Trekking in Mcleodganj Dharmshala

A good friend of India Someday, Aditya Lalla shares his stay and trekking experience in text and pictures.

Walking across McLeodganj takes all of twenty minutes. Built up around a one way ring road (Temple Road going downhill, Jogiwara Road going back up) and a handful of side roads branching out from the main square at the Northern tip of the circuit, McLeodganj is a fantastic starting point for a number of great treks.

McLeodganj is a fantastic starting point for a number of great treks – Credit: emailmks

Trekking in Mcleodganj Dharmshala

Heading due north out of the main square, through the local khao gully (lit. food lane) and bazaar, you will suddenly find yourself walking on a quiet paved road used only by the locals and the occasional cattle. Known as the Dal Lake-McLeodganj road, it has almost no gradient and is a pleasant, scenic route approximately 2.5km long. Once at Dal Lake, one can either go on a bit higher to Naddi village or visit the Tibetan Children’s Village.

Bhagsu Nag is a small village about 1.5km to the east of McLeodganj. Known for its Shiv temple and spectacular views, it is also the starting point for a short but steep hike going up to Bhagsu Nag waterfall. There is a guardrail, the path is paved, and there are steps for the steeper sections. This is a popular spot for most tourists visiting McLeodganj, so it’s not unusual to see people of all age groups making their way up and down the route.

Bhagsu Nag waterfall – Credit: bhisham pratap padha

Triund Hill

The most famous trek from McLeodganj is the trek to Triund Hill. You can either start from near the government primary school at Dharamkot, or from the German Bakery at Bhagsu Nag. The route up from Bhagsu Nag is a little shorter, but a lot steeper, and gets too slippery to attempt safely when it’s raining. Both routes meet at a temple called the Gallu Devi Temple which is where the trek really starts.

Near the temple are a couple of cafes. These are the first in a set of three groups of cafes that you will come across on the way up to Triund Hill, and mark the end of the first leg of the journey. Each leg gets progressively steeper and slightly harder to climb, but the path is always well marked, and nowhere does the trek get more than moderately difficult.

Getting to the top takes between 2 & 6 hours, depending on the number of stops made and how quickly you walk, but the view is more than worth the hike. The journey up does give you occasional glimpses of what to expect, but the flat meadow on top of Triund gives you a spectacular panoramic view of the Dhauladhar Range on one side and the plains on the other.

Longer journeys are also possible, walking a 3 or more days circuit looping around to the snow line or onwards through sections of the Dauladhars, but these will require signing up with an experienced group of guides and carrying around the required food and survival gear.

The most famous trek from McLeodganj is the trek to Triund Hill – Credit: Josh Levinger

Where to stay in Mcleodganj

8 Auspicious Him View

It’s simple, it’s reasonably priced, and it’s got a view of the Himalayas. A family run guest house on Jogiwara road with surprisingly large rooms, the 8 Auspicious Him View is a quiet and comfortable place to stay. Decor is exclusively pine wood, and the food is vegetarian (with eggs). The rooms are approximately Rs. 3,000 per night and the included breakfast is simple, but excellent.

Accommodation with wonderful views of the mountains – Credit: Booking.com

Where to eat in Mcleodganj

8 Auspicious Him View

Eat the breakfast if you’re staying here. They serve traditional tibetan breakfast food, and it is delicious. Especially the Him View Sandwich.

The Crazy Crepe Pancake (aka The Brew Club Book Club)

It’s a cosy little cafe which serves incredible vegan crepes and waffles. You can choose your batter as well as the toppings (cinnamon oat flour crepe with arpicot sauce? Done!). The portions are (really) big too (nutella crepe with extra nutella? Done, and done!).

They encourage you to sit around, read, and sip your brew of choice while slowly contemplating which particular crepe will be your indulgence of the day.

Shiva Cafe

Hidden away above the Bhagsu Nag waterfall, Shiva cafe is a great place to relax and while away some time. The path up is partly overgrown in places and not very well marked, but the astonishing view is worth the extra effort. You can choose to sit either inside or outdoors (weather permitting) while snacking on their offerings.

Shiva Cafe, Mcleodganj

What to carry/wear

Sensible shoes and a sweater or a waterproof jacket (in case it rains) should cover most short treks. Water and snacks are a good idea, but not essential since you’re never too far from a shop or cafe. In case of overnight/multi-day treks—listen to what your guides suggest. The weather can be unpredictable, and the mountains unforgiving.

Prepare for trekking – Credit: howsejim

What else to do in Mcleodganj

McLeodganj is famous for being the residence in exile of Tibet’s spiritual leaders. The Dalai Lama resides here, and the temple complex built around his house is the reason most people visit McLeodganj in the first place. Visitors are freely allowed to walk around the entire complex (except for his holiness’ actual residence). You can watch the monks pray, or learn about Tibetan history, or just sit in some of the spectacular gardens.

Do remember, this is also a seat of political power, and there is a blanket ban on all electronics carried by visitors as well as armed security guards cordoning off certain areas.

The Tibetan Children’s Village is a non-profit integrated educational community for destitute Tibetan children in exile, and for the hundreds of those escaping from Tibet every year. The headquarters of the institute are found next to the Dal Lake. It now has established branches in India extending from Ladakh in the North to Bylakuppe in South, with over 16,726 children under its care.

There are also a number of monasteries, stupas, museums, and libraries scattered in and around McLeodganj with scriptures and histories carried by the people of Tibet to India.

Home of Tibetan monasteries, stupas, museums, and libraries – Credit: Duane Pettis