freshening up at your place of stay, explore lower Dharamshala (if you are staying there). Visit Gyuto Monastery and check out Kotwali bazaar and visit Dal lake, if you wish.

Day 2 : Head to McLeod Ganj, visit the Bhagsu fall and temple, relax at Shiva cafe if you go there. Post-lunch you can visit the Dalai Lama temple. During your return in the evening, you can check out McLeod Ganj bazaar.

Day 3 & 4 : If you are up for Triund trek, dedicate two days for it. You can easily find fellow trekkers in town if you are looking for a company. There are many trek operators and guides available in Dharamshala for it.

Day 5 : Take it easy post-trek; visit Namgyal Monastery and Tibet museum, enjoy the sunset at sunset-point. Don’t forget to check out the suggested restaurants at McLeod Ganj.

Day 6 : You can head out to explore the Masroor rock-cut temple and Kangra fort. You can also club a visit to the famous Dharamshala cricket stadium, it is a small but beautiful stadium with picturesque mountains as a backdrop.

Day 7 : Go for paragliding at Bir-Billing. Catch an evening bus or train back home from Dharamshala. Or schedule your return for the next day.

Dalhousie – Dharamshala – Manali – Shimla | Popular Itinerary

Below is the itinerary for covering Dalhousie – Khajjiar – Dharamshala – Mcleod Ganj – Manali – Rohtang Pass – Jalori Pass – Shimla. I hope it could be useful to someone doing the circuit with little tweaks accordingly.

• Day 1 : Pathankot (4 PM Arrival) – Dalhousie or Pathankot to Banikhet or Pathankot
• Day 2 : Pathankot – Banikhet – Dalhousie – Khajjiar
• Day 3 : Khajjiar – Kalatop – Khajjiar: You can also opt to stay in Kalatop FRH with prior bookings.
• Day 4 : Khajjiar – Dharamshala – Mcleod Ganj
• Day 5 : Mcleod Ganj: Visit Local monastery, Dal Lake, Bhagsunag Temple, and waterfall
• Day 6 : Mcleod Ganj – Manali: Enjoy mall road in the evening
• Day 7 : Manali – Rohtang Pass – Manali: Visit the Rohtang Pass in the first half of the day, Explore local monastery, Hadimba temple in the evening and You may also go to old Manali for the dinner
• Day 8 : Manali – Kullu – Jalori Pass – Shimla (Long day)
• Day 9 : Shimla Jakhu Temple in the morning, Mall road in the evening
• Day 10 : Shimla – Kalka (9:30 PM Departure)

ATMs at Dharamshala & McLeod Ganj

There are enough ATMs in Dharamshala and McLeod Ganj, so you are not likely to face a cash crunch. But I would still advise you to carry sufficient cash, especially if you are traveling to the place around long weekends.

Tourist rush sometimes makes ATMs run out of cash. You will find most of the ATMs in markets – both and McLeod Ganj and lower Dharamshala. While traveling from Pathankot to Dharamshala, you would find only a couple of ATMs – none of which worked when we visited them. But don’t fret, there are plenty of options in the main city.

Mobile Connectivity at Dharamshala & McLeod Ganj

Being the second capital of the state of Himachal Pradesh and also listed amongst the ‘smart city project’ of the central government, Dharamshala has good mobile and internet connectivity of almost all major operators such as Airtel, Vodafone, and Jio.

Medical Facilities

Tourism and the establishment of Tibetan government-in-exile have contributed a lot towards the development of Dharamshala. The city has decent medical facilities including many clinics and hospitals, so finding one in need should not be a problem.

Miscellaneous Tips

Avoid visiting the place during long weekends to escape the crowd. The rainy season here gets very wet, so it is better not to plan your trip during the months of July-August. If you are interested in experiencing the culture mix here and love peaceful surroundings, then stay at Dharamkot, preferably in a homestay. You can venture out to McLeod Ganj / Dharamshala to savor the rest of this hilly town.

If you are planning to drive to Mcleodganj, then do refer our article on must-have things to carry on a self-drive trip to the Himalayas .

Dharamshala or McLeod Ganj are both beautiful hill towns with good infrastructure and facilities. All kinds of travelers get everything that they need here for a comfortable stay. The adventurous ones can venture out for treks and paragliding while the families can soak in the mother nature at the foothills of Dhauladhars.

Do you still have any questions or suggestions or need any help in planning your trip to Dharamshala & McLeodganj?

Have a travel question?? You can subscribe to my YouTube channel and leave a comment to ask your travel questions on traveling to the Himalayas.

If you like the article, please feel free to share it with any of your family or friends who are planning a trip to Dharamshala & McLeod Ganj. In the next article of the series, I am going to talk more about paragliding in Bir – Billing and how to make a trip to Bir – Billing .

Now step out to experience the charm and beauty of this amazing place in the Himalayas 🙂 :).

• X (Twitter)

Anchal is an avid road-tripper, a travel writer by passion and a public relations professional at work. She loves to explore the tiniest of treasures found during her travels. Besides traveling and planning for her next adventures she loves to read, cook and go for long walks or drives. The Himalayas hold a special place in her sojourns and she keeps going back to the mountains through her writings, readings, and journeys to find bliss!

Related Posts

Sethan valley – the most complete guide, giu monastery – where the 500-year-old mummy lies in spiti valley, kareri lake trek – an ultimate guide for backpackers.

Comments section gets closed in 90 days. To ask your travel questions, you can follow my YouTube Channel for a faster reply or for a much slower reply follow me on Instagram . :)

Will have to try this now

Type above and press Enter to search. Press Esc to cancel.

Privacy Overview

Ad blocker enabled.

You will be redirected to your dashboard shortly. We will also call you back in 24 hrs .

• 21 Amazing Things To Do In Mcleodganj For A Super-Cool Retreat In 2024

23 Mar 2023

Snuggled in the Shivaliks, Mcleodganj is a one of its kind destination. Vibrant monasteries, stunning backdrop, quaint cafes, and thrilling adventure activities have made it one of the favorite summer holiday destinations in India. There are a lot of super fun things to do in Mcleodganj. From treks to strolls, hot beverages to delicious food, spiritual places to boat rides – the list has it all.

But before we go ahead with the list of the best things to do in Mcleodganj , let us quickly scan through some essentials that will help you plan your trip to Mcleodganj. Pick the ones that you like the most and slide away for an exciting trip right away!

21 Best Things To Do In Mcleodganj

Now that we have information on when to go to Mcleodganj, let us check out the amazing things to do in Mcleodganj and around. Keep scrolling down and read along!

• Dal Lake – Feel The Serene Blue Waters
• Sightseeing –  Enjoy The Exotic Beauty
• Local Markets – Collect The Bizarre Things
• Camping – Love The Nature
• Kora Circuit – Feel The Tranquillity
• Star Gazing – Stars Will Charm You
• Yoga Sessions And Spa Therapies – Relax Your Muscles
• Cooking Lessons –   Learn The Delicacies
• Tibetan Institute Of Performing Arts – Know The Ancient Culture
• Cafés And Restaurants – Relish Delicious Food
• Triund – Experience The Bounty Mountains
• Kareri River Trek – Be Close To Nature
• Bhagsu Trek – Dive In Natural Beauty
• Tsug La Khang – Witness The Eternal Power
• Tibetan Museum – Gain Knowledge About Art & Craft
• Dhauladhar Range – A Spectacular View
• Indrahar Pass Trek- Experience The Thrill
• Kangra Valley Trek – Encounter The Lush Green Cover
• Namgyal Monastery- Storehouse Of Tibetan Culture
• Nechung Monastery – Witness The History Of Tibet
• Norbulingka Institute – Witness The Educational Power

1. Dal Lake – Feel The Serene Blue Waters

Image Source

Set amidst the lush green Deodar forests, the beautiful Dal Lake of Mcleodganj offers boating options to tourists. The peaceful & beautiful setting of the lake makes boating in Dal Lake one of the most popular fun things to do in Mcleodganj with kids. The opening hours is 7 am to 8 pm of this.

Time Required: 2-3 hours

Must Read: Triund Trek: A Trekking Paradise For Experts & Beginners To Explore

Himachal Holiday Packages On TravelTriangle

Himachal Family Tour Package 4D/3N @ Rs 8,750

Plan your trip today!

Pleasurable Himachal Family 5D/4N Package @ Rs 9,125

Get quotes from multiple travel experts.

Shimla Manali Tour Package 6D/5N @ Rs 12,900

Compare & customize quotes before booking.

Family Tour Package For Himachal 7D/6N @ Rs 18,700

Have Questions? Talk to our travel experts today.

Grand Himachal Honeymoon Package 8D/7N @ Rs 21,000

Best prices guaranteed. EMI option available.

See more at TRAVELTRIANGLE.COM

2. Sightseeing – Enjoy The Exotic Beauty

Mcleodganj is known for its monasteries, museums, temples, waterfalls, lakes, and Tibetan settlements. While considering the best places to visit in Mcleodganj , tourists can take a half-day city tour.  Mcleodganj sightseeing tours include Namgyal Monastery, Tsuglagkhang (the residence of Dalai Lama), Bhagsu Falls & Bhagsunath Temple , and Tibetan Museum.

Suggested Read:  Pitching Dharamshala Vs Dalhousie And Making All The Difficult Decisions At Ease

3. Local Markets – Collect The Bizarre Things

Like any other destination, shopping in Mcleodganj has its own charm. Kotwali Bazaar, Jogiwara Road, & Mcleodganj Central Square are well-known shopping areas in the district. While the street shops of Kotwali Bazaar are most popular for Tibetan carpets, rugs, & exotic sculptures, the Jogiwara Road holds a reputation of the go-to place for souvenir shopping. The Mcleodganj Central Square is known to have the city’s oldest shop – Nowrojee and Son – that opened in 1860. The entire market area is famous for its wooden carvings, Thangka tapestry paintings, and handicrafts.

Suggested Read: 11 Most Convincing Reasons To Visit Mcleodganj This Summer

4. Camping – Love Nature

For those who don’t want to go for typical sightseeing, there are other offbeat things to do in Mcleodganj. Camping is one of the fun things that attracts tourists each year. Camping in this heavenly place is like a vacation amidst nature’s beauty. It allows the traveler to enjoy the peaceful time and the gorgeous view of the Himalayan peak. Enjoying camping under the stars with a warm bonfire is one of a kind experience.

Time Required: 1 to 2 Days

Suggested Read:  8 Mesmerizing Places To Visit In Dharamshala In May To Keep You Hooked

5. Kora Circuit – Feel The Tranquillity

Pilgrims and enthusiastic tourists often explore the Kora Circuit, one of the major Mcleodganj tourist attractions. The downslope road around the Tsuglagkhang Complex is a prayer-flag-draped path. At approximately 1.5 km from the begin of the prayer-draped path, one can see the collections of prayer wheels, chortens, and photos of Tibetans who had self-immolated from 2009. The circuit is serene with stunning views, but the track is steep and sometimes quite bumpy.

Suggested Read: 28 Best Places To Visit In Mcleodganj That’ll Make You Fall In Love With This Gem

6. Star Gazing – Stars Will Charm You

The clear sky over the snow-capped peaks makes star gazing one of the most interesting things to do in Mcleodganj. The activity is delightful for travellers of all kinds – solo travelers, couples, & families – and must not be missed.

Time Required: 3-4 hours

Suggested Read:  McLeodganj Trip: Here Is Why It Should Be Your Next Weekend Getaway Destination

7. Yoga Sessions And Spa Therapies – Relax Your Muscles

There are many yoga learning centers that offer meditation and yoga sessions for travellers. These kind of activities are popular among spiritual tourists and solo travellers. Om Yoga Centre, Himalayan Iyengar Yoga Centre, Universal Yoga Centre, and Tushita Meditation Centre are popular Mcleodganj tourist attractions for those who seek peace and relaxation of the soul.

Mcleodganj is also known for the myriad Ayurvedic healing therapies and spa treatments for the complete rejuvenation of body and mind. One such famous place is the Ayurvedic Rejuvenation Centre. Located near Bhagsu Nag, this Ayurveda centre has professional experts and doctors who offer the best-in-class spa treatments. Relaxing spa therapies is one of the refreshing things to do around Mcleodganj.

Suggested Read: Trip To Mcleodganj & Triund Trek: A Reunion Of Four Childhood Friends

8. Cooking Lessons –  Learn The Delicacies

Lhamo’s Kitchen and Sangey’s Kitchen offer cooking sessions of authentic Tibetan cuisine for travelers. And believe me, this is one of the most interesting things to do in Mcleodganj. You will get to know the traditional recipes of all the famous dishes from soups to noodles. Afterall learning a new skill is a good deal anyday. The opening and closing hours of this place is from 7 am to 9 pm.

Suggested Read:  Trip To McLeod Ganj: Travel Tale Of A Full-Time Mother And Her Weekend Escape Into Nature’s Paradise

9. Tibetan Institute Of Performing Arts – Know The Ancient Culture

Once in Mcleodganj, don’t miss the cultural shows on Tibetan culture – folk dance and music – in Tibetan Institute of Performing Arts. This cultural center showcases occasional Tibetan cultural stage performances including traditional Lhamo – the local folk opera. One such performance continues for 6 hours. Of these shows, the annual Shoton Opera Festival – a 9-day long celebration of Traditional Tibetan Opera – is the most popular one.

Entry Charges: INR 50 per person Time Required: 2-3 hours

Suggested Read: Explore Mcleodganj In December For A Dreamlike Vacation In Nature’s Cradle

10. Cafés And Restaurants – Relish Delicious Food

The cool and funky cafes and eating joints in Mcleodganj are really cozy and happening. They serve unworldly coffee, steaming hot momos, and thukpa. Relaxing in one of such charming cafes is one of the most preferred things to do in Mcleodganj, especially for solo travelers.

Best Restaurants:

• Jimmy’s Italian Kitchen
• Common Ground Café
• Hummingbird Café
• Namgyal Café
• Tibet Quality Bakery
• Lobsang Four Season Cafe

Suggested Read:  15 Best Mcleodganj Homestays Ideal For Your Next Vacay In The Hills

11. Triund – Experience The Bounty Mountains

One of the best things to do in Mcleodganj is trekking. Triund, a 9000 feet range is a 9km trek trail that will leave you with a breathtaking experience. This easy trek will offer you enchanting views of the entire Kangra valley. The short trek can be done from either McLeodganj or Dharamkot. The evening sky will give you all the feels and reason for planning an overnight stay.

Suggested Read: 20 Best Hotels In Mcleodganj For Pampering Your Wanderlusting Soul!

