McLeod Ganj

Arrive in McLeod Ganj(Varies)

Overnight Volvo bus from Delhi ISBT (10-12 hours, 800-1,500 INR via redbus.in). Or fly to Gaggal Airport (DHM) from Delhi then taxi (500-700 INR, 30 min). Nearest railhead: Pathankot (90km)

Check-in near temple square(30 minutes)

Stay near the Dalai Lama's temple or Jogiwara Road for the best location. Budget rooms 500-1,200 INR/night

Tsuglagkhang Complex (Dalai Lama's Temple)(1.5 hours)

The main Tibetan temple and residence of the 14th Dalai Lama. Free entry. Open 6AM-6PM. The Tibet Museum inside (9AM-5PM, closed Mondays) documents the exile story. Check dalailama.com for teaching schedules

Dinner at Tibet Kitchen(1 hour)

On Jogiwara Road. Thukpa (noodle soup) 120 INR, momo plate 100 INR. One of McLeod Ganj's most popular Tibetan restaurants

Early start for Triund trek(4-5 hours up)

Start from Dharamkot or McLeod Ganj by 7AM. 9km trail, moderate difficulty. Carry 2 liters water, snacks, and warm layers — temperature drops to 5°C at the top even in summer

Summit time at Triund(2 hours)

Panoramic Dhauladhar snow peaks. Rest, eat packed lunch, take photos. No entry fee. Camping permits (150 INR) for overnight stays

Descent back to McLeod Ganj(3-4 hours)

Easier going down. Chai stops along the trail (20-30 INR). Arrive back by late afternoon

Post-trek dinner at Lung Ta(1 hour)

Japanese-Tibetan restaurant on Jogiwara Road. Ramen 180 INR, momos 100 INR. Proceeds support Tibetan causes

Morning prayers at Namgyal Monastery(1 hour)

Arrive 6-7AM for the most immersive prayer session. Monks chanting with horns. Free entry. Photography allowed in most areas

Breakfast at Common Ground Cafe(45 minutes)

Above the temple. Pancakes 120 INR, filter coffee 80 INR. Views of the Kangra Valley

Walk to Bhagsu Waterfall(1.5 hours one way)

2km from main square. Pass the ancient 8th-century Bhagsunag Temple (Shiva) at the base. The upper falls trail continues past cafes. Slippery in wet season

Lunch at Shiva Cafe (above Bhagsu)(1 hour)

Perched above the waterfall with valley views. Pasta 180 INR, chai 30 INR. A classic McLeod Ganj experience

Afternoon browsing Tibetan shops(1 hour)

Temple Road has singing bowls (500-5,000 INR), prayer flags (100-300 INR), and thangka paintings (1,000-50,000 INR)

Morning yoga at Dharamkot(1.5 hours)

Multiple yoga centers offer drop-in classes. Universal Yoga Center: 300-500 INR per class. Tushita Meditation Centre offers introductory Buddhist meditation sessions (free, register in advance)

Walk to Dharamkot village(30 minutes)

2km uphill from main square. The backpacker hub with Israeli cafes, Vipassana centers, and a completely different vibe from McLeod Ganj

Lunch at Trek & Dine, Dharamkot(1 hour)

Great views, Israeli and Indian food. Shakshuka 200 INR, thali 150 INR

Walk to Naddi village(1 hour from Dharamkot)

Continue uphill for the best Dhauladhar sunset viewpoint in the area. Free. The snow-capped peaks turn pink at sunset

Tibetan cooking class(2.5 hours)

Learn momo making and thukpa at Lhamo's Kitchen or Tibetan Cooking Class near the temple. 500-1,500 INR for 2-3 hours. You eat everything you make

Free morning — cafes and bookshops(2 hours)

McLeod Ganj has excellent bookshops (Bookworm on Jogiwara Road). Browse with a coffee at Illiterati cafe (espresso 120 INR, killer views)

Lunch at Moonpeak Espresso(1 hour)

