The winter capital of Himachal Pradesh, Dharamshala, is perfectly located in the Kangra District. Due to its breathtaking location among the snow-covered mountains of the famous Dhauladhar Range, it is also referred to as the second capital city of Himachal Pradesh. Dharamshala and McLeodganj are such outstanding places to visit.
Dharamshala is covered in the Prime Minister’s Smart Cities Mission’s showcase smart city. With temples of the 14th Dalai Lama and a Tibetan feel all over the place, the town has strong connections with gorgeous Buddhist culture. Furthermore, Dharamshala lies on the route to McLeod Ganj, which is 5 kilometres away from the city and something of an ought-see-to-see for any visitors. Let’s discuss about Dharamshala and how many days will be sufficient to visit Dharamshala.
Where is Mcleodganj Located?
The small, quaint town of Mcleodganj, located perfectly about 5 km uphill of Dharamshala, is wholly dedicated to the creation of Tibetan folk, culture, cuisine, and spirituality. McLeodganj, aka the Little Lhasa (a Tibetan acronym for Dharamshala, used by them to refer to their cultural town), is a must-visit place for travellers in Dharamshala. Enjoy the waterfalls, the scenery, the cuisine, the nightlife, the hikes, the photo opportunities, the monasteries, and the spiritual essence of this destination.
Is 3-4 days enough for the Dharamshala Trip?
Dharamshala is the kind of place that has so many outstanding things to offer its travellers. If you plan a trip for 3-4 days, you can have a decent glimpse of Dharamshala and its surroundings. You can visit the best places or main attractions of Dharamshala, such as Bhagsunag waterfall
What Are The Best Things To Do In DharamshalaMcLeodganj?
Spending time outdoors and visiting temples, waterfalls, and monasteries are some of the best things to do in Dharamshala and McLeodganj.Some of the most outstanding things to do in McLeodganj, Dharamshala Himachal Pradesh, are listed below:
#Temples:
- Dalai Lama Temple Complex: Upper Dharamshala’s spiritual retreat is the Dalai Lama Temple Complex.
- Bhagsunath Temple: A temple with serene architecture and sacred lakes
- One famous Tibetan monastery is Namgyal Monastery.
- Masroor Temples: Rock-cut Hindu temples.
- Jwalamukhi Devi Temple: The sacred abode of the blazing goddess.
#Waterfalls:
- Bhagsunag Falls: A range of cascading waterfalls near McLeod Ganj.
#Monasteries
- Monastery of Gyuto: A centre of tantric study and learning.
#Outdoor activities
- TriundTrek: The Triund Trek is a thrilling adventure that presents breathtaking views of the Dhauladhar range and the Kangra Valley.
- Camping: Set up a tent in the woods between McLeod Ganj and Dharamshala.
- Trekking: Find the rolling hills and lush surroundings.
How to reach Dharamsala in McLeodganj?
Tourists from all over India do not find it too difficult to reach the beautiful hill station of Dharamshala. Dharamshala has direct connectivity from Delhi and Punjab by a variety of means of transport, such as the following:
- By Road: From Delhi, Punjab, and Himachal from different places, several public and private buses are accessible. From one place, a Volvo, Deluxe, Semi-Deluxe, or normal bus service can be booked for passengers to reach Dharamshala in the daytime or at night. By stopping at many places, even tourists can reach Dharamshala on their two-wheelers or four-wheelers. Other than in the monsoon season, roads between Dharamshala and Delhi are okay.
- By Train: Tourists from all over India cannot travel directly to Dharamshala by train. Pathankot, the nearest railway station, is 85 kilometres away from Dharamshala. There is a regular bus and taxi service from Pathankot to Dharamshala.
- By Air: The nearest airport is in Gaggal, 13 km from Dharamshala. All major cities such as Delhi, Jaipur, Mumbai, Kolkata, Pune, and Hyderabad, are within immediate reach of the airport. One can quite easily take a taxi from the airport to Mcleodganj City or Dharamshala.
How Do I Reach McLeodganj?
McLeodganj is just 5 km higher from the city of Dharamshala. To reach the town, travellers can employ a state bus service, private taxi, or shared taxi. From Dharamshala, it will take 30 to 45 minutes to reach McLeodganj.
The Best Time to Travel to Mcleodganj and Dharamshala
Tourists can visit Dharamshala and Mcleodganj throughout the year. Even so, the ideal time to visit Dharamshala to escape the scorching heat of your city is between March and July. Also, October to December is an excellent time to visit the hill stations during the pleasant winter season. Also, experience the beautiful snowfall that takes place during January.
Best places to stay in Dharamshala in McLeodganj
Travellers can book their accommodation in Dharamshala and McLeodganj through numerous options. You have several lodging options to stay in Dharamshala and McLeodganj for three or four days and cover the whole Dharamshala and McLeodganj region.
#Luxury Resorts:
There are enough choices for visitors of all sorts if you are looking for the finest hotel near Mcleodganj. JüSTa Birding, Dharamshala, is one of the finest, most luxurious, and most upscale resorts in Dharamshala, near Mcleodganj. This luxurious resort is located up high in a peaceful location, far from the hubbub of the city. Located at Dharamshala’s peak paragliding point, the stand-alone resort presents a clear view of snow-covered Dhauladhar Range mountains on one side and lush green tea gardens on the other. JüSTa Birding, Dharamshala, is the perfect getaway for travellers who are looking for a luxurious stay with a breathtaking mountain view, bird watching, privacy, world-class amenities, and high levels of hospitality.
#Homestays:
Feel the comfort of a local and native residing in both Dharamshala and Mcleodganj by discovering a variety of homestays. Discover affordable, well-furnished, and world-class facilities loaded with homestays from serene, central, and nearby areas to popular tourist spots. Also, there are possibilities to discover a place to reside at a native’s home and feel their culture nearby.
Conclusion:
Dharamshala and McLeodganj are a must-visit place. Dharamshala McLeodganj offers the perfect blend of adventure, scenic beauty, spirituality, and nature. Both McLeodganj Dharamshala Himachal Pradesh offer a lifetime experience. For a memorable experience amidst the awe-inspiring Dhauladhar hills, plan your trip to Dharamsala, Mcleod Ganj and feel the peace of this place.
FAQs
Q1. When is the best time to visit McLeodganj and Dharamshala?
Though Dharamshala and McLeodganj are accessible throughout the year, the best time to visit is from March to July for pleasant weather and October to December for a glimpse of winter. January is the best time to experience snowfall.
Q2. How long is sufficient to visit McLeodganj and Dharamshala?
Major attractions like the Dalai Lama Temple, Bhagsunag Waterfall, McLeodganj Market, and Triund Trek can be covered within 3–4 days. 5 to 7-day journey is recommended if you want to visit more scenic and cultural places.
Q3. In Dharamshala and McLeodganj, what are the accommodation options?
Homestays for the local touch, budget hotels and guesthouses, and luxury resorts such as JüSTa Birding Dharamshala are some of the accommodation options one can find in Dharamshala and McLeodganj.
Q. How to reach McLeodganj and Dharamshala?
By Air: Gaggal Airport, which is just 13 kilometres away.
By Train: Some buses and taxis run between Dharamshala and the closest railway station at Pathankot, 85 kilometres away.
The By Road: Delhi, Punjab, and surrounding states are the initial points for frequent buses and taxis. McLeodganj is reachable by bus or taxi and is about 5 km uphill
