Dharamshala Travel Guide: McLeod Ganj, Places to Visit and Travel Tips
This Dharamshala travel guide helps you plan a visit to Dharamshala and McLeod Ganj, the home of the Dalai Lama. It covers the best places to visit, things to do, the best time to go and how to get there. When you are ready to book, see our Dharamshala tour packages.
Dharamshala lies in the Kangra Valley of Himachal Pradesh, below the snow peaks of the Dhauladhar range. Upper Dharamshala, called McLeod Ganj, is the centre of Tibetan life in India. For the whole state, read our Himachal travel guide.
Why Visit Dharamshala
Every Dharamshala travel guide has its reasons. These are ours:
- Tibetan culture: monasteries, prayer flags, momos and crafts.
- Mountain views: the Dhauladhar peaks rise straight above the town.
- Easy treks: Triund and the forest walks around Dharamkot.
- Peace: meditation courses, yoga and quiet villages.
Best Places to Visit in Dharamshala
These are the places every Dharamshala travel guide should start with.
Tsuglagkhang Complex
The main Tibetan temple in McLeod Ganj, next to the residence of the Dalai Lama, with the Tibetan Museum close by.
McLeod Ganj Market
Narrow lanes of Tibetan shops, cafes and bakeries around the main square.
Bhagsu Nag and Bhagsu Falls
An old temple and a waterfall, about two kilometres from the main square.
Dharamkot
A quiet village above McLeod Ganj, known for yoga, meditation and cafes.
Triund
A ridge at about 2,850 m, reached by a moderate trek of four to five hours, with wide views of the Dhauladhar peaks.
Naddi and Dal Lake
A small lake in the cedar forest, and a viewpoint that is perfect at sunset.
St John in the Wilderness
An old stone church in the forest between Dharamshala and McLeod Ganj.
HPCA Stadium
A cricket ground with snow peaks behind it, one of the most photographed stadiums in the world.
Norbulingka Institute
A centre for Tibetan art and crafts with peaceful gardens, in the lower valley.
Kangra Fort and Masroor Temples
An old fort above two rivers, and a group of temples carved from rock, both an easy drive away.
Bir Billing
About two hours away, one of the best places in India for paragliding.
Best Time to Visit Dharamshala
This part of our Dharamshala travel guide matters most when you choose your dates.
- March to June: pleasant days and the best time for Triund.
- July to September: very heavy rain and green hills. Treks can be slippery.
- October and November: clear skies and the best mountain views.
- December to February: cold, with snow on the peaks.
How to Reach Dharamshala
This Dharamshala travel guide lists the three main routes.
- By air: Kangra (Gaggal) airport is about 15 km away, with flights from Delhi. Amritsar airport, about 200 km away, has more flights.
- By train: Pathankot station is about 90 km away, a drive of two and a half hours.
- By road: about ten to twelve hours from Delhi, six to seven from Chandigarh and five from Amritsar. Overnight Volvo buses run from Delhi.
Things to Do in Dharamshala
Here is what our Dharamshala travel guide recommends most:
- Walk the kora, the path around the Dalai Lama’s residence.
- Trek to Triund for sunrise over the mountains.
- Join a short meditation or Tibetan cooking class.
- Try momos, thukpa and butter tea.
- Visit a tea garden in the Kangra Valley.
- Paraglide at Bir Billing.
Where to Stay in Dharamshala
Stay in McLeod Ganj to walk to the temple and cafes, in Dharamkot for peace, or in lower Dharamshala for larger hotels and resorts with valley views.
Ready-Made Dharamshala Tours
If you would like us to plan your trip, these private tours follow the routes in this Dharamshala travel guide:
- 5-day Dharamshala with Amritsar tour: three nights in Dharamshala and the Golden Temple in Amritsar.
- 6-day Dharamshala, Dalhousie and Amritsar tour: two nights each in Dharamshala and Dalhousie, and Amritsar.
- 7-day Himalayas to the Golden Temple tour: three nights in Dharamshala, two in Dalhousie and Amritsar.
- 8-day Himachal with Amritsar and Katra tour: Amritsar, Dharamshala, Dalhousie and Vaishno Devi at Katra.
Compare them all on our Dharamshala tour packages page, or read our Dalhousie travel guide.
Travel Tips for Dharamshala
Before you go, read these tips from our Dharamshala travel guide.
- Carry a rain jacket in every season. Dharamshala gets a lot of rain.
- Wear good shoes. The lanes of McLeod Ganj are steep.
- Walk clockwise around temples and prayer wheels, as is the custom.
- Start the Triund trek early, and carry water.
Frequently Asked Questions
These are the questions travellers ask us most while reading this Dharamshala travel guide.
What is the difference between Dharamshala and McLeod Ganj?
McLeod Ganj is the upper part of Dharamshala, about ten kilometres up the hill. Most sights are there.
How many days are enough for Dharamshala?
Two or three days, or four if you add Triund and the Kangra Valley.
Is Dharamshala good for families?
Yes. It is safe and calm, with short walks and plenty to see.
How far is Dalhousie from Dharamshala?
About 120 km, a drive of about four hours.
Plan Your Dharamshala Trip
We hope this Dharamshala travel guide helps you plan. Shamrock Journeys has planned holidays in Himachal since 2002. See our Dharamshala tour packages, our Himachal tour packages, our {a(‘/tour-packages/north-india/’,’best North India tours’)} or all our India tour packages.
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