Dharamsala-Mcleodganj Travel Guide

Both Mcleodganj and Dharamsala have a good mix of budget and mid-budget hotels. Options such as House Om Tara, Hotel Akash, Kunga Guest House and Pink House are backpacker haunts and much preferred by travellers on a budget. These places are well-equipped with all the basic amenities and come at modest tariffs. For ones looking for a more comfortable and luxurious stay, Mcleodganj has options such as Surya Mcleod, Norling Guest House, Bella Heights and more, with most of these falling in the mid-budget category. Most of these stay facilities also offer stunning views of the Dhauladhars and need to be booked well before the intended date of travel.

• 5 luxury abodes in Dharamsala and Mcleodganj

• 5 amazing backpacker stays in Mcleodganj

• 5 best mid-budget accommodation options in Mcleodganj

• Budget

  Surya Mcleod

An interesting array of restaurants in Mcleodganj and Dharamsala has made the town a favourite with foodies in the entire region. The food joints here specialise in a mind-boggling variety of cuisines, including everything from Tibetan, Japanese, Korean and Indian food to some of the most amazing bakeries and cafes you can find around. Add to it the dessert-special places such as Chocolate Log, Crepe Pancake Hut, Hummingbird Cafe and Nick’s Italian Kitchen (chocolate mousse alert) and you will have plenty to gorge over for days. Fried momos at one of the many roadside stalls are a must-try as well.

• Restaurants that you cannot miss in Mcleodganj & Dharamsala

  You will be spoilt for choice when picking the best of restaurants in Dharamsala and Mcleodganj (Upper Dharamsala). So much so that these hamlet-like towns lure foodies from all around the region.

• Multi-cuisine

  Four Seasons Cafe

• Multi-cuisine

  Crepe Pancake Hut

• Multi-cuisine

  Moonpeak Espresso and Moonpeak Thali

There is a vibrant mix of places to visit in Mcleodganj. While the lovers of culture and art can choose from places such as the Tibetan Institute of Performing Arts (TIPA), Norbulingka Institute, the Dalai Lama Temple and Museum, Kangra Art Temple and St John’s Church, Triund and Dal Lake are perfect for nature lovers. Bhagsunag Temple, with a waterfall by its side, and Dharamkot, a hamlet at just a short walk from the town centre, are some other interesting place to explore. The Baijnath Temple, built in the 12th century, is one of the most popular places to visit in Dharamshala. Built by two brothers over a shrine already present here, the Baijnath Temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva as Vaidyanath. The temple legend refers to Ravana’s penance, in which he cuts off his heads and offers them to the Lord, and Shiva eventually relents and restores him the 10 heads, and also blesses him. The impressive Nurpur Fort stands on a hillock just off the main highway and is a main Dharamshala sightseeing destination.

• 7 reasons why we keep going back to Mcleodganj

• 5 historical sites you must visit near Dharamsala

• Top attractions in Dharamshala

• Religious

  Bhagsunag

• Enlightening the soul – things to do in Dharamshala

  A much sought-after destination for people looking to get away from the summer heat, Dharamshala is an enlightening place to be. Things to do in Dharamshala are many, but most importantly a visit to the Namgyal Monastery where the 14th Dalai Lama resides is must.

Bir and Billing, the hub of paragliding in India, is just one of the many amazing places to visit near Mcleodganj and Dharamsala. While most of the travellers know of this one, you can explore lesser known places such as the very secluded Barot, the lesser touristy Dalhousie, India’s mini-Switzerland - Khajjiar or the very tranquil Palampur. All these places are within a drive of 5-6 hours from Mcleodganj and are perfect for some amazing time in the Himalayas. Meandering roads and refreshing drives are all that you need to cover to explore these wonders.

• A complete guide to paragliding in Bir-Billing, Himachal Pradesh

• Secret mountain escapes: Kareri Lake trek

• Short trips from Mcleodganj and Dharamsala

• Bir and Billing

• Chamba and Khajjiar

• Barot

• Palampur

• 48 hours in Dharamsala and Mcleodganj

  Dharamsala and Mcleodganj (Upper Dharamsala) are like modern day hamlets wedged in the Himalayas. Major centres of Buddhism and home to the Tibetans in exile, both these places are separated by a 30-minute walk. If you are searching for a perfect two-day itinerary for Mcleodganj-Dharamsala, here is some help. A perfect mix of major attractions, food places, things to do and more - your complete trip plan for an unforgettable weekend in the Himalayas.