12. Kareri River Trek – Be Close To Nature

One of the most adventurous treks in Himachal, Kareri river trek is a pleasant weekend trek. This trek will take you through the alpine grasslands and subtropical forests. The trek can be completed in 2 days and has a moderate difficulty level. It will be a treat for your eyes to witness the whole region from the top and also the rare flora and fauna as you continue your trek. The best time to go for the trek is the summer season.

Suggested Read:  11 Must-Visit Restaurants In Mcleodganj Serving The Best Food

13. Bhagsu Trek – Dive In Natural Beauty

Trek to the Bhagsu waterfalls is one of the exciting activities to do in Mcleodganj. It starts from Mcleodganj and you have to cover a distance of approximately 12 kms. The difficulty level is moderate and is best recommended for beginners. The Bhagsu trek will take you to a small waterfall near Bhagsu village and passes through Dharamkot, Galu, and Naddi Village. Walking through these places will offer you beautiful views.

Time Required: 6 hours

Suggested Read: 6 Gorgeous Hotels Near Mcleodganj That Are All About Comfort

14. Tsug La Khang – Witness The Eternal Power

Tsug La Khang is one of the best places to visit in Mcleodganj . The place is well-known as it is the sanctuary of the Dalai Lama. It consists of Namgyal Monastery and also several shrine rooms such as the statues of Chenrezig, Buddha, and Guru Rinpoche. Art lovers should definitely visit the place to see great pieces of art. Visiting the temple is one of the most important things to do in Mcleodganj.

Time Required: 1-2 hours

Suggested Read:  7 Best Places To Visit Near McLeodganj On Your Next Trip

15. Tibetan Museum – Gain Knowledge About Art & Craft

Located inside the Tsuglagkhang complex, the Tibetan Museum is unique in all aspects. It is a combination of the conventional and contemporary Tibetan architecture and one of the best places to visit in Mcleodganj . You can find various things here like the Tibetan historical documents, Thangka images, pottery, manuscripts and other handicraft items. Art admirers can also purchase paintings, handicrafts or shop souvenirs.

Suggested Read: 10 Hill Stations Near Mcleodganj: For A Retreating Stay And A Beautiful Trip

16. Dhauladhar Range – A Spectacular View

The gorgeous sunset at Dhauladhar Range is something you should definitely experience. Spend an evening at the summit when you are done with the adventure activities and relax yourself and absorb the natural beauty. You can see the different shades of the sunlight and feel the cool breeze. This magical experience will be a natural therapy to soothe all your senses.

Suggested Read: 8 Adventure Sports In McLeodganj You Must Try For A Good Adrenaline Rush

17. Indrahar Pass Trek- Experience The Thrill

If you are a trek lover and wondering what to do in Mcleodganj then you must surely do Indrahar Pass Trek in Mcleodganj which begins from Mcleodganj in the Kangra valley and culminates at Chamba. During the trek, people can gather beautiful views of mountain ranges like Dhauladhar and Pir Panjal. The trek will lead you to dense deodar, green meadows and dense forest cover. You will also get to have a look at ancient lands of Gaddi Shepherds. People get to experience the beauty of nature as well as the glimpse of wildlife.

Time Required: 4-5 days

Suggested Read: My Friends Trip To Mcleodganj Was A Sweet Escape I Always Wanted

18. Kangra Valley Trek – Encounter The Lush Green Cover

Experience the panoramic views of Dhauladhar range by opting for Kangra Valley Trek which must be included in some of the things to do in Mcleodganj .  Travellers get to witness the ancient temples, scenic beauty of lakes, some of the undiscovered Hindu towns with snow-laden valleys. This trek starts from Mcleodganj and ends by passing through Kareri village and Kereri lake. You can do the trek from March to October which is regarded as the best time.

Time Required: 3-4 days

Suggested Read: Trip To McLeodganj: Where Adventure Lovers Experience Scenic Treks

19. Namgyal Monastery- Storehouse Of Tibetan Culture

If you are in a dilemma of what to do in Mcleodganj then you can choose to visit Namgyal Monastery for sure and must include things to do in Mcleodganj . The monastery is one of the biggest Tibetan monasteries which was supposed to be the home of the Dalai Lama. Monks impart the knowledge about sacred arts, philosophy, debate and meditation. Experience the eternal environment along with the beautiful statues of Buddha which are admired by the tourists.

Time Required: 1-2 hours

Suggested Read: 37 One Day Picnic Spots Near Pune In Summer Which Are Must Visit

20. Nechung Monastery – Witness The History Of Tibet

One of the many things to do in Mcleodganj includes a visit to the Nechung Monastery which will give you a broad view of Buddha and the Tibetan State. You will get to witness some of the eerie things including imaginative murals in the inner courtyard. The uncanny paintings of thrashed humans are another strange thing that you will get to see along with deities with skulls of garlands. There are some animals and dragons also in the monastery.

Suggested Read: 101 Places To Visit In India Before You Turn 30

21. Norbulingka Institute – Witness The Educational Power

Planning your trip and wondering what to do in Mcleodganj ? The Norbulingka Institute is a must-visit in Mcleodganj as you will get to see traditional Tibetan art forms. The Institute is one of the fascinating and beautiful places where the artisans work on statue making of metal, woodcarving, embroidery and thangka paintings. The Institute is known for producing art objects, accessories along with high-quality home furnishings. You can visit the place between 9:00 AM to 4:30 PM.

Suggested Read: 55 Hill Stations Near Delhi One Must Visit For A Peaceful Getaway!

How To Reach Mcleodganj

• By Air: Gaggal Airport (18 km from Mcleodganj) is the nearest airport.
• By Rail: Pathankot Junction (90 km from Mcleodganj) is the nearest railway head.
• By Road: Mcleodganj Bus Terminal is well connected by buses from all major cities.

Best Time To Visit Mcleodganj

Mcleodganj is a year-round destination. The summers, i.e March to June, are pleasant and perfect for trekking and sightseeing tours.

Mcleodganj receives heavy rainfall from mid-July to August, at times accompanied by landslides. So, people tend to avoid visiting Mcleodganj during these months. However, the post-monsoon lush green surroundings make September and October in Mcleodganj very beautiful. Tourists come to explore the place in the month of December and Mcleodganj in December is a perfect trip for you if you love explore the magic of snowfall.

Winters, i.e November to February, are cold in Mcleodganj. The snowclad mountains make this destination perfect for a honeymoon trip to Mcleodganj during winters.

Further Read: 3 Girls, INR 3000 And One Wonderful Trip To McLeod Ganj! #HacksIncluded

With so many fun and exciting things to do in Mcleodganj, make sure you plan a trip to Himachal , soon. You will surely have the time of your life at this beautiful hill station with your family and friends. Mcleodganj offers an entire revitalizing therapy along with the natural beauty which will relax all your senses. With so many beautiful places to visit in Mcleodganj, people just dive in close to nature experiencing some cool breeze over the face along with the chirping of the birds.

Disclaimer: TravelTriangle claims no credit for images featured on our blog site unless otherwise noted. All visual content is copyrighted to its respectful owners. We try to link back to original sources whenever possible. If you own rights to any of the images and do not wish them to appear on TravelTriangle, please contact us and they will be promptly removed. We believe in providing proper attribution to the original author, artist or photographer.

Please Note: Any information published by TravelTriangle in any form of content is not intended to be a substitute for any kind of medical advice, and one must not take any action before consulting a professional medical expert of their own choice.

Frequently Asked Questions About Things To Do In Mcleodganj

Will it be safe to travel to Mcleodganj from our own private vehicle during COVID situation?

Yes, travelling with your own private vehicle will not be a risk during COVID situation as you will not touch or come in close proximity with anyone else.

Which is the best season to try adventure activities in Mcleodganj?

The best time to visit Mcleodganj is the summer season during the months of March, April, May and June.

Which is the nearest railway station if we travel to Mcleodganj by rail to indulge in some trekking or other activity?

Pathankot Junction is the nearest railway station around 90 kms from Mcleodganj. After which you can take a cab and then enjoy your staycation in Mcleodganj by indulging in various activities.

What we can do in Mcleodganj?

Some of the must-do things in Mcleodganj to make the most of your trip are: 1. Boat ride on Dal Lake 2. Trek to Triund 3. Visiting Bhagsu Falls 4. Shopping at the local market

Is there any snowfall in Mcleodganj?

Yes, Mcleodganj do experience snowfall during winter months. The usual snowfall time in Mcleodganj is from the months of December to February.

Is Mcleodganj a hill station?

Mcleodganj is a popular hill station located in Himachal Pradesh. It is frequently visited by tourists, holidayers, backpackers, and pilgrims throughout the year.

Is Mcleodganj safe for girls?

Mcleodganj is absolutely safe to travel destinations for girls. The town has become a popular hotspot and a safe place for girls to head alone owing to its small size.

How far in Mcleodganj from Dharamshala?

Mcleodganj is located at a distance of 6.2km from Dharamshala and the distance can be easily covered in 30 minutes by road. You can hire a taxi or board a bus to reach here.

How far is Mcleodganj from Ludhiana?

Mcleodganj is located at a distance of 200km from Dharamshala and the distance can be covered in approximately 6 hours.

Looking To Book A Holiday Package?

Spellbinding Cochin Family Tour 2D/1N Package @ Rs 2,750

Exciting Andaman Family Trip 5D/4N @ Rs 10,250

Gangtok & Darjeeling Tour Package 5D/4N @ Rs 13,000

Wonderful Goa Family Package 3D/2N @ Rs 6,500

Best prices guaranteed.

Riveting Rajasthan Vacation 3D/2N Package @ Rs 6,499

EMI option available.

Enchanting Uttarakhand Tour 4D/3N Package @ Rs 7,199

Explore best destinations with our experts.

Delightful South Weekend Tour 3D/2N Package @ Rs 4,999

Thrilling weekend full of fun.

Marvelous Gujarat Tour 3D/2N Package @ Rs 4,999

Talk to our experts today.

People also read :

Things To Do In Kolkata Things To Do In Nashik Things To Do In Rajasthan

Recent Posts

दिल्ली से मनाली ट्रेन: अनुसूची, किराया, बुकिंग प्रक्रिया, और बहुत कुछ

Explorer les Himalayas: 48 meilleur lieux à visiter à Himachal Pradesh

Manali To Leh Road Trip: A Comprehensive Guide For Your Next Adventure

5 Best Places To Visit In Sangla In 2023

Take The New Manali Rohtang Pass Heli-Taxi Service To Avoid The Infamous Highway Jam

11 Most Convincing Reasons To Visit Mcleodganj This Summer 2023

Trending Blogs

20 Mysterious Places In India To Visit In 2023 More Bizarre Than The Bermuda Triangle

10 Scariest Roads In India That Are A Driver’s Nightmare

101 Places To Visit In India Before You Turn 30 in 2024

35 Exotic Places To Visit In December In India 2024 To Enjoy A Surreal Vacation

60 Best Honeymoon Destinations In India In 2024

95 Best Honeymoon Destinations In The World In 2023 For A Romantic Escape!

Best Places To Visit In India By Month

Best places to visit outside india by month.

• TravelTriangle
• showForm »
• Tour Packages
• Honeymoon Packages
• Family Packages
• Budget Tour Packages
• Luxury Tour Packages
• Adventure Tour Packages
• Group Tour Packages
• Kerala Tour Packages
• Goa Tour Packages
• Andaman Tour Packages
• Sikkim Tour Packages
• Himachal Tour Packages
• Uttarakhand Tour Packages
• Rajasthan Tour Packages
• Tour Packages From Delhi
• Tour Packages From Mumbai
• Tour Packages From Bangalore
• Tour Packages From Chennai
• Tour Packages From Kolkata
• Tour Packages From Hyderabad
• Tour Packages From Ahmedabad
• Kerala Tourism
• Goa Tourism
• Sikkim Tourism
• Andaman Tourism
• Himachal Tourism
• Uttarakhand Tourism
• Rajasthan Tourism
• Hotels in Kerala
• Hotels in Goa
• Hotels in Sikkim
• Hotels in Andaman
• Hotels in Himachal
• Hotels in Uttarakhand
• Hotels in Rajasthan

Our travel stories | Your travel clues

• Eastern India
• Western India
• North India
• North East India
• South India
• Central India
• Travel Plans
• Unique Experiences
• Budget Travel
• Thinking Aloud
• Sustainable Tourism
• Privacy Policy

Triund Trek in McLeod Ganj : A complete guide

Standing over the green meadows at the top of Triund,  I was overwhelmed   by the sight of the snow covered  imposing face of the Himalayas. I can hardly ever forget that image! At the same time, it was natural for me to feel philosophical up there. At the top, it suddenly turns adventure into spirituality, a very unique experience indeed! However, in order to experience that unique feeling, one has to complete a 10 km long trek. Though the Himalayas offer scores of trekking options, Triund trek in McLeod Ganj is one of the moderate ones. If you are up for that experience, here’s a complete guide to the Triund trek in McLeod Ganj.

{To make your reading complete, here’s the link to our Triund trek diary:  Triund: Trekking in a garden }.  {For more such trekking plans, do check out:  Dzukou Valley Trek }

The base location: McLeod Ganj/ Dharamshala

The location of Triund near McLeod Ganj in Dharamshala couldn’t be any better. Its history, heritage, scenic views, cultural and spiritual vibes are reasons for me to go back again and again. It was established as a hill-station by the British in the later part of the 19th century. In fact, it’s named after a British lieutenant governor- David Friell Mcleod.  

{Read about another hill-station named after a British official:  Dalhousie }

It was only in the post-independence era, in 1959, Tibetan leader- His Highness the Dalai Lama sought political refuge in India. In an act of solidarity with the Tibetan freedom struggle, Indian government permitted to set up his capital in exile in McLeod Ganj. Since then,  McLeod Ganj has become a hub of Tibetan Buddhism, and is known as ‘Little Lhasa’ (the capital of Tibet).

On my part, I have a fondness for Buddhist philosophy as well as Tibetan culture, especially their colourful Monasteries.  Besides, Dharamshala is also home to tea gardens, heritage sites and much more. In many ways, it reminds me of  Darjeeling  (have look). Find a list of major tourist attractions in Dharamshala-McLeod Ganj in a section  below .

{More similar Himalayan destinations:  Great Himalayan National Park  |||  Mussoorie }

Triund Trek in McLeod Ganj: A fact sheet

Triund peak is 2850 meters (9350 feet) above sea level. The  route of  Triund trek in McLeod Ganj is 9-10 kilometers (one way) from the base to the top, and can be covered in 5-6 hours. If one starts early in the morning, one can complete the Triund trek in one day. However, a night-stay in a tent at the Triund peak overseeing the snowy mountains is an amazing experience not to miss.

