Mecleodganj is one of the best places to visit in Himachal no matter whether you are a solo traveler or visiting with your family. The place has plenty to offer, and the friendly people make this gem one of my top favorites.
Many people are confused about Dharamshala and Mcleodganj’s location. Let me clear this up. Dharamshala is the administrative region where shops like Wildcraft, Decathlon, KFC, and many others can be found. Mcleodganj is situated in the hills, around 5kms from Dharamshala, and full of local crafts, cafes, and monasteries. If you take Volvo or a private bus to Mcleodganj from Delhi or Chandigarh, they will usually drop you at a petrol pump “Mann Filling Station.” You can take a cab (charge Rs400-Rs500) or auto (Rs 300) to Mcleodganj main market or your hotel directly.
So, without beating around the bush, let’s get right to all the essential things that you must know regarding how to plan a budget trip to Mcleodganj, Dharamshala.
Getting Started
The first step in planning a budget trip to Mcleodganj or any other place is to estimate how many days you have for the journey. This is important because many people traveling today pursue it alongside a full-fledged 9-5 remote job. It often limits your movement as you have to attend meetings, meet deadlines, and have a small window to explore. In this case, I would suggest taking it slow. Find a good place to stay for at least a week or ten days and explore at your own pace.
However, it's best to make a plan and stick to it for people who are entirely on vacation and have a stipulated number of days. For such, 4-5 days is more than enough to explore Mcleodganj and even include the famous Triund trek in their itinerary.
There’s also a third type who starts their journey with a one-way ticket. Me being among them, have the luxury of time in hand and a flexible return date. You can find budget accommodation and stay as long it suits you. This way, you live like a local and explore in a much-detailed manner. Without a fixed return ticket, you can move on to the next destination and keep exploring.
Places to visit in Mcleodganj
We can divide the places to visit in and around Mcleodganj and Dharamshala into two categories. Firstly, those within walking distance, assuming you stay in the Mcleodganj chowk or Bhagsu area. Secondly, for those, you would need a vehicle irrespective of where you stay.
Here are the places to visit in Mcleodganj within walking distance:
Namgyal Monastery: This is the main monastery of Mcleodganj and the Dalai Lama’s residence. Make sure to carry masks as it is mandatory nowadays.
Kalchakra Monastery: You can spot the Kalchakra temple right after entering the Mcleodganj main market. It has a giant prayer wheel and Buddhist paintings inside the building.
Tibetan Museum: The recent location of the Tibetan Museum is 2kms from the Namgyal Monastery and closes by 5 pm. So, make sure to visit with plenty of time in hand.
St John in the Wilderness Church: Located 1.5kms from the Mcleodganj main market, you can either walk to this destination or take an auto if you are short on time. The 19th-century church and its soothing surroundings give you a peaceful vibe.
Bhagsunag Temple & Bhagsu waterfall: Bhagsunag temple is near the Bhagsu taxi stand. After visiting the temple, you can walk the straight road up to the Bhagsunag waterfall. Shiva café is very close to the waterfall, so if you are interested, visit the place and refill your water bottles with fresh spring water.
Gallu Devi Temple & Gallu Waterfall: Gallu Devi temple and waterfall are famously known as starting points for the Triund trek. To reach here, best take an auto from Mcleodganj’s main market.
Bonus: Dharamkot – This place has numerous cafes and hostels. The peaceful vibe and serene atmosphere draw backpackers and youth to this area.
Below are the places around Mcleodganj that you can cover by renting a two-wheeler or booking a cab:
Dharamshala Stadium: Visit the most scenic cricket stadium in India. The entry fee is Rs 30.
Naddi village: Experience fantastic sunset views from the Naddi viewpoint.
Kareri Khass village: Similar to Naddi, Kareri Khass is a village close to Mcleodganj. It is usually the starting point for the Kareri lake trek.
Kareri Lake: One of the most beautiful lake treks around Mcleodganj.
Masroor Rock Cut Temple: 50kms from Mcleodganj, this ancient temple is a fascinating place.
