Best Solo Travelers Guide to McLeodganj in May: Finding Solitude in the Mountains

There’s something undeniably freeing about packing your bags, leaving behind the familiar hum of the city, and heading into the mountains — alone. Solo Travelers Guide to McLeodganj in May, when the plains begin to sizzle with summer heat, McLeodganj, nestled in the Dhauladhar range of Himachal Pradesh, becomes a sanctuary of cool winds, spiritual calm, and slow-paced living. This is the story of my solo trip — a journey that turned out to be more than just travel. It became introspection wrapped in the arms of the Himalayas.

Why Solo Travelers Guide to McLeodganj in May?

McLeodganj isn’t your average hill station. It’s a little pocket of Tibetan culture in India, home to the 14th Dalai Lama and the Tibetan government-in-exile. The town breathes a peaceful rhythm that’s both spiritual and rooted. For Solo Travelers Guide to McLeodganj in May, it offers safety, serenity, and just enough adventure.

Getting There

I took an overnight Volvo bus from Delhi to Dharamshala — around a 10-11 hour journey — and then a quick cab ride to McLeodganj. If you’re someone who likes comfort, book a seat near the front, pack snacks, and download a few podcasts or audiobooks. The views as you approach the mountains in the early morning are totally worth the cramped legs.

Where I Stayed

Solo travel gives you the freedom to choose what suits your mood, and I chose a cozy backpacker’s hostel perched on the hillside with a view that looked like it belonged in a dream. Home stays are the most popular among solo travelers, but I went with a lesser-known boutique homestay where the hosts treated me like family and the chai came with conversations.

Pro tip: Book a place near Dharamkot or Upper Bhagsu if you enjoy calm mornings and less touristy spots.

The Slow Itinerary

Day 1: Exploring McLeodganj

After checking in and catching up on sleep, I spent my first day wandering the narrow lanes of McLeodganj. The streets are lined with prayer flags, bookshops, cafes, and monks in maroon robes. I visited the Namgyal Monastery — quiet and reflective — and sat for a while in the courtyard, watching the prayer wheels spin slowly.

Day 2: Bhagsu Waterfall & Shiva Café

It was a bright morning, and I decided to hike to Bhagsu Nag Waterfall. The trek is easy but beautiful, winding through small villages and rhododendron trees. I spent hours just sitting near the water, listening to the sound of the falls. Just a little uphill is Shiva Café, the perfect place to sip a cold coffee and journal while soaking in the view.

Day 3: Trek to Triund

The highlight of my trip. I left early with a small group I met at the hostel, but you can also do it solo if you’re confident. The Triund trek is moderate and can take 4–6 hours one way. I can’t even describe the feeling of reaching the top — snow-capped peaks ahead, clouds beneath, and the kind of silence that lets you hear your own thoughts clearly.

I camped overnight at Triund, under a million stars. It gets cold, even in May, so pack warm layers. Sleeping up there, far from the noise, was a memory I’ll carry for life.

Day 4: Dharamkot & Tushita

Back in town, I spent a quiet day in Dharamkot, known as the “hippie village.” There are plenty of organic cafés, yoga classes, and meditation centers. I took a drop-in session at Tushita Meditation Centre, and even that short time sitting in silence did something profound to my restless mind.

Day 5: Cafes, Conversations, and Goodbye

My last day was slow. I had breakfast at Jimmy’s Italian Kitchen, spent an hour flipping through books at Illiterati Café, and picked up some souvenirs from the Tibetan market. I made time for one last sunset, sitting on a quiet ledge overlooking the mountains, thinking about everything and nothing at all.

Travel Tips for Solo Travelers Guide to McLeodganj in May

• Safety: McLeodganj is generally safe for solo travelers, including solo women. Just be mindful of your belongings and avoid secluded areas after dark.
• Connectivity: Wi-Fi is decent in most places, but patchy during rain. Great excuse to disconnect.
• Cash: Carry enough cash; not all places accept cards or UPI.
• Health: Pack altitude sickness tablets if you’re planning the Triund trek and stay hydrated.

Why You Should Solo Travelers Guide to McLeodganj in May

Because sometimes, the best kind of journey is the one you take alone. In McLeodganj, you’ll find more than mountain views and momos. You’ll find clarity. Maybe even a part of yourself you didn’t know you’d left behind.

So go. Take that solo trip in May. And let the mountains do the rest.