For your information, some trekkers go much beyond Triund peak. They trek up to snow-line at 3500 meters (10,000 feet), and Indrahar pass at 4300 meters (14108 ft). Thus, if you are interested in trekking beyond Triund peak, have some more days in hand.

{Further reading for adventure seekers:  Ladakh: Camping in Zanskar Valley }

Triund Trek in McLeod Ganj: How to plan

We heard that trekkers do it in all seasons across the year. But in general, in my view, spring (March-April) is the best time. The temperature is just perfect, neither too cold nor too hot. Besides, clear skies mean the best views. And of course, not to forget the  Rhododendrons  ( Buraansh in Hindi). Because Rhododendron flowers bloom only in the spring.  Believe me, the walk among the Rhododendrons is absolutely enjoyable. 

Monsoons could be risky due to possibility of landslide/ rocks falling off. Besides, thick clouds block views of the valley. Winters would be too cold to enjoy, especially the night camping at the top. In the summer, day time trekking would be really difficult; but one can start in the wee hours of the morning.

Arranging the trek (with a guide or without):

Though one really doesn’t need a guide to trek, it’s good to have one if you are doing it the first time, or you are with family. The guide’s company provides all amenities like tents, blankets and food/ water, etc. They carry all the stuff by mountain-hardened horses. They charge approximately Rs. 1000 per person, including guide services, tents, sleeping gear, food, etc.

If you need a guide, you may contact Anil (we have his mobile phone number; just ask in the comment section).

To camp overnight or not:

No doubt, camping for the night at the top is a must do. The blanket of stars spread across the clear night sky makes it an unforgettable experience. The nearby snow-clad mountains are visible even in the darkness of night. And if it is a full moon night, one would enjoy sitting outside the tents or walking around the plateau. Plus, the experience of the morning-after is also beautiful. See in the picture below how a morning at the top looks like.

Alone or in a group:

While travelling in groups can be a little limiting (freedom) in general, I would say it’s more enjoyable trekking (and other adventure trips) in groups rather than alone. Moreover, trekking in group reduces the fear factor, and calms down the nerves.

The trek route and schedule

The two routes:.

There are two main routes to complete the Triund trek in McLeod Ganj:

• While one route starts from Bhagsunag temple side, the other one starts from the Guna Devi temple.
• Though the route that starts from Bhagsunag temple is a bit shorter than the other one, it’s steeper at places.
• The route starting Guna Devi temple is longer, but has gentler slopes. However, in order to take this route, one needs to hire a vehicle to get dropped at Guna Devi temple, some 2-3 kms away. Else, add that distance in the trek itself, which makes it around 12+ kilometers.
• In any case, both the routes have easy to moderate slopes at different points. 
• Overall, I would suggest first timers to take the Guna Devi temple route.

When to start:

• In order to complete the Triund trek in McLeod Ganj in one day, one should start as early as possible in the day so as to reach the top by early afternoon. This way, one has some time in hand to spend at the top, and enough time to reach back McLeod Ganj before it’s dark.
• If one is planning for night camping, the starting time can be a little late in the morning. But it’s always good to start early so as to avoid trekking in the afternoon sun, unless it’s winter or spring. 

The trekking path:

As Triund is a popular trek route in McLeod Ganj, the trekking path is well laid out. Moreover, unlike many trekking routes, one would not get lost on the way. At places, the path is like a stairway made of rocks/ stones. At other places, it’s just a gentle slope to hike. It’s only towards the end of the trek that the path becomes a little steep and a bit difficult, that’s only about 1 km. 

One thing that I loved particularly about the trekking path was the abundance of blooming Rhododendron trees. Interestingly, number of these trees kept increasing as we gained height. So much so that at one point, it just felt like trekking in a garden! You will experience the same if you are trekking in the spring.

The Midway rest points:

On the way, there are two proper halting stations, which really means two decent eateries. The first one is called the Magic point, approximately 2 kms from the starting point. 

Just ahead of the Magic point, look for a small off-route towards left side. Hike a bit to find a nice view point, perfect for photography. I liked a huge black rock there inching out of the hill surface like a cliff. It’s easy to climb up there and take cool clicks!    

The second one doesn’t have a name, but it’s like a little polythene covered snack point. After the second rest point, the trekking route becomes gradually more difficult.

How is it at the top:

Once you reach the top, it’s but obvious to be overwhelmed by the sight of those snow-clad Dhauladhar range of the Himalayas. You will feel as if the grand mountains are smiling at you and are welcoming you to their home. Instantaneously, all the pain taken in the last 5-6 hours would vanish, and would seem totally worth it.

After a while, you will notice the lush green plateau beneath your feet. Huge pieces of boulders interspersing the meadows look fascinating!

Triund Trek in McLeod Ganj: Miscellaneous Tips

In this section, I list out a few miscellaneous tips which might be helpful in planning and making up your mind for the Triund trek in McLeod Ganj.

How to reach:

• By air: Gaggal airport, 15 kms away | Flights from Delhi and Chandigarh
• By train: Joginder Nagar is the nearest station, 70 kms away
• By road: Regular comfort buses from Delhi (~500 kms) and Chandigarh (250 kms) | Or, one can drive

Where to stay:

• Budget hotels:  Moon Walk Residency | Hotel Akash | Albela House | Grand View Lodge | Treebo Trend Roshan House | Green Hotel | King Castle
• Hostels:  The Hosteller (Bhagsunag | Mall Road) | Moustache | Zostel | Mitra Hostel | Young Monk Hostel & Cafe | Alt-Life Dharamkot | La Vaca India | goSTOPS.

Where to eat:

The Clay Oven | Tibet Kitchen | Hummingbird cafe | Tibetan Mandala cafe | Moonpeak cafe | Nick’s Italian Kitchen | Jimmy’s Italian | Illiterati Books & Coffee | Crepe Pancake | Four Seasons Cafe

Dress for the trek:

• Wear comfortable fitting clothes. Avoid tight-fitting clothes like jeans. 
• Put on layers (sweaters, jackets etc) as per seasonal requirement. 
• The weather can deteriorate any time at the top. So, it’s good to carry some woolens even during the summers. 
• Trekking shoes, or at least good sports shoes with grip is a must. 
• Besides, a cap or some kind of head gear is advisable. 
• Further, sunglasses are a good addition. 

Big question: Is there a toilet up there? 

Answer: No; so, you know what to do, right! (The Forest Deptt. is not allowing any construction work at the top. However, somewhere below the peak, some trek operators have toilet facilities). In any case, believe me, toilet would not matter; everyone manages just well, out in the open. 

Things to carry:

• If you are not on a guided trek, of course you have to carry the tent, blanket, food etc.
• A torch, a lighter and an umbrella would be handy
• A walking/ trekking stick is optional (we didn’t need them)
• Some dry snacks/ energy bar
• Water bottle; not too many, just one to start with. Their weight can be annoying. In any case, there are small shops at 2-3 points on the way.
• Above all, carry basic first-aid kit; sun-screen lotion, etc.
• While you might want to carry a lot of things, control your urge. It will be better to keep yourself light rather than stuffed.

Things to explore in McLeod Ganj/ Dharamshala

By the way, after completing the Triund trek in McLeod Ganj, you better have some more time to explore that wonderful place. There are so many interesting places to see and things to do! Here are a few that I would suggest.

Natural sites:

• Naddi view point; nice to walk around in the wilderness enjoying the views
• If you love waterfalls, hike 1-2 kms to reach Bhagsu Waterfalls
• Dharamkot, a sleepy village to leisurely hangout
• Dharamshala Tea Gardens; enjoy the view, and shop some great tea
• Dal lake, a cute little lake
• If you love paragliding, you have to travel a bit more to reach Bir- Billing, the paragliding site, 75 kms away.

Cultural Experiences:

• For a great spiritual experience, visit the Dalai Lama temple complex. Find out if he is around, and speaking at the temple one evening
• Namgyal Monastery, a beautiful Buddhist temple
• Shakti Peeth Chamunda Devi temple; 25 kms
• Tashi Jong Monastery; 56 kms away
• Baijnath Shiva temple; 60 kms away
• Conveniently, the last three places are actually on the same route, i.e. towards Bir.

Heritage sites:

• Church of St. John in the wilderness; established 1852 
• Norbulingka Institute: Tibetan school of art and craft; 15 kms away
• Kangra fort; the largest fort in the Himalayas, and one of the oldest in India; 30 kms away
• Musroor rock cut temple; an 8th century Hindu temple; 45 kms away.

Other sites of interest:

• The Tibet Museum; a great collection of Tibetan artefacts and culture
• Dharamshala Cricket Stadium: A picturesque ground with the Himalayas in the backdrop
• Kangra Art Museum; rich collection of traditional miniature paintings.

Concluding Notes

Triund trek in McLeod Ganj is really enjoyable with gentle slopes and great views of the Himalayas all around. It’s long enough to give that satisfaction of completing a proper trek. At the same time, i t’s not too long to deter non-regulars to undertake this trek. If you have never done trekking in mountains, Triund trek in McLeod Ganj is a great option to start the journey.

I would suggest to plan your trek in the spring season- late March to April end, especially because of pleasant weather and the Rhododendron flowers. Do plan for a overnight camping at the top. Further, icing on the cake would be a full moon night. If possible, do it in a small group- your best buddies. 

Besides, please don’t forget to have some extra time (at least two days) on hand to explore places in and around McLeod Ganj. Have a great time and thank me later!

• Wanna know more? We are just an email/ comment away. Always ready to help.
• Please also share your feedback on the article. Was it helpful?
• And if you have already done it, please share your experience with us.

6 Responses

Jayvanti Einjen

stampedmoments

Thank you 🙂

Abhishek Tiwari

Very nicely covered and very informative.

Thanks a lot, Abhishek. Keep connected.

Rajat Kumar

Triund was my first trek, first solo trek and first camping destination. This blog brought back the memories.

Hi Rajat! Thanks for sharing your experience. Yeah, Triund is a nice trek for beginners. Keep in touch.

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed .

• Tour Enquiry
• Sign up | Login
• My Bookings
• New User? Sign-up
• Domestic Tours
• South India
• Maharashtra
• Golden Triangle
• North India
• North East India
• International
• Maldives (Discontinued)
• All Domestic Tours
• All International Tours
• Offbeat Tours
• Domestic Cruise Tours
• Jungle Lodges by JLR
• Kabini River Lodge
• Bandipur Safari Lodge
• JLR Kings Sanctuary
• River Tern Lodge
• Kali Adventure Camp
• Hampi Heritage & Wilderness Resort
• K Gudi Wilderness Camp
• Car Rentals
• Destinations
• Tourist Places on Drive
• Driving Directions
• * Workation
• * Tour Plans
• List Property
• Mcleod Ganj
• Places to Visit in Mcleod Ganj

17 Top Tourist Places to Visit in Mcleod Ganj

• Mcleod Ganj Overview
• Top 17 Places to Visit in Mcleod Ganj
• 12 Best Mcleod Ganj Tour Packages
• Top Resorts in Mcleod Ganj
• Best Time to Visit Mcleod Ganj
• How to Reach Mcleod Ganj
• Driving Directions to Mcleod Ganj
• within 1 km
• within 5 km
• within 10 km
• within 20 km
• within 30 km
• within 40 km
• within 50 km

Tsuglagkhang / Dalai Lama Temple Complex

#1 of 17 Places to Visit in Mcleod Ganj

At a distance of 2 km from McLeod Ganj Bus Stand and 4 km from Dharamshala, Tsuglagkhang Monastery is a Buddhist Monastery situated in McLeod Ganj suburb of Dharamshala in Himachal Pradesh. It is one of the must-include places in Mcleodganj holiday packages . Tsuglag Khang, also known as Dalai Lama's Temple complex, is the home for His Holiness Dalai Lama. It is among the world-renowned religious centers and is thronged by Buddhist pilgrims throughout the year. Tsuglagkhang Monastery is a beautifully built structure. This is more like a temple along with being a residential complex for His Holiness and his followers. The complex houses the Photang (Dalai Lama's residence), Tibet Museum, Tsuglagkhang Temple, and Namgyal Gompa. The monastery deals with the training of monks for rituals associated with holy shrine, whereas the temple is a chief place of worship. A beautifully decorated statue of Lord Buddha along with beautiful .....

...read more

Tsechokling Gompa

#2 of 17 Places to Visit in Mcleod Ganj

At a distance of 200 m from McLeod Ganj Bus Stand and 9 km from Dharamshala, Tsechokling Gompa, also known as Tse Chok Ling Gompa is a religious monument constructed on a steep hillside in McLeod Ganj. Tsechokling Gompa is amongst the popular monasteries in the region and is highly regarded for its cultural significance. This peaceful Gompa was built in 1987 to replicate the original Dip Tse Chok Ling Gompa in Tibet, destroyed in the Revolution. Home to a small order of Gelukpa monks, the prayer hall enshrines a statue of Sakyamuni in a magnificent jeweled headdress. The monks who lived in the Gompa made two huge drums covered in goatskin and painted beautifully. The Gompa is famous for the fine Mandalas.

Bhagsunag Waterfall / Bhagsu Falls

#3 of 17 Places to Visit in Mcleod Ganj

At a distance of 3 km from McLeod Ganj & 7 km from Dharamshala, Bhagsunag Falls, also known as Bhagsu Falls, is a beautiful waterfall situated at Bhagsu village behind Bhagsunath Temple near McLeod Ganj in Kangra district of Himachal Pradesh. It is one of the popular McLeodganj places to visit , and among the best waterfalls in Himachal . Cascading down from a height of 20 m, this is a mid-size waterfall. During monsoon, this waterfall turns beautiful alongside a mountain that features slate graffiti. This area is covered with snowfall during winters. Tourists love to swim across the cold water which gives a pleasant and refreshing experience as part of McLeodganj sightseeing packages . Trekking is also a good and much enjoyable option here. The Bhagsu village is a popular picnic spot and .....

Bhagsunath Temple

#4 of 17 Places to Visit in Mcleod Ganj

At a distance of 2 km from McLeod Ganj Bus Stand & 6 km from Dharamshala, Bhagsu Nag Temple also known as Bhagsunath Temple is one of the popular ancient temples located in McLeod Ganj. The temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva and the local deity Bhagsu Nag. Bhagsu Nag Mandir is an ancient temple believed to have been built by King Bhagsu from Rajasthan. The present Bhagsu Nag temple was constructed by 1st Gurkha Rifles in early 19th century and worshipped majorly by 14 Gurkha platoon villages in Dharamshala . Adjacent to the temple building are a series of pools where Buddhist monks and visitors enjoy baths. An annual fair is conducted in the month of September at this temple which attracts tourist from the entire region. This temple is situated on the way to Bhagsunag Waterfall.

