Visiting Mcleodganj and Dharamshala? In this travel blog, I will share all the useful information you need to know — from things to see in Dharamshala to where to stay and the best time to visit.
But before we get into the details, let’s clear the confusion… McLeod Ganj and Dharamshala are two different towns. McLeod Ganj is a suburb and a higher-altitude part of Dharamshala, known as “Little Lhasa” for its Tibetan culture, while Dharamshala is the larger town and administrative center below it
Also, if you are backpacking across Himachal, you might be interested in my Himachal Pradesh travel guide for details about other tourist places in Himachal. Or read about my top handpicked tourist places in Himachal Pradesh.
Now, let’s get started! And before we do that, check out the video from my Youtube Channel where I completed the popular Triund Trek in Mcleod Gunj in under 90 minutes, where it usually takes 4-6 hours for general public…
My First Impression of McLeodganj And Dharamshala
We travel the most when we learn something new. And we learn that NEW when we come to a place full of stories and inspiration. What we find in such places is that it is the sadness that makes the sun shine brighter, and it is the spirit of people that makes this world more beautiful.
This applies to the town of McLeod Ganj – a nondescript sleepy hamlet in the foothills of the Himalayas – in an absolute and unconditional sense. Dharamshala, the administrative town below McLeod Ganj, is rather no different.
The sound of Buddhist prayers in Namgyal Monastery in McLeod Ganj, along with the many friendly faces I frequently stumbled upon, often filled me with a sudden, unanswerable sense that I had been here before.
I decided to visit this place to experience Tibetan Buddhist culture, as this place is now home to its government in exile and the revered Dalai Lama with his several thousand Tibetan people. And no wonder the city lives up to its tag of small Tibet and the “Little Lhasa”.
I found the Buddhist community living in McLeod Ganj to be deeply religious, with almost everyone I spoke to having a higher sense of regard for the Dalai Lama.
I’ve visited quite a few other Buddhist villages around India, among which I especially loved Bylakuppe, in Karnataka and Bodhgaya, in Uttar Pradesh) but when I was in McLeod Ganj, it felt different altogether.
It is like one of those inspiring places, where the exile and loss of its people are seen in the right light, it doesn’t seem depressing at all.
Home to Dalai Lama this is India’s own version of Lhasa!
It’s a different and perhaps sad reality that the Buddhist leader — who once had a home in the serene mountains of Lhasa and ruled far beyond the boundaries of Tibet — now lives in the confined spaces of McLeod Ganj.
And, that’s not it. Almost every other person in entire Dharamshala area – including the Hindus – has a gloomy past and a sad story to tell. But when you walk through its chill, sharp streets, all you see is a bunch of happy faces, with many walking with their prayer beads and chanting mantras as they go about their day.
And when your senses aren’t occupied by those happy faces, you find yourself smiling at the working amiable Tibetan women selling goods with a baby strapped to their backs. Their beautiful, smooth face, cheeks red from overexposure to the sun and a rosary, methodically moving in and out their sleeve as if each dark turquoise bead acts in an abacus for time and prayer.
As much as I loved this place for its people and its aura, the food there is also something that’s worth mentioning. From pancakes to thupkas to momos, every café has its own variety of dishes with its signature Tibetan touch.
While there is a host of eatables to choose from – one thing that you, however, can’t afford to miss out on is the famous Tibetan butter tea – a stimulating sweet, salty mix. Other things to eat while in McLeod Ganj are Yak Cheeze Slice dessert, Chhurpi, Phaley and Tingmo. Tibetan food in McLeod Ganj is certainly worth exploring while you are there.
It was one of those whimsical places for me where, for no reason, I found myself being able to decipher as if I were in a place I knew better than I should.
During my entire stay there, chanting the many McLeod Ganj and Dharamshala quotes I found myself shuffling through the gratings of the conscious mind, and into a place that observes a different kind of logic – of friendliness and peace.
Where to Stay: Dharamshala or McLeod Ganj?
When looking for a place to stay in the Dharamshala, look for something either in Dharamkot or Mcleodganj (these three towns are located nearby each other, sharing boundaries). I personally like Dharamkot the most because it is comparatively less crowded and newly built. McLeod Ganj, on the other hand, is where the Buddhist leader Dalai Lama lives so staying there also makes sense. Dharamshala was least preferred when it came to staying in a hotel, personally speaking.
I have moreover noticed that accommodation in Dharamshala is the most expensive and that around Dharamkot it is the least expensive.
During my last visit, I spent almost a week there. Moreover, I have visited this place over 5 times. So from all those experiences, I have written this blog on the best hostels in Dharamshala that will help you choose from some of the places I have personally stayed in Dharamshala area.
Best Time To Visit McLeod Ganj And Dharamshala
I’ve been to this fascinating Hamlet both off and during the season and I’ve found the best time to visit Mcleodganj and Dharamshala is when this place is not crammed with tourists. If you visit it during the peak season, you don’t get to feel its warmth or watch all the monks in their flaming robes walking along the narrow, confined roads around the main market.
Having said that, the best time to visit Dharamshala is during winter or monsoon. In other terms, the months of July, August, December, January and February are the best.
