Two very different hill experiences, an easy drive apart: the Tibetan calm of McLeodganj and the colonial charm of Dalhousie, with the Alpine meadow of Khajjiar in between. Here's how to do them both.
Tucked into the Dhauladhar range of northern Himachal, McLeodganj and Dalhousie make a wonderful paired trip. One is Little Lhasa - monasteries, prayer flags and cafes; the other is a sleepy colonial-era hill station of pines and old churches. Between them lies Khajjiar, India''s "mini Switzerland". Here''s everything you need to plan it.
McLeodganj - Little Lhasa
Home to the Dalai Lama and the Tibetan government-in-exile, McLeodganj (above Dharamshala) is peaceful, spiritual and full of character.
- Dalai Lama Temple (Tsuglagkhang): the spiritual heart - prayer wheels, monks in debate, and a small museum on Tibet.
- Bhagsu falls & Dharamkot: an easy walk to the waterfall and Shiva temple, plus the laid-back cafes of Dharamkot above.
- Triund trek: a beginner-friendly day (or overnight) hike to a grassy ridge with the Dhauladhar peaks looming above.
- Naddi viewpoint: the best sunset over the Kangra valley.
- HPCA Stadium: one of the world''s most scenic cricket grounds, set against the mountains.
Khajjiar - mini Switzerland
On the way to Dalhousie, don''t miss Khajjiar - a saucer-shaped green meadow ringed by dense deodar forest with a small lake at its centre. Horse rides, zorbing and the Khajji Nag temple make it a lovely half-day, and the Alpine scenery earns its nickname.
Dalhousie - colonial calm
Founded by the British in the 1850s, Dalhousie is quieter and more old-world than the big hill stations.
- The Malls (Garam & Thandi Sadak): gentle, tree-lined promenades for an evening stroll.
- Colonial churches: St John''s and St Francis, among the oldest in the hills.
- Panchpula & Satdhara falls: waterfalls and streams with a memorial to freedom fighter Sardar Ajit Singh.
- Kalatop Wildlife Sanctuary: forest trails and mountain views a short drive away.
McLeodganj energises you with cafes and culture; Dalhousie slows you right down. Together they''re the perfect balance.
Best time to visit
- March–June: pleasant and green - ideal for sightseeing and the Triund trek.
- July–September: monsoon brings lush hills but rain and the odd landslide.
- December–February: cold, with snow at Dalhousie, Khajjiar and the higher trails - beautiful if you like winter.
How to reach
The nearest airport is Gaggal (Kangra), about 15 km from Dharamshala; the nearest major railhead is Pathankot (roughly 2.5 hours from Dalhousie and 3 hours from McLeodganj). Overnight Volvo coaches also run from Delhi to both. From there it''s a scenic drive - we arrange all transfers.
A sample 5-6 day itinerary
- Days 1–2, McLeodganj: Dalai Lama temple, Bhagsu falls, Naddi sunset; optional Triund trek.
- Day 3: drive to Dalhousie via Chamba''s ancient temples.
- Day 4: Khajjiar meadow and Kalatop.
- Day 5: Dalhousie''s churches, Panchpula and the Malls.
- Day 6: drive back to Pathankot for your onward journey.
Quick tips
- Dress modestly and remove shoes when visiting the Dalai Lama temple and monasteries.
- McLeodganj is very walkable; stay in upper McLeodganj to be near the temple and cafes.
- Carry a light jacket year-round - evenings are cool even in summer.
- Try Tibetan momos, thukpa and the cafe scene in Dharamkot.
Let us plan it
See our Dharamshala, McLeodganj & Dalhousie tour which follows this exact route, or the Dalhousie, Khajjiar & Dharamshala circuit. Want to add paragliding? Try our Dharamshala & Bir Billing trip - or browse all our Himachal tour packages.