Triund Hill

#5 of 17 Places to Visit in Mcleod Ganj

At a distance of 8 km from McLeod Ganj Bus Stand and 13 km from Dharamshala, Triund is a beautiful hill situated in the Dhauladhar Mountains of Himachal Pradesh. Witth an altitude of about 2842 m, it is one of the popular trekking places near Delhi , and among the must-visit places during McLeodganj tour . Triund is an 8 km trek from the McLeod Ganj Bus Stand. It is one of the best trails of short treks in Himachal state and among the top McLeodganj tourist places for adventure buffs. This is a small and easy trek, which can be done either from McLeodganj or Dharamkot, which is 2 km ahead of McLeodganj. The trail is 6 km from Dharamkot and passes through Galu Devi temple. From this temple, it takes around 3 hours to reach Triund. The initial half of the trek is a gradual incline .....

Namgyalma Stupa, Near Dharamshala

#6 of 17 Places to Visit in Mcleod Ganj

At a distance of 3 km from Dharamshala and 6 km from McLeod Ganj, Namgyalma Stupa is an old Buddhist structure situated at Uparli Barol. It is one of the famous places to visit as part of Dharamshala Tour . Namgyalma Stupa is a dome-shaped construction that contains the remains of Buddha, which the Tibetans consider to be a sacred place of worship. It holds a huge shrine of Sakyamuni Buddha. The Namgyalma Stupa was constructed in the remembrance of the Tibetan soldiers who fought for the freedom of Tibet. This structure is similar in design to the structure built during the 3rd century BC by King Ashoka. Among the most prominent places of sightseeing in Dharamshala , the Namgyalma Stupa is carved from sandstone and is made with a vision of being long-lasting. It is a belief among Tibetans that anything that falls on the Namgyalma Stupa gets ..... Distance (From Mcleod Ganj): 6 Kms Trip Duration (From Mcleod Ganj - Including Travel): 1 Hour .....

Gyuto Karmapa Temple / Gyuto Monastery, Near Dharamshala

#7 of 17 Places to Visit in Mcleod Ganj

At a distance of 8 km from Dharamshala and 13 km from McLeod Ganj, Gyuto Monastery is a Buddhist Monastery located at Sidbhari on the main road to Palampur. It is one of the famous Bhuddhist Monasteries in Himachal and among the best Dharamshala places to visit . The Gyuto Monastery is one of the most famous monasteries and specializes in the study of Tantric meditation, Tantric ritual arts, and Buddhist philosophy. It was founded in Tibet in 1474 by the main disciple of the first Dalai Lama, Jetsun Kunga Dhondup. After the communist Chinese invasion of Tibet in 1959, the monastery was re-established in India. It is the abode of Karmapa, the Head of Kagyu Tibetan Buddhism. Karmapa means the one who carries out Buddha activity or the embodiment of all the activities of the Buddha. Also called TCV School, the main chamber of the monastery has a majestic statue of the Buddha and with the backdrop ..... Distance (From Mcleod Ganj): 13 Kms Trip Duration (From Mcleod Ganj - Including Travel): 1-2 Hours .....

Chamunda Nandikeshwar Temple, Near Dharamshala

#8 of 17 Places to Visit in Mcleod Ganj

At a distance of 17 km from Dharamshala, 10 km from Palampur, 24 km from McLeod Ganj and 24 km from Kangra, Chamunda Devi Temple is a renowned Hindu Temple located at Padar on the banks of Baner River in Kangra district of Himachal Pradesh. This ancient temple dates back to the 16th century. The temple is dedicated to Chamunda Devi, an incarnation of Goddess Durga. The word Chamunda has been derived from two words, Chanda and Munda. As per the mythological legends, goddess Kali killed two notorious demons Chanda and Munda in a fierce battle at this place in ancient time. Hence, the goddess is known and worshipped as Chamunda. The temple houses sacred image of Chamunda Devi. In the corner of the temple, one can see small stone with footsteps of Goddess. Besides the main shrine, there is a marble staircase that takes down to the cave of Lord Shiva with a Shiva Linga. Chamunda Devi Mandir is believed to be the abode of Shiva and Shakti. Due to this reason, it is also known as ..... Distance (From Mcleod Ganj): 24 Kms Trip Duration (From Gyuto Monastery (9 km) - Including Travel): 1-2 Hours .....

Norbulingka Institute / Norbulingka Monastery, Near Dharamshala

#9 of 17 Places to Visit in Mcleod Ganj

At a distance of 7.5 km from Dharamshala Bus Station and 12 km from McLeod Ganj Bus Stand, Norbulingka Institute is an educational and training institute situated at Dharamshala in Kangra district of Himachal Pradesh. Norbulingka Institute was founded in 1988 for preserving Tibetan culture, literature and art. It was established by Dalai Lama and is named after Norbulingka, the summer residence of the Dalai Lamas in Lhasa, Tibet. It has been built in traditional Tibetan style located amidst gardens and ponds. The main sections of the institute are the Academy of Tibetan Culture, Literary and Cultural Research Centre as well as the Centre of the Arts. The institute also has the Seat of Happiness Temple set amidst the Japanese inspired Norbulingka gardens. It is especially known for more than 1000 murals of Buddha, frescoes of all the Dalai Lamas and drawings from the life of the 14th Dalai Lama. The institute primarily works towards preserving Tibetan traditions and ..... Distance (From Mcleod Ganj): 12 Kms Trip Duration (From Mcleod Ganj - Including Travel): 1-2 Hours .....

#10 of 17 Places to Visit in Mcleod Ganj

At a distance of 3 km from McLeod Ganj Bus Stand and 9 km from Dharamshala, Dal Lake is a small mid-altitude lake situated near the village of Tota Rani on Mcleodganj-Naddi road in Kangra district of Himachal Pradesh. It is one of the prominent McLeodganj tourist attractions . The beautiful Dal Lake stands at an altitude of 1,775 m and is one of the popular sightseeing attractions to visit as during McLeodganj trip . The greenish lake is home to various species of fish. It is the best base camp for trekkers in Dharamsala and McLeod Ganj. It is situated on the crest of a hill and affords a panoramic view of the Kangra Valley and the Dhauladhar Ranges. Boating facility is also available at this lake. This oval-shaped lake is surrounded by deodar trees and is considered to be a sacred spot as there is a small Shiva Temple on its bank. According .....

Guna Devi Temple

#11 of 17 Places to Visit in Mcleod Ganj

At a distance of 8 km from McLeod Ganj Bus Stand and 13 km from Dharamshala Bus Stand, Guna Devi temple is a famous Hindu temple located at Guna near McLeod Ganj in Kangra district of Himachal Pradesh. The temple is situated at an altitude of 2310 m in Kangra Valley. The temple is dedicated to Goddess Kali and is a pilgrim center of the Gaddi shepherds, a semi-nomadic tribe from Chamba district of Himachal Pradesh. Sri Guna Devi Mandir is completely surrounded by forests of oak and deodar. People from neighboring villages including Kangra, Dharamshala come here for pilgrimage. This small complex displays wonderful and closer views of Dhauladhar Mountains. The regular one day trail to Sri Guna Devi temple starts from Naddi village above Dal Lake, 4 km from McLeod Ganj. From Naddi, a 2 km moderate trial amidst houses of Naddi village lead to Baal village after crossing a bridge over a small stream. Further 2 km from Baal village .....

St. John Church

#12 of 17 Places to Visit in Mcleod Ganj

At a distance of 1 km from McLeod Ganj and 8 km from Dharamshala, St. John Church, also known as St. John In The Wilderness, is an Anglican church situated at Forsyth Ganj on the way to McLeod Ganj amidst beautiful deodar trees. The church was dedicated to Saint John the Baptist and was constructed in 1852. The Church is a historic monument and one of the oldest churches in the region. It is built in Neo-Gothic architectural style and features Belgian stained-glass windows that were donated by Lady Elgin, wife of Lord Elgin. The church was built with grey stone and is one of the few buildings still in existence in the town from the British era. The British style of architecture is extremely evident in the edifice of the church, with elegant wood of the altar and the brass handles of the oil lamps. These lamps have now been replaced with electric lamps. In 1905 an earthquake destroyed the bell tower of this church. A new bell was built in 1915, which was brought from England. .....

Illaqa / Lahesh Cave Trek

#13 of 17 Places to Visit in Mcleod Ganj

At a distance of 12 km from McLeod Ganj and 17 km from Dharamshala, Lahesh Cave is a Camping ground which is used by shepherds in the summers when they take their sheep to the high altitude meadows here. It lies at an altitude of 3500 m above sea level. Lahesh Cave is a 12 km trek from the McLeod Ganj Bus Stop. This is an easy to moderate trek, which can be done either from McLeod Ganj or Dharamkot, which is 2 km ahead of McLeod Ganj. The trail is 10 km from Dharamkot and passes through Galu Devi Temple, Triund and Illaqa. Triund is the base camp for the trekkers who continue the trek to Lahesh Cave, Indrahara Pass to Bharmour. Along the way there are many small Tea shops where one can refresh during the hike. After a 2 km ascent from Triund, traversing through a ridge will lead to Illaqa or Laka which has a temporary shepherd camp. The path is rock-strewn and uneven, some spots were treacherous too. Illaqa is a flat stretch of land on the Moon Peak Mountain which divides the .....

Indrahar Pass Trek

#14 of 17 Places to Visit in Mcleod Ganj

At a distance of 16 km from McLeod Ganj and 21 km from Dharamshala, Indrahar Pass is a mountain pass in the Dhauladhar range of the Himalayas near the town of Dharamshala in Himachal Pradesh. Located at an altitude of 4,342 m above mean sea level, Indrahar pass forms the border between Kangra and Chamba districts. The trekking trail to Indrahar pass is very popular and the trek starts from Galu Devi temple above Dharamkot village near Dharamsala, which is 2 km from McLeod Ganj Bus Stop. The Indrahara Pass trek is considered a moderate to difficult trek. The trek passes through the camping grounds of Triund, Illaqa, and Lahesh Caves. Guna Devi to Triund is a 6 km steep but marked trail. Triund is the base camp for the trekkers who continue the trek to Lahesh Cave, Indrahara Pass and Bharmour. Along the way there are many small Tea shops where one can refresh during the hike. Trek up to Triund is very popular and busy with .....

Nechung Monastery, Near Dharamshala

#15 of 17 Places to Visit in Mcleod Ganj

At a distance of 2.5 km from Dharamshala and 3 km from McLeod Ganj, the Nechung Monastery is located just below the Tibetan Library in Gangchen Kyishong and is one of the sightseeing attractions of McLeod Ganj. The monastery is part of Tsuglagkhang Complex. Nechung Monastery is considered as the seat of the State Oracle and protector-deity of His Holiness Dalai Lama and Tibet. It has a great importance in Tibetan history and Buddhist religion. Nechung has acted as spiritual guide to the Tibetan Government since the 18th century. The physical medium is called Nechung Kuten. When the medium enters into a trance-like state, the protector-deity takes possession of his body and gives advice and predictions to the Dalai Lama and Tibetan leaders in exile. The original Nechung Monastery in Lhasa had 115 monks in 1959 and was razed to the ground during the Revolution. However, six monks managed to escape to India to continue the complex traditions of the Nechung Institution. Tibetan ..... Distance (From Mcleod Ganj): 3 Kms Trip Duration (From Mcleod Ganj - Including Travel): 1 Hour .....

Kareri Lake, Near Dharamshala

#16 of 17 Places to Visit in Mcleod Ganj

At a distance of 32 km from Dharamshala and 39 km from McLeod Ganj, Kareri Lake, also known as Kumarwah Lake, is a high altitude lake located in the Kangra district of Himachal Pradesh. Trek to Kareri Lake is one of the top things to do in Dharamshala . Kareri Lake is situated at an altitude of 3100 m and is a fresh water lake. Snow melting from the Dhauladhar range serves as the source of the lake and a stream, Nyund is the outflow. Since the source is fresh melting snow and the lake is shallow the lake bed can be seen clearly. It is one of the must-include places in Dharamshala holiday packages . Kareri Lake is best known for being a trekking destination in the Dhauladhar range. The trek starts from Ghera village, which is about 22 km from McLeod Ganj. Ghera is accessed either by shared jeep from Dharamsala or on foot from Naddi. It has a ..... Distance (From Mcleod Ganj): 39 Kms Trip Duration (From Mcleod Ganj - Including Travel): 3-4 Days .....

Aghanjar Mahadev Temple, Near Dharamshala

#17 of 17 Places to Visit in Mcleod Ganj

At a distance of 9 km from Dharamshala and 16 km from McLeod Ganj, Aghanjar Mahadev Temple is situated in the Khaniyara village at the foothills of Dhauladhar. This temple is believed to be five hundred years old. The Aghanjar Mahadev Temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva. It is believed that once upon a time when Arjuna, one of the Pandavas from the Mahabharata, was on his way to the Kailash Mountains, Lord Shiva appeared at this spot and blessed him with the boon of victory over the Kauravas. There are several idols of Lord Shiva and a Lord Hanuman statue. The temple is surrounded by forests, mountains and a little waterfall is situated behind the temple with continuous flow of water. There is also a small cave with Shivlinga near the temple. This Shiva temple and its surroundings offer a great relief. This is a beautiful place to relax and capture the beauty of nature and surrounding mountains. Timings: 5 AM to 9 PM Distance (From Mcleod Ganj): 16 Kms Trip Duration (From Norbulingka Institute (3 km) - Including Travel): 1 Hour .....

Most Asked Questions on Mcleod Ganj

McLeod Ganj can be visited throughout the year, However, September to November and again from April to June is the best time to visit McLeod Ganj when the weather is perfect for outdoor activities like trekking and sightseeing.

McLeod Ganj usually takes 1-2 days to visit the most important attractions. McLeod Ganj can be mixed with near by wonderful destinations like Dharamshala, Dalhousie, Manali and Shimla by adding few additional days to your trip.

Budget of McLeod Ganj trip depends on the trip duration and category of hotel you choose for your stay along with the kind of vehicle you prefer. McLeod Ganj tour packages offered by Trawell.in start from as low as INR 5900 per person for a 2D/1N trip and from INR 9200 per person for 3D/2N vacation.

