This McLeodganj itinerary covers two easy days in Little Lhasa: butter lamps and prayer wheels on the Kora, a mountain temple and waterfall, and a golden sunset over the Kangra Valley from Naddi.
Perched above Dharamshala, McLeodganj is home to the Dalai Lama and the Tibetan community in exile. Maroon-robed monks, the scent of incense and the Dhauladhar range make it feel unlike anywhere else in India.
If you have a weekend, this 2-day McLeodganj itinerary covers the highlights at a relaxed pace, with timings and food stops from our own trip.
Explore more destinations across India in our Discover India page.
McLeodganj Itinerary: Plan Your Trip
Trip Snapshot
- McLeodganj, Himachal Pradesh
- March - June, Sept - Nov
- 2 days
- 3000 - 8000/day
- Kangra (Gaggal) Airport
Top Places
- Tsuglagkhang Complex
- Namgyal Monastery
- Bhagsunag Temple
- Bhagsu Waterfall
- Naddi View Point
Food Essentials
- Thukpa
- Momos
- Thenthuk
- Tingmo
- Ginger Lemon Honey Tea
Things to Do & Shop
- Kora Circuit Walk
- Bhagsu Waterfall Hike
- Skyway Ropeway
- Naddi Sunset
- Tibetan Market
Why Add McLeodganj to Your Itinerary?
McLeodganj is a suburb of Dharamshala in the Kangra district of Himachal Pradesh, at around 2,080 m on the slopes of the Dhauladhar range. Since 1960 it has been the seat of the Tibetan government in exile, earning it the name Little Lhasa. Come for the monasteries and mountain walks, and stay for the momos, the cafés and the gentle, prayerful pace of life.
How to Reach McLeodganj
- Kangra (Gaggal) Airport – about 18 km
- Pathankot – nearest major railhead, about 90 km
- Overnight Volvo buses from Delhi and Chandigarh
- By road from Amritsar – about 210 km, 5 hours
From the airport or Pathankot, take a taxi up the hill. Once you reach Dharamshala, the Skyway ropeway connects it to McLeodganj in about five minutes.
Best Time to Visit McLeodganj
- March to June: pleasant days, ideal for walks and treks
- September to November: clear skies and the best Dhauladhar views
- December to February: cold, with snow on the peaks and sometimes in town
Monsoon (July–August) is very wet in Dharamshala, one of India’s rainiest hill towns. We visited in mid-April: warm afternoons, cool evenings and a glowing sunset.
Quick McLeodganj Itinerary Guide
Getting Around
- McLeodganj is compact and best explored on foot; the Kora, Temple Road and Bhagsu Road are all walkable.
- Hire a local taxi for Naddi, Dal Lake and St. John’s Church, or take the Skyway ropeway down to Dharamshala.
Things to Know
- Roads in the main market are narrow and often one-way, so expect traffic jams in peak season.
- Walk the Kora clockwise, as is the Tibetan Buddhist custom.
- Dress modestly and keep your voice low inside the temples.
Practical Tips
- Do the Kora in the evening, when butter lamps glow and locals spin prayer wheels.
- Start the Bhagsu walk early to beat the crowds at the waterfall.
- Leave for Naddi by 5 pm to catch the sunset.
Local Travel & Tours
- The Skyway ropeway runs between McLeodganj and Dharamshala; check timings and fares, and book tickets on the official Skyway website.
Where to Stay
- Stay near the main square or Temple Road to walk to monasteries and cafés.
- Hotels on the Bhagsu or Dharamkot side are quieter, with valley views.
Culture & Vibe
McLeodganj runs on a gentle rhythm of prayer and conversation. Mornings begin with monks chanting, afternoons slip by in cafés over ginger lemon honey tea, and evenings belong to the Kora, where old Tibetan women spin prayer wheels and murmur mantras.
Tibetan culture sits comfortably beside Himachali temples and backpacker cafés. It’s a place to slow down, listen and feel at peace.
McLeodganj Itinerary: Top Places to Visit
In this McLeodganj itinerary, these are the top places to visit, from sacred temples to mountain viewpoints.
Tsuglagkhang Complex
The Dalai Lama’s temple complex, with a serene Buddha, butter lamps and the Kora path around it.
Bhagsunag Temple
An ancient Shiva temple with a sacred spring pool, about 2 km from the main square.
Bhagsu Waterfall
A 30-minute walk from the temple, ending with tea at Shiva Café above the falls.
Naddi View Point
A hillside village about 6 km away, loved for its sunsets over the Kangra Valley.
Also Visit
Namgyal Monastery, Tibetan Martyrs Memorial, Dal Lake, St. John in the Wilderness Church, Tibet Museum and the Kangra Art Museum in Dharamshala.
Learn more about the town’s history on McLeod Ganj. If you have an extra day, the Triund trek and Dharamkot village are popular add-ons.
