Mcleodganj Itinerary For 3 Days : Unforgettable Himalayan Adventure

Some of my links may be affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I might earn a small commission at no cost to you. See our Privacy Policy for details.
This post was crafted with care and occasional typos by Colleen (and not AI)

Mcleodganj sits at the entrance to the Himalayas and has been home to the Dalai Lama and the Tibetan Government in Exile for decades. This captivating town offers a unique blend of breath-taking landscapes, Tibetan culture and the ancient lands of the Maharajas.

Whether you’re a seasoned traveller or planning a short escape, 3 days in Mcleodganj is the perfect amount of time to discover its magic. Read on and we’ll show you how to make the very most of your time here.

Mcleodganj Itinerary For 3 Days: Immerse Yourself In The Himalayas

Why Visit Mcleodganj? For us there were two reasons to visit :

1. It’s the home of the Dalai Lama
2. There is a famous trek called the Triund trek which I had to hike.

During our time in Mcleodganj we met two kinds of visitors.  Travellers like us, who take their time or others who came for a few days as part of a grand tour of India (actually there was a third group of folks who came and just decided to stay too).

How Many Days in Mcleodganj?

On balance we felt that three days was a good amount of time to see more than just a glimpse of the stunning region on a short visit. We created this itinerary offering three very different days in India’s Little Lhasa. 

There are many things to do in both Mcleodganj and Dharamshala, so we’ve added a selection of alternative ideas at the end of the post. But in three days you can :

Mcleodganj is a gem of a destination and writing this post from our temporary beach home in Kerala, I would happily swap for a few more glorious days in the mountains. 

Day 1 : Mcleodganj Itinerary

We enjoyed a fabulous breakfast at our homestay; I 100% recommend the porridge if you’re staying at Ram Yoga Homestay.  If you’ve not had breakfast then we recommend dropping into one of our Top 5 Cafes in Mcleodganj for a wholesome plate of something amazing.

Walk The Kora

This is a glorious little circular walk that can easily be completed within 30 minutes; although it took us much longer as we spent so long looking at the points of interest and taking in the stunning views, taking photos and spinning the many prayer wheels.  You’ll want to do this walk at least once during your stay.

Top Tip : The first time we walked we started in the wrong place and walked in the wrong direction.  At the entrance to the Namgyal Monastery, facing the entrance you will want to take the road to your left.  Follow the path down the hill and you will be starting the Kora, walking in the right direction. 

The walk is just 1.6 kms long but is beautiful and the perfect start to anyone’s day.  The walk cuts through the mountain and forest and circles around the Tsuglagkhang complex and Namgyal Monastery. You can’t get lost and there are many people walking, although it never feels busy.

Warning : There are Macaque Monkeys along the route.  We only saw them at the very start of the walk.  They are looking for food and have been known to grab phones and bags; especially if you are carrying food.  We had no issues but we were warned to ignore them and keep walking.

Visit The Namgyal Monastery

We were told that the Monastery closed for lunch, so allow enough time for a visit before midday.  We were also told that we couldn’t take photographs or a camera with us.  Honestly I’m not convinced that either statement is totally correct. There were folks entering when we left just before lunchtime and everyone had a camera or smartphone. 

We visited more than once and on subsequent visits I took my smartphone and was never asked not to take photographs.  There are clearly places where it would be inappropriate and you should use common sense and always be respectful but cameras are allowed.

We followed google-maps to the Namgyal Monastery and the entrance is very clear.  At the entrance we followed others as they walked in. There are signs pointing to the temples and others which show restricted areas. 

I was surprised by how relaxed security measures were given their famous resident.  There is a point near the entrance where bags are scanned but it was very low-key.  I wonder if security increases considerably if the Dalai Lama is making a public appearance? Perhaps be aware that this might be possible?

Allow a good hour to explore the complex; we visited more than once and I loved exploring every corner.  There are a few temples to visit and lots of places to sit and contemplate your surroundings.  The entire complex is so very peaceful, it’s easy to lose yourself in your thoughts and marvel at the incredible views.

It would be too easy to rush this visit but do linger; I kept reminding myself that I was here, sat in the foothills of the Himalayan mountains in the place where the Dalai Lama lived.  It was all very surreal and beautiful.

Visit The Tibetan Museum

Next to the Namgyal Monastery is the Tibetan Museum.  It’s not obvious to find the entrance, it’s a small building just before the main temple entry point.  If you are lost then ask at the temple entrance and they will direct you.