Ensure to cover most important places to visit in McLeod Ganj like Tsuglagkhang, Tsechokling Gompa, Bhagsunag Waterfall, Bhagsunath Temple, Triund Hill, etc. Dharamshala which is 10 km from McLeod Ganj and can be visited along with McLeod Ganj.

McLeod Ganj usually experiences with occasional snowfall during peak winter between the months of December and February. It depends on weather condition and the dates may vary and the level of snowfall may vary as well.

Mcleod Ganj Blogs

Mcleod ganj related pages.

Similar Pages:

Places to Visit in Dalhousie | Places to Visit in Kasauli | Places to Visit in Panchgani | Places to Visit in Araku Valley | Places to Visit in Kemmanagundi | Places to Visit in Sakleshpur | Places to Visit in Matheran | Places to Visit in Yercaud | Places to Visit in Yelagiri Hills | Places to Visit in Kausani | Places to Visit in Lansdowne | Places to Visit in Ranikhet | Places to Visit in Vagamon | Places to Visit in Dharamshala | Places to Visit in Kullu | Places to Visit in Idukki | Places to Visit in Almora | Places to Visit in Coonoor

Near By Places

Similar Places

100% SECURE PAYMENTS

Domestic & international cards accepted.

Our WhatsApp Numbers

International tours, +91-8217845740, south india tours, +91-7995649483, goa, maharashtra, gujarat tours, +91-7032828835, north india tours, +91-9535139583, rest of india, +91-7799591230, request quote, travellers #.

Explore Tour Packages

Planning a Trip?

Discover affordable tour packages, need customized tour request quote, login / sign-up, your sign in was successful itinerary will be downloaded shortly., sign up with trawell.in.

Already Created Account? Login Here

Sign in with Trawell.in Account

Forgot Password?

New User? Sign Up Here

Activate Your Trawell.in Account

Your account is activated successfully. Login Here

Reset Your Trawell.in Password

Your password has been reset successfully. Login Here

Booking Policy

Mcleodganj Tour Packages

Compare mcleodganj tours & packages from top travel agents.

Popular Mcleodganj Packages

Price Range (per person)

Combined With

Starting From

Holidify connects you with top travel agents

Compare Custom Quotes and get the best package deal

1 .Trusted Network Of 3000+ Agents. 2 .Book everything together, including stay & transport. 3 .Compare agent profiles & verified reviews

How It Works?

Compare Custom Quotes from Top Travel Agents

1 .Tell us about your trip . 2 .Get Custom quotes from top agents. 3 .Choose the package you like

Choose any duration

Create your own customised package

Plan your trip to Mcleodganj with the help of local experts

Choose hotel-type

Sightseeing & activities

All Transport Options

Meals & other inclusions

From Top Travel Agents

25 Mcleodganj Tour Packages Found

Filter by duration

*Final price will be shared by our partner agents based on your requirements

Weekend Getaway to Mcloedganj (Luxury Volvo Package)

2 Nights / 3 Days

Delhi(0N) → Mcleodganj(2N)

₹ 10,800* per person

₹ 10,800*

per adult on twin sharing

Dharmshala Himachal Pradesh Tour Packages

3 Nights / 4 Days

Delhi(0N) → Dharamshala(1N) → Mcleodganj(0N) → Dalhousie(2N)

₹ 14,500* per person

₹ 14,500*

6 Nights Himachal Tour Package with Triund Trek

6 Nights / 7 Days

Shimla(2N) → Manali(2N) → Mcleodganj(2N)

₹ 30,000* per person

₹ 30,000*

Majestic Mcleodganj, Dalhousie & Amritsar

5 Nights / 6 Days

Mcleodganj(2N) → Dalhousie(2N) → Amritsar(1N)

₹ 20,500* per person

₹ 20,500*

Not sure which package to pick for Mcleodganj?

Talk to our trip experts now to get the best deal

Your Email ID

Mobile Number

Dharamshala Tour Package along with Mcleodganj

4 Nights / 5 Days

Dharamshala(1N) → Mcleodganj(1N) → Bir(2N)

₹ 18,000* per person

₹ 18,000*

3 Nights Dharamshala Family Tour Package

Pathankot(0N) → Dharamshala(2N) → Mcleodganj(0N) → Dharamshala(1N)

₹ 13,999* per person

₹ 13,999*

Trending Now

Himachal Pradesh Itinerary: Dalhousie, Dharamshala, Shimla & Manali

8 Nights / 9 Days

Shimla (2N) → Manali (3N) → Dharamshala (1N) → Mcleodganj(0N) → Dalhousie (2N)

₹ 43,500* per person

₹ 43,500*

Magical Mcleodganj Tour Package from Delhi

Delhi(0N) → Dharamshala(2N) → Mcleodganj (0N) → Dalhousie(2N) → Khajjiar(0N)

₹ 20,299* per person

₹ 20,299*

Triund Trek Package from Mcleodganj

1 Nights / 2 Days

Mcleodganj(0N) → Triund(1N)

₹ 4,000* per person

₹ 4,000*

Mcleodganj and Dalhousie Family Tour from Amritsar

Amritsar(0N) → Mcleodganj(2N) → Dalhousie(2N) → Amritsar(2N)

₹ 30,500* per person

₹ 30,500*

Dreamy Dharamshala & Mcleodganj Holiday Package

Delhi(0N) → Dharamshala(2N) → Mcleodganj (0N)

₹ 11,500* per person

₹ 11,500*

Divine Vaishno Devi and Dharamshala Tour

Jammu(0N) → Katra(1N) → Dharamshala(2N) → Dalhousie(2N)

₹ 23,999* per person

₹ 23,999*

Adventure Angling, Trekking, Camping Tour from Mcleodganj

Mcleodganj (1N) → Bir (1N) → Banjar Valley(2N) → Jalori Pass(1N) → Jibhi(1N)

₹ 39,900* per person

₹ 39,900*

Kareri Lake Trek Package with Mcleodganj Sightseeing

Dharamshala(1N) → Kareri Lake(1N)

₹ 12,700* per person

₹ 12,700*

Shimla Kullu Manali Dalhousie Dharamshala Tour Package

Delhi(0N) → Shimla(2N) → Manali(3N) → Dharamshala(1N) → Dalhousie(2N)

₹ 44,000* per person

₹ 44,000*

Explore Himalaya Trekking Tour Package

Pathankot(0N) → Sali Village(1N) → Harnala River Camp(1N) → Rawa(1N) → Bahl Village(1N)

₹ 19,399* per person

₹ 19,399*

Mcleodganj Triund Trek Package

₹ 9,000* per person

₹ 9,000*

Glorious Mcleodganj, Shimla & Manali with Triund

Shimla(2N) → Manali(2N) → Mcleodganj(1N) → Triund(1N) → Mcleodganj(1N)

Fascinating Mcleodganj & Dalhousie

Mcleodganj(2N) → Dalhousie(2N)

₹ 15,000* per person

₹ 15,000*

Wonderful Mcleodganj, Shimla & Chandigarh

Shimla(2N) → Mcleodganj(3N) → Chandigarh(1N)

₹ 15,499* per person

₹ 15,499*

Alluring Mcleodganj & Shimla

Shimla(2N) → Mcleodganj(2N)

₹ 12,000* per person

₹ 12,000*

Mesmerising Mcleodganj, Shimla & Dalhousie

Shimla(2N) → Mcleodganj(2N) → Dalhousie(1N)

₹ 17,000* per person

₹ 17,000*

Grand North India Tour - Mcleodganj, Shimla, Dalhousie and More

9 Nights / 10 Days

Shimla (2N) → Manali (2N) → Mcleodganj (2N) → Dalhousie (2N) → Amritsar (1N)

₹ 31,573* per person

₹ 31,573*

Best of Himachal - Mcleodganj, Manali and Shimla Package

Shimla (2N) → Manali (2N) → Mcleodganj (2N)

₹ 21,324* per person

₹ 21,324*

Exciting Mcleodganj, Bir and Dharamshala

₹ 10,000* per person

₹ 10,000*

Latest Reviews for Mcleodganj

Memorable trip to himachal.

Priyanka's Trip to Bir, Dalhousie, Mcleod Ganj

(Written on 27 Feb, 2024)

Sanjay's Trip to Dalhousie, Mcleod Ganj

(Written on 10 Jun, 2023)

Trip to kerela

Supriya's Trip to Manali, Mcleod Ganj, Shimla

(Written on 20 Feb, 2023)

Trip to kullu manali, Organised by Miss kiran and travelled with damanpreet ji.

Mahesh's Trip to Dalhousie, Dharamsala, Mcleod Ganj

(Written on 12 Jul, 2022)

Great trip planned for parents

Nishant's Trip to Mcleod Ganj

(Written on 23 Apr, 2022)

9 days splendid himachal

Arijit Roy's Trip to Dalhousie, Manali, Mcleod Ganj, Shimla

(Written on 20 Mar, 2022)

Mcleodganj Packages For Your Need

Mcleodganj Honeymoon Packages

Starting from ₹ 5,000

Mcleodganj Packages From Different Locations

Mcleodganj Package from Delhi

Starting from ₹ 10,000

Packages with Mcleodganj

Himachal Pradesh Packages

India Packages

Other Packages You Might Like

Manali Packages

Shimla Packages

Delhi Packages

Dalhousie Packages

Dharamshala Packages

Bir Billing Packages

Tour packages for nearby states

Punjab Packages

Uttarakhand Packages

Haryana Packages

Jammu and Kashmir Packages

Uttar Pradesh Packages

Rajasthan Packages

Tour packages for similar destinations

Leh Ladakh Packages

Gangtok Packages

Vaishno Devi Packages

Kullu Packages

Rishikesh Packages

Nainital Packages

Coorg Packages

Spiti Valley Packages

Khajjiar Packages

Tour packages for nearby destinations

Palampur Packages

Kangra Packages

Kasol Packages

Chamba Packages

Kashmir Packages

Keylong Packages

FAQs on Mcleodganj Tour Packages

How many days are enough to explore mcleodganj, is dharamshala and mcleodganj the same, what is the best time to visit mcleodganj, which destinations are usually travelled together with mcleodganj, how much does a mcleodganj trip cost, get the best offers on travel packages.

Compare package quotes from top travel agents

Compare upto 3 quotes for free

• India (+91)

*Final prices will be shared by our partner agents based on your requirements.

Log in to your account

Welcome to holidify.

Forget Password?

Share this page

Filter/Sort

Dharamshala Mcleodganj Trip – How to Plan & What to See

In my last few articles, I talked in detail about a trip to Dharamshala and Mcleodganj separately; covering details like how to reach, where to stay, and tourist attractions that a person should visit. I also wrote a couple of other articles providing information on monasteries in the area, trekking destinations like Triund and Snowline, and other nearby villages like Dharamkot. In this particular post, I will put all of this information together and talk about how you can plan your Dharamshala Mcleodganj Trip over a period of 4 – 5 days covering all of these places.

I will draft a sample itinerary and then run it down providing a day by day breakup of sightseeing and other activities. Hopefully, after reading this article, you will have a fair enough idea of how you can plan your trip in the best possible manner.

I said 4 to 5 days because in my opinion that is a minimum period of time a person should dedicate to visiting Dharamshala and Mcleodganj. There are is a lot of things to do in this area and with at least 5 days in hand, you will be able to explore and enjoy your trip. Any less than this and it will just be a ‘Touch & Go’ kind of a deal. With that being said, if you were living in close vicinity like Pathankot or Chandigarh, you can also do a trip in 3 days as well.

Quick Navigation

Mcleodganj Trip Itinerary

For the sake of the itinerary, I will assume Delhi as your starting point. However, even if you were coming from a different place, only the journey on the first and the last day will be different. The rest of the details will still apply. I will begin with an itinerary for 5 days but will also share a few other versions of the same.

Delhi to Mcleodganj – Day 1

Depending on where you started from in Delhi, the total distance till Dharamshala and Mcleodganj can be slightly over 500 kilometers hence an early start is highly recommended. The good news, however, is that the road is mostly smooth all the way so the entire journey can easily be completed in 10-11 hours. The only thing that can cause a further delay is if you got stuck in traffic around Dharamshala or Mcleodganj.

Find a hotel per your liking and check-in if you did not book one in advance. You can stay at either Dharamshala or Mcleodganj as both of the places are equally good. My advice would be to stay at Mcleodganj because it gives you better sightseeing access. Whether or not to book a hotel in advance is entirely your preference.

My recommendation would be to book your stay. Sometimes both Dharamshala and Mcleodganj can get a bit crowded, especially over long weekends; which means that you may have to run around a bit finding a hotel with a vacancy. Hence better would be to search a bit online and book a hotel per your preference and budget.

Also Read: How to Plan Your Trip to Prashar Lake?

Sightseeing in Mcleodganj – Day 2

You will be spending the entire day today in Mcleodganj, visiting some of the popular tourist destinations and the local market. You will be doing a lot of walking today as well so make sure your feet and shoes are ready. Get up early if possible and your first destination will be the Bhagsu Waterfall. Why I am saying early is because it is one of the most visited tourist destinations in all of Mcleodganj and can get a bit crowded as the day progresses.

You will have to walk a couple of kilometers to get to the waterfall so be prepared for it before you leave the hotel. Reach the waterfall and spend some time. There are a few tea shops near the waterfall and also on the way so you can also have your morning tea and breakfast here. I would suggest that you have tea on the way but for breakfast, trek a little further than the waterfall and eat at the famous Shiva Cafe there.

On your way back to the hotel, visit the famous Bhagsu Nag Temple which is located at the starting point of the path that goes towards the waterfall. Return to the hotel and relax for a little.

Towards noon, pay a visit to Saint John in the Wilderness Church and then go to Dal Lake. Return to the hotel in time and then reach Sunset point to enjoy an amazing view of the Sunset from Mcleodganj. The sunset point is located near Naddi Village, about 4 kilometers from Mcleodganj town; but you will easily find a rickshaw to take you there. After sunset, have dinner at any of the numerous restaurants of Mcleodganj and return to the hotel.

Mcleodganj to Triund – Day 3

Today you will embark upon one of the most known trekking destinations of India, the Triund Top. This trail attracts more than half of the tourist population coming towards Dharamshala and Mcleodganj. The reason why it is so well known is because of its difficulty level and stunning location. Anyone can do this trek, even an absolute beginner with plenty of breaks in between. This was in many ways my first trek even and I did it wearing floater sandals.

