Dharamshala & McLeod Ganj

Hill town · Himachal Pradesh

Dharamshala & McLeod Ganj

Home of the Dalai Lama and the Tibetan government-in-exile, with monasteries, cafés, the Triund trek and the HPCA cricket stadium.

4.6· 31 reviews
Get directionsSee photos(6)
From Pathankot
≈ 90 km
about 2.5–3 hrs by road
Trip length
1–2 days
Best time
March to June and September to November
Altitude
≈ 1,457 m

Overview

About Dharamshala & McLeod Ganj

Dharamshala spreads across the slopes of the Dhauladhar range in Kangra district. Upper Dharamshala, McLeod Ganj, has been the home of the 14th Dalai Lama since 1960 and is the centre of Tibetan life in India.

The Tsuglagkhang complex, Bhagsunag waterfall and the café-lined streets of McLeod Ganj are the main draws; fitter visitors hike to Triund ridge for views of the snow peaks. Lower Dharamshala has the scenic HPCA Cricket Stadium.

Places to see

Places to visit in Dharamshala & McLeod Ganj

  1. McLeod Ganj

    Tsuglagkhang Complex

    The Dalai Lama's temple and residence complex in McLeod Ganj.

  2. Bhagsunag Waterfall, Dharamshala & McLeod Ganj02

    ≈ 2 km from McLeod Ganj

    Bhagsunag Waterfall

    Waterfall and old temple a short walk from McLeod Ganj.

  3. Triund, Dharamshala & McLeod Ganj03

    ≈ 9 km trek from McLeod Ganj

    Triund

    Popular ridge trek with views of the Dhauladhar.

  4. HPCA Stadium, Dharamshala & McLeod Ganj04

    Lower Dharamshala

    HPCA Stadium

    One of the world's most scenic cricket grounds.

Things to do

Things to do in Dharamshala & McLeod Ganj

  • Visit Tsuglagkhang

    Dress modestly; walk the kora around it.

  • Trek to Triund

    Start early; carry water.

  • Bhagsunag waterfall

    Best after the monsoon.

  • Watch the sunset at Naddi

    A viewpoint above McLeod Ganj.

Itinerary

Dharamshala & McLeod Ganj itinerary

Pick the plan that matches how long you have.
  1. 1

    Morning

    Drive from Pathankot; HPCA Stadium.

  2. 2

    Afternoon

    McLeod Ganj and Tsuglagkhang.

  3. 3

    Evening

    Bhagsunag and cafés, return or stay.

Plan your trip

Plan your trip to Dharamshala & McLeod Ganj

From Pathankot

≈ 90 km

about 2.5–3 hrs by road

Get directionsView on map

How to reach Dharamshala & McLeod Ganj

  • By roadAbout 90 km from Pathankot via Nurpur and Shahpur, around 2.5–3 hours.
  • By trainPathankot is the nearest broad-gauge station; the narrow-gauge Kangra Valley Railway also runs from Pathankot.
  • By airKangra (Gaggal) Airport is about 13 km from Dharamshala.

Best time to visit

March to June and September to November

Where to stay

Hotels and homestays in McLeod Ganj, Dharamkot, Bhagsu and lower Dharamshala.

What to eat

Tibetan momos and thukpa, cafés in McLeod Ganj, Himachali dham at local restaurants.

Travelling with family

Yes

Good to know

Dharamshala & McLeod Ganj travel tips

  1. 01

    Traffic in McLeod Ganj is heavy on weekends — park and walk.

  2. 02

    Carry rain gear in July–August.

  3. 03

    Respect monastery rules; ask before photographing monks.

Why travellers love this

About these reviewsReviews written by visitors to Dharamshala & McLeod Ganj.

4.6(31 reviews)

  • Tanvi Brar

    Chandigarh · Aug 2026

    Took a short trip to Dharamshala & McLeod Ganj from Chandigarh. The old buildings tell a lot about our history. It is well kept and there are boards with information. Toilets could be cleaner. Keep at least three hours for the visit. Good place, we enjoyed it.

  • Sonia Malhotra

    Tarn Taran · Aug 2026

    Our second visit to Dharamshala & McLeod Ganj and it was even better. Our guide explained every part very nicely. The kids learned many new things. It was a lovely family trip. Some signboards are missing on the way. Keep some cash for tickets and parking. Highly recommended.

