Things to do in McleodGanj & Dharamsala, Himachal Pradesh

Places to visit in Mcleodganj & Dharamsala, Himachal Pradesh

Mcleodganj in Himachal Pradesh, offers a serene escape into the Indian Himalayan mountains. Once a popular hill station in Himachal Pradesh, the Himalayan region of Dharamsala to Mcleodganj, is gradually transforming into a sought-after destination for expats who have left their city lives behind for a Himalayan lifestyle. With countless places to visit in McLeodGanj and Dharamsala, these twin towns are perfect for backpackers, solo travelers, and cultural enthusiasts looking to explore Buddhist traditions, local Himachali life, and the peaceful beauty of the Himalayas. The picturesque monasteries, cascading waterfalls, serene lakes, and charming cafes, all set against the majestic backdrop of the Dhauladhar range, contribute to Mcleodganj’s allure as a top tourist destination in Himachal Pradesh.

Historically, Mcleodganj was a cherished summer destination for the officers stationed at the Kangra cantonment during the British India era. This is why it was named Dharamsala, which translates to “rest house.” Later, when the Dalai Lama sought refuge in Mcleodganj, the hill station became a Tibetan refugee center and a prominent Buddhist pilgrimage site.

Mcleodganj, Dharamsala, Himachal Pradesh

Things to do in Mcleodganj / Dharamshala

Mcleodganj is a gem that effortlessly caters to diverse travel genres, offering something for every taste and preference.

Cozy guesthouses in Mcleodganj

The pleasure of being in Mcleodganj lies in simply “being” there and spending some relaxed time admiring the snow-capped mountains from the cozy rooms. Mcleodganj offers a wide range of options, from guesthouses to homestays and resorts.

Jogiwara Road: is a hub of cafes, shops, flea markets, and guesthouses. Among the guesthouses, Pink House, located about 100 steps below the main road, is particularly popular among backpackers.

Bhagsu Road: offers the most affordable accommodations. It also boasts a variety of cafes, including some organic options. You’ll find a diverse group of visitors here, particularly Israelis who are staying for extended periods.

Dharamkot Road: is a peaceful and relatively uncommercialized area. It’s home to secluded guesthouses and homestays.

Mcleodganj, Dharamsala, Himachal Pradesh - The tourist town

Laid-back cafes in Mcleodganj

At first glance, Mcleodganj appears as a serene little haven, an ideal destination for mountain enthusiasts seeking a cozy café to call their own. Each café here offers unique and delectable offerings that will leave you spellbound. The hot teas and fresh food are simply irresistible.

Among the many cafes, my favorites are:
Black Tent Café: This charming establishment boasts cozy low-sitting seating and Tibetan decor. They offer bottomless teas, ensuring your tea mugs are never empty.
Jimmy’s Italian Kitchen: This restaurant boasts a delightful menu featuring fresh ingredients and a cozy atmosphere perfect for a romantic dinner.
Mcllo Beer Bar: While it may resemble a restaurant, Mcllo Beer Bar is the only place that serves beer and wine. The rooftop candlelit dinners create a breathtaking ambiance.

Walking down the streets of Mcleodganj

Stroll through the lively streets and discover captivating attractions. You’ll encounter monks on the streets and in cafes, Tibetan massage parlors, tattoo studios, handicrafts, paintings, and flea markets. The local wines here are worth trying; they come in various flavors, such as plum wine, apple wine, and kiwi wine, to name a few. You can even walk around the entire town on foot.

Street of McleodGanj

Tattoo Studio

Tibetan Paintings

Laundry exchange at 50% discount

Shop some cool hippie stuff - Mcleodganj, Dharamsala, Himachal Pradesh

Rotate prayer wheels at the main square - Mcleodganj, Dharamsala, Himachal Pradesh

​Savor some mouthwatering street food. The uncle at the Tibet Quality Bakery is so charming that you’ll be tempted to stop by and buy something every time you cross him. And let’s not forget the momos here—they’re simply irresistible.

Yak cheese cake, carrot cake, beet root cake, apple cinnamon rolls - Mcleodganj, Dharamsala, Himachal Pradesh

Vegetable, chicken, potato, chocolate Momos - Mcleodganj, Dharamsala, Himachal Pradesh

Hike to Bhagsu waterfall

Walk to Bhagsunath and climb to the Bhagsu waterfall (30 minutes). Then, climb a little further to reach Shiva Café and get into a trance.