For trekking to Triund, first either board a rickshaw or taxi from Mcleodganj till Gallu Devi Temple. This is the starting point of the trek where the road ends and the dirt trail starts.  The entire length of the trail is about 7 kilometers; of which, the first 5 is a gradual ascent. For the final 2 kilometers, however, it climbs rapidly and may seem a little difficult for some people.

Depending on how physically fit you were, your walking pace, and breaks, the average time taken to complete the trek is about 3 to 4 hours. But since you have plenty of time, I wouldn’t recommend rushing at all. Take as many breaks as required and reach Triund Top. You will be camping at top of Triund under countless stars and stunning views all around you. There are numerous campsites here. Find one as per your liking, negotiate a deal and make arrangements for your night stay.

Also Read: Ghosts of Shimla and the Haunting Stories

Triund to Mcleodganj – Day 4

You will trek down to Mcleodganj today the same way that you came but will be covering two more places before reaching back to your hotel. A little ahead of Triund Top is the snowline cafe which gives stunning views of Dhauladhar Range and Indrahar Pass. This is where you will be headed before trekking back down to Mcleodganj. I highly recommend visiting this spot along with Triund Top.

Get up early and ensure that you are on your way to Snowline Cafe by 7 AM. It will take you about two hours to get there. Reach the cafe, have something to eat, enjoy the view, click tons of pictures, and head back to Triund Top. Depending on the pace you were walking at, you should be able to get back to Triund from snowline before 12 noon.

Now it is time to head back to Mcleodganj. Get something to eat first at any of the dhabas at Triund Top and start trekking down. It will take you no more than 2 hours to reach back Gallu Devi Temple because walking back down is easier than climbing up. Right at the spot where the Triund trail starts, there is another trail that goes towards Gallu Waterfall and you will be covering that too before reaching back at your hotel.

Gallu Waterfall

The broader trail on your right leads to Triund, while a narrower trail to your left leads to the Waterfall. There is also a pipeline here that you can follow as your guide. After a walk of about 2 kilometers, this trail will take you to the amazing Gallu Waterfall which unlike Bhagsu Waterfall is not at all crowded. There is hardly anyone around and it is a good spot to take a dip in the waterfall. There is also a cafe near the waterfall where you can get something to eat.

Relax at the waterfall but keep a track of the time. Return to Gallu Devi Temple again; find a ride to take you back to Mcleodganj at your hotel. Freshen up and step out to have dinner and spend your last evening in Mcleodganj.

Also Read: Top 10 Offbeat Places in Himachal Pradesh

Mcleodganj to Delhi – Day 5

The journey today will be of returning home the same way that you came. It is going to be a long and monotonous drive back home in about 11-12 hours. But before you go home, stop for a while at the monasteries in Mcleodganj and Dharamshala.

Tsuglagkhang Complex and Namgyal Monastery (Mcleodganj) and Dalai Lama Temple are definitely worth a visit. Spend some time at the monastery, spin some prayer wheels, talk to the monks, relax and head back home. If you had time, you can actually visit these monasteries on either of your previous days in Mcleodganj as well.

Dharamshala Mcleodganj Trip Itinerary

Now the above itinerary was perfect for someone wanting to focus more on Mcleodganj and including a bit of trekking in their trip as well. But not everyone would have Triund and Snowline as part of their itineraries. For planning a trip with your family, you would, of course, want to stay in the town and have a great time there rather than walking around in the jungle. For a trip like that, below is the itinerary you can follow.

Delhi to Dharamshala – Day 1

As per this itinerary, you will be dividing your time between Dharamshala and Mcleodganj. Your stay too will be at both of these places.

• Get an early start from Delhi and reach Dharamshala. Break your journey here for Day 1.
• Travel time of 10-12 Hours
• Booking accommodation in advance is advised.

Sightseeing in Dharamshala – Day 2

Your day will be spent in Dharamshala itself visiting the local places.

• Visit the Dalai Lama Temple.
• Visit the HPCA Stadium, also known as Dharamshala Cricket Stadium. It is one of the highest cricket stadiums in the world.
• Visit the Dharamshala War Memorial, built in the memory of war heroes and their efforts to protect their motherland.
• Spend the rest of the day exploring the local market, always bustling with colors and energy all around. Do some shopping if you would like to and pick a few souvenirs.
• Return to the hotel and step out to have dinner at any of the numerous and magnificent restaurants in the town.
• Overnight stay in Dharamshala.

Also Read: List of Necessary Items to Carry for Trekking

Dharamshala to Mcleodganj – Day 3

I will recommend moving to Mcleodganj on Day 3 and stay at a hotel there so please make your bookings accordingly.

• Check out early and start driving towards Mcleodganj. It will not take you more than half an hour to get there. Starting really early in the morning will also give you the benefit of avoiding a traffic jam that can be maddening sometimes.
• Check into a hotel and step out for sightseeing.
• Your first destination will be Bhagsu Nag Temple and Waterfall.
• Take a drive to Saint John in the Wilderness Church.
• Enjoy a boat ride in Dal Lake.
• Have something Tibetan, Israeli or even Indian at any a local restaurant in the evening.
• Night stay at Mcleodganj.

Sightseeing around Mcleodganj – Day 4

Your Day 4 of the trip will be spent exploring the beautiful Kangra Valley.

• Do not check out of the hotel as you will be returning back by evening.
• Take a drive to the beautiful Kangra fort, located about 30 kilometers from Mcleodganj. It is known to be the largest and probably the oldest fort in Himachal Pradesh .
• After spending some time at Kangra Fort, continue driving further towards beautiful Masrur Temples. You will have to take the road via Ranital and Lunj. The temples are cut into stones and are known for their beautiful architecture and stunning location. Distance between the fort and the temple is another 30 kilometers and will take you slightly over an hour to reach.
• After visiting the temple, take the road via Lunj, Parai, and Chetru to return to Mcleodganj. The total distance will be about 50 kilometers and will take you a couple of hours to get back to Mcleoganj.
• Freshen up and step out to enjoy the local market and spend your last evening in Mcleodganj.

Not much to say about this day except that it will be a long and monotonous drive back home.

Itinerary # 3

You can also plan this trip in the following manner.

• Day 1: Drive up from New Delhi, begin preferably very early in the morning. Reach Dharamshala in about 10 hours and check in to the hotel.
• Day 2: Sightseeing around Dharamshala – Dal Lake, Dalai Lama Temple Complex and the War Memorial. In the evening, go shopping at the Tibetan markets.
• Day 3: Sightseeing in McLeodganj – Visit Bhagsu Nag Temple and waterfall, St. John’s Church in the wilderness and Lord Shiva’s Temple. Take in the sunset at Talho Sunset Point. You can also trek up to Naddi Village in the Kangra Valley.
• Day 4: Day trip to Palampur – Chamunda Devi Temple, Gopalpur Zoo; and Palampur Tea Gardens.
• Day 5: Breakfast followed by departure to New Delhi

Dharamshala Mcleodganj Dharamkot Itinerary

Dharamkot is a small but beautiful village located 3 kilometers uphill from Mcleodganj. It actually falls on the way to Gallu Devi Temple. A lot of people chose to stay at Dharamkot rather than Mcleodganj because it is way more peaceful and a lot less crowded. If Dharamkot is on your plans then you can plan the trip like mentioned below. For more details on Dharamkot, please read Dharamkot Travel Guide.

• Delhi to Dharamkot – Day 1
• Relax in the village. Trek to Gallu Waterfall, enjoy the sunset at Naddi, and taste delicious food in the restaurants – Day 2
• Trek to Triund and return by evening – Day 3
• Travel down to Mcleodganj and stay here for a day. Visit Bhagsu Nag Temple and Waterfall. Walk in the local market, do some shopping and spend time relaxing in the town – Day 4
• Mcleodganj to Delhi – Day 5

More Itinerary Examples

A few other ways to do make this trip are as mentioned below.

Dharamshala Mcleodganj 6 Days Itinerary

• Delhi to Mcleodganj. Start early from Delhi and visit Kangra Fort on the way – Day 1
• Sightseeing in Mcleodganj. Visit Tsuglagkhang Complex, Namgyal Monastery, Dal Lake, and Sunset Point – Day 2
• Visit Bhagsu Nag Temple and Waterfall. Trek to Triund and camp there for the night – Day 3
• Trek down to Mcleodganj from Triund. Visit the local market, do some shopping and spend time relaxing in the town – Day 4
• This is an optional day but fun if you can add. On this day, you can either drive to Masrur temples and stay another day in Mcleodganj. Or you can drive from Mcleodganj to Bir Billing and enjoy Paragliding there – Day 5
• Return to Delhi – Day 6

Dharamshala Mcleodganj 5 Days Itinerary

• Delhi to Mcleodganj – Day 1
• Bhagsu Waterfall, Bhagsu Nag Temple & Shiva Cafe. See the market in the evening – Day 2
• Triund Trek. Camp for the night – Day 3
• Trek down to Mcleodganj and drive to Dharamshala. Stay for the night in Dharamshala – Day 4
• Dharamshala to Delhi – Day 5

Also Read: Thanedar, Himachal – How to Plan your Trip & Explore

Dharamshala Mcleodganj 4 Days Itinerary

If you were traveling by Public transport and thinking of making a short trip especially for Triund Trek then you can travel in the following manner.

• Leave for Mcleodganj from Delhi ISBT by evening – Day 1
• Arrive early morning at Mcleodganj. Rest for a bit, eat something and leave for Triund. Reaching Triund should take about 5 hrs and you will be there by evening. camp for the night – Day 2
• Leave from Triund and come down to Mcleodganj. Explore Mcleodganj till evening and catch the 6 pm bus to Delhi – Day 3
• Reach Delhi early in the morning – Day 4

So in a way, you are actually just spending 2 days on the trip.

Another way the journey can be made is as below. This is for people who have no interest in trekking to Triund .

• Delhi to Mcleodganj & Night stay at Mcleodganj – Day 1
• Mcleodganj Sightseeing. Visit Namgyal Monastery, Adishakti Temple Naddi, St. John In The Wilderness – Day 2
• Visit Bhagsu Waterfall and come down from Mcleodganj to Dharamshala – Day 3
• Dharamshala Sightseeing – Day 4

Also Read: Shimla – A Complete Travel Guide & Itinerary

Weather of Dharamshala & Mcleodganj

The weather in Dharamshala and Mcleodganj remains cool and pleasant throughout the year. Owing to the high altitude, this entire region is considerably cooler than the surrounding plains. The monsoon months, however, tend to be incredibly wet and humid. The skies remain cloudy and it may rain for days on end. The Winter season here starts in the month of November and lasts till early March, and is extremely cold. In the upper reaches of Dharamshala, near the areas of Mcleodganj and Dharamkot, the night temperature can get close to 0 in these months. Spring arrives in the month of April and the weather remains to be on the pleasant side until June.

July and August is the peak monsoon time and Dhauldhars happens to be one of the wettest Himalayan regions. So until early September, it can rain anytime and anywhere. October is the month of autumn and this is when the valleys all around turn golden. By the end of October, winter starts to settle again. The weather continues to get colder throughout November and it starts to snow in the upper areas by Mid December.

Also Read: Himalayas in Monsoon : Top Tips for a Safe Trip

Best time to visit Dharamshala Mcleodganj

The months of April, May, and June are considered to be the best to plan a trip to Dharamshala and Mcleodganj. It is so because the weather at this time is at its best with clear sunny skies. Days are moderately warm and nights pleasantly cold. This is the best time to plan a trip here with family but if you do not like crowded places, you should avoid a trip at this time. The majority of the people visit here in these months and it may feel like too many people around.

In terms of photography, the months of July, August, and September will be the best. The scenery in these months is at its greatest with lush green hills all around. But it is also the time when the monsoon season can wreak havoc in the area. It can sometimes rain non-stop for days causing landslides and blocking roads. If you do not want to risk it, then avoid traveling in the monsoon season.

For a budget trip as well, July to September and November will be best because it is off-season and you can get a good deal at hotels. For the purpose of trekking, March to May and then October and November are the best months to visit.

Also Read: HP Forest Rest House – How to Book Online & Offline?

How to reach Dharamshala and Mcleodganj

Due to its location in the hills, arriving at Dharamshala and Mcleodganj is only possible by road. You can drive by your own vehicle, board a Bus, catch a train or fly to the nearest airport. All these options are available and it is entirely your own choice to decide how to travel. I will explain all these modes of travel in detail further.

How to reach by Road

Let me begin by first explaining the journey if you decided to travel by your own vehicle, either a car or a motorcycle. For the sake of explaining the route, I will assume Delhi as the starting point. Even if you were coming from a different city, the information below can still help to understand how you can plan your trip.

Starting from Delhi, the route will be as mentioned below.

Delhi – Panipat – Karnal – Chandigarh – Rupnagar – Anandpur Sahib – Una – Amb – Kangra – Dharamshala – Mcleodganj

It is the fastest and the best way to travel but there are a few other alternate routes as well. The total journey will be of about 500 kilometers depending and can be completed in 10 to 12 hours approximately, depending on your speed and breaks. Road conditions for the entire journey will be a mix of good and average but mostly good.

There is a regular Bus service to both Dharamshala and Mcleodganj from almost every nearby city. HRTC operates both Ordinary and Luxury buses out of Dharamshala to places like Delhi, Chandigarh, Pathankot, Shimla, Manali , etc. If you were coming from Delhi, you can board a bus from Ramakrishna Ashram Marg, Majnu ka Tila, and ISBT.

Apart from the state-run buses, Private travel agencies and tour operators also have luxury buses plying on the route. You can search and book these at sites like RedBus . Booking for HRTC can be done at their online Portal Himachal Roadways Bus Booking .

The entire journey takes about 10 to 13 hours and the fare per person will be around Rs. 600-700 for ordinary and between Rs. 1200 to 1500 for luxury buses. The best way to travel would be to board an overnight bus so that you can sleep throughout the journey and reach Dharamshala or Mcleodganj by morning.

How to reach Dharamshala by Flight

The nearest airport is Gaggal Airport, 15 kilometers away from Dharamshala. It is also known as Dharamshala airport actually. The airport code is DHM. A flight from Delhi to Dharamshala takes slightly over an hour to reach.

This airport operates commercial flights, private chartered flights to cities like Mumbai, Pune, and Jaipur; and also provides helicopter landing pads. A private taxi from Gaggal to Mcleodganj will cost Rs. 800-900 in peak season.

There is no international flight to this airport and foreign travelers have to travel via Delhi. If there was no flight to Dharamshala from your city, then you the next major airports are located at Chandigarh, Amritsar, or Jammu.