The best coffee in McLeod Ganj. Wood-fired pizza 250 INR. Great work-from-cafe energy

Afternoon spa or massage(1.5 hours)

Tibetan healing massage at Lhamo's Spa or Ayurvedic options. 800-1,500 INR for full body

Taxi to Norbulingka Institute(30 minutes)

6km downhill in Sidhpur. Taxi 200-300 INR one way. Or a scenic 1.5-hour walk downhill

Norbulingka Institute visit(2 hours)

Watch artisans create thangka paintings, woodcarvings, and silk embroidery. Entry 50 INR. Open 9AM-5:30PM (closed Sundays). Japanese-Tibetan garden and temple inside. Shop sells authentic crafts

Lunch at Norbulingka Cafe(45 minutes)

In the institute garden. Peaceful setting. Thali 200 INR

Kangra Valley walk(2 hours)

Walk through the tea gardens and villages below McLeod Ganj. The Kangra tea estate (free to walk through) produces green tea. Buy at the factory shop

Return to McLeod Ganj, dinner at Carpe Diem(1.5 hours)

Taxi back (200-300 INR). Dinner at Carpe Diem — Italian-Tibetan fusion. Pasta 200 INR

Sunrise from above the temple(1 hour)

One last view of the Dhauladhar range in morning light. The prayer flags above the temple frame the peaks beautifully

Last momo breakfast(45 minutes)

Final plate of steaming momos at Tibet Kitchen or Lung Ta. You'll miss these

Last-minute shopping(45 minutes)

Prayer flags, singing bowls, and Tibetan incense make great gifts. Shops on Temple Road

Departure(Varies)

Volvo bus to Delhi (10-12 hours, book evening departure). Or taxi to Gaggal Airport (500-700 INR). To Manali: 7-8 hours by bus (600-1,000 INR). To Amritsar: 5 hours (bus 400-600 INR)

Arrive in McLeod Ganj(Varies)

Overnight Volvo from Delhi (10-12 hours, 800-1,500 INR) or fly to Gaggal (DHM) then taxi (500-700 INR)

Check-in near temple square(30 minutes)

Budget rooms 500-1,200 INR/night. Peak season (Apr-Jun, Oct-Nov) prices rise 30-50%

Tsuglagkhang Complex(1.5 hours)

Dalai Lama's temple and Tibet Museum. Free entry

Dinner at Tibet Kitchen(1 hour)

Thukpa 120 INR, momos 100 INR

Triund trek(4-5 hours up)

Start 7AM. Carry water, snacks, warm layers. Moderate difficulty

Summit time(2 hours)

Dhauladhar panorama. Lunch at the top

Descent(3-4 hours)

Chai stops along trail

Dinner at Lung Ta(1 hour)

Ramen 180 INR, momos 100 INR

Morning prayers at Namgyal Monastery(1 hour)

6-7AM for chanting with horns. Free

Breakfast at Common Ground(45 minutes)

Pancakes 120 INR, Kangra Valley views

Bhagsu Waterfall walk(1.5 hours)

2km from square. Past Bhagsunag Temple (8th century)

Lunch at Shiva Cafe(1 hour)

Above the waterfall. Pasta 180 INR

Tibetan shop browsing(1 hour)

Singing bowls 500-5,000 INR, prayer flags 100-300 INR

Yoga at Dharamkot(1.5 hours)

Universal Yoga Center: 300-500 INR. Or Tushita meditation (free, register ahead)

Dharamkot village exploration(1 hour)

Israeli cafes, Vipassana centers, different vibe from McLeod Ganj

Lunch at Trek & Dine(1 hour)

Shakshuka 200 INR, thali 150 INR

Walk to Naddi for sunset(1 hour from Dharamkot)

Best Dhauladhar sunset viewpoint. Snow peaks turn pink

Tibetan cooking class(2.5 hours)

Momos and thukpa at Lhamo's Kitchen. 500-1,500 INR

Cafes and bookshops(2 hours)

