Quick, checked answers about Dharamshala and McLeod Ganj. Every figure shows when we last verified it and where it comes from. Our team lives here, so we re-check after every change on the ground.
Last updated 29 October 2026 · 54 facts · JSON
No. Dharamshala is the main town (about 1,457 m); McLeod Ganj is its hilltop suburb about 9 km up the road (around 4 km on the steep footpath), home to the Dalai Lama Temple and the Tibetan community.
Verified 16 October 2026Source: Dharamshala Stay: Dharamshala area guideFull guide
Lower Dharamshala is about 1,457 m. McLeod Ganj spreads from about 1,750 to 2,080 m, Bhagsu and Dharamkot are about 2,100 m, and Naddi is about 2,000 m. Triund ridge is about 2,850 m.
Verified 16 October 2026Source: Dharamshala Stay: area pagesFull guide
Three days covers the Dalai Lama Temple, Bhagsu, Dharamkot, Naddi and either a Triund day hike or an overnight camp. Two days is rushed; five lets you add Bir Billing or the Kangra side.
Verified 16 October 2026Source: Dharamshala Stay: 3-day itineraryFull guide
About 475-520 km by road (roughly 9-11 hours by car). Overnight Volvo buses take 10-13 hours, and direct flights from Delhi to Kangra (Gaggal) Airport take about 1 hour 20 minutes.
Verified 16 October 2026Source: Dharamshala Stay: how to reach DharamshalaFull guide
Kangra Airport at Gaggal, about 13-15 km from lower Dharamshala and about 22 km by road from McLeod Ganj (roughly 45-60 minutes by taxi).
Verified 16 October 2026Source: Dharamshala Stay: Gaggal airport taxiFull guide
Pathankot (and Chakki Bank next to it) is the main railhead, about 90 km and 2.5-3 hours by taxi. The narrow-gauge Kangra line is closer but slow and has had landslide closures.
Verified 16 October 2026Source: Dharamshala Stay: Pathankot to Dharamshala taxiFull guide
About 6-7 km one way from Gallu Devi temple above Dharamkot, or about 9 km from McLeod Ganj on foot. Most people take 3-5 hours up and 2-3 hours down from Gallu Devi; the climb is roughly 750 m.
Verified 16 October 2026Source: Dharamshala Stay: Triund trek guideFull guide
Triund ridge is about 2,850 m, with the Dhauladhar range on one side and the Kangra Valley on the other.
Verified 16 October 2026Source: Dharamshala Stay: Triund trek guideFull guide
A forest entry fee of ₹100 per person for a day hike, or ₹275 per person to camp overnight (₹550 for a two-person tent), and a cap of 1,000 visitors a day (Dharamshala DFO, reported by Aaj Tak, 6 Oct 2026). Registration at the Gallu checkpost is mandatory. A refundable ₹500 waste deposit was reported in August 2026 but we found no official notice; carry ₹500 extra in cash in case it is collected.
Verified 29 October 2026Source: Dharamshala Stay: Triund trek guide, The Tribune: Triund fee cut, 15 Jan 2024, Aaj Tak: Triund 1,000-a-day cap and fees, 6 Oct 2026, The Tribune: Gallu and 9 other trekker checkposts, 15 Nov 2025, Khabargaon (Hindi): carry-back waste report, 17 Aug 2026, unofficialFull guide
Yes. Fit walkers leave Gallu Devi by about 8 am and are back before dark; most people camp overnight for sunset and sunrise.
Verified 16 October 2026Source: Dharamshala Stay: Triund trek guideFull guide
A Kangra district order of 6 January 2026 restricted trekking above 3,000 m and made SP Kangra permission mandatory for Triund, Kareri and Adi Himani Chamunda, with permissions cancelled on weather alerts. Check the current position before booking a high trek.
Verified 16 October 2026Source: The Tribune: a similar order, December 2022, The Week (PTI)Full guide
Our guided Triund trek starts at ₹1,500 per person, with a local guide, forest permits and first aid; overnight packages add a tent, sleeping bag, dinner and breakfast.
Verified 16 October 2026Source: Dharamshala Stay: guided Triund trekFull guide
No official visiting hours are published. The Tsuglagkhang complex is usually open every day from early morning to early evening, and entry is free; it can close for special events, so check at the gate.
Verified 20 October 2026Source: Dharamshala Stay: Dalai Lama Temple guideFull guide
It is at the bottom of Temple Road, roughly a 10-15 minute walk downhill from the Main Square; the walk back is uphill.
Verified 16 October 2026Source: Dharamshala Stay: hotels near the templeFull guide
At Gangchen Kyishong, on the Central Tibetan Administration campus between lower Dharamshala and McLeod Ganj (2nd floor, T-Building). It moved there from McLeod Ganj in February 2022, so older guides and maps that place it in the temple complex are out of date.
Verified 16 October 2026Source: Tibet Museum, Tibet Museum: aboutFull guide
Open 9 am to 5 pm with a 1-2 pm lunch break; closed on Saturdays, Tibetan festivals and gazetted holidays. Entry is Rs 20 for adults and free for under-18s.