All these three cities are about 200-250 kilometers from Dharamshala and you can either board a Bus or a taxi from these airports to reach Dharamshala.

How to reach Dharamshala by Train

Pathankot Railway Station is the closest one to Dharamshala, located at a distance of about 80 kilometers. From the train station, you can easily get a Taxi or a Bus to reach Dharamshala. Buses by both private operators and state transport are available on this route.

Travel time will be of 3 hours approximately and fare per person is about Rs. 150. If you were coming from Delhi, then an overnight train journey will be the best option. There are several trains available between Delhi and Pathankot.

Another great option to travel from Pathankot to Dharamshala would be Kangra Valley Railway, a scenic six-hour journey. This is a narrow-gauge railway station at Kangra and is only about 30 kilometers away from Dharamshala. The train that brings you to Kangra is a Toy Train (like the Kalka Shimla one) so unless you were hoping in to enjoy this train ride, better would be to board a train for Pathankot only.

There are 6 toy trains available in the day that travel from Pathankot to Joginder Nagar that stop at Kangra. From Kangra, you can book a private taxi or share a cab to reach Mcleodganj.

Also Read: How to Plan a Trip to Chail – Himachal Pradesh?

Local Transport in Dharamshala and Mcleodganj

Below are details on how you can commute locally between Dharamshala and Mcleodganj.

Local Buses

There is a local Bus service in Dharamshala and Mcleodganj and it travels to almost all major spots in and around Dharamshala. Fare per person will be between Rs. 10 to Rs. 30. In terms of cost, yes it is a good option but it will take up a lot of your time. The frequency of these buses is one in every hour so a lot of your time will be wasted waiting around. The movement of these buses too is very slow as they continue to stop to pick and drop passengers.

Private taxis

These typically charge Rs. 2500 per person for the Pathankot-Mcleodganj journey and Rs. 800-900 for the Mcleodganj-Dharamshala journey. A share taxi would reduce the cost to Rs. 300-600 per person. The government approved Dharamshala Taxi Union stand is near Kotwali Bazaar in Dharamshala and they have fixed rates for sightseeing in and around the city. Apart from the taxi stand, you can also find a taxi near the Mcleodganj market or in Dharamshala.

Auto Rickshaws

Auto Rickshaws are probably the best and most favorite mode of commute available here. They too have fixed rates (decided by the union) for moving from one place to another and sightseeing. Depending on the distance you want to cover, it will cost you between Rs. 100 to Rs. 500 making it a great choice in terms of both time and money.

Motorcycle Rentals

There are also several motorcycle rental agencies available as well. A lot of people hire automatic bikes like Activa to move around in the town. The usual charge is Rs. 1000 to Rs. 1500 per day for Enfield and Rs. 800 for scooters.

Last but not least, Dharamshala and Mcleodganj are best explored on foot. Take your time and enjoy the picturesque beauty of this hill station on long walks.

Also Read: Narkanda: How to Plan a Trip & What to See?

Where to Stay in Dharamshala and Mcleodganj

Mentioned below are details on accommodation during your trip to Dharamshala and Mcleodganj.

Mcleodganj is a major tourist destination and hence, hotels here are in ample; and they are spread throughout the town. No matter what your budget or preference is, you will easily be able to find a place here to stay. Whether or not to book in advance is really a personal choice.

I find it better to first reach the destination and negotiate an on the spot deal. But if it gives you peace of mind, then you can book your stay prior to your arrival as well. Most of the hotels and guest houses are located close to the main bus stop.

If the budget is not a problem then you have a wide range of hotels to choose from. If you are on a strict budget, then try looking for accommodation in Dharamkot. Bhagsu and Dharamkot are 2 smaller villages where a lot of people chose to stay because they are less crowded and quieter. Both of these places are within walking distance.

If you want a quieter place within Mcleodganj itself then try finding a hotel on Jogiwara Road. If you want to stay for a longer duration, there are a few cheap places near Yongling School on Jogiwara Road. Just head down the steep set of stairs near the school and ask around.

Every year around March, the Dalai Lama holds a teaching session that lasts for about 10 days or so. At this time, the entire town gets very crowded and the prices of hotels get inflated. In this case, you should look around Dharamkot and Upper Bhagsu for cheaper accommodation.

For someone traveling on a tight budget, staying at a hostel is a great choice. There are a couple of hostels in Dharamkot with dormitory-style accommodation and shared lounges which is a great choice for anyone traveling on a budget. Flugler in upper Dharamkot is one such hostel that can be a good place to stay.  The Bunker Hostel is another one where it will cost you about Rs. 700-800 per day.

Dharamkot again is the place where some of the best homestays are located. There are a few in McLeodganj and lower Dharamshala as well but Dharamkot would be much better.

Also Read: How to Plan a Trip to Sarahan – Himachal?

What to see & Things to Do

Below is a list of all tourist places in Mcleodganj & Dharamshala and other nearby areas.

• Bhagsu Falls
• Bhagsu Nag Temple
• Sunset Point
• Saint John in the Wilderness Church
• Namgyal Monastery
• Kangra Fort
• Masroor Rock-Cut Temples
• Tibet Museum
• Norbulingka Institute
• Gunna Devi Temple
• Kareri Lake
• Indrahaar Pass and Minkiani Pass

I have actually covered this topic in greater detail in different posts that I will recommend you to read because covering this information here would have resulted in this page getting way too heavy and long. For a detailed explanation of all the places I listed above, please read Tourist Attractions and Activities in Mcleodganj .

For a detailed explanation of the monasteries located here, please read Monasteries in Mcleodganj and Dharamshala .

If you had plans to stay at Dharamkot, then please take a look at Dharamkot Travel Guide .

For a detailed explanation of the trek route from Mcleodganj to Triund, please read Triund Trek – How to Plan Your Adventure .

Things to Do

Below is a list of tourist activities in Dharamshala that you can indulge yourself in. I am only listing below things that you can do in Dharamshala apart from visiting all of the above-mentioned places.

Paragliding

• Where: Several places around Dharamshala and McLeodganj
• When: Summer
• Cost: Depending on the duration of the flight, anywhere between Rs. 2000-8000 per person

Triund Trek

• Where: Begin from Galu or alternatively from Bhagsu Nag
• Cost: Begins from Rs. 3000 per person, depends on the number of days and nights in trek itinerary
• Where: Between Dharamshala and McLeodganj
• Cost: Begins from Rs. 12,000 per person

Kareri Lake Trek

• Where: Take a bus from Dharamshala to Ghera to begin the trek
• Cost: Begins from Rs. 6000 per person

Also Read: Places to visit in Mcleodganj and Things to Do

What & Where to Eat

Let us also talk about one of the best things about Mcleodganj, it’s food.

Food to Try in Dharamshala and Mcleodganj

Some of the items that I would recommend you to try will be the Wood fried Pizza at Trek & Dine. In Tibetan, try Gyuma which is mostly served with Beer. Mutton Momos at Sheila Chowk in Dharamshala and Bun Chhole will be great street food to taste.

In Beverages, try the juice of locally grown Keenu. I really liked the Pasta at Morgan’s Cafe. Trek & Dine and Moonlight Cafe are known for their amazing coffee.

Eat at any of the cafes here and you can have near-perfect Pizza, pasta, lasagnas, pancake, and Israeli Shakshuka. Bhagsu Cake is one item that I will recommend for you to try as a sweet dish or even breakfast. It comes in white and black colors and you should try both. Both white and Black versions of the cake taste quite different.

What’s more? Every restaurant has its own way of making it and it actually tastes different at each of them. The common thing however is that would be delicious no matter where you eat it.

For a quick bite, try the Yak cheese sandwich. In terms of beverages, try the herbal teas available at almost every cafe. And by Herbal tea, I mean Honey, lemon, ginger, and mint tea. Common Tibetan food like soup, noodles, momos are available pretty much everywhere. For alcoholic drinks, try Himalayan fruit wines and Apple cedar available at almost every grocery shop in the village.

Where to Eat

World on a plate is what I really call the cuisine of Dharamshala and Mcleodganj. There are a lot of foreign nationals living in this area including the permanent Tibetan residents due to which, the food here is an amalgamation of Tibetan, Israeli and Italian dishes as well as Indian dishes like Himachali, Punjabi food.

Indian food sadly is not that great but the rest is amazingly mouth-watering. In areas around Dharamshala, you will find mostly Indian and Tibetan food but in Mcleodganj and Dharamkot, it is all European, American, Japanese, Vegan, Israeli, and Italian food joints.

Also Read: How to Plan a Trip to Sangla Valley – Himachal?

Israeli Food

There are a lot of Israelis living in this region and for several months actually. Some of them have opened their own food restaurants in places like Dharamkot (along with Italians). Dharamkot is the area where most of these continental restaurants are located. Trek & Dine and Morgan’s cafe are the two most famous ones.

Most of the Israeli dishes like Falafel, Ziva, and Pita are available here. Some of the other great places to try some Israeli food are Four Season Cafe, Hummingbird, Snow Lion Restaurant Moon peak cafe, and Woeser bakery.

Italian Food

Jimmy’s Italian Kitchen is the most famous Italian restaurant in all of Dharamsala and Mcleodganj. If you move to Dharamkot, Trek & Dine will again be the best place to try Italian food. They serve a wood fried Pizza which is simply awesome. Morgan’s Place in Dharamkot and Namgyal cafe in McLeodganj are two other good restaurants to eat Italian cuisine.

Tibetan Food

Mcleodganj is also fondly known as Little Tibet. The Dalai Lama lives here and the place is dominated by Refugee Tibetans so yes, there is authentic Tibetan Food available all over the town. Kailash Restaurant is probably the most famous one in all of Mcleodganj.

Ask at your hotel and they will all advise you to go there. Jimmy’s Tibetan Cuisine and Tibet Kitchen are two other good restaurants. If you are in Dharamkot, try Tibetan at Trek & Dine only. Their momos are one of the best I have ever had.

Japanese Food

Lung Ta Japanese Restaurant is the most known place to try some authentic Japanese food. Other restaurants like Nick’s Italian Kitchen and Sakura Hotel too serve Japanese dishes.

Indian Cuisine

Unfortunately, I found the Indian food in this area to be just about average. There was nothing too great about it. Punjabi food was very bland. I would recommend trying something Himachali though. If you know of a good Indian restaurant here, please do comment and suggest the name.

Also Read: Chitkul – How to Plan your Trip and Explore?

Listed below are some interesting items you can buy in Mcleodganj.

• Singing Bowls: These Bowls produce a beautiful melody when rubbed with a wooden stick.
• Buddha statues
• Different types of tea like Kangra Tea, Tibetan Tea, and Green Tea
• Prayer wheels
• Prayer flags
• Local Tibetan handicrafts
• Decorative knickknacks
• Bead necklaces
• Metalwork jewelry
• Silk and satin wall hangings
• Fabric paintings
• Woolen items like Sweaters, scarves, and socks
• Clothes and bedspreads with ethnic designs
• Colorful Bags and Purses
• Handcrafted diaries
• Handmade paper
• Books on Tibetan culture and Buddhism
• Rugs and carpets
• Mandala paintings

Where to go shopping in Mcleodganj & Dharamshala

Jogibara Road, Kotwali Bazaar, Tibetan Mini Market, and craft shops near the Dalai Lama temple are some great places to go shopping.  There is a shop at the Norbulingka Institute that sells some beautiful wall hangings and decorative pieces. ‘Nowrojis’ is known to be the oldest shop in Mcleodganj.

It was opened in 1860 and they have a beautiful collection of metal crafts, wooden masks. The Green Shop is an outlet that sells handcrafted diaries and paper and other ‘green’ Items.

Dharamshala Tea Company is where you can buy different kinds of tea. TCV Handicrafts is a non-profit organization selling some great handicraft items like woolen garments, carpets, silverware, etc. Profit from their sales goes towards the education and welfare of Tibetan refugee children.

Also Read: Mcleodganj to Delhi – The Return Journey Home

Facilities Available

Last but not least, below is the information on some basic facilities in Dharamshala & Mcleodganj.

ATM in Dharamshala & Mcleodganj

Almost every major Bank has its branch in Dharamshala & Mcleodganj and they all provide ATM services. The villages of Dharamkot, Gallu, and Bhagsu, however, have not ATM. Most of the ATMs are located in the main market area of both Mcleodganj and Dharamshala. My advice would be that you carry sufficient cash from home or somewhere in plains only, especially during peak tourist season.

Mobile Network in Dharamshala & Mcleodganj

No matter which network you were on, your phone will work fine in both Mcleodganj and Dharamshala. Data connectivity also will be fast and reliable. The only time you will lose network is when you go towards Triund.

Medical Assistance

There are several hospitals and clinics in both Dharamshala and Mcleodganj and they are all well-equipped ones. So getting medical help here will not be a problem at all. The villages of Dharamkot, Naddi, Gallu, and Bhagsu, however, have no hospitals and you will have to come down to Mcleodganj.

Also Read: 11 Tips On Making New Friends While Traveling

Petrol Pumps and Mechanics in Mcleodganj and Dharamshala

There is no petrol pump in Mcleodganj but there are several in Dharamshala and on the route. Mechanics too are available in Dharamshala but you may find a few in Mcleodganj as well for minor fixes like punctured tire etc.

Electricity and other facilities

There is electricity in the town and all the hotels. High-speed internet and Wi-Fi is available at restaurants, guest houses, and hotels. Mobile phones will get 4G data. As a tourist, you will get every facility that you may need.

Tibetan, Hindi, and English are the main languages spoken and well understood in Mcleodganj. Locals also communicate Himachali languages like in Pahari or Kangri.

That covers most, if not all, of the information that you need to know before planning your Dharamshala Mcleodganj Trip. I hope the details above were of help. If you have any other questions; or need any other details; please feel free to ask in the comments section below, or at our Community Forum ; and I will be glad to answer.

Vargis.Khan

Not much to write about me really except for that I love to travel around whenever I can and to wherever I can. This blog is just a small attempt to share my travel experiences with the world. Hope you like it !!!

Related Articles

Kinnaur valley road status 2024 – 2025, rohtang pass status 2024 – 2025, sach pass status 2024 – sach pass road..., 16 comments.

Hello Vargis,

Thanks a lot for the piece of information. I need few suggestions to plan itinerary for 4 days and 3 night during summer vacation in June . we are a family of 2 adult +2 child. we are not much into the trekking part. Also, I wish to include jwala ji and Chintapurni Darshan in the trip . I am planning to board train from delhi to Amb Anduara and cab from amb to Dharamshala. Please suggest.

