Dharamshala, below the Dhauladhar range in the Kangra valley, is home to His Holiness the Dalai Lama in Upper Dharamshala (McLeodganj) – Tibetan monasteries, cafés, the Triund trek and the famous cricket stadium.
The Kangra valley around it has the Kangra fort, the Shakti Peeths of Brajeshwari, Chamunda and Jwala Ji, and the tea gardens of Palampur.
Dharamshala & McLeodganj – Quick Facts
State
Himachal Pradesh (Kangra district)
Altitude
1,457 m (McLeodganj 2,082 m)
Nearest airport
Gaggal (Kangra) – 13 km
Nearest railway
Pathankot – 90 km
Best time
March – June, September – November
Ideal stay
2 – 3 days
Places to Visit in Dharamshala & McLeodganj
Dalai Lama Temple (Tsuglagkhang) Main Tibetan temple and museum in McLeodganj.
Bhagsunag Temple & Waterfall Old Shiva temple and a waterfall walk.
Triund 9 km trek to a ridge facing the Dhauladhar.
HPCA Cricket Stadium One of the most scenic cricket grounds in the world.
Kangra Fort Ancient fort of the Katoch kings.
Palampur Tea Gardens 35 km – tea estates and the Saurabh Van Vihar.
Baijnath Temple 50 km – 13th-century Shiva temple.
Chamunda Devi 15 km – Shakti Peeth on the Baner river.
Best Time to Visit Dharamshala & McLeodganj
March – June: pleasant days (15 – 28 °C) – peak season for families
July – September: monsoon – green hills, lower rates, landslides possible
October – November: clear skies and autumn colours
December – February: cold, snowfall in the higher hills – Christmas & New Year rush
How to Reach Dharamshala & McLeodganj
By air: Gaggal airport, 13 km – flights from Delhi.
By train: Pathankot (90 km) or the Kangra valley narrow gauge.
By road: Delhi 475 km, Chandigarh 240 km, Manali 230 km.
Dharamshala & McLeodganj Distance Chart
Route
Distance
Drive time
Chandigarh
240 km
6 hrs
Delhi
475 km
10 hrs
Manali
230 km
7 hrs
Dalhousie
120 km
4 hrs
Amritsar
200 km
5 hrs
Palampur
35 km
1 hr
Approximate road distances and times – mountain roads can take longer in snow or rain.
Dharamshala & McLeodganj Map
Dharamshala & McLeod Ganj map (tap to enlarge)
Dharamshala & McLeodganj Travel Tips
McLeodganj roads are narrow – park at the main square.
The Dalai Lama’s public teachings are announced on dalailama.com.
Entrance & Permit Fees in Dharamshala & McLeodganj 2026
Permits
No permit is needed. Triund is free; camping fees are charged by the forest department.
🎟️ Entrance fees (per person, paid at the gate or online)
Place
🇮🇳 Indian
🌍 Foreigner
Dalai Lama Temple
Free
Free
Bhagsunag Waterfall
Free
Free
HPCA Stadiumnon-match days
approx. ₹50
approx. ₹50
Kangra FortRoyal Kangra museum
₹50
₹300
Brajeshwari Devi Temple
Free
Free
Chamunda Devi Temple
Free
Free
Jwala Ji Temple
Free
Free
Fees as published for 2026 and can be revised by the authorities; "approx." rates are local / private and may differ. Children are usually free or half rate. Camera fees extra at some places.
Dharamshala & McLeodganj Tour Packages 2026
Packages by Travel Himalayas that stay in Dharamshala & McLeodganj – hotels and a private cab, with the complete price for your date on each page.
McLeodganj is Upper Dharamshala, 10 km above the main town – most visitors stay there.
How long is the Triund trek?
About 9 km one way from McLeodganj (4 – 5 hrs).
What is the best time to visit Dharamshala & McLeodganj?
March – June: pleasant days (15 – 28 °C) – peak season for families. July – September: monsoon – green hills, lower rates, landslides possible. October – November: clear skies and autumn colours. December – February: cold, snowfall in the higher hills – Christmas & New Year rush.
How to reach Dharamshala & McLeodganj?
By air – Gaggal airport, 13 km – flights from Delhi. By train – Pathankot (90 km) or the Kangra valley narrow gauge. By road – Delhi 475 km, Chandigarh 240 km, Manali 230 km.
How much does a Dharamshala & McLeodganj tour cost?
Our Dharamshala & McLeodganj packages start from about ₹8,000 per person (2 sharing) with hotels and a private cab – open a package for the complete price on your date.
