Short answer: Arrive by overnight bus, spend the first day on foot around the Tsuglagkhang complex, the market, Bhagsu and Dharamkot, and use the second for either the Triund day hike or an easier morning at Naddi, Dal Lake and Norbulingka before the evening bus back.
The plan at a glance
| Day | Route | Night at |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | McLeod Ganj on foot: temple complex, market, Bhagsu, Dharamkot | McLeod Ganj |
| 2 | Option A: Triund day hike · Option B: Naddi, Dal Lake and Norbulingka | Overnight bus home |
Who this plan suits
Couples, friends and solo travellers on a Friday-night-to-Monday-morning trip. With children or older parents, choose the easy option on day two.
Day by day
Day 1: McLeod Ganj on foot: temple complex, market, Bhagsu, Dharamkot
- Morning: the Tsuglagkhang complex — the main temple and the Tibet Museum — before the crowds.
- Late morning: walk the market lanes; lunch at a Tibetan café.
- Afternoon: Bhagsunag temple and the paved path to the waterfall.
- Evening: walk up to Dharamkot for sunset and dinner, and come down before dark.
Day 2: Option A: Triund day hike · Option B: Naddi, Dal Lake and Norbulingka
- Option A: taxi to Galu temple by 7 am, walk up to Triund (four to six hours up from McLeod Ganj by published estimates) and return by mid-afternoon. Register at the forest checkpost.
- Option B: Naddi viewpoint and Dal Lake in the morning, then the Norbulingka Institute in lower Dharamshala.
- Late afternoon: collect bags, early dinner, evening bus.
Best time for this trip
March to June and September to November are the comfortable months. July and August bring heavy rain and mist. In January and February the Triund trail is often closed by snow, so plan on Option B.
Practical notes
- Book the overnight bus both ways before a long weekend.
- The centre is steep and mostly walked; pack light and wear shoes with grip.
- Triund camping rules and the forest fee have changed several times. Confirm on the day.
- Carry cash for small cafés and taxis.
What it costs
We do not publish a fixed price: the cost depends on your dates, group size, vehicle and the standard of stays. Tell us those and we will send a written quote that states exactly what is included.
Read more
- Things to do in McLeod Ganj
- Triund trek guide
- How to reach Dharamshala from Delhi
- Dharamshala vs McLeod Ganj
Check before you go
- India Meteorological Department — forecasts and warnings.
- Himachal Pradesh Tourism — official destination information.
- HRTC online booking — state bus timetables.
Want this itinerary planned for you?
Funtoor can adapt this plan to your dates, pace and starting city, and arrange transport and stays. Request a custom itinerary.
Frequently asked questions
Are two days enough for McLeod Ganj?
Yes, for the town, Bhagsu, Dharamkot and one of Triund or the nearby viewpoints.
Can I do Triund in a weekend trip?
Yes, as a day hike on the second day, if you start early and the trail is open.
Where should I stay for a short trip?
Near the main square or on the Bhagsu or Dharamkot roads, so everything is walkable.
How do I reach McLeod Ganj for a weekend?
Overnight bus from Delhi or Chandigarh to Dharamshala or McLeod Ganj is the usual way.
Compiled by the Funtoor team from published sources and official pages, last reviewed in October 2026. It is a sample plan, not a first-hand trip report or a fixed package: driving times are approximate, and rules, fees and road status change, so confirm anything time-sensitive before you travel.
Written by
Funtoor Travel Team
Travel planners based in Chail, Himachal Pradesh. We plan and arrange trips — stays, transport and experiences — across the Himalayas.
