Also called “Little Lhasa”, McLeodganj is a quiet and quaint suburb of Dharamshala, one of the oldest Tibetan settlements in northern India. Surrounded by pine and cedar forests with breathtaking views of the Himalayas, the town offers the best respite from the maddening crowd of cities and lets you breathe the clean, fresh mountain air.
Table of Contents
- Why travel from Delhi to McLeodganj?
- Traveling from Delhi to McLeodganj
- Best time to take a road trip by car
- Popular routes to travel from Delhi to McLeodganj
- Other means of traveling
- How to reach McLeodganj by Train
- How to reach McLeodganj by Flight
- Attractions in McLeodganj for Sightseeing
- Savaari recommends – Popular places to eat in McLeodganj
- Hotels and resorts – Accommodation in McLeodganj
Why travel from Delhi to McLeodganj?
One of the oldest Tibetan settlements in northern India, McLeodganj is a place which can only be discovered first hand and never explained. From religious significance to the most exquisite natural landscape, the town holds some of the greatest treasures of Himachal Pradesh. To experience its beauty and its richness wholly, you should drive up from the nearest metro of Delhi and enjoy the travel. When you book a car with Savaari, you can not only get a completely customized trip option but also enjoy the ride through the plains, hills, and valleys.
Traveling from Delhi to McLeodganj by car
The road from Delhi to McLeodganj makes for a scenic route with interesting stopovers. The road passes through the Delhi-NCR region, and northern plains and finally heads into the greener, cleaner zones of the Lower Himalayas with uninterrupted views of mountains, valleys, and alpine forests. With our Delhi to McLeodganj tour packages, you can customize your entire trip, make convenient itineraries and enjoy the adventure that a classic road trip should be. Rent a car in Delhi & experience trouble free road trip to Mcleodganj.
Let us help you discover the best route and trip plans so you have a great trip from Delhi to McLeodganj.
Important Highway Information about Delhi to McLeodganj
| Highway Name | Delhi to McLeodganj Highway |
| Alternate Name | National Highway 503 |
| Highway Number | NH – 503 |
| Distance | 532 Km |
| Starting Point | Delhi |
| End Point | McLeodganj |
| Highway Quality | Good |
Best time to take a road trip from Delhi to McLeodganj by car
McLeodganj sits in the northern part of Himachal and experiences the typical climate pattern of high-altitude locales. If you are seeking all-outdoor activities, then the summer months of April to June are Best Time To Visit Delhi to McLeodganj by Car. For the winter parties and New Year holidays, visit in the peak colder months. The rainy season can be slushy so it’s better to avoid driving around or trekking through the hilly areas during these months.
Quick Facts about Delhi to McLeodganj
| Road Distance from Delhi to McLeodganj | 532 kms |
| Aerial Distance from Delhi to McLeodganj | 378 kms |
| Travel Time for Delhi to McLeodganj | 10 hours and 41 minutes |
| Travel Time for Delhi to McLeodganj by Flight | 1 hours and 15 minutes |
| Best Routes | Delhi to McLeodganj Via NH44 |
| Best time to visit | March to June |
Popular routes to travel from Delhi to McLeodganj
Route 1: Distance and time taken from Delhi to McLeodganj via NH44 & NH 503
Delhi to McLeodganj Road Condition Via NH44 & NH 503
This is the shortest and fastest driving route to cover Delhi to McLeodganj distance of 477 KM. It takes about 10 and half hours to reach McLeodganj from Delhi. This route has tolls and may have some Delhi to McLeodganj traffic, especially during holidays or weekends. That’s why you should always check for real-time traffic updates and use live maps to better understand the Delhi to McLeodganj road condition for driving.
Delhi to McLeodganj Distance Via NH44 & NH 503
Here’s a basic Delhi to McLeodganj road map for this route:
| Delhi -> Sonipat -> Panipat -> Karnal -> Ambala -> Rupnagar -> Anandpur Sahib -> Nangal -> Kangra -> McLeodganj |
|---|
Popular sights/monuments that you will encounter along this route:
- Panipat Battlefield Memorial & Museum, Panipat – If you are a history buff, visit the famous historical site of war memorial and ancient battlefield and Tomb of Ibrahim Lodhi.
- Cantonment Church Tower, Karnal – An old church tower dating back to the colonial days.
- Rani Ka Talab, Ambala – An artificially made, ancient lake, surrounded with cenotaphs, good for a quick tour.
- Fateh Burj, Chappar Chiri, Ajit Singh Nagar – A memorial minaret dedicated to a legendary Sikh commander.
- Jhajjar Bachauli Wildlife Sanctuary, Bacholi – A protected forest area housing wildlife, fauna, good for a drive through.