Inside charts the history of the annexing of Tibet by the Chinese. This is a small museum but worth a visit.  It offers a glimpse into a very difficult and often violent history but it is worthy of your time and will give you an interesting insight to the struggles of the people living here in exile.

Lunch At Snow Lion Cafe

From Namgyal head back to the heart of Mcleodganj for a wonderful lunch stop at Snow Lion Café.  This is the perfect place to eat and drink and chat with other travellers and it’s also opposite our first stop of the afternoon.

Visit The Kalachakra Temple

Directly opposite the Snow Lion café is the Kalachakra Temple.  A small working temple that sits between the two main roads in Mcleodganj.  You can’t fail to spot this temple as every wall is lined with Prayer Wheels and the building is so ornate and brightly decorated that it stands out amongst the other shops that line the streets.

The entrance is in the street opposite Snow Lion but simply walk around, in a clockwise direction, following the Prayer Wheels.

Inside is a huge golden stupa and you can climb the stairs all the way to the top and visit the roof temple and admire the views of the street below.

This only needs a short visit, but it is worth stopping and exploring. 

Top Tip : I found information about this temple confusing.  I understand now that there are two temples in Mcleodganj with the same name (I wonder if Kalachakra maybe a philosophy as well as the name of the temple)?  Within the Namgyal Complex there is a Kalachakra Tibetan Temple (where the Dalai Lama sometimes teaches) as well as this smaller temple with the same name in the town centre.  Some blogs I’ve read don’t make the distinction which caused us much confusion; my guess is maybe those writers never actually visited Mcleodganj?

Shopping In The Tibetan Market And Temple Road

We’re heading down to the Skyway Depot in Temple Road but Temple Road is lined with stalls selling all manner of curiosities and souvenirs.  We’re not big on souvenirs but the stalls are interesting, so spend some time ‘window shopping’ as you walk.  If you keep walking, beyond the Skyway, you can also visit the Tibetan Refugee Market, just outside the Namgyal Complex.

Tata Skyway To Dharamshala

You can take a tuk-tuk to Dharamshala but we saw the Skyway Cable Car when walking the Kora; it was a good choice.  It’s not the cheapest ride; we bought return tickets for 675 RPS.  It’s cheaper if you don’t wish to get out and explore Dharamshala but we wanted to stop.

The entrance is along Temple Road and very easy to spot.  You can purchase your tickets online but we turned up and were the only folks in the queue.  It can be busy but during our stay in Mcleodganj we never saw crowds here. You can pay with a credit card ; Gerry’s Mastercard was declined and mine (Visa) was accepted.

It’s a beautiful ride and you get to enjoy amazing views of the surrounding hills and mountains.  Even if you didn’t wish to explore Dharamshala we’d recommend taking this little trip.  The return ride lasts around 30 minutes.

Top Tip : I don’t have a great head for heights but this car never really felt that far from the ground and I never once felt nervous. 

Visit The Norbulingka Institute

From the Skyway Station take a tuk-tuk to the Norbulingka Institute; make sure you agree your fee in advance but expect to pay around 200rps. Our reason for visiting Dharamshala was for this amazing centre; an Institute for the preservation of Tibetan Arts and culture

Allow a couple hours for your visit and be aware that it closes at 5:30pm.  You can explore the temple complex, incredible art installations, a museum and visit their beautiful shop.  There is also a café on site for refreshments. 

The complex can be very busy on Saturdays (it is closed on Sundays), so if you can plan your days around this it would be better; but regardless you should make space in your itinerary to visit.

We took the Skyway back to Mcleodganj; you can take a tuk tuk but the traffic in Dharamshala is awful and having experienced it once, the Skyway is definitely the way to go for a quick return.

Dinner At Crepes Pancake Hut

After such a busy day you deserve to spend some time relaxing at Crepes Pancake Hut.  The perfect place to unwind after a busy busy day!

Day 2 : Mcleodganj Itinerary

Today is all about Hiking. Coming to Mcleodganj, the Triund Trek was at the top of our things to do.  If you’re not strong hikers then you may wish to choose from the list of alternative activities for today or take one of the alternative walks in the area but if you love a great hike then Triund is a must.

Hiking The Triund Trek

There are a few options for this hike.

We chose to walk there and back on the same day and having already hiked to Dhamarkot previously, we took a taxi to the Gallu Devi Temple; which saves several kilometres walking. 

