Dharamkot
area · 251 m away
town13 min from Dharamshala
McLeod Ganj
McLeod Ganj is the hill town above Dharamshala, home to the Dalai Lama's temple, the Mall, and the trailhead for Triund. Free guide on HimLocal.
What it is
The hill town above Dharamshala proper, and the actual centre of gravity for almost anyone visiting the district. The Dalai Lama has lived here since 1960, and the town runs on a Tibetan settlement's rhythm as much as a Himachali hill-station's: maroon robes and prayer flags on the same streets as backpacker cafés and trekking-gear shops.
Getting there
McLeod Ganj sits a short drive above Dharamshala town, which is itself reached via Gaggal (Kangra) Airport, Pathankot rail head, or an overnight bus from Delhi or Chandigarh. See the hub guide for the full arrival table.
The day
The Mall is the town's spine — Tibetan handicraft stalls, momo and thukpa counters, the Tibet Museum for anyone who wants the history behind the settlement. The Dalai Lama's temple sits a short walk from the Mall's northern end. Most people base themselves here for two to four days, using the town as a hub for Bhagsu, Triund and the quieter village of Dharamkot.
When to go
March to May and September to November for clear skies and comfortable daytime temperatures. June to September brings the monsoon — heavy rain, especially in July and August — and December to February is cold, with occasional snow at the town's own elevation and more reliably at Triund above it.
Around it
Bhagsu Falls and Dharamkot a short drive out; Naddi and Dal Lake a little further; Norbulingka Institute down in Sidhpur. Triund is reached on foot from town.
Plans that include this
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Questions people ask
Is McLeod Ganj the same as Dharamshala?
No, though the two names get used interchangeably. Dharamshala is the district town below; McLeod Ganj sits above it and is where the Dalai Lama's temple, the Mall, most guesthouses and the Triund trailhead actually are. Almost every visitor means McLeod Ganj when they say "Dharamshala".
What is there to do in McLeod Ganj itself?
The Dalai Lama's temple complex, the Mall and its Tibetan handicraft stalls, the Tibet Museum, and enough cafés to fill an afternoon without leaving town. Most other sights — Bhagsu, Triund, Norbulingka — are short drives or walks out from here.
How busy does McLeod Ganj get?
The Mall and the temple complex are busy through the day, especially on weekends and in peak season (April–June, September–November). Early morning is the quietest time to see the temple; the crowds build through mid-morning and stay through the afternoon on a weekend.