Bookworm on Jogiwara Road. Illiterati cafe: espresso 120 INR, incredible views

Lunch at Moonpeak Espresso(1 hour)

Best coffee in town. Pizza 250 INR

Tibetan massage(1.5 hours)

800-1,500 INR for full body treatment

Taxi to Norbulingka Institute(30 minutes)

6km downhill. 200-300 INR one way

Norbulingka visit(2 hours)

Thangka painting, woodcarving, silk embroidery. 50 INR. Japanese-Tibetan garden

Lunch at Norbulingka Cafe(45 minutes)

Garden setting. Thali 200 INR

Kangra Valley tea gardens(2 hours)

Walk through estate. Buy green tea at factory shop

Morning meditation at Tushita(1.5 hours)

Drop-in guided meditation. Free. Register at center in Dharamkot

McLeod Ganj market walk(1.5 hours)

Tuesday and Saturday mornings have a larger vegetable market. Local spices and dried herbs make good gifts

Lunch at Nick's Italian Kitchen(1 hour)

Surprisingly authentic pasta. 200-300 INR. On Bhagsu Road

Sunset walk to War Memorial(1 hour)

Above the main square. Good views, fewer crowds than Naddi

Morning at Dal Lake(1.5 hours)

1km from McLeod Ganj. Small lake surrounded by deodars. Not as spectacular as its Kashmir namesake but peaceful. Free

Trek to Kareri Lake — Day 1(5-6 hours)

Start from Ghera village (taxi 400-500 INR from McLeod Ganj). 13km trek through forests. Moderate-difficult. Hire a guide (1,500-2,000 INR/day) through guesthouse. Camp en route at Kareri village

Overnight at Kareri village homestay(Evening)

Basic homestay 500-800 INR including dinner and breakfast. The Gaddi shepherd community is welcoming

Trek to Kareri Lake(3 hours from village)

Final push to the glacial lake at 2,934m. Crystal-clear water surrounded by peaks. The lake is sacred to Gaddi tribes. Allow 1-2 hours at the lake

Lake time and lunch(2 hours)

Pack lunch. Swim if you dare (it's freezing). The reflections of snow peaks in the lake are extraordinary

Return trek to Ghera(5-6 hours)

Downhill trek. Taxi back to McLeod Ganj from Ghera

Sleep in and late breakfast(2 hours)

Honey & Spice or Moonpeak for lazy morning coffee and pancakes

Hot stone bath or spa(1.5 hours)

Traditional Tibetan hot stone bath at Namgyal Spa. 1,000-2,000 INR. Great for post-trek muscles

Afternoon at Illiterati cafe(2 hours)

Read, write, enjoy views. Espresso 120 INR

Evening documentary at Tibet Film Festival (if available)(1.5 hours)

The Tibetan community regularly screens documentaries at the temple complex. Check notice boards

Drive to Kangra Fort(1 hour)

Taxi or car 1,500-2,000 INR for full day circuit. 20km from McLeod Ganj

Kangra Fort(1.5 hours)

One of the oldest forts in India, mentioned by Alexander the Great's historians. 300 INR foreigners, 25 INR Indians. Extensive ruins on a hilltop

Drive to Masroor Rock Temples(1.5 hours)

45km further. 8th-century monolithic rock-cut temples carved from a single hill. 300 INR foreigners. Often called 'Ellora of the Himalayas'

Lunch near Masroor(45 minutes)

Simple dhaba. 80-100 INR

Watch monk debates at Namgyal(1 hour)

Afternoon debates in the courtyard. Monks clap, argue, and dramatically challenge each other on Buddhist philosophy. Free to watch. Photography usually allowed

Thangka painting workshop(2 hours)

Learn basic thangka techniques at a studio near the temple. 800-1,500 INR for a guided session. You take your painting home

Lunch at Woeser Bakery(45 minutes)

Tibetan-run bakery. Fresh bread, pastries, and momos. 100-200 INR

Visit the Tibetan Children's Village (TCV)(1 hour)