On the way to Bhagsu waterfall - Mcleodganj, Dharamsala, Himachal Pradesh

Bhagsu waterfall - Mcleodganj, Dharamsala, Himachal Pradesh

Get into trance at Shiva Café - Mcleodganj, Dharamsala, Himachal Pradesh

Monasteries in Mcleodganj & Dharamsala

McleodGanj boasts strategically located monasteries and churches that make it a unique destination. It also offers numerous yoga and meditation centers for spiritual journeys.

Gyuto Monastery, situated 15 kilometers from McleodGanj, is nestled amidst lush green fields in a serene environment, with the majestic Dhauladhar mountains serving as its backdrop. The monks here are renowned for their distinctive “chordal chanting.”

Gyuto Monastery - Mcleodganj, Dharamsala, Himachal Pradesh

The monks chanting at Gyuto Monastery - Mcleodganj, Dharamsala, Himachal Pradesh

​Dip Tse-Chok Ling is a small Monastery located among trees in beautiful valley which is 300 mtrs below McleodGanj

Dip Tse-Chok Ling - Mcleodganj, Dharamsala, Himachal Pradesh

Prayer wheel at Dip Tse-Chok Ling - Mcleodganj, Dharamsala, Himachal Pradesh

St. John in the Wilderness is a very old church from the 1850s, located amongst dense deodar trees. The peace inside as well as outside the church is one thing to be looked forward to.

St. John in the Wilderness - Mcleodganj, Dharamsala, Himachal Pradesh

St. John Church in the Wilderness - Mcleodganj, Dharamsala, Himachal Pradesh

​The Seat of Happiness Temple (Deden Tsuglakhang) in Sidhbari, located 15 kilometers from Mcleodganj, is situated within the Norbulingka Institute. This esteemed institution serves as a premier center for Tibetan art and culture, offering a diverse range of Tibetan art forms, including painting, sculpture, textiles, and woodwork. Additionally, the temple houses a captivating doll museum that showcases the rich cultural heritage of Tibet.

Seat of Happiness Temple - Mcleodganj, Dharamsala, Himachal Pradesh

Mani stones at Norbulingka Institute - Mcleodganj, Dharamsala, Himachal Pradesh

Norbulingka Institute -Mcleodganj, Dharamsala, Himachal Pradesh

Café at Norbulingka Institute - Mcleodganj, Dharamsala, Himachal Pradesh

Adventure Activities in Mcleodganj

​Rent a bike and explore the picturesque tea gardens of Palampur (approximately 40 kilometers from Mcleodganj) and Bir (approximately 60 kilometers from Mcleodganj).

Tea Gardens at Palampur, Himachal Pradesh

Bir-Billing, located at an elevation of 2400 meters, is renowned as one of the world’s premier paragliding sites. However, its operations are contingent on clear weather conditions. For more information, you can contact adventure points situated along the streets of McleodGanj.

Paragliding at Bir, Himachal Pradesh

​Trekking to Triund (9 kilometers, 2,800 meters height) is a 4-5 hour ascent and a 2-3 hour descent. There are facilities for eating and staying overnight, or you can carry your own tents to camp there. After crossing the Snow Line, hike further for 6-7 hours (9 kilometers) to reach Lahesh Caves. This route further leads to Indrahar Pass.

How to travel to Mcleodganj

If I’ve been too descriptive about this captivating place, I won’t mind because it truly deserves all the attention! Now, let’s delve into how to reach this enchanting destination.
By Air: The closest airport to Dharamsala is Gaggal Airport, located approximately 25 kilometers away. However, it’s worth noting that the flight frequency is relatively low, and the cost is quite high.
By Road: There are numerous comfortable HRTC buses available from ISBT Delhi. These buses stop at the Main Square in Mcleodganj. Mcleodganj is conveniently situated just 9-10 kilometers away from Dharamsala. Additionally, frequent taxis are available from Dharamsala to Mcleodganj.

Best time to visit Mcleodganj

​The tourist season is from March – June and mid-September - November. Rainy season is from July-Sep. However, if you are one of those kinds who like keeping away from crowds, I would recommend to go just before the season starts . Also, there’s nothing better if you can avoid the weekends.

Over the years, Mcleodganj has become a hub for the expats, who have been lured by the mountains to leave the city life behind. Mcleodganj has slowly turned into a centre for performing arts, creative arts and spirituality in the Himalayas.