Good Time
McLeod Ganj in May
Himachal Pradesh, India
May is peak season. Delhi heat drives thousands up to McLeod Ganj's 18-28°C comfort. The town's narrow streets clog on weekends. Triund requires near-queuing on Saturdays. The cafe scene is lively to the point of chaotic. But the energy is infectious—McLeod Ganj in May is a melting pot of backpackers, pilgrims, yoga seekers, and Indian families.
The May story
May McLeod Ganj works best midweek when weekend crowds retreat. Monday through Thursday, the Triund trail is yours with maybe 30 other trekkers instead of 300. The Tibetan market is stocked to the brim—singing bowls, prayer flags, turquoise jewelry, and thangka paintings range from tourist tat to genuine artisan work (learn to tell the difference). The Dal Lake walk (3 km from town) is a peaceful escape—it's a small lake surrounded by deodar forest, nothing like its Kashmir namesake, but lovely for a quiet hour. Naddi viewpoint (3 km) offers Dhauladhar sunrise views without the Triund climb. The town's restaurant scene peaks in May—look beyond the tourist strip to small Tibetan family restaurants in the back lanes.
Why May scores 4/5
Weather
Warm 15-28°C. Plains tourists arrive in force. McLeod Ganj packed on weekends. Triund camping popular — book permits. Still excellent weather.
Roads & Access
self drive: Any car. Parking limited in McLeod.. road condition: NH154 well-maintained.. public transport: HRTC Volvo overnight from Delhi. Local buses.. from nearest city: Delhi 480km 10-12hrs. Pathankot rail then 3hr drive. Gaggal airport 15km.. last km difficulty: easy
Safety & Emergency
Safety: 5/5. rescue: SDRF HP (1070). helpline: Tourist helpline: 01892-224213. ambulance: 108. police station: McLeodGanj Police Post. nearest hospital: Delek Hospital McLeodGanj + Zonal Hospital Dharamshala (4km)
Network
VI: Yes, JIO: Yes, BSNL: Yes, NOTE: Yes, AIRTEL: Yes. Full coverage. Weakens on Triund trek.
Kids
Kid-friendly (4/5) — Culturally rich — Tibetan culture fascinating for kids, Cafe culture means easy meals, Good medical facilities
Elevation
2,082m — Moderate altitude
Who should go
- ✓First-time travelers
- ✓Senior citizens
- ✓Social travelers wanting the full backpacker buzz
- ✓Weekend warriors from Delhi NCR escaping summer heat
- ✓Shoppers wanting the widest Tibetan market selection
Who should think twice
- ✗Introverts and solitude seekers—it's intensely social
- ✗Triund weekend trekkers—the trail is overcrowded Sat-Sun
- ✗Travelers wanting authentic Tibetan community interactions—tourism overlay is heavy
All 12 Months
| Month | Score | Note |
|---|---|---|
| January | 3/5 | Cold 0-10°C. Occasional snow at McLeod Ganj. Dalai Lama temple quiet. Triund trek icy but dramatic. Budget accommodation cheapest now. Carry thermals. |
| February | 3/5 | Cold 2-12°C. Winter calm continues. Tibetan Losar (New Year) celebrations add colour. Snow possible. Fewer backpackers — peaceful monastery visits. |
| March | 5/5 | Spring 8-20°C. Rhododendrons bloom on Triund trail. Dhauladhar snow peaks crystal clear. Tibetan culture events. One of the best months to visit. |
| April | 5/5 | Best month, 12-24°C. Perfect Triund trek weather. Dhauladhar views pristine. HPCA stadium cricket season. Cafes buzzing. Book accommodation early. |
| Mayviewing | 4/5 | Warm 15-28°C. Plains tourists arrive in force. McLeod Ganj packed on weekends. Triund camping popular — book permits. Still excellent weather. |
| June | 3/5 | Pre-monsoon haze, 18-30°C. Dhauladhar views unreliable. Thunderstorms build daily. Triund still doable but carry rain gear. Crowds thinning. |
| July | 2/5 | Monsoon dumps 400mm+. Triund trek dangerous — slippery with leeches. Bhagsu waterfall roaring but trails treacherous. McLeod Ganj cafes cozy refuge. |
| August | 2/5 | Monsoon continues. Landslides on Dharamshala-McLeod road possible. Bhagsunag waterfall spectacular. Leeches on all forest trails. Indoor activities only. |
| September | 4/5 | Rain retreating, 12-24°C. Dhauladhar views returning dramatically. Everything lush green. Triund trail drying. Beautiful, uncrowded. Great month. |
| October | 5/5 | Best autumn, 10-22°C. Dhauladhar snow peaks crystal clear against blue sky. Triund trek at its finest. Dalai Lama teachings may be scheduled. Book ahead. |
| November | 4/5 | Cool 5-16°C. Crisp air, stunning views. McLeod Ganj quieter after Diwali. Tibetan markets and cafes atmospheric. Perfect for cultural immersion. |
| December | 3/5 | Cold 0-10°C. Possible snow transforms McLeod Ganj. Christmas/NY festivities in cafes. Dharamshala cricket ground dramatic in winter light. Cozy vibes. |
Practical Details
How to reach
Delhi 480km 10-12hrs. Pathankot rail then 3hr drive. Gaggal airport 15km.. Roads: NH154 well-maintained.. Self-drive: Any car. Parking limited in McLeod.. Public transport: HRTC Volvo overnight from Delhi. Local buses.. Last stretch: easy
Elevation
2,082m
Difficulty
easy
Budget tier
mixed
Nearby in Himachal Pradesh scoring high in May
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