Plan A Trip To McLeod Ganj and Dharmshala - Complete Guide Skip to main content

Plan A Trip To McLeod Ganj and Dharmshala - Complete Guide

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Guide To Dharamshala and McLeodganj

This post will guide you through your trip to Dharamshala and Mcleodganj and guide you through every challenge on the trip. Whether you are going solo or a couple or family, this post is written to help you grasp the maximum out of these two beautiful towns: Dharamshala and McLeodganj.

Brief Introduction to Mcleodganj


McLeodganj is a beautiful small town situated in upper Dharamshala, Himachal Pradesh. The place is called “Little Lhasa” because of its Tibetan population and the world’s spiritual leader His Holiness The Dalai Lama residence. Mcleodganj has scenic views of Dhauladhar ranges and Pir Panjal, a lot of green covers, breathtaking treks and tranquillity as well. Mcleodganj must be on everyone's bucket list. It is great for all friendly age groups, from individual travellers to family, couples and backpackers.





Brief Introduction to Dharamshala

Dharamshala is the district Headquarters of the Kangra district of Himachal Pradesh. It is the gateway of jaw-dropping mountain ranges Dhauladhar and Pir Panjal. Dharamshala is globally known for its World’s Highest Cricket Stadium HPCA. One who is in Dharamshala must definitely take a look at the stadium.


Places To Visit in Dharamshala


Dharamshala is full of interesting places to see and roam around for any type of traveller. From breathtaking scenic views to traditional places.

Dharamshala Cricket Stadium


Location: Tehsil, HPCA Cricket Stadium, Distt-Kangra, Dharamshala, Himachal Pradesh

Kangra Fort

Location: Old Kangra, Kangra, Himachal Pradesh

Kangra Art Museum


Location: Kotwali Bazar Rd, Sudher, Dharamshala

War Memorial

Location: College Road, Dharamshala 

Nechung Monastery

Location: Upmuhal, Dharamshala

Library of Tibetan Arts and Archives

Location: Gangchen Kyishong, Dharamsala

Gyuto Monastery

Popularly known for the study of Tantric Meditation and Philosophy, the Gyuto Monastery is one of the beautiful and popular monasteries located in Dharamshala.
Location: Palampur, Dharamshala road


Tea Garden Dharamshala




The smallest tea region of India, Dharamshala has beautifully lined and organized tea gardens across the Kangra Valley. It is known for its good quality tea and is available for purchase in many shops across Dharamshala and Mcleodganj.

Location: Nargota road, Dharamshala

Norbulingka Institute

Location: Palampur - Dharamshala Road

Chinmaya Tapovan Ashram

Location: Sidhbari, Kangra

Naam Art Gallery

Location: Sidhpur, Sidhpur Road, Dharamshala

Aghanjar Mahadev Temple

Location: Khaniyara, Dharamshala

Kangra Valley

Location: It dominantly lies in the state of Himachal Pradesh and the famous town of Dharamshala is the headquarters of the Kangra district. Pathankot is the nearest railway network. Gaggal airport, which is also known as the Kangra airport is located here.



How to travel from Dharamshala To Mcleodganj?

Dharamshala and Mcleodganj are very close to each other at 7kms approx. If one may wish to travel by a rented scooty, he can do that and would take just fifteen minutes when the road is empty, which it usually is.

Dharamshala to Mcleodganj provides serene views of the Devadar jungles alongside the roads and defence establishments of Indo-Tibetan Border Police. The church is also en route to Mcleodganj from Dharamshala. If you are only enjoying the views not riding your own then you can take a cab from Dharamshala. It will cost you 500 rupees and is easily available in a couple of minutes.

To reach Dharamshala to Mcleodganj, there is a suitable way to go Mcleodganj you can take a local bus from Dharamshala which costs you 20 to 30 rupees.


Mcleodganj Places to Visit

Mcleodganj is a place which has Tibetan culture and treks for those who want to explore more and add more experience to their travel. Mcleodganj has very good places to visit.

