The Ultimate Guide to Mcleodganj, India
The Ultimate Guide to Mcleodganj, India
Malvika Gaur
Available for hire
This Tibetan enclave, perched on the lap of Himachal Pradesh, exudes a spiritual charm with its monasteries, prayer flags, and the Dalai Lama’s residence.
Immerse yourself in the vibrant blend of Tibetan and Indian cultures, savoring momos in bustling markets or finding tranquility on the banks of river streams. Whether you’re drawn to trekking or meditating in a peaceful complex, McLeod Ganj promises an unforgettable escape, where every moment resonates with mountainside magic.
In this extensive guide, I have listed all the must-go places in and around Mcleodganj, where to eat and stay and what to do based on my experience of the place which I have visited multiple times.
I hope this will help you enjoy the place as much as I do. 💁🏻♀️
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🌡️ Weather
🛌 Hotel recommendations
Junglaat Ecorganic Stays & Experiences
@malvikagaur
It is 4 kms uphill from Mcleod's main market. You may take an auto or a cab or trek. It is a boutique hotel with spacious and super comfortable rooms. The place has its own kitchen which serves super delicious food. The staff is friendly and Abhishek and Sanjana (who manage the property) are amazing. They always make my trip to the place an extra special one!
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Jot Eco-Boutique Stays
@malvikagaur
This is also 4 kms uphill from the main market and is exactly at the Naddi sunset view point. This one's also managed by the Junglaat people and offers pretty amazing sunset views.
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Zostel Mcleodganj
@malvikagaur
It is 10-mins away from the main market. The rooms and washrooms are clean. I recommend this for people travelling on a budget.
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The Hosteller Mcleodganj, Mall Road
@malvikagaur
This is around 8-mins away from the main market. It has all the basic amenities. They do not accept cash, so please carry Visa or MasterCard. The staff is friendly and is proficient in spoken English.
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Hotel D's Casa, Mcleodganj
@malvikagaur
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Snow Monk Camp Dharamshala
@malvikagaur
This is on the outskirts of Dharamsala (a town outside Mcleodganj) but definitely worth staying if you want a camping experience in an absolutely isolated and no-network yet a safe zone. You need to take a mini bus from Dharamsala to reach the camp.
It offers a beautiful view of the hills, has proper washrooms built and has hot running water facility. It has a common kitchen area. It is great for camping freaks or for a large group of friends. I wouldn't suggest this for people with kids or family.
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🍴 Food recommendations
Tibetan dhaba
@malvikagaur
This is a small cafe that serves super yummy Tibetan cuisine. It has a sitting space for 7-8 people but it's worth the wait. It is located in the main market.
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The Clay Oven Restaurant
@malvikagaur
This place is right at the Mcleodganj main market triangle on the corner. It serves delicious freshly-baked cakes among other things.
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Shiva Cafe
@malvikagaur
This is situated at the Bhagsu waterfall trek. A fair warning that the trek is a difficult one for someone not used to walking uphill. It has a lot of stairs and steep uphill road in between. This is a must-go for people travelling with friends as it has a hippie vibe to it.
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Jimmys Italian Kitchen in McLeodGanj
@malvikagaur
It serves a wide variety of pizzas among other things. It even delivers to nearby places. This is a MUST go!
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Naddi pizzeria
@malvikagaur
This is a casual dining spot in Naddi which serves veg and non-veg pizzas, burgers, sandwiches, cakes, and coffee at an affordable price.
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🗺️ Places to visit
Sunset Point Naddi
@malvikagaur
As the name suggests, it offers a beautiful view of sunset and every sunset seems different from the previous one.
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Triund Trek
@malvikagaur
This is a moderate to difficult trek for non-trekking people. It has different bases. The top base also has camping option.
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Bhagsu Naag Temple
@malvikagaur
It is a sacred haven surrounded by nature. Known for its ancient charm, it houses a revered deity and a captivating waterfall nearby. It also haa a hot natural spring in the temple premises.
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Tibetan Institute of Performing Arts - TIPA
@malvikagaur
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Namgyal Monastery
@malvikagaur
Will take you around 15 mins to reach the place. It is a moderate-sized monastery with 100s of Tibetan students (Lamas) living here.
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Nechung Monastery
@malvikagaur
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Trail to Shri Gunna Devi Mandir
@malvikagaur
When in Naddi, this a must-visit place. It will take you around an hour to reach the place from Naddi center point, It is a moderate trek which will take you to a beautiful river stream flowing through huge rocks. The water here is chilly even during the summer months. But the place is so so relaxing and beautiful. Don't forget to have maggi while listening to the gushing water.
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🛫🚕 How to reach
By road
You may board an overnight volvo bus from Kashmere gate ISBT in New Delhi. It takes 10-12 hours to reach Dharamsala from where a mini bus plys.
By air
The Kangra-Dharamsala airport is the nearest one, 20 kms away from Mcleodganj main market. You may hire a cab from outside the airport. It will take around 30 mins to reach.
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ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Malvika Gaur
Available for hire
I'm a 29-year old woman who loves to read and travel and explore new cultures. And wants to do it for the rest of my life! Since I'm lucky to be living in a huge country like India, I have been fortunate enough to visit numerous places and meet people from different cultures, speaking different languages.
I have travelled solo, with a group of friends, and with family. I would love to invite you to my country and extend any sort of help to give you sweet memories for your lifetime!
Locations covered till now:
💎Kashmir
💎Mcleodganj
💎Goa
💎Dharamsala
💎Shimla
💎Chitkul
💎Kinnaur
💎Shangarh
💎Jaipur
💎Ranthambore
💎New Delhi
💎Agra
💎Rishikesh
💎Dehradun
💎Mussoorie
💎Landour
💎Nainital
💎Jim Corbett
💎Banaras
💎Lucknow
💎New Delhi
💎Shillong
💎Cherrapunji
💎Koh Lanta
💎Koh Samui
💎Koh Phi Phi
💎Bangkok
💎Phuket
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