“They say your first solo trip changes you forever — for me, that place was McLeodganj.”
Since then, I have returned four times, and each visit has felt like a completely new chapter of my life:
- First Trip (2021): My first-ever solo journey. I stayed 14 days at Shalom Backpackers in Dharamkot, learning what independence truly feels like.
- Second Trip: A family getaway with my parents, where we stayed at Hotel Sapphire in McLeodganj. Same town, but a completely different lens.
- Third Trip: A quick one-day taxi ride from Bir with my brother — short, sweet, and full of laughter.
- Fourth Trip (2025): An indulgent escape with my husband. We shopped, partied, and returned home with happy memories (and a little extra weight!).
Each trip gifted me something new. But the first one will always remain closest to my heart — because that’s where it all began.
Here’s my McLeodganj Travel Guide, woven with stories, cafés, treks, and tips from my journeys.
Why I Chose McLeodganj
Until I turned 25, the idea of solo travel felt terrifying. I had always lived with my parents, and stepping out on my own seemed impossible. Then the pandemic hit, and like many of us, I felt stuck in routine life, questioning everything.
Something about the mountains called me, and I decided to answer.
The Journey to McLeodganj
Traveling from Delhi to McLeodganj is an adventure in itself. I booked an overnight bus — something I was nervous about because it was my first time traveling long-distance solo.
My tip: always book a government-run bus like HRTC or Himachal Tourism. They’re reliable, stop at safe spots, and cost less than flashy private buses.
Waking up in the morning to the cool mountain breeze, misty views outside the bus window, and finally reaching McLeodganj felt surreal. It was the first moment I realized, “I did this. I actually traveled alone.”
From the bus stop, I headed straight to my stay in Upper Dharamkot. Unlike the busy square of McLeodganj, Dharamkot is quieter, surrounded by forests, and less crowded.
My First Stay in Dharamkot
I had booked Shalom Backpackers, a budget-friendly hostel that cost me just ₹250 per night for a dorm bed. The place had a simple charm, with panoramic views of the valley.
My plan was to stay for a week, but Dharamkot’s magic made me extend my trip to two. The views of pine trees, the scent of fresh rain, and the sound of prayer flags fluttering in the wind made me feel alive in a way I had never experienced.
The Food That Stays With You
If you know me, food is always the highlight of my travels. Dharamkot and McLeodganj are full of cafés that serve cuisines from all over the world.
But the one place that stole my heart was The Buddha Delight Café. To this day, I dream of their veg thukpa — a steaming bowl of noodles, broth, and veggies. Unlike the oily thukpa I tried elsewhere, this one was wholesome and soul-stirring.
Other food experiences I loved: Morgan’s Place (pizza), Trek & Dine (chill vibes), Lama Café (Bhagsu Cake), Tibet Kitchen (Tibetan platter), and of course — street momos at the main square.
Things To Do in McLeodganj & Dharamkot
- Morning walks & café hopping
- Triund Trek & Snowline (if you’re into trekking)
- Day tour to Dharamshala (Naddi Sunset Point, Dal Lake, St. John’s Church, Kangra Tea Gardens)
- Yoga, meditation, pottery workshops
- Tibetan market shopping (jewelry, souvenirs, idols, handicrafts)
- Local fruit wines & apple ciders tasting
The Spiritual Energy
McLeodganj is home to His Holiness the Dalai Lama, and his presence adds an aura of peace to the entire town. Prayer flags, chanting in monasteries, and the warmth of Tibetan culture make you feel spiritually lighter.
I always make a stop at Men Tsee Khang, the Tibetan medical institute, for herbal teas, balms, and remedies. They work wonders and are a unique buy to bring home.
Budget Breakdown for McLeodganj
Here’s what a 5–7 day solo trip from Delhi to McLeodganj might cost you (approx):
- Travel (Delhi ↔ McLeodganj) –
HRTC Volvo: ₹1,200–1,600 one-way → ₹2,500–3,000 round trip - Stay (budget hostel) –
₹250–600 per night → ₹1,500–4,200 for a week
(Mid-range hotels: ₹2,000–4,000 per night) - Food & cafés –
₹400–700 per day → ₹2,500–5,000 for a week - Local transport (shared cabs, auto, scooters) –
₹100–200 per ride → Around ₹1,000 total - Activities & sightseeing –
Day cab in Dharamshala: ₹1,500–2,000
Triund trek guide & camping (optional): ₹1,000–1,500 - Shopping & extras – ₹1,500–3,000
👉 Total budget for a backpacker trip (7 days): ₹10,000–15,000
👉 Mid-range comfort trip: ₹20,000–25,000
Money-Saving Tips
- Book buses early on HRTC/HPTDC.
- Eat at Tibetan kitchens or local dhabas instead of just cafés.
- Walk wherever you can — the views are worth it.
- Carry a refillable bottle and medicines.
- Choose hostels/homestays if you’re on a budget.
The Not-So-Great Parts (Because Let’s Be Real)
- During my first solo trip, I had a scary moment when two men started following me on a rented scooter. Luckily, nothing serious happened, but it taught me to be cautious.
- In 2021, during COVID, locals were rightly strict about masks. Many tourists weren’t following guidelines, which created some tension.
Still, despite little hiccups, my time in McLeodganj gave me memories for life.
Why McLeodganj Will Always Be Special
Looking back, my first solo trip to McLeodganj changed me in ways I can’t describe. It gave me confidence, independence, and countless memories — sipping tea in the mountains, walking through pine forests, eating thukpa on cold nights, and watching sunsets that made me believe in magic.
If you’ve been waiting to take your first solo trip, let McLeodganj be the place. It’s safe, beautiful, affordable, and full of experiences that will stay with you forever.
Sample Itinerary for McLeodganj
If you’re planning your own trip, here’s a simple 5-day itinerary you can follow (and adjust as per your time):
Day 1 – Arrival & Settling In
- Take an overnight HRTC or Himachal Tourism bus from Delhi/Chandigarh.
- Check into your hostel/hotel in Dharamkot or McLeodganj.
- Spend the day exploring nearby cafés (Morgan’s Place, Trek & Dine).
- Evening walk around the local market and sunset views.
Day 2 – Explore McLeodganj
- Visit the Dalai Lama Temple and Namgyal Monastery.
- Stroll around Tibetan Market for souvenirs.
- Lunch at Tibet Kitchen.
- Evening: Try Bhagsu Cake at Lama Café.
Day 3 – Adventure & Nature
- Do the Triund Trek (day trek or camp overnight if you like).
- If not trekking, opt for a cab tour covering Dal Lake, Naddi Sunset Point, and St. John’s Church.
- Evening: Relax with local cider/wine tasting.
Day 4 – Dharamkot & Spiritual Side
- Join a yoga or meditation session.
- Visit a pottery studio and try your hand at clay work.
- Chill at The Buddha Delight Café with a hot bowl of thukpa.
- Spend the evening café hopping with live music.
Day 5 – Short Trips Around Dharamshala
- Hire a cab for a day trip: Kangra Art Museum, Tea Gardens, Aghanjar Mahadev Temple.
- Final shopping at Tibetan market.
- Evening bus back to Delhi/Chandigarh.
Ready to Plan Your Own McLeodganj Adventure?
Use this sample itinerary as your McLeodganj travel guide, tweak it to match your pace, and start mapping out your dream trip today! Don’t forget to bookmark this post for reference and share it with fellow travelers who’d love a soulful Himachal getaway.