St. John in the Wilderness Church

Location: Road to Naddi Village From Mcleod Ganj, Mcleod Ganj

Namgyal Monastery

Location: Forsyth Ganj-Mcleod Ganj


Dalai Lama Temple Complex





Location: Temple Road, Dharamshala


Illiterati Cafe



Location: Anubhav Apartments, Jogiwara Road, Jogiara Village, Mcleodganj,


Triund Trek

Location: Triund Hill

Bhagsunath Waterfall

Location: Kangra District, Nr. Mcleodganj Main Market, Mcleod Ganj

Dharamkot

Location: On the crest of a hill above McLeodGanj

Naddi View Point

Location: A small village in Upper Mcleodganj


Dal Lake
Kareri Lake
Indrahar Pass



Mecleodganj also has very good restaurants with different cuisines like Indian, Tibetan, Italian, Japanese if you are in Mcleodganj you must go to some very famous restaurants there. If you want to experience a real Tibet culture you must go to Tibet Kitchen. They have Tibetan Seating style also on the 2nd floor.
  • Illiterati Cafe
  • House of Tibet
  • Tibet Kitchen
  • Mcllo Restaurant
  • Labooze Cafe, Bar and Lounge



How to go from Mcleodganj to Triund?

Mcleod is like a small town with wide Tibetan culture and Triund is an ideal place for trekker enthusiasts. A beautiful summit with beautiful deodar and rhododendron trees.

To reach Triund one can go by private taxi to Dharamkot but the pathway is not too scenic. From Dharamkot, you can start the trek as many people do or can take a cab for 500 Rupees one side. The official trek starts from Gallu Devi temple though. 


Triund Trek



Triund trek is a popular trek in Dharamshala covered with snow-peaked Dhauladhar ranges. It is a moderate trek with steep ascents. The Triund trek is a beautiful trek with the Deodar and Rhododendron trees. The distance of the trek is 6 km one way. One should carry his water bottle as the midpoint is a little far and carry some light snacks. The Triund trek has the 22 bends at the end with steep ascents. Follow the signs carefully during the trek which are painted on rocks. On the top of Triund hill, it has a serene jaw-dropping view.

The Triund trek can be done from Dharamkot or Gallu Dev Temple. The best would be from Gallu Devi because it is the official point and if you are planning to descend on the same day, Gallu Devi should be your choice. After reaching the trek you will take a breathtaking view of Dhauladhar Ranges and enjoy the Maggi. You can spend half or One-hour which is enough. The Triund top also has the Forest guest house there but to stay in the guest house tourists must pre-book the rooms online.


Important guidelines for Triund Trek

You have to carry your government ID to enter the trek and register yourself in a shop. They will give you a serial number which you have to tell them after returning from the trek. This way the officials ensure that all the trekkers have returned safely. All the plastic bags, bottles, wrappers checked and you have to carry them back so they don't pollute the valley. Speakers and Alcohol are strictly prohibited in the trek.

If you miss any single piece you will be fined 2000 rupees.

The best season for Triund trek is March to December. January month has very heavy rainfall in Triund so it will be risky because the path gets too slippery.


Mcleodganj To Dharamshala

From Mcleodganj to Dharamshala there are taxi services available so one can get by taxi or can get by local buses.



Delhi To Kangra / Dharamshala

Delhi to Kangra distance is 467 Kms, Kangra and Dharamshala can be travelled by road as well as by air.

The road journey from Delhi to Kangra is overnight. Tourists can book their tickets for buses (regular, AC, Volvo) through the online portal of HRTC or also from other online bus websites which fare approx 900.

Kangra is well connected with air travel. Tourists can take a flight from IGIA to Gaggal Airport (Kangra). Dharamshala is 12 Km from Gaggal Airport so tourists can take taxis from there.


Kangra To Dharamshala

Kangra to Dharamshala is 17 km approx. On bus stands, travellers can take a local bus to Dharamshala which comes every 10-20 minutes. It costs 40- 50 rupees one way.

That was all guys!! If you want to know how to plan a trip to Darjeeling, you can visit this link.

This post was made possible by the contributions of Vibha Negi, a travel enthusiast.

If you want to contribute, please inbox us your suggestion here.
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