Explore more iconic landmarks and city guides in our Popular Destinations section
McLeodganj Itinerary: What to Eat
No McLeodganj itinerary is complete without Tibetan food: comforting, warming and perfect for mountain evenings. Our first dinner was a steaming bowl of thukpa with momos at Snow Lion, just right after the evening Kora.
Must-Try Dishes
- Thukpa – Tibetan noodle soup
- Momos – steamed or fried
- Thenthuk – hand-pulled noodle soup
- Tingmo – steamed bread
- Butter tea and ginger lemon honey tea
Most Tibetan kitchens offer vegetarian versions of every dish, so vegetarians are well looked after.
Where to Eat on Your McLeodganj Itinerary
- Snow Lion Hotel & Restaurant – Tibetan, our dinner spot
- Shiva Café – above the Bhagsu waterfall
- Norbu House – terrace dining with valley views
- Jimmy’s Italian Kitchen – pizzas and pastas
- Monu Punjabi Dhaba and Govinda Dhaba – hearty North Indian
For a relaxed last night, Jimmy’s Italian Kitchen or one of the dhabas makes an easy dinner after Naddi.
Food Stops
- Laphing near the main square
- Momo stalls on Temple Road
- Tea stalls at Bhagsunag
A plate of hot momos with spicy chutney is the best snack after a walk.
For more traditional dishes and regional flavours, explore our Indian Vegetarian Recipes page.
McLeodganj Itinerary: Experiences & Shopping
Experiences
- Evening Kora around the Tsuglagkhang
- Morning walk to Bhagsu waterfall
- Skyway ropeway ride to Dharamshala
- Sunset at Naddi View Point
A key tip from this McLeodganj itinerary: keep evenings free for the Kora and the sunset.
Shopping
What to Buy
- Thangka paintings
- Singing bowls and prayer flags
- Tibetan jewellery and woollens
Where to Explore
- Temple Road
- Jogiwara Road
- Bhagsu Road
Even without shopping plans, browsing the thangka studios is an experience in itself.
McLeodganj Itinerary: 2-Day Plan
Day 1 (evening): Walk the Kora. Start at the Kalachakra Temple on the north side, then head the other way to the Tsuglagkhang Complex, the Dalai Lama Temple, Namgyal Monastery and the Tibetan Martyrs Memorial, and finish the Kora circuit walk among prayer wheels and fluttering flags. Dinner at Snow Lion Hotel & Restaurant for Tibetan food.
Day 2: Visit Bhagsunag Temple in the morning, then hike about 30 minutes to the Bhagsu waterfall and have tea at Shiva Café. In the afternoon, take the Skyway ropeway down to Dharamshala to visit the Kangra Art Museum. At 5 pm, take a cab for the sunset at Naddi View Point, about 6 km away, stopping at Dal Lake and St. John’s Church on the way. Dinner at Jimmy’s Italian Kitchen, Monu Punjabi Dhaba, Govinda Dhaba or your hotel.
Looking for short trips? Explore curated Getaways across India including beaches, forests, and heritage stays.
McLeodganj Itinerary: Travel Tips
- Carry warm layers for the evenings
- Wear good walking shoes
- Walk the Kora clockwise
- Carry cash for small cafés and shops
- Check ropeway timings before you go
Slow days work best here; McLeodganj rewards those who linger.
Beyond its monasteries and viewpoints, what stays with you is the calm: prayer flags in the breeze, butter lamps at dusk and the sun sinking behind the hills. This McLeodganj itinerary only begins to capture it.
The stories behind India’s food culture add another layer to every journey, something we explore further in our Culinary Chronicles.
Continuing your Punjab and Himachal trip? Read our Amritsar travel guide, Dalhousie itinerary and Dharamshala itinerary.
McLeodganj Itinerary FAQs
Here are some frequently asked questions about this McLeodganj itinerary.
Is 2 days enough for McLeodganj?
Yes. Two days cover the Kora and Tsuglagkhang Complex on the first evening, and Bhagsunag, the Bhagsu waterfall, the Dharamshala ropeway and the Naddi sunset on day two.
What is McLeodganj famous for?
McLeodganj is famous as the home of the Dalai Lama and the Tibetan government in exile, earning it the name Little Lhasa, along with its monasteries, cafés and Dhauladhar views.
How do you go from McLeodganj to Dharamshala?
The Skyway ropeway connects McLeodganj and Dharamshala in about five minutes. Taxis and local buses also run between the two.
What is the best time to visit McLeodganj?
March to June and September to November offer pleasant weather and clear mountain views; December to February is cold, with snow on the peaks.
How long is the walk to Bhagsu waterfall?
It takes about 30 minutes to walk from Bhagsunag Temple to the Bhagsu waterfall on a paved trail, with Shiva Café a short climb above the falls.
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