Between May and June is when it is most crowded there.
From Dharamshala, I suggest you visit Bir as well as it is located only a short drive away. On the way, you can visit the beautiful tea-estates of Palampur. Check out my Youtube Video below…
Top Places to Visit in McLeod Ganj
McLeod Ganj may look like a small hill town at first glance, but once you start walking through it, you realise how layered and meaningful it really is. Here are the places in McLeod Ganj that left a lasting impression on me.
Namgyal Monastery
This is the spiritual heart of McLeod Ganj and the main reason why travellers from across the world visit this place. Home to His Holiness the Dalai Lama, the Namgyal Monastery is where you truly feel the calm, meditative energy of “Little Lhasa.”
I spent a good amount of time sitting quietly here, listening to monks chant prayers while prayer wheels spun endlessly around the temple complex. If you’re visiting Dharamshala or McLeod Ganj for the first time, this place should be at the top of your list.
Bhagsu Nag & Bhagsu Waterfall
Located just a short walk from the McLeod Ganj market, Bhagsu Nag is a popular spot among backpackers and nature lovers. The Bhagsu waterfall is especially beautiful during monsoon, when the water flow is at its strongest.
I usually recommend visiting early in the morning to avoid crowds. You can also find several cafés around Bhagsu that offer great views of the valley — perfect for slow mornings.
Dharamkot – The Hippie Village
Dharamkot sits above McLeod Ganj and has a completely different vibe. It’s quieter, greener, and feels more like a long-term traveller’s base. I personally prefer staying in Dharamkot whenever I’m in the area.
From meditation centres and yoga schools to cafés overlooking the Dhauladhar range, Dharamkot is ideal if you’re looking to slow down. It’s also the starting point for the Triund trek.
Top Places to Visit in Dharamshala
While McLeod Ganj often steals the spotlight, Dharamshala has its own charm and deserves at least a day or two.
Kangra Cricket Stadium
Set against the dramatic backdrop of the Dhauladhar mountains, the HPCA Stadium is one of the most scenic cricket stadiums in the world. Even if you’re not a cricket fan, the views alone make it worth visiting.
You can get a beautiful Birds Eye view glimpse of Kangra Cricket Stadium from Triund Top
War Memorial & Tea Gardens
The Dharamshala War Memorial is a peaceful place surrounded by pine trees and tea estates. I often recommend combining this visit with a walk through nearby tea gardens — especially during early mornings or late afternoons.
Again, if you are going towards Bir Billing, as I did in the Youtube Video shared above, you are going to see beautiful tea garden in Palampur.
Things to Do in McLeod Ganj & Dharamshala
Triund Trek
No McLeod Ganj travel guide is complete without mentioning the Triund trek. This moderate trek offers panoramic views of the Dhauladhar range and the Kangra Valley.
I’ve done this trek multiple times, and each time feels different. Whether you do it as a day hike or stay overnight in a tent, Triund is an experience worth having.
Café Hopping & Slow Evenings
McLeod Ganj has some of the best cafés in Himachal Pradesh. From Tibetan cafés serving thukpa and momos to continental breakfast spots, food is a big part of the experience here.
Some cafés I often return to are located around Bhagsu and Dharamkot, where you can sit for hours with a book and a view.
How to Reach Dharamshala & McLeod Ganj
By Road
Dharamshala is well-connected by road to Delhi and Chandigarh. Volvo buses run overnight from Delhi to Dharamshala (McLeod Ganj drop point), making it a popular weekend destination.
By Air
The nearest airport is Kangra Airport (Gaggal), around 15 km from Dharamshala. Flights are limited, but if you find one at a reasonable price, it’s the fastest way to reach.
By Train
The closest major railway station is Pathankot. From there, you can take a taxi or bus to Dharamshala or McLeod Ganj.
Suggested 3-Day Itinerary
Day 1:
Arrive in McLeod Ganj → Visit Dalai Lama Temple → Explore local markets → Café hopping
Day 2:
Early morning Triund trek or Bhagsu Waterfall → Evening in Dharamkot
Day 3:
Explore Dharamshala → War Memorial → Tea gardens → Kangra Cricket Stadium
This itinerary works well for first-time visitors and gives a balanced mix of culture, nature, and slow travel.
FAQs – McLeod Ganj & Dharamshala Travel Guide
Is McLeod Ganj worth visiting?
Absolutely. Whether you’re interested in Tibetan culture, trekking, cafés, or spiritual travel, McLeod Ganj offers something for every kind of traveller.
How many days are enough for Dharamshala and McLeod Ganj together?
I’d recommend at least 3 to 4 days to explore both comfortably without rushing.
Is McLeod Ganj safe for solo travellers?
Yes, McLeod Ganj is one of the safer hill destinations in Himachal Pradesh and is especially popular among solo backpackers.
What is McLeod Ganj famous for?
McLeod Ganj is famous for the Dalai Lama, Tibetan monasteries, Triund trek, cafés, and its unique Buddhist culture.
I hope you found this blog useful. If you have something more to add, please leave a comment below!