A school for Tibetan refugee children. Visitors welcome (check schedule). The handicraft shop supports the school. 2km from center

Community dinner at a Tibetan family home(2 hours)

Arrange through your guesthouse. Home-cooked Tibetan meal. 300-500 INR contribution. An unforgettable cultural exchange

Drive to Bir(2.5 hours)

Taxi 2,000-2,500 INR one way. Beautiful drive through Kangra Valley

Tandem paragliding from Billing(1.5 hours total)

Drive up to Billing (2,430m), tandem flight with pilot. 2,500-3,500 INR. 15-25 minute flight over the valley. No experience needed. One of the best paragliding sites in Asia

Lunch at a Bir cafe(1 hour)

Bir has excellent cafes. Garden Cafe or June 16 Cafe — 200-350 INR for a meal

Chokling Monastery, Bir(45 minutes)

Beautiful Tibetan monastery with colorful murals. Free. Bir has a significant Tibetan community

Sunrise from above the temple(1 hour)

Prayer flags framing the Dhauladhar peaks in morning light

Departure(Varies)

Evening Volvo to Delhi (10-12 hours). Or taxi to airport. To Manali: 7-8 hours. To Amritsar: 5 hours

Arrive in McLeod Ganj(Varies)

Overnight Volvo from Delhi (800-1,500 INR) or fly to Gaggal then taxi (500-700 INR)

Check-in(30 minutes)

Stay near temple or Jogiwara Road. Budget: 500-1,200 INR/night

Tsuglagkhang Complex(1.5 hours)

Dalai Lama's temple and Tibet Museum. Free

Dinner at Tibet Kitchen(1 hour)

Thukpa 120 INR, momos 100 INR

Triund trek up(4-5 hours)

Start 7AM. 9km, moderate. Carry water, warm layers

Summit time(2 hours)

Dhauladhar panorama, packed lunch

Dinner at Lung Ta(1 hour)

Ramen 180 INR

Morning prayers at Namgyal Monastery(1 hour)

6-7AM. Chanting with horns. Free

Bhagsu Waterfall walk(1.5 hours)

Past 8th-century Bhagsunag Temple

Lunch at Shiva Cafe(1 hour)

Above the waterfall. Pasta 180 INR

Yoga at Dharamkot(1.5 hours)

Universal Yoga Center: 300-500 INR

Walk to Naddi sunset point(1 hour)

Best Dhauladhar sunset. Snow peaks turn pink

Tibetan cooking class(2.5 hours)

Momos and thukpa. 500-1,500 INR

Cafes and bookshops(2 hours)

Bookworm, Illiterati cafe

Tibetan massage(1.5 hours)

800-1,500 INR

Taxi to Norbulingka(30 minutes)

200-300 INR

Norbulingka visit(2 hours)

Thangka, woodcarving, embroidery. 50 INR

Meditation at Tushita(1.5 hours)

Guided session. Free, register ahead

Taxi to Ghera village(1 hour)

400-500 INR. Trek start point

Trek to Kareri village(5-6 hours)

13km through forests. Guide 1,500-2,000 INR/day

Overnight at Kareri village homestay(Evening)

500-800 INR including meals. Gaddi shepherd community

Trek to Kareri Lake(3 hours)

Crystal-clear glacial lake at 2,934m. Sacred to Gaddi tribes

Lake time(2 hours)

Packed lunch. Peak reflections in the water

Hot stone bath at Namgyal Spa(1.5 hours)

1,000-2,000 INR. Great for sore muscles

Illiterati cafe afternoon(2 hours)

Read, write, views

Drive to Kangra Fort(1 hour)

Full day taxi 1,500-2,000 INR

Kangra Fort(1.5 hours)

Oldest fort in India. 300 INR foreigners

Masroor visit(1 hour)

8th-century monolithic temples. 300 INR foreigners. 'Ellora of the Himalayas'

