Thread by @drkitp

A guide to McLeodganj/Dharamshala, Himachal Pradesh based on 2 trips we did 2 years apart.
This little slice of heaven has something for everyone including hikers, foodies and shopaholics.
Read on to find places to visit to avoid the peak season messy crowds.
A long thread 🧵

McLeodganj is famous for being the residence in exile of the Dalai Lama, and so naturally a huge Tibetan community has developed as well as numerous expats coming for learning, of whom many have settled there. So it is a wonderful place to experience a mix of various cultures.

Dharamshala is the broader town 10km downhill from Mcleodganj and is the home to the stunning Dharamshala HPCA Stadium and the Norbulingka Institute, a serene centre of Tibetan culture preservation.
The Dharamshala Skyway ropeway now connects the two towns easily!

For foodies like me, McLeodganj is heaven. I could travel hours to reach this little town just for the Tibetan Thali or Shakam Datshe (Bhutanese dish) at the Tibet Kitchen at the Main Square.

Burn off that scrumptious meal by walking till BhagsuNag and have Bhagsu Cake for dessert at the New German Bakery. Also try Yak cheese available widely.

If you’re visiting in cold weather, have Hot Ginger Honey Lemon at the Kalimpong Cafe. And no ive never had one as good as here.

For coffee at sunset, visit the Other Space(formerly the famous Illiterati cafe which sadly was closed by the OG team) for instaworthy views.

After the coffee, visit next door to the homely Kyizom Himalayan Eatery for Jhol Momos (very delicious tho its not actual Jhol momos). For dinner, you can try the Sarang Cafe, for generous helpings of Kimbap and Bibimbaap amongst other delicious Korean dishes.

These are just a few of the places i tried, there are dozens more places to try in all cuisines.

Other popular places include:
Jimmy’s Italian Kitchen
Four Seasons Cafe
Lhamo’s Croissant.
Woeser Bakery (Vegan friendly)

Please share your recommendations in the comments.

The most famous site in McLeodganj is the Namgyal Monastery, which is akin to a pilgrimage to many Tibetans. The Office of HH Dalai Lama is also within this compound. They also serve full meal during lunch hour to all visitors . No dress restriction twitter.com/i/web/status/1…

McLeodganj has a thriving street shopping area along the road to the monastery and also some wonderful art shops if you want to check out the Tibetan Thangkas. Also a good place to buy many branded knockoff clothing items. 😅

Most people are aware of visiting Bhagsu Naag Temple and then walk up to Bhagsu Waterfall, which is in the village next door 3 km from McLeodganj. Both nice places, though waterfall was mostly dry and just a tap when we went.

But if you’re up for a short hike of a couple hours, then hike upto the Gallu Devi Temple to get away from the crowds. This is also the starting point of the longer Triund Trek. We didn’t have time for the Triund trek, so we hiked up to Gallu Devi temple on our trip 2 years back.

At the top, again have Ginger Honey Lemon at a local restro and take in the views and fresh air! The trail is well defined but quite varied even though its a short trek. Absolutely worth doing it in the morning. Heading out after an early breakfast is probably the best time.

Let me segue into a bit of preaching. Folks, once you reach Mcleodganj please park your car and forget about it till you are there, or better yet send it back to Dharamshala if u have a driver. 🙏 🙏

All places in McL is walkable and you will only be a part of the problem if u get into cars for the shortest of rides which cause HOURS of traffic. You will ruin your mood and that of others in the process.

If staying in Dharamshala, use the Ropeway to reach McL and back. twitter.com/i/web/status/1…

Unless you have a medical issue or are with senior citizens, please visit around this place as it is meant to be: by walking on your two legs.

Ok Mini Rant Over. 🙏 🔈

On our trip 2 years back, we stayed in Mcleodganj as it was the post covid era and it wasn’t very crowded. This is definitely the better option for a first time visitor.
We stayed in a budget hotel called Holiday Hill which requires about 15 min of uphill walk to the main square.

Now, in the “did covid ever happen?” era, McLeodganj has extreme overcrowding of vehicles on its small roads, making it difficult to even walk around. To avoid this you may consider staying in Dharamshala like we did on the trip this week, and then taking the ropeway to McL.

👇

In Dharamshala, do not miss visiting the Norbulingka Institute, the Tibetan Arts Preservation and learning Centre. It is an oasis which will make you forget all your worries. twitter.com/i/web/status/1…

People from all over the world come here to visit and learn about Tibetan art and culture.

Some of you may be interested to know that there are many scenes shot in this place in the new season of #Asur2

This is where even Dhananjaya Rajpoot came to meditate !!😀😀@ArshadWarsi

HPCA cricket stadium, which has to be one of the most beautiful stadiums in the world. On a clear day, you will see the Dhauladhar range snowpeaks glistening against the blue sky. Its a sight like nothing other. Definitely add to bucketlist for the upcoming ICC World Cup in Oct!

We also visited the Himalayan Brew Tea Plantation, but imo you can skip this. Its underwhelming considering the amazing tea plantations there are to visit all across India.

Fastest way to reach is via flight to Gaggal(DHM) airport. Indigo and Masalajet has flights here. Avoid Masalajet . Requesting @airvistara and @airindia to add flights to DHM 🙏 .

You can reach on train via Pathankot (80km away) or by direct buses to Dharamshala from Delhi.

Its a wonderful place and a very unique one at that. So when are you visiting? Let me know!

Please like, RT and follow me @drkitp if you enjoyed the thread. 🙏

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