Himachal Pradesh, India · Trip plan
3 days in McLeod Ganj
Little Lhasa: monasteries, momos and the trek to Triund.
- Best time
- Oct – Nov, Mar – Jun
- Ideal length
- 3 days
- A day, mid-range
- ₹4,000 per person
- Trip for two
- about ₹24,000
Planning a 3-day trip to McLeod Ganj? Here's a day-by-day McLeod Ganj itinerary with what it costs, where to stay and how to get there, ready to follow or make your own.
Why go now
October and November bring the clearest views of the Dhauladhar and the best weather for the Triund trek before winter sets in.
McLeod Ganj is home to the Dalai Lama and the Tibetan government-in-exile, perched above Dharamshala below the Dhauladhar range. Monasteries, Tibetan cafés and great treks make it a favourite for slow travellers.
- Jan
- Feb
- Mar: a good time to go
- Apr: a good time to go
- May: a good time to go
- Jun: a good time to go
- Jul
- Aug
- Sep
- Oct: a good time to go
- Nov: a good time to go
- Dec
October to November: 10–22°C and clear; March to June: mild and sunny.
Don't miss
Best things to do in McLeod Ganj
- 01
Tsuglagkhang
The Dalai Lama's temple and residence complex.
- 02
Triund
A ridge trek with an overnight camp under the snow peaks.
- 03
Bhagsu waterfall
A short walk from town past the old Shiva temple.
- 04
Norbulingka Institute
Tibetan arts and crafts in a Japanese-style garden.
Day by day
McLeod Ganj itinerary for 3 days
- D1
Day 1: Little Lhasa
- Morning
- Visit Tsuglagkhang, the Dalai Lama's temple complex, and walk the kora path around it.
- Afternoon
- Tibet Museum, then momos and thukpa for lunch.
- Evening
- Evening café hopping on Jogiwara Road.
Check the Dalai Lama's website for public teachings.
- D2
Day 2: Trek to Triund
- Morning
- Start from Dharamkot or Gallu Devi temple by 8 AM; the 9 km trail takes 4–5 hours.
- Afternoon
- Lunch at the top with the Dhauladhar range in front of you.
- Evening
- Camp on the ridge for sunset and a sky full of stars.
Rent tents and sleeping bags in town if you don't carry your own.
- D3
Day 3: Bhagsu and Norbulingka
- Morning
- Walk down and on to Bhagsu waterfall and the old Shiva temple.
- Afternoon
- Norbulingka Institute for Tibetan arts in a peaceful garden.
- Evening
- Head out by evening bus or flight.
The trail down is hard on knees: use a stick.
Shorter or longer
McLeod Ganj in 2, 3 or 5 days
2 days in McLeod Ganj
Follow days 1 to 2 above and leave out “Bhagsu and Norbulingka”. Start early each day and book the main sights ahead.
5 days in McLeod Ganj
Slow down with a free day for a spa, a cooking class or simply wandering, then add 1 day in Bir Billing.
McLeod Ganj trip from your city
- From Delhi:Overnight Volvo bus, or fly to Kangra
What it costs
McLeod Ganj trip budget
| Style | Per person, a day | 3 days for two |
|---|---|---|
| Budget | ₹1,500 | ₹9,000 |
| Mid-range | ₹4,000 | ₹24,000 |
| Luxury | ₹14,000+ | ₹84,000 |
Stay, food, local transport and entry fees; travel to McLeod Ganj is extra. Rough guides from recent prices, so check before you book.
Where to stay
Best hotels in McLeod Ganj for every budget
- Budget
- Mid-range
- Luxury
Hyatt Regency Dharamshala
Dharamkot Road
A hillside resort with valley views.
from ₹14,000 /night
Prices
What to eat
Food to try in McLeod Ganj
Momos and thukpa
Tibetan dumplings and noodle soup.
Tingmo
Steamed Tibetan bread.
Tibetan butter tea
Salty and warming.
Getting there
How to reach McLeod Ganj
- Travel
- Kangra (Gaggal) airport is 20 km; overnight Volvo buses run from Delhi.
- Getting around
- Walk in town; taxis to Dharamshala, Naddi and Norbulingka.
- Teachings at the temple are announced on the Dalai Lama's website.
- Start Triund early; the last stretch is steep.
Before you go
What to pack for McLeod Ganj
- Power bank and charging cables
- ID (Aadhaar or licence)
- Warm layers for the evenings
- Comfortable walking shoes
- A small first-aid kit
- A reusable water bottle
Good questions
McLeod Ganj trip FAQs
How many days are enough for McLeod Ganj?
3 days are enough to see the highlights: Tsuglagkhang, Triund, Bhagsu waterfall. Add a day or two if you like a slower pace.
How much does a 3-day McLeod Ganj trip cost?
Roughly ₹1,500 a day per person on a budget, ₹4,000 mid-range and ₹14,000+ for luxury, not counting travel to get there. For two people mid-range, that's about ₹24,000 for 3 days.
What is the best time to visit McLeod Ganj?
Oct – Nov, Mar – Jun. October and November bring the clearest views of the Dhauladhar and the best weather for the Triund trek before winter sets in.
Where should I stay in McLeod Ganj?
Budget: Hostels in Dharamkot (Dharamkot), from about ₹1,000 a night. Mid-range: Hotel Tibet (Bhagsu Road), from about ₹4,500 a night. Luxury: Hyatt Regency Dharamshala (Dharamkot Road), from about ₹14,000 a night.
How do I reach McLeod Ganj?
Kangra (Gaggal) airport is 20 km; overnight Volvo buses run from Delhi.
Is 2 days enough for McLeod Ganj?
Yes, if you focus: follow days 1 to 2 of the itinerary above and skip "Bhagsu and Norbulingka". 3 days is the comfortable length.
How do I plan a trip to McLeod Ganj from Delhi?
Overnight Volvo bus, or fly to Kangra. Then follow the 3-day itinerary above; budget from about ₹1,500 a day per person plus travel.
What is the weather like in McLeod Ganj?
October to November: 10–22°C and clear; March to June: mild and sunny.
What food should I try in McLeod Ganj?
Momos and thukpa: Tibetan dumplings and noodle soup. Tingmo: Steamed Tibetan bread. Tibetan butter tea: Salty and warming.
How do I get around McLeod Ganj?
Walk in town; taxis to Dharamshala, Naddi and Norbulingka.
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