Hello Vargis

Thank you for a detailed and precise blog. I’m planning a trip to Dharamshala with my husband and 7months baby(would be 7 months by then) by March 2nd week. Is it doable considering the infant and is there any specific points to consider before visiting? Thanks in advance

Hey Vargis, have been reading your travel blogs. Indeed, you have written extensively about the places you have visited. I have never read any blogs which covers so many varied things related to the place. Very well written. Keep up the good work. It indeed helps many people like me to plan their trip smoothly. Thank you again for taking time and writing all about these places.

Thank you Sandeep Bhai for taking the time to drop a note and for your kind words

Vargis, Pl. suggest I’m Planning a trip with Fmly in June Month , 2 kids – 15 & 22 yrs age . Flight Delhi – Amritsar , by Road to Dalhousie 2 N , then Khajjar 2 N then Dharamsala/ 3 N then Flight Dharamsala- Delhi . Kindly suggest Best Route & No. of Night spend in each Destination s.

Hi Vargis, is it okay to travel to dharmsala and Mcleodganj in end December.

Hello Faiza – Yes it is Ok to go in December

I am planning for a 6 day trip to Dharamshala starting from 10th July, is it advisable ? with family ? Will I get a chance for outing or will have a stay inside hotel all the day due to rain ? How serious is the landslide issues ? Will I be able to go to all those places you have explained above ?

Thank you so so much for writing everything in so much details it proved so helpful in planning and executing our Mcleodganj trip …..gratitude to you Mr Vargis Khan .

Thank you Aarti ji for taking the time to drop a note

Hello Vargis I have never read such a detailed blog. Thank you for writing this.

Two questions We can camp at triund top or we have to go somewhere else from camping?

If we can camp we have to book our camp before hand or we can do after reaching there?

Thank you Chahak. Camping is not officially allowed anymore at the top but some people I heard were still able to do it. There are no campsites readily available anymore. You will have to book in Mcledoganj and they can make arrangements for you.

Thank u for the detailed information provided. I am planning to go dharmasala, dalhausie end of March . please tell me is this suitable time to visit there. can i find snow there. waht will be the temperature etc? Also can i do Triund treck with a child aged 7 years. please let me know.

You have covered almost everything needed to go on a trip here. Thank you for writing this blog. Blogs like these help us in planning and making the most out of our trips. Very helpful!

You have written everything which can be possibly required on the journey. What a wonderful post.

Thank you for taking the time to drop a note Gautam.

Leave a Comment Cancel Reply

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

• McLeod Ganj
• Things to Do
• Restaurants
• Vacation Rentals
• Travel Stories
• Rental Cars
• Add a Place
• Travel Forum
• Travelers' Choice
• Help Center

Must visit & go up to triund trek - Bhagsu Waterfall

• Asia    
• India    
• Himachal Pradesh    
• Kangra District    
• Dharamsala    
• McLeod Ganj    
• McLeod Ganj - Things to Do    
• Bhagsu Waterfall

Must visit & go up to triund trek

Waterfall is not so good ,but trekking is nice.as we trek with our children many activities before waterfall like cycling , zipline etc .small shop for maggi & coffee shop in between trek.same trek goes to triund ,in between we stop at Shiva cafe.

This is nice waterfall. You have to 30 minutes easy trek to reach waterfall. This is just behind of Bhagsunag temple. The way is well maintained, anyone can go there. This route you will find food & juice point. You will see adventure ride like zip/cycle riding on the way.

Bhagsu Nag waterfall offers a picturesque setting with its small but photogenic cascade. The ascent, involving 100s of steps, takes roughly 15-30 minutes, making it accessible yet requiring some effort. Along the way, stalls offer refreshments, enhancing the overall experience. The waterfall, though modest, provides a scenic backdrop for photography enthusiasts. For those seeking more, the renowned Shiva cafe awaits at a further 15-20 minute climb, boasting a cool ambiance and delicious food.

Moderate walk up reasonable path from the temple.Only the higher part becomes a little challenging,more rocky,a bit slippery. There are a couple of places to stop on the way up.

This waterfalls is one of the most famous tourist attractions of McleodGanj. So you can find a good crowd here. There is a mini trek to reach the top of waterfalls. We didn’t go to the ultimate top because of crowd. Instead we later found a place a bit down to just relax and enjoy the cold and serene water. There is one Shiva Cafe at the very top which is quite famous. The waterfalls in itself is quite nice. There is BhagsuNag temple which you can visit on the way or while coming back.

This waterfall is dubbed as one of the most popular attractions in Mcleodganj but I am rather partial about it. It is definitely beautiful but it is not one of the most gorgeous waterfalls that I have seen. It is on the way to Triund so overall considered it is worth the journey.

• Appointments
• Corporate Connect
• Discover Your India
• Explore the world
• Food Voyager
• Hotels & Resorts
• Lifestyle, Weddings & Wellness
• Today's Traveller Awards
• Today's Traveller Interviews

• Today’s Traveller Awards
• Today’s Traveller Interviews

Qatar - Land of the Eternal Sunshine

Qatar – endless exciting experiences, today's traveller videos, israel uncovers large 1,500-year winepress, garmin's cool new track by khasi bloodz, beautiful kerala - “there are no stops, only stopovers” - offbeat destinations, denmark wins two oscars in 2021, editor's pick, the best of the indian food trail – oomph factor, magnificent tigers india's 10 best tiger reserves to visit, there’s more to delicious bengali food than luchi - taste these 10 super dishes, the indian food trail: best dishes from india, bhedaghat: the land of huge marble rocks., bottega veneta luxe 24 summer collection - an odyssey that is both free and hopeful, delicious 3 summer recipes by leela ambience gurugram, audi middle east and chef izu ani announce official partnership: a story of progress, khajuraho: the convergence of architecture and art, the best of 6 activities in tri-valley summers in the san francisco bay area, echoes of eternity: india's 7 majestic heritage and sacred sites, aviareps celebrates 30 years of great business, magic under the stars an unforgettable evening at triund base camp, 8 secret surfing paradises in india: discover the best surf spots for wave riders, ihcl’s vivanta jamshedpur, jharkhand opens its doors, pioneering sustainable hospitality: radisson blu mumbai international airport's holistic approach , hype luxury's private jets aggregated asset value is estimated to be over $630b, with current customer demand surging over 500%, kk collection partners with outbound marketing for its sales and marketing representation in india , uber’s annual lost and found index | 2024.

TODAY'S TRAVELLER INTERVIEWS

Puneet dhawan: dedication to excellence has been pivotal in shaping accor's success, hoshang garivala: the previous year and the first half of 2024 have shown promising growth, ranju alex: we have a record year of growth in south asia signing 28 deals, elliot ferguson: india is an important market - ranks no 4 for the us in terms of visitation, harkaran singh: our team has made aurika mumbai skycity no.1 on trip advisor in mumbai, mandeep singh lamba: hope 2024 will have a lasting and transformative impact, sanjay kumar: we aim to set dynamic new standards in travel technology tools for 2024, yuvraj lakham and yuvrani shraddha share their love of sawantwadi and palace boutique art hotel.

• Discover India
• Hotels & Resorts
• Lifestyle, Weddings & wellness
• Todays Traveller awards
• Todays Traveller Interviews

Quick Links

Our social networks.

Home » Travel Guides » Russia » 15 Best Day Trips from Moscow

15 Best Day Trips from Moscow

Moscow, the sprawling Russian capital, is a city that’s both full of history and contemporary culture.

This is the centre of the Russian world, a city that armies have invaded, where nations have clashed and where revolutions have played out through the centuries.

It’s a city on the fringe of Europe, but a place that is very much at the heart of European history and politics, and for visitors, it can be a complex and enthralling destination to visit.

As much as there is to see and to do in the city itself, there is just as much to experience on day trips from Moscow too.

While Russia is undoubtedly an expansive country, and many of the better-known cities such as St Petersburg or Volgograd are hundreds and hundreds of miles away, there are many more unknown and unusual destinations to visit within a few hours’ drive of the capital.

Immerse yourself in the Russian countryside, visit war memorials, battlefields and the lavish estates of the former Russian nobility. There are rural villages, grand Orthodox Monasteries and the chance to see Russian life outside of the city first-hand.

Here are the best day trips from Moscow.

Located just an hour north of the Moscow city centre, Korolev is an area that is almost a suburb of the expansive capital, but has retained its own unique identity. During the Soviet era, this was one of the most important industrial areas in the country, because this was the base for Soviet Space Exploration.

During World War II, the factories here produced anti-tank guns that helped keep the Soviet Union in the fight. After Germany was defeated, the factories and research centres began to focus on space.

The city became a ‘Science City’ as skilled workers from across the Union came here to settle and to launch the space programme. It became one of the more affluent areas in the country, and today, that distinction can still be seen on the streets and in the buildings.

When the Soviet Union collapsed, Korolev remained the headquarters of Russian space travel and still hosts Russian Mission Control.

2. Borodino

A two-hour drive to the west of Moscow is the battlefield of Borodino. This is a place that is revered in Russian history, and which perhaps should be much more well-known in wider European history too, because this is where the infamous French General Napolean Bonaparte fought the Russians during his invasion in 1812.

Although the French won the Battle of Borodino and went on to capture Moscow, this was the beginning of the end for Napolean, as he went on to be ravaged by the Russian Winter and was forced to retreat soon after.

Just outside the small village of Borodino is the green and grassy field where the battle was fought. On top of a substantial hill is a lasting monument to the important event.

Located to the south-east of Moscow is the city of Kolomna, which in comparison to the Russian capital is very much a small-town escape.

This is one of the oldest Russian cities in the region and there is a long and intriguing history to be discovered in the museums and monasteries.

Interestingly, the city was off-limits for much its tenure under the Soviet Union, because it was the site of important weapons factories. It was only in 1994 that the city was opened up and even now it is still very much unknown to tourists.

Kolomna makes for a great day trip, and you can explore the restored medieval walls, and the city’s very own Kremlin, a huge fortress which dates back to the 16th century.

4. Zvenigorod

Zvenigorod is as little as an hour’s drive away from Moscow city centre, and the small town makes for a pleasant break from the capital.

Zvenigorod is an old and historic place, with a history dating back almost a thousand years.

There are some beautiful monasteries to visit as well as the unusual Museum of Russian Desserts, where you can sample and explore this aspect of the local culinary culture.

Zvenigorod was also a town where the world-renowned Anton Checkov once lived, and you can visit a museum here that’s dedicated to his life.

5. Sergiyev Posad

North of the capital is the city of Sergiyev Posad, which is one of the few well-known tourist destinations in the surrounding region.

You will find this as a suggested stop on most travel itineraries to Moscow, and many tour companies include this as part of their excursions around the city because this city is home to the famous Trinity Lavra of St Sergius.

This is a huge Russian Orthodox Monastery which has been here for hundreds of years, and continues to be run by monks who look after the revered tomb of St Sergius, who was laid to rest here.

It’s an important pilgrimage place for Orthodox Christians and an important stop for tourists.

6. Kubinka Tank Museum

Outside Moscow, you can find an unusual museum which will give you a truly ‘Russian’ experience.

The Kubinka Tank Museum was once the location of a Red Army tank testing ground. Now, it’s been turned into a huge museum that showcases every conceivable type of armoured vehicle.

7. Arkhangelskoye Estate

The Arkhangelskoye Estate was built on the outskirts of Moscow and dates back to the late 18th century when it was constructed by a Rusian aristocratic family.

For over a century, it was the domain of the nobility, until of course, the Russian Revolution and the advent of Communism swept the family that owned the estate out of the country.

The estate was opened to the public by the Communists and turned into a museum, which it remains today.

Restoration work after the fall of the Soviet Union saved the Arkhangelskoye Estate from falling into disrepair and kept the grounds and the grand palace as a lavish example of pre-Revolution Russia.

8. Yaroslavl

Yaroslavl is found a few hours to the north of Moscow and makes for a long day trip from the city. It’s worth the journey to experience one of the region’s most popular tourist destinations.

Yaroslavl is found on the banks of the River Volga and has been a historically important city throughout Russian history. The city has even been the capital of the country at various points.

You can explore the many museums and monasteries to learn more about this intriguing destination.

9. Rostov Veliky

Just south of Yaroslavl is the small but culturally rich town of Rostov Veliky.

This is another important site in Russian history, as the town can date its origins back to early Slavic settlement around Moscow.

Lake Nero is a beautiful and expansive lake near the town, fringed on one side by an ancient fortress, giving Rostov Veliky a wonderful atmosphere to experience.

10. Vladimir

Two hours east of Moscow is another historic Russian city that is very much on the regional tourist trail.

It makes for a great day trip from the capital because Vladimir dates back to the 12th century and is full of Russian history and culture.

This was one of the first Russian capitals and it still contains many beautiful medieval buildings that are hundreds of years old.

The small town of Suzdal is just a few kilometres north of the city of Vladimir.

The town is part of a fantastic UNESCO World Heritage Site that encompasses the historic sites from both Suzdal and Vladimir.

The town was founded in medieval times and also acted for a time as an early capital for Russian kingdoms in the region.

Klin is a fairly unassuming town to the north-west of Moscow, but it’s worth visiting to see one particular sight, the house of Tchaikovsky.

The famous 19th-century composer spent his final days here and wrote his very last piece of work in the house in Klin. It is now a museum dedicated to his life and work.

It’s a grand estate and an interesting insight into pre-Soviet, Russian culture.

13. Melikova

A short trip past the Moscow suburbs will bring you to another famous estate, the house of renowned Russian writer and playwright Anton Checkov.

By the town of Checkov, which was renamed in his honour, the museum of Melikova will take you on a journey through his life and indeed, what the lives of many of his contemporary fellow Russians would have been like too.

14. Gorki Leninskie

On the southern edge of Moscow is Gorki Leniniskie.

This grand estate was once the realm of Russian nobles, but after the Russian Revolution it was personally taken over by Vladimir Lenin who turned it into his own home.

He spent much of his last years here, and after his death, the estate became a shrine to his life and legacy.

Today it still remains an interesting museum, and is still in many ways a shrine to communism.

15. Losiny Ostrov National Park

Losiny Ostrov National Park is a huge area of protected land that is found right on the edge of Moscow and is even surrounded on several sides by suburbs of the city.

It’s unusual to find such a large national park so close to a capital and it’s easy to spend the day exploring this veritable wilderness of beautiful scenery and plentiful wildlife.

15 Best Day Trips from Moscow:

• Sergiyev Posad
• Kubinka Tank Museum
• Arkhangelskoye Estate
• Rostov Veliky
• Gorki Leninskie
• Losiny Ostrov National Park