Complete Travel Guide: Dharamshala to McLeodganj Itinerary

AnchalJune 26, 2025
Dharamshala

Planning to explore the magical stretch from dharamsala himachal pradesh to the quaint charm of McLeodganj? Well then, chalo ji! Pack your bags, grab a plate of momos, and get ready for a pahadi ride you won’t forget.


Dharamshala and McLeodganj together form the perfect blend of spiritual calm and backpacker buzz. While Dharamshala is the administrative and spiritual hub, McLeodganj – or “Little Lhasa” – is where the vibe totally shifts to chill mode with monasteries, cafés, and trails.


Getting There:
The best part? The journey from Dharamshala to McLeodganj is hardly 10 km! If you land at the dharamshala railway station (though it's closer to Kangra), you can take a cab or a local bus. The roads are twisty, but the views are toh worth it.
From dharamshala station, shared taxis and private cabs are easily available and cost around ₹300-₹500.


Stay & Chill:
For the best experience, split your stay! First, crash at a cozy hotel or camp in dharamshala – imagine waking up to the Dhauladhars with birds singing and chai brewing. Then, head uphill and settle into a boho-café style homestay in McLeodganj. If you're feeling fancy, try the resorts tucked in between the pines.


What to Do:
In dharamsala himachal pradesh, visit the Norbulingka Institute, catch a peaceful sunset at Naddi, and don’t miss the Dalai Lama Temple.
Once you move to McLeodganj, it’s all about walking trails, visiting Bhagsu Waterfall, sipping on Himalayan herbal tea, and vibing with Tibetan monks.
Also, don't forget to buy that quirky yak wool sweater from the market, bas mood ban jaata hai!


Foodie Alert:
Start your mornings with fresh thukpa or butter tea. In McLeodganj, café-hop your way through bakeries, Israeli food joints, and the famous German Bakery (because calories don't count in the mountains, right?).


Best Time to Visit:
March to June is ideal if you’re a fan of pleasant weather. Monsoons bring misty beauty but also slippery roads. Winters? Full-on snowball fight zone, bro!


Insider Tip:
If you're heading from dharamshala mcleodganj around sunset, stop by the viewpoint just before McLeod – the sky paints a masterpiece every evening.
And for those with “wanderlust wali feeling,” rent a scooty from the market for ₹300/day – bas throttle maaro and go full filmy!


So there you go! A mini yet mighty itinerary for your dharamshala and mcleodganj trip. Trust us, you’ll come back with a full heart, a full memory card, and definitely full tummies.


Mountain calling aa gaya ho toh… kehna kya? Chalo chalte hain!

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