- Kangra Valley, Kangra – A scenic valley area famous for panoramic views of the Himalayas, paragliding and day treks.
Places to eat along this route
- Amrik Sukhdev, Sonipat – Popular and busy highway side eatery with multi-cuisine buffet and a la carte options, good for families and large groups.
- Pooran Singh Da Dhaba, Ambala – Family-owned old dhaba famous for home-style lunches.
- Heritage Haveli, Rupnagar – Village-themed, family restaurant serving authentic Punjabi food and North Indian delicacies.
- Pehlwan Dhaba, Anandpur Sahib – Popular local eatery, serving dhaba-style meals, specializing in traditional Punjabi cuisine, good for big groups.
- Hill View Cafe Restaurant Family Dhaba, Kaloha-Amb Road – Family-run local café serving quick bites, with outdoor seating and mountain views.
Route 2: Distance and Time taken from Delhi to McLeodganj via NH 503
Delhi to McLeodganj Road Condition Via NH 503
This is the alternative route to travel from Delhi to McLeodganj. This is a longer and a little slower route. The Delhi to McLeodganj distance via this route is about 550 KM and takes about 12 hours to reach. This route has tolls and may have some Delhi to McLeodganj traffic. Always check for real-time traffic updates and use live maps to better understand the Delhi to McLeodganj road conditions for driving.
Delhi to McLeodganj Distance Via NH 503
Here’s a basic Delhi to McLeodganj road map for this route
| Delhi -> Gohana -> Jind -> Patiala -> Fatehgarh Sahib -> Rupnagar -> Anandpur Sahib -> Nangal -> Kangra -> McLeodganj |
|---|
Popular sights/monuments that you will encounter along this route:
- Sheesh Mahal, Patiala – An iconic historical structure adorned with mirror work, with carvings, coins, taxidermy and medals on display, heritage palace of the Maharaja of Patiala.
- Qila Mubarak, Patiala – An 18th-century fortress, now a public museum with antique weapons collection.
- Fateh Burj, Chappar Chiri, Ajit Singh Nagar – A memorial minaret dedicated to a legendary Sikh commander.
- Jhajjar Bachauli Wildlife Sanctuary, Bacholi – A protected forest area housing wildlife, fauna, good for a drive through.
- Kangra Valley, Kangra – A scenic valley area famous for panoramic views of the Himalayas, paragliding and day treks.
Places to eat along this route
- Karan Palace Restaurant, Gohana – Family-friendly casual restaurant, serving north Indian and Chinese dishes.
- Nagpal Restaurant, Patiala – Casual local eatery serving traditional Punjabi dishes, and other snacks, good for quick meals and big groups.
- Heritage Haveli, Rupnagar – Village-themed, family restaurant serving authentic Punjabi food and North Indian delicacies.
- Pehlwan Dhaba, Anandpur Sahib – Popular local eatery, serving dhaba-style meals, specializing in traditional Punjabi cuisine, good for big groups.
- Hill View Cafe Restaurant Family Dhaba, Kaloha-Amb Road – Family-run local café serving quick bites, with outdoor seating and mountain views.
Delhi to McLeodganj Best Route
While you can take any of the two routes, we recommend Route 1 Via NH44. The road conditions are excellent and the time taken is less. However, it is advisable to check live traffic updates before leaving for your trip.
Other means of traveling from Delhi to McLeodganj
How to reach McLeodganj by Train?
McLeodganj has no railroad connectivity from Delhi. The nearest railhead is in Pathankot, about 90 KM away. You can take a train to Pathankot from Delhi and from there you can hire a cab to take you to McLeodganj. As of now, there are 16 trains available from Delhi to Pathankot of which four trains run daily. The fastest train is DAULADHAR EXP (14035) which takes about nine hours to reach Pathankot. For Delhi to McLeodganj train booking and updated timings, you can visit the Indian Railways website or check with any online travel portal to get the best deals.
How to reach McLeodganj by Flight?
McLeodganj does not have any flight connectivity. The nearest air strip is at Gaggal/ Dharamsala- Kangra/Kangra Airport (DHM) at a distance of 20 km from McLeodganj. The average Delhi to Kangra flight duration can range from one and half to 3 hours, depending on the airline or the flight route you take. You can also book a convenient Delhi airport to McLeodganj cab for a hassle-free journey and reach your destination in 45 minutes.
For your Delhi to Kangra flight booking, visit any online travel portal for the best deal or check with the airline’s direct website. The Delhi to McLeodganj flight cost via Kangra can range from Rs. 4000 to 6000, depending on the travel season, booking window, and available deals.
Explore McLeodganj Like a Local: A handy guide
Most of the popular sightseeing places and activities of McLeodganj overlap with that of Dharamshala. With our tips and suggestions, you can make your McLeodganj tour memorable and exciting.
