Himachal Tourist Guide

McleodGanj also known as Upper Dharamsala is a suburb of Dharamsala in Kangra district of Himachal Pradesh, India. It is known as "Little Lhasa" due to its large population of Tibetan refugees.

• Area : 29 sq. km
• Altitude : 1457m - 2600m  ( Dharamsala Around) and Dhauladhars are 5600m
• McleodGanj Postal Code | PinCode | Zip Code : 176219
• Telephone code (prefix) : 01892
• Annual rainfall : Varies between 290 cm to 380 cm Second highest rainfall in the country.
• Languages Spoken : Hindi, English, Tibetan and Pahari ( local Himachali Language )
• Temperature : Max. 35ºC in Summers, Min. 1ºC in Winters.
• Clothing required :  In Winter, Heavy Woollens are required. In Summer,  Light Woollens and tropical are recommended.

Note : Waterproofs are essential while visiting McLeodGanj , as it rains a lot here, weather changes here dramaticalley.  Also Many shops and businesses are closed on Monday.

HOW TO REACH MCLEODGANJ   / ACCESS MCLEODGANJ / GETTING THERE :

• Air : The nearest airport is Gaggal airport, 15 km south of Dharamsala.
• Rail : The nearest railway stations on the Shimla-Kangra narrow gauge line are at Kangra and Nagrota (about 20 km south of Dharamsala). The nearest railhead (broad gauge) is at Pathankot.
• Road : Overnight Buses run from New Delhi. Time Taken 12-14 Hours. Direct Buses from Shimla, Manali, Dehradun, Chandigarh and Pathankot are also run. Dharamsala and its Suburb Mcleodganj are linked by two roads. Share Jeep takes Rs.10 (INR). Buses and Taxis are instant.

TOURISM :

Tourism is an important industry in McLeodGanj, but many people come here to study Tibetan Buddhism, culture, crafts, etc. The town is also known for Tibetan handicrafts, Thangkas, Tibetan carpets, garments and other souvenirs. 

Tourist Office : Himachal Pradesh Tourist office
Address : Kotwali Bazaar , Dharamshala
Telephone: 0189 - 2221205
Opens (Monday to Saturday, 10 am - 1:30 pm and 2 pm - 5 pm)

IMPORTANT CONTACT NO. :

• Mcleodganj Police Post ( at Forsythganj) : 01892-221483
• Dharamsala (Dharamshala) Police Station : 01892-224883
• Kangra Police Station : 01892-265022
• Superintendent of Police ( SP Kangra) : 01892-222244
• Hospital Services : 01892-222189
• Railway Enquiry : 01892 - 226711
• Wireless : 01892- 222911
• Deputy Commissioner ( DC Kangra) : 01892 - 229022
• Dharamsala Bus Station : 01892-224903

What to Bring :

Every Tourist (Specially International Tourist) who is coming for a good week long visit make sure you bring one carry-on bag, a purse (camera bag, etc) and two check in bags that weigh 70 pounds. Most people find that they can buy everything they need in India, (including favorite toothpastes and shampoos), as well as clothing of all sorts.

Suggestion - bring a good camera (film is available in Dharamsala) and batteries for your camera as Dharamsala especially, is one of the most photogenic locations in India. If you are a light traveler, we suggest packing your carry-on bag with your personal items which includes your all time needs things and your travel requirements. Also Medical Supplies (medicines, bandages, etc) should be kept.