Verified 16 October 2026Source: Tibet Museum: your visitFull guide
Yes. A guided meditation runs Monday to Saturday, 9-10 am, by donation and without registration (not on Sundays, and cancelled during short courses).
Verified 16 October 2026Source: Tushita: daily guided meditationsFull guide
Book through the online form on tushita.info; a non-refundable deposit secures the place. It runs on a minimum donation of about 8,600 INR for 10 days in a dormitory (2026). Short weekend courses are booked in person at reception only.
Verified 16 October 2026Source: Tushita: Introduction to Buddhism, Tushita: FAQFull guide
From February to November; it is closed in December and January. The office is closed on Sundays.
Verified 16 October 2026Source: Tushita Meditation CentreFull guide
Yes. Courses at Dhamma Sikhara are free, including food and lodging, and are funded by donations from past students. You apply online on dhamma.org; applications for 10-day courses open about two months ahead.
Verified 16 October 2026Source: Dhamma Sikhara, Dhamma Sikhara course scheduleFull guide
10-day courses for new students run from about mid-March to late November, starting on the 1st and 15th of the month; early March and December have courses for old students only, and none are listed in January and February.
Verified 16 October 2026Source: Dhamma Sikhara course scheduleFull guide
As of 25 October 2026 it is closed for scheduled maintenance from 21 to 30 October, and the official website says services resume on 31 October 2026, subject to completion of maintenance (reopening not yet confirmed). It was suspended after a landslide in August 2025. Call +91-1892 223302 (10 am-6 pm) before you go.
Verified 25 October 2026Source: Dharamshala Skyway (official site), Dharamshala Skyway on Instagram, The Tribune: 2025 suspensionFull guide
About 1.8 km and roughly 5 minutes between the lower station near Bypass Road, Kotwali Bazaar and the upper station on Temple Road, McLeod Ganj. Listed timings are 9:30 am to 6 pm; children under 3 (below 110 cm) ride free.
Verified 16 October 2026Source: Dharamshala Skyway (official site)Full guide
On non-match days the HPCA Cricket Stadium is open to tourists from about 9:30 am to 5 pm (Kangra district administration, page updated April 2026). It closes to visitors on match days and around big matches, so check before you go.
Verified 20 October 2026Source: Kangra district administration: HPCA Cricket Stadium, Dharamshala Stay: cricket stadium guideFull guide
About ₹30 per person for a tourist visit on a non-match day (Kangra district administration, 2026). Match tickets are sold separately for each match.
Verified 28 October 2026Source: Kangra district administration: HPCA Cricket Stadium, Dharamshala Stay: cricket stadium guideFull guide
No. Walk-in visits stop on match days and the days around big matches; HPCA closed the ground to visitors from 4 May 2026 for IPL games. No weekly closing day is listed by any official source.
Verified 20 October 2026Source: HPCA website, archived 19 May 2026, Dharamshala Stay: cricket stadium guideFull guide
The HPCA Cricket Stadium is in Jawahar Nagar, lower Dharamshala, next to the War Memorial and 1.5-2 km below Kotwali Bazaar. It is 8-10 km by road from McLeod Ganj (25-40 minutes by taxi) and 12-14 km from Kangra Airport at Gaggal.
Verified 20 October 2026Source: Dharamshala Stay: cricket stadium guideFull guide
March to June and September to November. October and November have the clearest mountain views; July and August are the wettest months (about 860-940 mm of rain each), and December to February is cold with the best snow chances.
Verified 16 October 2026Source: Dharamshala Stay: best time to visitFull guide
On some days, mostly from late December to February, with January and early February the likeliest. Triund and the upper slopes see snow far more often than the town; lower Dharamshala rarely does.
Verified 16 October 2026Source: Dharamshala Stay: winter and snowfall guideFull guide
Days are roughly 12-14°C and nights 1-4°C in McLeod Ganj. Christmas and New Year week (about 23 December to 2 January) is the busiest and priciest, so book early.
Verified 16 October 2026Source: Dharamshala Stay: best time to visitFull guide
McLeod Ganj for a first visit without a car (temple, cafés and buses on foot); Dharamkot or Upper Bhagsu for Triund, yoga and long stays; Naddi for quiet and mountain views; lower Dharamshala for easy roads, parking and quick airport access.
Verified 16 October 2026Source: Dharamshala Stay: where to stayFull guide
Taxis reach the road heads, but many homestays and hostels in upper Dharamkot are on footpaths a short walk up, so ask your stay where to be dropped and pack light.
Verified 16 October 2026Source: Dharamshala Stay: Dharamkot staysFull guide
From ₹3,800 one way (fixed fare, sedan), about 105 km, 3-3.5 hrs. Larger cars cost more; the fare is confirmed when you book.