Watch monk debates(1 hour)

Afternoon at Namgyal. Dramatic Buddhist philosophical debate. Free

Thangka painting workshop(2 hours)

Learn basic techniques. 800-1,500 INR. Take painting home

Tibetan Children's Village visit(1 hour)

Refugee school. Handicraft shop supports the school

Community dinner at Tibetan home(2 hours)

300-500 INR contribution

Drive to Bir(2.5 hours)

Taxi 2,000-2,500 INR

Tandem paragliding(1.5 hours)

2,500-3,500 INR. 15-25 minute flight. No experience needed

Lunch at Bir cafe(1 hour)

Garden Cafe. 200-350 INR

Chokling Monastery(45 minutes)

Colorful murals. Free

Trek to Triund(4-5 hours)

Same trail as before, but this time you continue. Camp at Triund. Guide essential (2,000-3,000 INR/day)

Overnight at Triund camp(Evening)

Camping permit 150 INR. Tent rental 500-1,000 INR or bring your own. Sleeping bag essential — temps drop below 0°C

Trek from Triund to Lahesh Cave(4-5 hours)

The trail gets steeper and rockier. Snow possible above 3,500m. The cave is a natural rock shelter at 3,700m

Overnight at Lahesh Cave(Evening)

Basic shelter. Bring all food, water purification, and warmth. Temperature drops to -10°C in season. This is real mountain trekking

Summit push to Indrahar Pass(3-4 hours)

4,342m. Steep, potentially snow-covered. Start at dawn. Views of both Kangra and Chamba valleys. Life-changing panorama

Descent to Triund(4-5 hours)

Return to Triund camp. The descent is hard on the knees

Overnight at Triund(Evening)

Rest, recover, celebrate at camp. Stars are extraordinary at this altitude

Hot shower and massive lunch(2 hours)

You've earned it. Moonpeak pizza and coffee

Spa or massage(1.5 hours)

Full body massage. 1,000-1,500 INR

HPCA Cricket Stadium(1.5 hours)

The world's most scenic cricket ground at 1,457m with Dhauladhar backdrop. Museum 50 INR. If no match, the grounds are still worth visiting for the setting

Church of St. John in the Wilderness(45 minutes)

1852 Anglican church where Lord Elgin is buried. Beautiful stone building in a deodar forest. Free

Lunch in Dharamshala town(1 hour)

Different food scene from McLeod Ganj — more North Indian. Try local dham (festive meal) if available

Kangra Art Museum(1 hour)

Collection of Kangra miniature paintings, textiles, and sculptures. 50 INR. Open 10AM-5PM, closed Mondays

English conversation exchange at LHA(2 hours)

Lha Charitable Trust runs conversation exchanges where tourists chat with Tibetan refugees learning English. Free. Sign up at their office near the temple. Deeply rewarding

Lunch with language exchange partners(1 hour)

Continue the conversation over momos. They'll take you to the best local spots you'd never find alone

Free afternoon(2 hours)

Journal, explore, or revisit favorite spots

Evening kirtan at Bhagsu temple(1 hour)

Hindu devotional singing at the ancient Shiva temple. A different spiritual tradition from the Buddhist practices you've been immersed in

Sunrise from Naddi viewpoint(1.5 hours)

One last dawn over the Dhauladhar. Taxi 200 INR or walk 40 minutes

Final visit to Tsuglagkhang(1 hour)

Return to the Dalai Lama's temple with deeper understanding after 20 days

Last shopping run(1.5 hours)

Prayer flags, singing bowls, Tibetan incense, thangka prints. Pack carefully

Farewell lunch at Illiterati(1.5 hours)

Best views, good food. The perfect last meal location

Last morning prayers at Namgyal(1 hour)

6AM chanting one final time

Departure(Varies)

Evening Volvo to Delhi. Or taxi to airport. To Manali: 7-8 hours. To Amritsar: 5 hours. To Leh: seasonal flights or multi-day road trip