Epic 2-Day Road Trip Itinerary to Dharamshala and McLeod Ganj

Day 1: Dharamshala Discovery

Dharamshala, India

8:00AM

Breakfast at Cafe Himsutra

Kickstart your day with a hearty breakfast at Cafe Himsutra, known for its fresh local ingredients and delectable Tibetan bread.
Located on McLeod Ganj Road, just a short drive from most accommodations.
INR300, 1 hour

9:30AM

Visit the Dalai Lama Temple

Immerse yourself in spiritual tranquility at the Dalai Lama Temple complex, where you can witness monks in prayer and meditation.
A 10-minute drive from Cafe Himsutra to the temple.
Free, 1.5 hours

11:00AM

Explore Bhagsunag Waterfall

Hike to the serene Bhagsunag Waterfall, surrounded by lush greenery, offering a perfect spot for photos and relaxation.
30-minute drive from the temple to the parking area, followed by a 30-minute hike.
Free, 2 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at Nick's Italian Kitchen

Savor delicious Italian dishes at Nick's, popular for its authentic pizzas and pastas with a stunning view of the hills.
Return to Dharamshala town by a 30-minute hike and a short drive.
INR700, 1.5 hours

3:00PM

Visit Kangra Fort

Discover the history and beauty of Kangra Fort, one of the oldest forts in India, set in the backdrop of the beautiful Kangra valley.
A 30-minute drive from the restaurant to Kangra Fort.
INR200, 2 hours

5:30PM

Stroll through Dharamshala Market

Wander the vibrant streets of Dharamshala Market, perfect for picking Tibetan handicrafts and enjoying local street snacks.
15-minute drive back to Dharamshala town.
Free (excluding purchases), 1 hour

7:00PM

Dinner at The Clay Oven

Indulge in mouthwatering Indian cuisine at The Clay Oven, famous for its tandoori dishes and warm ambiance.
A short walk from the market.
INR800, 1.5 hours
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Day 2: Magical McLeod Ganj

McLeod Ganj, India

8:00AM

Breakfast at The Tibetan Kitchen

Start your day with a traditional Tibetan breakfast at The Tibetan Kitchen, which is famous for its Dumplings and Butter Tea.
A 10-minute drive from your Dharamshala accommodation.
INR400, 1 hour

9:30AM

Visit the Namgyal Monastery

Experience the peaceful atmosphere of Namgyal Monastery, the personal monastery of the Dalai Lama, filled with beautiful decorations.
A 5-minute walk from the breakfast spot.
Free, 1 hour

11:00AM

Take a Trek to Triund

Set on an adventurous trek to Triund, where towering hills meet pristine landscapes, offering stunning panoramic views.
Start the trek from McLeod Ganj; it takes around 1.5 hours to reach the top.
Free, 4 hours round trip

3:00PM

Lunch at the Triund Cafe

Enjoy a relaxing lunch amid nature at Triund Cafe, which serves a variety of snacks and teas, perfect for recharging.
Dining options are available at the trek top.
INR500, 1 hour

4:30PM

Descent from Triund

Begin your descent back to McLeod Ganj, where you can soak in the last glimpses of the mesmerizing views of the Dhauladhar range.
Follow the same path back to your starting point.
Free, 1.5 hours

6:00PM

Light Snacks at Well Cafe

Recharge yourself with light snacks and a warm cup of coffee at Well Cafe, a cozy spot ideal for evening relaxation.
A short 10-minute walk from the main market area.
INR350, 1 hour

7:30PM

Dinner at Dhamma Restaurant

Conclude your trip with a delightful dining experience at Dhamma Restaurant, known for its organic and wholesome menu.
Take a short walk back to the main street.
INR700, 1.5 hours
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