Dharamshala & McLeodganj
Little Lhasa in the Dhauladhar
Dharamshala and its upper town McLeodganj are the heart of the Tibetan community in exile and the residence of the Dalai Lama — earning the nickname 'Little Lhasa'. Prayer flags flutter against the sheer Dhauladhar range, and the lanes mix monasteries, momo kitchens and traveller cafés.
It is a soulful, walkable base: spiritual and laid-back, with short treks straight off the high street and one of the most dramatic mountain backdrops in the Himalayas.
Monasteries & McLeodganj
Visit the Tsuglagkhang complex — the Dalai Lama's temple and the Namgyal Monastery — and the Tibet Museum, then wander McLeodganj for handicrafts and Tibetan food. Bhagsunag's waterfall and temple and the meditative St. John in the Wilderness church are easy strolls away.
The Triund trek
The classic day-hike to Triund climbs to a grassy ridge with the Dhauladhar peaks close enough to touch — one of the most rewarding short treks in India. We drop you at Galu Devi to shorten the walk and pick you up when you return.
Highlights
- Dalai Lama temple (Tsuglagkhang)
- McLeodganj cafés & Tibetan crafts
- Triund ridge day-trek
- Bhagsu waterfall & temple
- Dhauladhar mountain views
