McLeodganj | Our Favourite Trip
Hosted by Vagabond Experiences
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All About It
We personally hope you leave the city version of you behind. We're going to the hills.
Let us give you a little idea of how we at Vagabond Experiences do group trips. First of all, we don’t do ‘tour operators’. Every group will be accompanied by an Experience Manager (AKA. EM | AKA. Ex-Man). EMs are trained to do one job: help you have a comfortable, safe and fulfilling experience.
There’s no room for prejudices where we’re going. There’ll be great food, beautiful views, and some good vibrations! Come alone or with old friends, make some new ones, write a story, climb a mountain, jump into a river, dance, sing, and fall in love. Do everything you've always wanted to.
We implore you to break free.
Upcoming Batches (6N/7D):
- 22nd-28th Nov (3 holidays: 22nd Sunday, 24th Guru Nanak Jayanti, 28th Saturday)
Places covered: Dharamkot, Bhagsu, McLeodganj, Triund, Bir-Billing
Meeting point: 5:30 pm | ISBT Kashmiri Gate (New Delhi)
Watch our McLeodganj reels here:
Highlights
- Explore the serene Dalai Lama Monastery
- Visit the Tibet Museum
- Hike to Triund
- Camp in front of the snow-capped Dhauladhar range
- Paragliding from Asia's highest (and the world's second-highest) take-off point at Bir-Billing
What will we do ?
Day 1: Goodbye, City-Me.
Our journey will begin directly at Delhi, 05:30 pm at ISBT Kashmiri Gate bus stop to be precise. From here, we board a direct bus to McLeodGan,j saying goodbye to our city lives.
Travel: 12-13 hrs bus journey (Delhi > Dharamshala)
Day 2: McLord! I’m Coming Home.
Reach Dharamshala early in the morning. Our homestay is located in Dharamkot, a picturesque hill town which is just a 25-minute cab ride away from us with spectacular views of the entire valley. After breakfast in Dharamkot, head to H. H. Dalai Lama Temple, Namgyal Monastery, and the Tibet Museum. Visit St. John’s in the Wilderness Church. Sample some local cuisine for dinner.
Travel: 25-min cab ride (Dharamshala > Dharamkot)
Day 3: It’s pronounced tree-oond, not try-und.
Aaah! The big day! We trek to Triund, one of the peaks of the Dhauladhar mountain range. After an early breakfast, head to Galudev Temple. We make our way to Triund, which is 2,850 meters (9,350 ft) above sea level. It is a day-long hike but the serene mountainous landscape, rare wildlife and a trail dotted with magical little cafés with breathtaking views will keep you going. Camp in tents facing the majestic snow-clad mountain range through the night.
Travel: 30-min cab ride (Dharamkot > Gallu Temple)
Day 4: Muscle-Discovery Day
After breakfast, say goodbye to Triund and start the descent. Reach our rooms in Dharamkot by afternoon. This is the day to rest muscles you didn’t even know you had. The evening is at leisure. You can check out some of the popular cafes in the area which have music lessons, live music, meditation sessions, and workshops happening every other night.
Travel: 30-min cab ride (Gallu Temple > Dharamkot)
Day 5: I Believe I Can Fly
After an early breakfast, we make our way to Bir-Billing, where we can spend the day walking around this beautiful town, chilling at a cafe, or paragliding. We regroup by evening and make our way back to our homestay in Dharamkot.
If heights and flying aren't your thang, gorge on some Bhagsu cake or sit in a cafe and listen to music the whole day! Experience the titular evening at Sunset Cafe in Gallu.
Travel: 2-3 hour cab rides (Dharamkot > Bir Billing > Dharamkot)
Day 6: Last Day, Last Chance
After breakfast, check out. Make final shopping calls at McLeodGanj market. Head to Dharamshala. Board the semi-sleeper bus early in the evening.
Travel: 12-13 hour bus ride (McLeodganj > Delhi)
Day 7: The Toughest Goodbye
We'll reach the ISBT Kashmiri Gate bus stop early in the morning around 7am. Trip ends. Say goodbye to the hills and hello to nostalgia, of course, until next time!
