Quick answer
Spend day one in McLeodganj at the Tsuglagkhang, Tibet Museum and the Lingkhor kora, day two hiking to Triund or exploring Bhagsu and Dharamkot, and day three at St John in the Wilderness, Norbulingka and Kangra Fort before the overnight bus home. Mid-range land costs start at about ₹10,000 per person, twin sharing.
The route
- Delhi
- McLeodganj
- Triund
- Norbulingka and Kangra
- Delhi
Day-by-day plan
- 1
Day 1
McLeodganj and the Tsuglagkhang
Morning: Arrive by overnight Volvo around 7–8 am, check in and have breakfast.
Afternoon: Tibet Museum, then the Tsuglagkhang and Namgyal Monastery; watch monks debate in the courtyard.
Evening: Walk the Lingkhor kora at dusk, then momos and thukpa on Jogiwara Road.
Stay: McLeodganj
Visit the Tibet Museum before the temple; it makes the rest of the day far more meaningful.
- 2
Day 2
Triund hike, or Bhagsu and Dharamkot
Morning: Start by 8 am for Triund, about 9 km each way and roughly 800 m of climbing.
Afternoon: Lunch on the ridge facing the Dhauladhar; begin the descent by 2–3 pm.
Evening: Rest your legs at a café in Bhagsu or Dharamkot.
Stay: McLeodganj
Families with small children or grandparents can swap Triund for Bhagsu waterfall and a walk to Dharamkot.
- 3
Day 3
Norbulingka, Kangra Fort and the bus home
Morning: St John in the Wilderness on the way down, then the Norbulingka Institute's workshops and gardens.
Afternoon: Kangra Fort, about 20 km from Dharamshala, or the HPCA stadium and a tea garden.
Evening: Overnight Volvo to Delhi, usually leaving 7–8 pm from McLeodganj or Lower Dharamshala.
Stay: Overnight Volvo to Delhi
Why does this plan work?
Dharamshala's sights fall neatly into three groups: the Tibetan town of McLeodganj, the hills above it, and the Kangra valley below. Giving each a day means no backtracking, and travelling by overnight Volvo both ways saves two hotel nights and two daylight travel days.
Should you stay in McLeodganj?
Yes, for this plan. The temple, cafés and the Triund trailhead are all within walking distance, and you can reach the lower town by taxi or the Skyway ropeway on day three. See where to stay in Dharamshala for quieter options in Dharamkot and Naddi.
How does it change by season?
- March to June, October to mid-December: run it as written. October and November give the clearest Triund views.
- July and August: the heaviest rain of the year. Skip Triund and spend day two at Norbulingka and the tea gardens instead.
- Late December to February: Triund's upper section can be icy. Do it only with a local guide, or choose Bhagsu and Dharamkot.
What can you add with more time?
A fourth day for paragliding at Bir Billing, about 70 km away, or for the Masroor rock-cut temples beyond Kangra. If the Dalai Lama is teaching while you are there, keep a morning free and register at the Branch Security Office in advance.
Temple Road and Jogiwara Road are one-way and jammed in the evening. Walk within McLeodganj; it is faster than any taxi.
Check the season with the best time to visit Dharamshala, see the full list of things to do in Dharamshala, and compare other hill towns in our India tour packages.
Frequently asked questions
Is 3 days enough for Dharamshala and McLeodganj?
Can I fly to Dharamshala instead of taking the bus?
Can I combine Dharamshala with Manali or Amritsar?
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Written and fact-checked by the Elitech Travels editorial desk in New Delhi, drawing on our consultants' day-to-day booking work and the official sources below. Rules, fares and fees change — always confirm anything critical with the issuing authority before you travel. Our editorial policy.