We were very temped to camp overnight; it sounds like an amazing adventure but during our stay in November we noticed that cloud came in each afternoon obscuring the views.  We decided that there would be very little star-gazing at camp so opted for a day hike.

I’d read online that this hike was super-tough and one company wouldn’t even take us as we are over 60. However, it’s not an easy hike and certainly not a walk in the park in terms of elevation but equally you’re not climbing a mountain. 

It is a hard but very do-able trek and it’s well marked.  From the Gallu Devi Temple you can easily reach the ridge within 4 hours of gentle hiking.  You do not need to rush.  Allow all day and take your time and enjoy the amazing views.

If you wish to stay for sunset then you will be walking back in the dark and I never recommend hiking in the dark.  If you really wish to watch the sunset then book to camp overnight; and you get to see sunrise as well as sunset.

For me this hike was on a par with walking from St Jean Pied de Port to Orisson although the terrain was a trail and not road.  It’s do-able but you need to be fit and have proper walking shoes.

Do You Need A Guide For The Triund Trek?

You do not need a guide to do this hike but if you feel happier going with a guide you can book a tour (with a group or privately).  Both the day tour and the overnight camping are very inexpensive.

This is a popular hike and there will be plenty of people on the trail.  There are also regular places to stop and take a break.  It’s difficult to get lost as you head up to the plateau and the views from the top are well worth your efforts.

The Triund Hike offers spectacular vistas but only if the afternoon cloud doesn’t block your view.  Start early in the day to avoid the heat and the cloud cover; you’ll not want to tear yourself away from this glorious mountain scenery.

Things To Remember Before Starting The Triund Trek

Day 3 : Mcleodganj Itinerary

After your efforts from yesterday’s hike you can take it easy today and let the car take the strain. 

Full Day Exploring Kangra Province

We like to watch Travel Shows and Rick Stein visited a family in Kangra during his travels through India.  The family are said to be the oldest family in India and are able to trace their history back to Alexander the Great.  They lived near Kangra Fort and we decided that if we were ever in the area we’d have to investigate. 

We booked our driver via our homestay and it cost us 3000 RPS which was great value but our driver spoke no English and there were times when it would have been good to know what we were seeing and we missed having a guide. Regardless, we loved this day, we packed a lot in and it was an excellent way of exploring Himachal Pradesh.

Dharamshala Tea Gardens

Who knew that they grew tea in Dharamshala? Our first stop was the Tea Gardens.  You don’t need to allow long here.  We are planning to visit Munnar and Sri Lanka which are both famous for their tea plantations so we didn’t stay long.  We did though wander the hills and stop for tea at the tiny café. 

Top Tip : There were very few people when we visited but it gets busy later with tour groups and is very busy at weekends so bear this in mind.

Kunal Pathri Temple

We really missed a guide here; we had no idea what we were seeing or what we were meant to do.

This is a fascinating little temple and surprisingly busy with visitors.   We were ushered inside by locals who seemed surprised by our visit.  They directed us into the temple to receive a blessing and following their guidance, we left a small offering and accepted sweets in return. 

The temple is dedicated to goddess Durga and is surrounded by forests and tea plantations with wonderful distant views of the Dhauladhar mountains. According to local legend (and google) there is a stone in the temple which remains wet; if the stone dries it will start raining.

Masroor Rock Cut Temple Complex

Onwards along some very rustic roads; expect a bumpy ride but also expect spectacular views of the surrounding forests and foothills and the ever present snowy peaks.  It is a beautiful region.

The Masroor Rock Cut Temple looks remarkably like the Angkor Wat Temple in Siem Reap, although smaller. 

This 8^th Century Hindu temple wasn’t built but rather carved out of the rock.  Sadly it was partly destroyed by an earthquake in 1905 but much remains standing and we spent an happy hour exploring the grounds, around the lake and walking up to the lookout above the temple.

Top Tip : We had problems buying our entry tickets.  Guards direct you to a QR code and you are meant to buy online.  However, the QR Code took us to a spammy website that asks for monthly subscription and bank details so DO NOT proceed.  Thankfully the guard took pity on us and accepted cash.  We had the same problem at our next temple and the guard bought our ticket with his phone.  If you find yourself in the same situation, ask your driver or guide/guard for help.

