Travel guideDestinations
Dharamshala or McLeodganj — where to stay and what's where
Dharamshala and McLeodganj are two parts of one hillside in Kangra district. Lower Dharamshala, around 1,380–1,457 m, is the district town with the bus stand, offices and the HPCA cricket stadium. McLeodganj, up the ridge at around 1,830 m and above, is the Dalai Lama's town — the Tsuglagkhang temple, Tibetan cafés and the trail to Triund. Most visitors stay up in McLeodganj.
On this page
Two towns on one hill
Lower Dharamshala is where the buses arrive, the government offices are, and where the HPCA cricket stadium sits with the snow peaks behind the pavilion. It is ordinary and useful.
McLeodganj is up the ridge — narrow streets of prayer flags, monks, momo shops and bookshops. The Tsuglagkhang complex, with the Dalai Lama’s temple and the Tibet Museum, is at its heart. Since 1960 it has been the centre of the Tibetan community in exile.
Between them, in the deodars, is the stone church of St John in the Wilderness (1852).
What’s where
| Lower Dharamshala | McLeodganj and above |
|---|---|
| Bus stand, offices | Tsuglagkhang & Tibet Museum |
| HPCA cricket stadium | Bhagsu temple & waterfall |
| Kangra Art Museum | Dharamkot, Naddi, Dal Lake |
| Road to Kangra & the airport | Trail to Triund |
How long to stay
Two nights covers McLeodganj, Bhagsu, Naddi and the tea gardens; three gives you the Triund hike or a day at Bir. That is how our Dharamshala Volvo trip and Dharamshala & Dalhousie tour are built.
Before you go
Quick answers
Should I stay in Dharamshala or McLeodganj?
McLeodganj, if you want the Tibetan town, cafés and walks to Bhagsu, Naddi and Triund. Lower Dharamshala suits a cricket match at the HPCA stadium or an early bus.
How far is McLeodganj from Dharamshala?
A few kilometres up a steep road — about 15–20 minutes by car or taxi, longer at busy times.
Is McLeodganj the same as Dharamshala?
It is part of Dharamshala — the upper town on the ridge. Addresses in McLeodganj often say "Dharamshala".
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Sources
Facts on this page were checked against these sources on 24 October 2026. Fees, permits, timings and road openings change — check them before you travel.