Meet your host
Vagabond Experiences
- Verified Host
- Logout's Trusted
- Traveler's Choice
Vagabond started out as a project by four friends with a disdain for the ordinary. The idea was simple; take people out of their comfort zones. Not like Roadies, but just enough to bond them together through beautiful and authentic experiences. Happiness, as they say, is only real when shared. And share we did. The company was founded in 2014. As fresh Bachelor of Arts degree holders, companies were lining up to hire us fine gentlemen; we’re kidding. Fueled by entrepreneurial zeal, we started with small events in the city like heritage walks through Bombay’s old quarters. As musicians and travellers ourselves, we decided to marry these two loves of our lives. That is how the idea for the first Fields of Sound™ came about. Since then, it has only been onward and upwards for us. Since 2014, we’ve made friends like family through our journey. Our little ‘Vaga’-Fam. It’s safe to say, it’s been quite an adventure. One we would like you to join :)
See Vagabond Experiences's other listings
Inclusions
- Bus fares to and from Delhi and McLeod Ganj in a semi-sleeper AC bus
- Accommodation in rooms with attached washrooms on a double-sharing basis (Click for photos)
- Camping in tents with sleeping bags and foam mats at Triund on a double-sharing basis
- Private internal transport (taxis) throughout the trip
- 1 breakfast & 1 dinner at Triund
- All activities and visits to places as per the itinerary
- Basic medical and first-aid kit assistance
- Transport to Bir-Billing (paragliding)
- All permits, tolls, and parking charges
- Experienced local guide
- Assistance by Vagabond Experience Managers
Exclusions
- Meals (except breakfast & dinner at Triund)
- Paragliding cost (approx INR 3,000)
- Travel Insurance
Things to carry
- Sturdy shoes for trekking (well-fitting, neither loose nor tight)
- An extra small backpack for day outings (20-30 ltrs)
- Reusable water bottle (avoid buying mineral water bottles to reduce plastic waste)
- Toiletries, Torch, lip balm, Sunscreen, Sunglasses.
- Personal Medication (Asthma, allergen medication, etc.)
- Slippers/flip-flops
- Rainwear (jacket/poncho) & rain cover for bags
- Binoculars, Camera (optional)
- Sufficient liquid cash, as there are very few ATMs in McLeod Ganj
- Crepe bandage (each person should have 1 roll each)
- Warm clothes (temperature-appropriate clothing)
HOW TO REACH
Depending on how you're travelling to Delhi, you can either take a rickshaw or taxi (Uber/Ola) to ISBT at 5:30 pm. Further details regarding the exact location will be shared closer to the trip date
Policy and more
- More than 30 days prior to the date of departure, 20% will be deducted.
- Between 29 to 15 days prior to the date of departure, 50% will be deducted.
- Between 14 to 7 days prior to the date of departure, 75% will be deducted.
- 6 days to the date of departure, no refund shall be admissible
- 3.8% of all booking amounts are payment gateway charges. This amount is not refundable
- The cancellation policy applies to the full payable amount and not just to the advance blocking amount (if you've chosen that option)
- Please refer to the further Terms and Conditions mentioned in the footer of the website)
Terms and Conditions
- All timings and activities are subject to weather, group size, capabilities of participants, etc.
- Vagabond holds the right to cancel the event due to unforeseen circumstances (for eg. unfavorable weather)
- By registering for this trip, you agree to have read through and abide by the Vagabond Terms & Conditions mentioned in the footer.
Frequently Asked Questions
1) What region of North India are we travelling to?
-We're travelling from Delhi to McLeod Ganj, which is a suburb of Dharamshala in the Kangra district of Himachal Pradesh.
2) What altitude would we be travelling to?
-McLeodganj is at an altitude of approximately 6,830 ft (2,082 m), while our campsite at Triund is at 9,350 ft (2,850 m)
3) What will the temperature be like while we're there?
-Temperatures rise to a maximum of 30°C during the day and can drop to a minimum of 15-20°C during the night (and 5°C at the Triund campsite)
4) Is there mobile connectivity in McLeod Ganj?
-Other than our trek to Triund, you will have network and internet for the rest of the trip
5) Are there toilets at Triund?
-There are no toilets at Triund. There are designated toilet areas. We will be answering nature's call in the wild for that one day.
6) Are there any ATMs where we're travelling?
-There are a couple of ATMs at McLeodganj market; however, carry liquid cash at all times.
7) Can I smoke/drink on this trip?
-We at Vagabond do not refrain our participants from smoking or drinking on our backpacking trips. However, there are times you will be disallowed from doing so (monasteries, treks, sacred spaces, etc). Indulge in these activities very responsibly.
8) What will the group size be?
-We will have a maximum of 15 travellers, excluding 1-2 Vagabond EMs
9) Is there any age limit to join this trip?
-No, there is no age limit to join this trip. However, based on our previous experiences, the age group of travellers is usually between 18-35.
10) Can I join this expedition solo?
-Yes, of course, you can! We have a good number of solo travellers on almost every Vagabond experience.
11) How physically fit do I need to be to join this trip?
-This trip involves a lot of walking! Most of the real exploration happens on foot. If you have any physical, mental or medical conditions that may affect your capacity to do the trip, you must inform us before you confirm your seat.
12) How do I know if I’m fit enough?
-You should be able to walk a distance of 5 km in less than 35 minutes for 5 days continuously. If you are above 40 years of age, you should be able to walk a distance of 5 kms in less than 45 minutes for 5 days continuously.
13) Are there doctors/hospitals in McLeodganj?
-McLeodganj market has a doctor’s dispensary, which is at a convenient distance from our homestay
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