  • Varun B.

    Dasuya · Aug 2026

    Went to Dharamshala & McLeod Ganj with my parents. The old buildings tell a lot about our history. The walls and gates are very impressive. Food stalls nearby have good tea and pakoras. There were very few places to eat. Go in winter, the weather is pleasant. It was okay, but could be better.

  • Rakesh K.

    Bathinda · Aug 2026

    We went to Dharamshala & McLeod Ganj on a Sunday. We spent half a day here and still wanted more time. The museum part is small but interesting. It is a good mix of history and sightseeing. Plan to reach by 10 am. Must visit if you are nearby.

  • Jasleen Sharma

    Gurdaspur · Aug 2026

    Went to Dharamshala & McLeod Ganj with my parents. The walls and gates are very impressive. It is well kept and there are boards with information. We spent half a day here and still wanted more time. There is something for kids and elders both. Must visit if you are nearby.

  • Harpreet B.

    Dinanagar · Jul 2026

    Visited Dharamshala & McLeod Ganj with my family. The old buildings tell a lot about our history. We spent half a day here and still wanted more time. We will surely come again.

  • Rupinder V.

    Batala · Jul 2026

    Our second visit to Dharamshala & McLeod Ganj and it was even better. The kids learned many new things. It is well kept and there are boards with information. There is something for kids and elders both. Carry a water bottle. Must visit if you are nearby.

  • Ritu Kalra

    Dinanagar · May 2026

    Came to Dharamshala & McLeod Ganj with friends from Dinanagar. The walls and gates are very impressive. The museum part is small but interesting. Evening light makes the whole place look golden. The place is clean and well managed. Loved it.

  • Priya Gill

    Pathankot · May 2026

    Came to Dharamshala & McLeod Ganj with friends from Pathankot. It is well kept and there are boards with information. The kids learned many new things. The road is narrow near the end. Good place, we enjoyed it.

  • Ravneet K.

    Tarn Taran · Mar 2026

    Took a short trip to Dharamshala & McLeod Ganj from Tarn Taran. The kids learned many new things. Our guide explained every part very nicely. Highly recommended.

  • Mehak Khanna

    Bathinda · Mar 2026

    We planned Dharamshala & McLeod Ganj as a day trip. The kids learned many new things. Local food near the place is tasty and cheap. Go in winter, the weather is pleasant. Loved it.

  • Rupinder Gupta

    Hoshiarpur · Jan 2026

    Came to Dharamshala & McLeod Ganj with friends from Hoshiarpur. The old buildings tell a lot about our history. Our guide explained every part very nicely. It is a good one-day trip from Pathankot. Go in winter, the weather is pleasant. Highly recommended.

  • Vikram Kapoor

    Pathankot · Jan 2026

    Finally visited Dharamshala & McLeod Ganj after hearing a lot about it. The museum part is small but interesting. The old buildings tell a lot about our history. There is something for kids and elders both. Parking gets full on weekends. Wear a cap in summer, there is little shade. Good place, we enjoyed it.

  • Tejinder Thakur

    Hoshiarpur · Oct 2025

    Went to Dharamshala & McLeod Ganj with my parents. It is a good mix of history and sightseeing. It is well kept and there are boards with information. The kids learned many new things. Parking was easy to find. Carry a water bottle. Loved it.

  • Harsimran Gill

    Moga · Oct 2025

    We went to Dharamshala & McLeod Ganj on a Sunday. Local food near the place is tasty and cheap. Our guide explained every part very nicely. Loved it.

FAQs

Questions about Dharamshala & McLeod Ganj

How far is Dharamshala from Pathankot?

About 90 km, 2.5–3 hours by road.

Can I see the Dalai Lama?

He gives occasional public teachings; check the official schedule at dalailama.com.

How long is the Triund trek?

About 9 km one way from McLeod Ganj; most people take 4–5 hours up.

Keep exploring

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Plan your visit

Planning a trip to Dharamshala & McLeod Ganj?

Dharamshala & McLeod Ganj is ≈ 90 km from Pathankot — about 2.5–3 hrs by road.

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