Category: Travel & Tourism

November is one of the best months to visit Dharamshala and McLeodganj. The monsoon is long gone, the skies are clear, and the Dhauladhar peaks stand out sharp against a blue sky. Daytime temperatures in Dharamshala are around 22°C, and McLeodganj, about 600 metres higher, runs 3 to 5°C cooler.

With Diwali on 8 November and a five-day school break in Himachal from 6 to 10 November, many families are heading to the hills this week. This guide covers the weather, what to see, and what to pack.

November weather

PlaceDayNightRain
Dharamshala (1,457 m)About 22°CAbout 10°CAround 20 mm in the month
McLeodganj (about 2,000 m)16–18°C5–7°CDry, mostly clear

On 6 November, Dharamshala is sunny with a high of 19°C (67°F) and a low of 9°C (48°F). The dry spell is expected to hold until about 12 November, with showers possible on 12 and 13 November. The clearest views of the Dhauladhar range come between September and November, before the winter clouds and snow arrive.

What to see

  • McLeodganj — Little Lhasa. The home of the Dalai Lama and the Tibetan community in exile. Visit the Tsuglagkhang Temple Complex, the Tibet Museum, and the Dalai Lama Temple.
  • Bhagsu Falls and Bhagsunag Temple. A short walk from McLeodganj, with a waterfall and an ancient Shiva temple.
  • St. John in the Wilderness Church. A 19th-century church in a pine forest, built in 1852.
  • Kangra Fort. One of the oldest forts in India, about 20 km from Dharamshala, with views over the Kangra valley.
  • Triund Trek. The 9 km trek from McLeodganj to Triund (2,850 m) is at its best in October and November — clear skies, cool air and a view of the snow line. It is a moderate trek, doable in a day or with an overnight camp.
  • HPCA Stadium, Dharamshala. One of the most beautiful cricket grounds in the world, with the Dhauladhars as a backdrop.

Khelo Himachal starts here

Dharamshala will host the launch of the Khelo Himachal campaign on 20 November 2026, with tournaments in cricket, volleyball and kabaddi for young people aged 15 to 30. If you are visiting in the second half of November, expect the town to be busy with players and spectators.

What to pack

  • Layers. Days are pleasant, but mornings and evenings are cold, especially in McLeodganj. Carry a fleece or light down jacket.
  • Walking shoes. The lanes of McLeodganj are steep, and the Triund trail needs proper shoes.
  • Sun protection. The November sun is strong at altitude. Carry sunscreen and sunglasses.
  • A warm layer for the night. McLeodganj nights drop to 5–7°C, and rooms without heating feel cold.

How to reach

Dharamshala is about 250 km from Chandigarh by road (around 6 hours). HRTC runs buses from Delhi, Chandigarh and Shimla, and special Diwali buses are running on 6 and 7 November. The nearest airport is Gaggal (Kangra), about 12 km from Dharamshala, with flights from Delhi and Chandigarh. The nearest railway station is Pathankot, about 85 km away.

Source: weather.com forecast for Dharamshala, 6 November 2026; dharamshalastay.com IMD-based November normals; Keekli report on the Khelo Himachal launch, 31 October 2026.

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