Places to Visit in Dharamshala and McLeodGanj

Are you planning for a trip to Dharamshala and Mcleodganj and confused about the places you should visit? If yes, then you should relax because here you will get all the answers about where you should visit in this hill station.

Where is Dharamshala?
Dharamshala is a city situated in Kangra district in Himachal Pradesh. Dharamshala is primarily an abode for Tibetan Buddhists and a place to spend the Summer, Dharamshala currently becomes famous among hikers and hippies.

I didn’t find places to visit in Dharamshala or to explore something in the visitor sense and you will feel the same after spending some time in the city. Most of the people will guide you to upper Dharamshala or McLeodGanj as it is better known.

How to reach Dharamshala?

Via Air: The closest air terminal to Dharamshala is Gaggal air terminal in Kangra, situated around 15 km. There are frequent flights from Delhi everyday.

Via Road: The separation among Delhi and Dharamshala is more than 475 km. There are regular buses from Delhi to Dharamshala, and it takes around 8 to 9 hours. Major cities of Himachal are all around linked with Dharamshala by road with buses.

Via Train: The closest railway station to Dharamshala is Pathankot, which is around 85 km. You can take a taxi or a bus to Dharamshala.

Where is McLeodGanj?
Distance between Dharamshala and McLeodGanj is around 5 km and you can travel from Dharamshala to McLeodGanj in 20 minutes. You can take a shared taxi, jeeps and buses from here which go every 5 minutes and thus driving among Dharamshala and McLeodGanj isn’t just a breeze however very cheap as well.

Places to Visit in Dharamshala and McLeodGanj

1. The Abode of the Dalai Lama

McLeodGanj is known as the little Lhasa of India for its Tibetan people that have been inhabiting for quite a while, headed by the profound master the Dalai Lama. So clearly, visiting the Tsuglagkhang Temple and planning to meet the profound pioneer is high on everybody’s list and is additionally one of the top places to visit in McLeodGanj.

Namgyal Monastery and the Tibetan Museum in the temple complex are different places where you can get a look at Tibetan Buddhism.
There was a traditional ritual on the day I visited, and I saw the monks performing well practised slow step to the tune of the trumpets. The dynamic clothing and the huge masks of the monks looked well to mix with the loud chanting of prayers.

2. Trek to Bhagsu Waterfalls
Bhagsu waterfall is an amazing place where you can enjoy and sit for a while and relax your mind. You can also swim in the cool natural water for more fun. But there is a minus point for Bhagsu Waterfall that this place is very crowded and noisy which is a minus point for this beautiful place. Know more about Ashoka Waterfall in Igatpuri.

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You have to do a trek to reach the Bhagsu Waterfall which worth for the great view you will get.

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3. Dhauladhar Himalayas at Triund
Triund is one of the most well known short treks in the Himalayas, and this snow trek is ideal for beginners to enjoy the amazing view of the Dhauladhar range of the Himalayas, with mountains studded with pine trees and the valley of Kangra that stretches to the most distant skyline.

You can start early and come back on the same day or you do camping at the summit. There are some lodging which you can book from the main market or you can go for camping. I suggest you book in advance for lodging or tent because it’s smarter.

4. Spend Time in the Hippie Village of Dharamkot
If you see McLeodGanj as too crowded and touristy as I did, well, you have a village to getaway. Located about 2.5 km from McLeodGanj, Dharamkot, mostly famous for its hippie culture. But I believe it’s soon going to become mainstream!

5. Take a Walking Tour of Dal Lake
Dal Lake, named after the popular Lake in Srinagar is a decent place to walk and talk. This place become more beautiful because it is surrounded by forest lined with tall trees which makes it look serene.

You can take a taxi if you want to visit for 250 INR (which is costly!). A better way is to take a long walk to the lake and stroll around the lake.

6. Watch the Sunset in Naddi
Naddi is another village in front of Dal Lake and is ideal for a stroll at night for a wonderful sunset. Combine it with a walk to the lake or drive at night to escape from the clamouring McLeodGanj.

7. Discover the Church in the Wilderness
St. John’s Church bears the name as the church in the wild because of its detached area in the midst of the covering of trees from the main town. It’s on the way to Dharamshala and you can either walk or drive.

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8. Take a Half-Day Trip to the Highest Cricket Stadium in the World
Among all the things, going to the cricket stadium in Dharamshala was the most energizing part of my trip to McleodGanj. The HPCA arena opened in 2013 is the prettiest cricket stadium in India, encompassed by the snow-capped pinnacles of Dhauladhar mountains which makes it look wonderful.

If you are a fan of cricket then you should definitely visit the highest cricket stadium in India which is located at the height of 1,457 meters above sea level, it is one of the highest sports grounds in the world. With a view comparable to the Adelaide Oval or Newlands, this stadium competes with the best in terms of its magnificence.

The least expensive way to arrive at the stadium is to take public transport from Dharamshala bus stand.

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9. Shop, Dine Or Idle Away at the Popular Cafes
There are some great cafes for coffee, books and more in McLeodGanj, which likewise have rooftop opening with the pleasant view of the valleys.

Also, there is a lot to do for the shopaholics as there is no deficiency of sellers and merchants on Mall road in McLeodGanj. This Tibetan colony is home to truly woolen wear, antique Buddhist trinkets and more. So shopping in Dharamshala or McLeodGanj is a good time without a doubt, however, don’t forget to bargain because the shopkeepers owners usually quote very high prices.

10. Explore the Oldest Fort of the Himalayas in Kangra
If you want to see some unique place, I suggest you to visit old Kangra which is full of history and nature. The old town is known for the Kangra Fort, this is the oldest fort in himalayas with a history of thousands of years and the view of the Himalayas from the top is stunning.

Reach Kangra from Dharamshala by bus. From that point, local buses go to the fort at regular intervals. You can also take a taxi or rickshaw if you plan to travel more conveniently.

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Where to Stay in McLeodGanj and Dharamshala?
Clearly, McLeodGanj has better choices in comparison with Dharamshala, and the vast majority of the travellers choose between McLeod or Dharamkot or the hotels in the route to McLeodGanj from Dharamshala.

What is the Best Time to Visit Dharamshala?
The best time to visit McLeodGanj and Dharamshala is after the rainy season, from September until the beginning of monsoon in June. Winter can be cruel yet can be managed, but you should avoid heading in rain. Also, like Dharamshala climate is the best throughout the summer. Subsequently you’ll find many travellers from cities like Delhi, Chandigarh and Jaipur making a beeline for McLeodGanj and Dharamshala to chill!

So this all i can tell you about Dharamshala and McLeodGanj! Have you been to McLeodGanj & Dharamshala? What was your experience?

If I have missed anything that you feel i need to add let me know in the comments below!

Also Read: Things to Remember on your Road Trip to Himachal Pradesh