Kangra Fort: Experience the rich heritage of Kangra at the Kangra fort, located 20kms from Mcleodganj.
Activities
From the adventurous treks and paragliding for the daredevils to the market stroll, café hopping for the shopaholic, and enjoying the scenic bird-eye views from the Mcleodganj to Dharamshala ropeway, Mcleodganj offers a plethora of activities for people of every age to enjoy.
Here are some activities you can enjoy during your trip to Mcleodganj.
Trekking & Paragliding: There are multiple treks around Mcleodganj, for instance, Triund Trek, Laka Glacier Trek, Indrahar Pass Trek, Kareri Lake Trek, Jammu Got Trek, Bear Valley Trek, and Minkiani Trek. For detailed information on Treks, please read the upcoming blogs. Paragliding in Mcleodganj takes place in Indrunag in Dharamshala.
Exploring local markets: Mcleodganj main market and Bhagsu market are the prominent ones where you can find loads of Tibetan articrafts, bags, handmade shawls, and souvenirs to take back with you.
Café hopping: There are hundreds of cafes in and around Mcleodganj, most of which are Instagram-worthy. Shiva Café gets a special mention because of its location and the fresh spring water which you can refill your water bottles. Read more about the best cafes in Mcleodganj here.
Nature walks: The small nature walks usually organized by Hostel owners offer a great insight into local culture, tradition, and flora fauna. These small group tours cost hardly around 200-500rs and are a superb way to bond with new people.
Ropeway: Mcleodganj-Dharamshala Ropeway costs 500rs round trip. You can start from Mcleodganj, get out at Dharamshala, roam around for a few hours and return to Mcleodhanj, enjoying the 360-degree views of the valley below.
Best places for food in Mcleodganj
No matter what you crave, you’ll find it here. Mcleodganj offers Tibetan, Israeli, Italian, Indian (North Indian, South Indian, Himachali), Chinese and more to satiate your taste buds. There are numerous street stalls, good restaurants, cafes, local dhabas, and maggie points. From 100rs Indian thali to 300rs lasagne, pizza, or Israeli platter, you can find food according to your budget. For more information, check out the Mcleodganj food blog here.
If your accommodation offers a kitchen facility or you are in for an extended stay and wish to cook your food, you can get all the veggies, meat, eggs, spices, and condiments in local shops at a reasonable rate.
Some recommendations include Tibet Kitchen, Kalimpong, Snowlion, Bhagsu Tea shop, Dudu’s Falafel, Unity Bistro, Chili Beans, Pizzeria, Raku’s Place, and Cookie Walla for live music. Apart from this, explore and discover more amazing places.
Trip Cost
A round-trip bus from Delhi to Mcleodganj costs Rs 2500-Rs 3000 per person. Apart from the travel cost to and from Mcleodganj to your home, this is a budget destination. The accommodation, food, and activities costs in Mcleodganj are easily manageable. You can find budget accommodations starting from 300 per person per night in hostel dorms. Luxury hotel options are also available if that is what you want. You can easily find and book them online through portals like booking, MMT, goibibo, and more.
With the accommodation cost sorted, the basic per day food cost is around Rs 300 (breakfast: Rs50, Lunch: Rs100, Evening tea or snacks: Rs 50, Dinner: Rs 100). To save up some money, you can buy biscuits or bread and have it with black tea costing Rs10 - Rs 30, or coffee for Rs 80-100.
Therefore, budget accommodation and food cost in Mcleodganj in 2022 is around Rs.500-600 per day. The average price of small souvenirs like Tibetan prayer flags, bracelets, anklets, fridge magnets, and bells ranges from Rs 50-Rs 200. Depending on their quality, you can find yak shawls for Rs350-500 or buy shrugs, jackets, and full pajamas made from these shawls at Rs 550-Rs600.
Hope all this information helps you plan your trip to Mcleodganj and Dharamshala.
Enjoy your trip, and do share your experiences.
Travel Safe.