Things To Do
in Dharmsāla

Tibetan steamed or fried dumplings filled with vegetables, chicken or paneer; ubiquitous in McLeod Ganj street stalls and small eateries.

Must-Try!

A warming Tibetan noodle soup with vegetables, meat or simple vegetarian versions — great for chilly evenings and easy to find in local cafés.

Traditional Himachali dishes made with local pulses, yogurt and mild spices — try at regional restaurants for a taste of hill cuisine.

A salty, buttery tea traditional to Tibetan culture — often offered in monasteries and some traditional tea-houses.

A compact market with stalls selling momos, thukpa, baked goods and Tibetan snacks; great for casual tasting and souvenir shopping.

Bustling local market in Lower Dharamsala with street-food vendors, local sweets, produce and basic Indian snacks such as samosas and chaat.

Dress modestly, remove shoes before entering halls, walk clockwise around prayer wheels and stupas, and ask before taking photos of monks or rituals.

Be sensitive when discussing political topics about Tibet; follow signs and guidance at the Dalai Lama’s temple and respect quiet hours during teachings.

Use your right hand when offering or receiving items, greet with 'Namaste' or a simple hello, and avoid public displays of anger. Bargain politely in markets.

Wear modest clothing when visiting religious sites or rural villages; layers are practical for changing temperatures.

Tipping is appreciated but not mandatory. In restaurants, leave 5–10% if service is good (check the bill for service charge). Tip guides and drivers modestly — a few hundred rupees for half-day/full-day services depending on satisfaction.

Cash (Indian rupees) is widely used, especially in stalls and small shops. ATMs are available in Dharamsāla and McLeod Ganj but carry enough cash for remote treks. Card acceptance is common in mid-range restaurants and hotels; UPI and mobile payments are increasingly accepted but may be unreliable in small vendors.

Mild and pleasant with daytime temperatures often 15–25°C; ideal for sightseeing, trekking and outdoor cafés. Peak tourist season — expect more crowds at popular trails.

Heavy rainfall possible; landscapes are lush but there’s increased risk of landslides and trail slipperiness. Travel disruptions are more common — check road conditions if driving.

Clear skies and stable weather — excellent visibility for mountain photography and trekking. Cooler nights; pack warm layers for early mornings and evenings.

Cold with sub-zero nights in higher spots and occasional snowfall in McLeod Ganj and heavier snow on higher trails; some roads or passes may close and trekking requires proper gear.

The nearest airport, often referred to as Kangra or Gaggal Airport, about 13–20 km from Dharamsāla (30–60 minutes by road). Small domestic airport with flights to Delhi and other regional hubs; taxis and private transfers are readily available.

A regional airport around 80–100 km away (drive time varies); useful as an alternative depending on flight connections and road conditions.

A larger international airport (around 180–220 km away) offering many domestic and international connections; travel to Dharamsāla typically by road or private transfer (3.5–5+ hours depending on traffic and route).

Major regional airport with good connectivity (approx 200–260 km by road); frequent buses and trains connect from Chandigarh to Dharamsāla but travel time is several hours.

Local residents with traditional hill-culture, language (Pahari dialects) and agricultural livelihoods; visible in markets and villages.

A sizable Tibetan refugee community is centered in McLeod Ganj, with monasteries, schools and cultural institutions influencing the area’s character.

Backpackers, spiritual seekers, volunteers and short-stay tourists from India and abroad contribute to the multicultural atmosphere and café culture.

Small groups of students and academics visiting for Tibetan studies, language learning, yoga teacher training and cultural research.

Vegetarian food is widely available — many cafés and eateries offer clear vegetarian menus and most Indian restaurants can adapt dishes; ask for no ghee or butter if needed.

Vegan options exist but are fewer; request no dairy (milk, butter, cheese) and choose simple vegetable momos or dal and rice; carry snacks if you have strict needs.

Rice-based dishes and many soups are safe; avoid wheat-based breads and fried items unless the cook confirms ingredients and cross-contamination practices.

Communicate allergies clearly — in Hindi or with written notes if necessary — and be cautious at street stalls where cross-contamination can occur.