McLeod Ganj is not exactly the place you go to the party. In fact, it can be so quiet at night you may wonder if there is any nightlife at all. But if you do some digging around, you will find at least a few places that are happening enough to stay alive after dark — and even make room for some drinks and dancing. Here is our selection of places to enjoy the nightlife in McLeod Ganj.
1. McLlo Beer Bar And Restaurant
An old photograph of McLlo Beer Bar and Restaurant (source)
McLlo offers a mesmerising view of the Himalayas as you sit and enjoy a lazy evening in this restaurant. The quiet and unassuming decor will leave you spellbound. A popular hangout, given how long it’s been around for, it’s usually packed in the evenings with tourists and locals enjoying a beer or four.
The restaurant also offers some great food to indulge the gourmand in you. The owner also has great taste in music; if you wish, they’ll also accommodate a few of your dance moves.
- Location: Potala Road, McLeod Ganj
- Timings: 10:00 am to 11:00 pm
- Cost for two: Rs. 600
2. Black Magic
Black Magic (source)
Classy chocolate brown furnishings, cream walls and a ceiling with spinning wheels, this place sure does have that mystic spook of black magic. A restaurant that serves drinks, too, its speciality is Tibetan food and really polite staff.
Moreover, despite being a fancy place, you’re guaranteed to get your order in just a few minutes. And while many Tibetan restaurants fail to accommodate vegetarians, this is not the case at Black Magic. In fact, it’s common for even meat eaters to order vegetarian food here.
- Location: Near Post Office, Mcleodganj
- Timings: 7:00 am to 11:30 pm
- Cost for two: Rs. 700
3. Xcite Bar
Xcite Bar (source)
Xcite bar is one of the few places in Mcleodganj that serves hookah. Frequented by the younger folk, Xcite Bar will make you feel like you’re back in college (if you’re still in college, then welcome home). To some, this is a getaway from the serene atmosphere of McLeod Ganj.
Shake your body to the loud tunes, enjoy a couple of beers and make merry with your friends. One reason it’s so popular with the kids is that they often have an offer on drinks. A big downer, though, is that it closes really early.
- Location: McLeodGanj, Dharamshala
- Timings: 10:00 am to 8:00 pm
- Cost for two: Rs. 700
4. B6 Lounge And Bar
B6Lounge and Bar (source)
B6 Lounge is a great place to savour a couple of drinks with your gang and then enjoy a wholesome meal. All without spending too much of your holiday budget. In fact, many tourists come here regularly because of how inexpensive it is.
Moreover, the elaborate menu ensures that you can keep trying out new things every day. The bar has a welcoming ambience with wooden furnishings and a comfortable seating area. The service is quick and the staff work here with all their heart in to make sure you have no reason to complain.
- Location: Bhagsunag Road, McLeod Ganj
- Timings: 10:00 am to 11:00 pm
- Cost for two: Rs. 600
5. Bob’s N Barley
Bob’s N Barley (source)
Much pricier than the other options mentioned here, this option is worth visiting at least once on your holiday. It’s a family restaurant, so, if you and your friends are in the mood for a loud evening, this may not be the right place.
The food and drinks menu is eclectic, with great Tibetan and American food. There’s also free internet connectivity! And, as with most of Dharamsala, the view from the restaurant is fabulous.
- Location: Naddi, McLeod Ganj, Dharamshala
- Timings: 10:00 am to 8:00 pm
- Cost for two: Rs. 1000
6. Indique
Indique Kitchen, Bar _ Café (source)
McLeod Ganj isn’t exactly the kind of place that puts you in the mood for a beer. It’s a tranquil town, with the Dalai Lama in the vicinity. So if you just want to enjoy a sandwich with a hot cup of cocoa, here is where you should go.
Open much later than some bars even, you can take in the beautiful view of the Kangra Valley as you enjoy conversation with your friends and listen to easy-going 70s hits playing in the cafe. There’s also an outdoor section if you’re there in the summer.
- Location: Temple Road, McLeod Ganj
- Timings: 6:00 am to 11:00 pm
- Cost for two: Rs. 650
7. Espresso Bar
Espresso Bar (source)
The one and only lounge bar in this wonderful town, this place offer refreshing coffee, mouth-watering delicacies and a wide variety of alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages.
Enjoy your coffee or alcoholic beverage in the serenity of the mountains of Mcleodganj. A popular place, so it’s no trouble finding transport back to your hotel even if you’re here until closing time.
- Location: Khanyara Road, Kand, Himachal Pradesh 176215
- Timings: 10:00 am to 8:00 pm
- Cost for two: Rs. 500
The Best Night Trek in McLeod Ganj
1. Triund Trek
– Triund Trek (source)
Located in the Dhauladhar Mountains in the Kangra district of Himachal Pradesh, Triund will surely reawaken the nature lover in you. It attracts a lot of tourists annually. The two-day Triund trek (though youngsters should be able to complete it in a day easily) also happens to be one of the best places for trails and camping in the state of Himachal Pradesh.
It offers a breathtaking view of the Dhauladhar mountains on one side and Kangra valley on the other side. There is also a snowline at Ilaka, further down Triund Hill that is quite famous among adventure enthusiasts.
- Location: The trek site is at a distance of 8 kilometres from McLeod Ganj
- Cost of trek: Rs. 1200 to Rs. 2000 (depending on the operator). Expect to spend up to Rs. 300 on a tent.
Mcleod Ganj is more of a place you explore in the day, but there’s plenty of stuff to do at night, too. Enjoy the great view while cosying up to a cup of coffee, head out for a beer with friends or do a night trek — we’ve already planned half your holiday. Let us know how it all went in the comments.