Kangra Fort

Our final visit of the day was Kangra Fort.  This impressive Fort was built by the royal Rajput family of Kangra State, Maharajas who can trace their origins back to the ancient Trigarta Kingdom. It is the largest fort in the Himalayas and possibly one of the oldest forts in India.

There is a small museum which you should explore first before heading off to the fort itself.  There is also a small garden at the entrance with impressive views. 

The fort itself is huge.  We never explored it all but wandered for well over an hour along and across the paths and beside the impressive defensive walls.  The 360o views from the top are simply breath-taking. 

Top Tip : Time your visit at Kangra Fort so that you catch the sun setting.

We really loved this day. You cover a lot of ground and the views are wonderful.  It’s great to see more of this beautiful region but we really regretted not having a guide, or at least a driver who spoke some English. 

We do like to travel independently but if you’re going to plan this day, then do consider the language barrier and book the Kangra Valley Tour.

Mcleodganj Itinerary For 3 Days : Alternative Things To Do

Our itinerary offers you a fabulously broad introduction to this incredibly rich and diverse region. However, if you’re not into hiking or you don’t fancy a day in the car then there plenty of other activities to fill your time.

Holistic Massage

Mcleodganj attracts many visitors seeking a more spiritual and relaxing experience.  One of the ladies in our hotel recommended an Ayurvedic massage for my aching shoulder; she said it was the best massage that she’d ever had. 

The Holistic Massage Centre is run by Shammi Kumar and you can choose from Ayurvedic, Swedish, Tibetan and all elements of reflexology and acupressure.

Yoga Retreats

We stayed at Ram Yoga House.  We’re not practicing Yoga, we booked because of their excellent reviews and we had a really comfortable stay. 

We learned later that this is an established and much loved Yoga Studio offering daily Yoga Classes and Weekly Retreats.

Meditation And Wellness Retreat

When we walked to Dharamkot in search of an elusive Gluten-Free and Vegan restaurant we met a couple who were staying in the village for a Wellness Retreat. 

This is not something I have ever considered but after talking to them it is perhaps something I would investigate if we return to the mountains. You can visit for the day, a few days or a few weeks. 

If ever there was a place to get away from it all; Dharamkot would be the place.

Hike To Bagsu Waterfall

We didn’t do the Bhagsu Waterfall hike but it felt like everyone at our hotel did.  We just ran out of days but everyone gave it good reviews. 

Reading between the lines I think it’s a nice trip rather than an outstanding trip; but it would seem everyone else did the hike and recommended it. It’s not a difficult hike, although there is a bit of elevation to reach the falls. 

You can visit BhagsuNag Temple first; there is a swimming pool here although no-one we met swam.  From the temple it’s just a 30 minute hike up to the falls.  If you keep going even further you’re rewarded with Shiva Café which everyone rated highly; especially after the hike up.

Sunset At Naddi View Lookout

If you’d like to catch a sunset over the mountains but you aren’t keen on the long hike there is a look-out which offers great views. We didn’t take this trip but it’s a perfect option for those less able to cope with the long Triund Hike and it has good reviews on Trip Advisor.

Ask your hotel to arrange a driver; it’s around 6km to Naddi.  You need to walk the last 10 minutes but it’s not a hike.

Sunset point is popular so allow plenty of time for the traffic (it’s a single track road), maybe take some water and snacks and a coat and your camera; the views are pretty spectacular.

Gentle Local Hikes With Guide

If you would like to do some walking when you’re in the area but you don’t want a strenuous full day of trekking then contact Himachal Bylocals.  They are a company staffed by local guides who are fully experienced in the mountains and trails around Mcleodganj

They can tailor a trip to suit your needs, timescales and abilities.

Pottery Class

Another place we always research when looking for something different is Airbnb Experiences.  Having looked through all they had to offer, the only experience that jumped out at me as being different was a pottery class. 

I wish we’d had time as it looks great fun; sadly though we’re travelling with a 7kg rucksack so a hand-made pot would have broken my weight budget. But if you have some spare time and you’d like something totally different then give this a go.

Mcleodganj Itinerary For 3 Days : The Last Word

We fell in love with Mcleodganj and it is high on our list of places to return.  I would happily revisit and do very little except walk, explore and relax in this very special Himalayan treasure.

If you only have a few days for your visit then our 3 day Mcleodganj Itinerary provides a taste of all that the town has to offer and will probably leave you wanting more; maybe like us you’ll start planning your return trip.