Himachal Pradesh
McLeodganj
McLeodganj is the upper town above Dharamshala at about 2,080 metres, home to the Tibetan government in exile and the Dalai Lama’s residence. The Tsuglagkhang complex, Bhagsu waterfall, Dharamkot and the Triund trailhead are all within walking distance or a short drive.
- Altitude
- About 2,080 m
- Above
- Dharamshala, about 9 km
- Days needed
- 2
- Known for
- Tsuglagkhang complex, Tibetan community, Triund
Tsuglagkhang complex
The main temple, the Tibet Museum and the Dalai Lama’s residence sit together at the south end of town. The museum is small and worth the half hour; it gives the town its context rather than treating it as scenery.
Bhagsu, Dharamkot and Naddi
Bhagsu has the waterfall and the temple, twenty minutes on foot. Dharamkot is higher and quieter, and is where the longer stays happen. Naddi has the open view towards the Dhauladhar at sunset.
Questions people ask
Is McLeodganj walkable?
The centre is, and Bhagsu and Dharamkot are reachable on foot. It is steep in places, so it suits people happy with gradients rather than those wanting flat sightseeing.
Bookable now
Tours that go there
Every one of these is run by our own team, with the drivers and the permits arranged.
Read next
- Dharamshala and McLeodganj travel guideDharamshala is two towns: the lower administrative town and McLeodganj about 9 km above it at roughly 2,080 metres, which is where the Dalai Lama’s residence and most visitors are. Two days covers the monastery, Bhagsu waterfall and Triund’s lower trail. It pairs naturally with Dalhousie and Amritsar.
- Himalayan trekking packagesKashmir Great Lakes and Kinnaur Kailash are the two guided high-altitude treks run as fixed departures, both roughly a week on the trail. Shorter options such as Triund above McLeodganj and Kheerganga above Kasol need no guide and work as day or overnight walks.
- How to reach DharamshalaGaggal airport is about 15 km from Dharamshala with limited flights, so most travellers arrive via Pathankot, about 85 km and three hours away, or on an overnight coach from Delhi. McLeodganj is a further 9 km uphill from Dharamshala itself.
- Best time to visit DharamshalaMarch to June and September to November are the two good windows for Dharamshala. Dharamshala sits directly below the Dhauladhar and catches heavy monsoon rain from July to August — among the highest in Himachal — which makes the Triund trail difficult and the views largely absent.
Plan your trip
Tell us where you want to go
Leave your name, number and email. One of our travel experts calls you back with a written itinerary and a real price, usually the same day.
- 1Choose your destinationPick a route that matches how long you have and what you want out of it.
- 2Book and pay securelyConfirm the itinerary and pay online through a secure gateway.
- 3Pack and start exploringYour transfers, stays and sightseeing are arranged before you land.
Get a free quote
Three details, nothing more.
Do not take our word for it
Reviews from our travellers
Filmed on their trips, by the families who took them. Nothing here is scripted.
On the road with us
Happy customers
Photographs travellers sent back from their trips. Real families, real places — not a stock photo among them.