Verified 29 October 2026Source: Dharamshala Stay: current faresFull guide
From ₹3,200 one way (fixed fare, sedan), about 88 km, 2.5-3 hrs. Larger cars cost more; the fare is confirmed when you book.
Verified 29 October 2026Source: Dharamshala Stay: current faresFull guide
From ₹1,200 one way (fixed fare, sedan), about 22 km, 30-40 min. Larger cars cost more; the fare is confirmed when you book.
Verified 29 October 2026Source: Dharamshala Stay: current faresFull guide
From ₹3,000 one way (fixed fare, sedan), about 65 km, 2-2.5 hrs. Larger cars cost more; the fare is confirmed when you book.
Verified 29 October 2026Source: Dharamshala Stay: current faresFull guide
From ₹1,500 one way (fixed fare, sedan), about 22 km, 45-60 min. Larger cars cost more; the fare is confirmed when you book.
Verified 29 October 2026Source: Dharamshala Stay: current faresFull guide
From ₹1,000 one way (fixed fare, sedan), about 20 km, 40 min. Larger cars cost more; the fare is confirmed when you book.
Verified 29 October 2026Source: Dharamshala Stay: current faresFull guide
From ₹4,500 one way (fixed fare, sedan), about 95 km, 3-3.5 hrs. Larger cars cost more; the fare is confirmed when you book.
Verified 29 October 2026Source: Dharamshala Stay: current faresFull guide
From ₹3,200 one way (fixed fare, sedan), about 90 km, 2.5-3 hrs. Larger cars cost more; the fare is confirmed when you book.
Verified 29 October 2026Source: Dharamshala Stay: current faresFull guide
From ₹5,500 one way (fixed fare, sedan), about 200 km, 5-6 hrs. Larger cars cost more; the fare is confirmed when you book.
Verified 29 October 2026Source: Dharamshala Stay: current faresFull guide
From ₹6,000 one way (fixed fare, sedan), about 240 km, 5.5-6.5 hrs. Larger cars cost more; the fare is confirmed when you book.
Verified 29 October 2026Source: Dharamshala Stay: current faresFull guide
From ₹17,000 one way (fixed fare, sedan), about 480 km, 10-12 hrs. Larger cars cost more; the fare is confirmed when you book.
Verified 29 October 2026Source: Dharamshala Stay: current faresFull guide
From ₹2,800 one way (fixed fare, sedan), about 70 km, 2-2.5 hrs. Larger cars cost more; the fare is confirmed when you book.
Verified 29 October 2026Source: Dharamshala Stay: current faresFull guide
From ₹6,500 one way (fixed fare, sedan), about 235 km, 7-8 hrs. Larger cars cost more; the fare is confirmed when you book.
Verified 29 October 2026Source: Dharamshala Stay: current faresFull guide
From ₹4,500 one way (fixed fare, sedan), about 125 km, 4-5 hrs. Larger cars cost more; the fare is confirmed when you book.
Verified 29 October 2026Source: Dharamshala Stay: current faresFull guide
From ₹5,500 one way (fixed fare, sedan), about 200 km, 5-6 hrs. Larger cars cost more; the fare is confirmed when you book.
Verified 29 October 2026Source: Dharamshala Stay: current faresFull guide
From ₹6,000 one way (fixed fare, sedan), about 240 km, 5.5-6.5 hrs. Larger cars cost more; the fare is confirmed when you book.
Verified 29 October 2026Source: Dharamshala Stay: current faresFull guide
From ₹10,000 one way (fixed fare, sedan), about 480 km, 10-12 hrs. Larger cars cost more; the fare is confirmed when you book.
Verified 29 October 2026Source: Dharamshala Stay: current faresFull guide
From ₹2,600 one way (fixed fare, sedan), about 38 km, 1-1.5 hrs. Larger cars cost more; the fare is confirmed when you book.
Verified 29 October 2026Source: Dharamshala Stay: current faresFull guide
From ₹6,000 one way (fixed fare, sedan), about 220 km, Full day (about 10-11 hours). Larger cars cost more; the fare is confirmed when you book.
Verified 29 October 2026Source: Dharamshala Stay: current faresFull guide
From ₹4,000 one way (fixed fare, sedan), about 60 km, Full day (about 8-9 hours). Larger cars cost more; the fare is confirmed when you book.
Verified 29 October 2026Source: Dharamshala Stay: current faresFull guide
From ₹2,000 one way (fixed fare, sedan), about 35 km, 4-5 hrs. Larger cars cost more; the fare is confirmed when you book.
Verified 29 October 2026Source: Dharamshala Stay: current faresFull guide
From ₹3,200 one way (fixed fare, sedan), about 90 km, 8-9 hrs. Larger cars cost more; the fare is confirmed when you book.
Verified 29 October 2026Source: Dharamshala Stay: current faresFull guide
You are welcome to quote any fact here with a link to its anchor (for example https://www.dharamshalastay.com/facts#triund-fees). Prices are indicative and change; confirm on the linked page or with our team. Spotted something out of date? Tell us and we will re-check it.