Skip to content
Tomorrow's Trip
Log in
McLeod Ganj, Himachal Pradesh

Himachal Pradesh

McLeod Ganj

✓ Last verified Oct 2026

Photo: Rickard Törnblad / Wikimedia Commons · CC BY-SA 4.0

🛂 Your travel passport

Tibetan culture, cafés and cedar-lined trails above Dharamshala.

Calculate trip costPlan a trip here

Prices and timings are estimates, so please confirm before you book. Spotted something wrong or out of date? Tell us.

Overview

McLeod Ganj, above Dharamshala, is the home of the Tibetan government-in-exile and the Dalai Lama's temple. It is popular with solo travellers: cheap guesthouses, cafés, short treks and a strong volunteering and meditation scene. Monsoon is very wet; autumn and spring are best.

Best time to visit

  1. ◐
  2. ◐
  3. ●
  4. ●
  5. ●
  6. ●
  7. ✕
  8. ✕
  9. ●
  10. ●
  11. ●
  12. ◐

● best time · ◐ okay · ✕ best avoided (Jul, Aug)

How to reach

  • By road from Delhi

    10–12 h

    Overnight buses run to Dharamshala; allow 10–12 hours. Shared taxis and local buses climb to McLeod Ganj.

  • By rail

    Pathankot → road

    Pathankot is the nearest big railhead (about 90 km); the Kangra narrow-gauge line is slow but scenic.

  • By air

    Check current flights

    Gaggal airport (Kangra) is close but has limited flights.

Where to stay

  • Around the main square

    ₹500–3,500 / night

    Walk to everything; plenty of budget guesthouses and hostels.

  • Bhagsu and Dharamkot

    ₹600–3,000 / night

    Quieter, more yoga and homestay-style options within walking distance.

Things to do

  • Tsuglagkhang Complex and Namgyal Monastery

    1–2 h

    The Dalai Lama's temple and surrounding area; dress modestly and be quiet inside.

  • Triund day trek

    5–7 h round trip

    A popular day hike with ridge views. Start early, carry water, and check the weather; do not stay overnight without proper gear.

  • Bhagsu waterfall

    1–2 h

    Short walk from Bhagsu village, busy on weekends.

  • Tibetan Museum and short courses

    1 h

    Small museum plus meditation and language classes for longer stays.

Food

  • Momos and thukpa

    ₹80–250 / person

    Tibetan staples at small family places throughout town.

  • Café breakfasts

    ₹150–450 / person

    Lots of backpacker cafés; good wifi culture.

Safety & permits

Safety notes

Triund trails can be wet and foggy; hire a guide if unsure. Monsoon landslides are common. Watch for stray dogs and monkeys on trails.

Phone network & ATMs

Decent mobile data and café wifi in town; weak on the trek.

Places in McLeod Ganj

Sights

  • Bhagsu Waterfall

    Short walk from Bhagsu village.

  • Tsuglagkhang Complex

    Temple and monastery complex associated with the Dalai Lama.

Food

  • Tibetan momo shops

    Small family-run places near the main square.

Activities

  • Triund trek

    Day hike to a ridge meadow with views of the Dhauladhar range.

Itineraries for McLeod Ganj

See all →

Tips & questions

Quick tips, questions and photos from people who've been — or are going.

Log in to share a tip, ask a question or post a photo.

Nothing here yet. Be the first to share a tip or a photo! 🌟

Reviews & tips

Been to McLeod Ganj? Log in to share what you thought and one tip for others.

No reviews yet — be the first to share a tip.

More in Himachal Pradesh

See all →