Attractions in McLeodganj for Sightseeing
Explore significant sites of Buddhism at the Tsuglagkhang Complex Dalai Lama Temple – the home of presiding Dalai Lama with a sacred temple complex, along with the Namgyal Monastery on a hill, and the Tibet Museum. Also, visit the Gyuto Tantric Monastery Temple dedicated to tantric rituals and meditation. Discover a touch of colonial history at the St. John’s in the Wilderness – an 18th-century church known for its Neo-Gothic architecture. For more outdoor experience, trek through the mountain trails to the Bhagsunag Falls, or join a trek group to Triund. Don’t forget to take a tour of the tea gardens of Kangra Valley.
- Namgyal Monastery: This Tibetan monastery is one of the most important centers of Tibetan Buddhism outside Tibet. It’s a serene place to learn about Tibetan culture and spirituality.
- Tsuglagkhang Complex: This complex houses the residence of the Dalai Lama, the Namgyal Monastery, and the Tibet Museum. The temple here is a significant pilgrimage site for Buddhists.
- Bhagsu Waterfall: Located near Bhagsunath Temple, this waterfall is a short trek from McLeodganj. It’s a lovely spot for a picnic and some relaxation.
- Triund: A moderately challenging trek from McLeodganj, Triund offers breathtaking views of the Dhauladhar range. The trek can be done in a day, and camping options are available at the top.
- Dharamkot: A small village near McLeodganj, Dharamkot offers panoramic views of the Kangra Valley and is known for its meditation centers and yoga retreats.
- St. John in the Wilderness Church: This historic Anglican church is known for its neo-Gothic architecture and the beautiful stained glass windows. It’s located amidst pine forests.
- Dal Lake: This small, picturesque lake is surrounded by deodar trees and is a great spot for a leisurely walk or paddle boating.
- Kangra Fort: Located about 20 km from McLeodganj, Kangra Fort is one of the oldest and largest forts in India. It’s an interesting historical site with a museum.
- Naddi Village: Naddi offers breathtaking views of the Dhauladhar range and is a peaceful escape from the crowds of McLeodganj.
- Trek to Kareri Lake: For adventure enthusiasts, the trek to Kareri Lake is a rewarding experience. The lake is surrounded by lush green meadows and snow-capped peaks.
- Tibetan Markets: McLeodganj has several Tibetan markets where you can shop for Tibetan handicrafts, jewelry, and artifacts. Bargaining is common here.
- Kalachakra Temple: This temple is known for its stunning architecture and peaceful atmosphere. It’s a great place for meditation and quiet contemplation.
- Macleod Ganj View Point: Located near the Bhagsu waterfall, this viewpoint offers panoramic vistas of McLeodganj and the Dhauladhar range.
- Tushita Meditation Centre: If you’re interested in meditation and spiritual retreats, Tushita is a renowned center that offers courses and workshops.
- Kangra Valley: Explore the beautiful Kangra Valley with its lush tea gardens, ancient temples, and scenic landscapes. You can take a day trip to places like Palampur and Bir Billing from McLeodganj.
Savaari recommends – Popular places to eat in McLeodganj
Being a hotspot for international tourists, trekkers, and backpackers, the food culture of McLeodganj is a mix of international and traditional Tibetan flair.
When in McLeodganj, these are a few places to definitely sample the local flavors –
- Tibet Kitchen, Jogiwara Road, House #1 Main Square
- Jimmys Italian Kitchen in McLeodGanj, Near Green Hotel
- The Clay Oven Restaurant, McLeod Ganj, Tipa Road Near lhasa hotel, Main Square
- Four Season Café, Jogiwara Rd, McLeod Ganj
- Café 129, Bhagsunag Rd
Hotels and resorts – Accommodation in McLeodganj
| Hotel Name | Address |
|---|---|
| Divyansh Hotel by DLS Hotels | Road to Naddi Village from, Naddi, McLeod Ganj, Dharamshala, Himachal Pradesh 176215. PH: 088942 55747 |
| Hotel Udechee Huts | Naddi, McLeod Ganj, Dharamshala, Himachal Pradesh 176215 PH: 098160 32280 |
| Himgiri Resort n Spa by Shree Hari Hotels | Naddi, Upper, McLeod Ganj, Dharamshala, Himachal Pradesh 176216 PH: 088816 90690 |
| Rana’s House Mcleodganj | Club House Road, near Pema Thang, McLeod Ganj, Dharamshala, Himachal Pradesh 176219 PH: 098160 70150 |
| Heaven’s View B&B | Village Jogiwara, Jogiwara Rd, near Illiterati Cafe, McLeod Ganj, Dharamshala, Himachal Pradesh 176219 |
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