mcleodganj 11-15 feb 2026 plan coming from gurgaon for 4 people
I've completed the initial safety and feasibility check for your trip from <spot name="Gurgaon" emoji="🏙️"/> to <spot name="McLeodGanj" emoji="🏙️"/> (**February 11-15, 2026**). Here’s the high-level brief: ### 🛡️ Safety & Feasibility Baseline * **Weather ✅**: Expect overcast skies with temperatures between **5°C and 17°C**. No heavy snow is currently predicted, though light rain on **February 15** might make mountain roads slightly slippery. * **Road Conditions ⚠️**: The route is generally open. However, be prepared for typical <spot name="Delhi" emoji="🏙️"/>-NCR construction bottlenecks (UER-2 and <spot name="Delhi-Mumbai Expressway" emoji="🛣️"/> works). The hill stretch from <spot name="Pathankot" emoji="🏙️"/> is landslide-prone; daylight driving is strongly recommended. * **Local Events 🎡**: **Maha Shivaratri** falls on **February 15**, which is a public holiday in <spot name="Himachal Pradesh" emoji="🏔️"/>—some local shops might have shorter hours. **Losar** (Tibetan New Year) is on **February 18**, so you'll miss the main crowds but might see some early preparations. * **Attractions ✅**: Major spots like the <spot name="Tsuglagkhang Complex" emoji="🛕"/> and <spot name="Bhagsunag Temple" emoji="🛕"/> are expected to be open. To build the perfect itinerary for your group of **4**, I need to narrow down a few details: <embed-images query="McLeodGanj mountains February winter scenery"/> ### 🔍 A Few Quick Questions for You:
How do you plan to travel from Gurgaon?: Overnight Volvo bus What's the primary 'vibe' for this trip?: Spiritual/Peaceful Do you have a preferred budget style for stays?: Mid-range Comfort Are there any specific 'must-dos' on your list?: Triund Trek
I've completed the detailed research for your <spot name="McLeodGanj" emoji="🏔️"/> retreat (**Feb 11-15, 2026**). Since you're looking for a **Spiritual & Peaceful** vibe with a focus on the **Triund Trek**, I've prioritized serenity, warmth (essential for February!), and logistical clarity. ### 🏔️ Triund Trek: Winter Feasibility & Safety The trek is accessible in mid-February, but it's a "winter wonderland" scenario. * **Conditions ✅**: Expect melting snow and clear mountain views. Daytime is **5-10°C**, but nights are **sub-zero**. The trail can be slippery—waterproof boots and trekking poles are highly recommended. * **Permits 👮**: Mandatory police clearance from **SP Kangra** is now required for Triund. You'll also need to pay a **₹200** entry fee at the <spot name="Gallu Devi Temple" emoji="🛕"/> checkpoint. * **Camping 🏕️**: Overnight camping at the top is strictly limited (only **20 tents** allowed) and often restricted in winter. I recommend a day hike or checking with local agencies for "Snowline" camping permissions closer to your date. ### 🏨 Top Stays: Mid-Range Comfort & Serenity I evaluated **245 properties** and narrowed them down based on **heating**, **views**, and **peaceful vibes**. <card-carousel> <card title="Norbu House" subtitle="McLeodGanj • 9.2★ • Near Temple" image-query="Norbu House McLeodGanj mountain view room"/> <card title="Chonor House" subtitle="McLeodGanj • Authentic Tibetan • Peaceful" image-query="Chonor House McLeodGanj interior"/> <card title="Mountain & Moon" subtitle="Dharamkot • Zen Vibe • Great Views" image-query="Mountain and Moon Dharamkot view"/> <card title="Amritara Surya" subtitle="McLeodGanj • 0.08km to Temple • Heating" image-query="Amritara Surya McLeodGanj room"/> <card title="Starlit Dome" subtitle="Airbnb • Geodesic Dome • Unique" image-query="Starlit Dome McLeodGanj"/> </card-carousel> * **Winner ⭐: <spot name="Norbu House" emoji="🏨"/>** – It perfectly balances the spiritual vibe (right next to the Dalai Lama Temple) with modern comforts like efficient heating and stunning Dhauladhar views. * **Eliminated**: Ruled out **196 properties** for lacking proper heating, being too far from spiritual centers, or having poor "peaceful" ratings. ### 🧘 Peaceful Activities & Cozy Cafes * **Spiritual 📿**: The <spot name="Tsuglagkhang Complex" emoji="🛕"/> is open **5 AM - 8 PM**. Note that **Tushita Meditation Centre** is on winter break until **Feb 15**—it officially reopens for drop-ins on **Feb 16**. However, you can still enjoy the serene <spot name="St. John in the Wilderness Church" emoji="⛪"/> and the <spot name="Namgyal Monastery" emoji="🛕"/>. * **Cafes ☕**: For reading and reflection, head to **Illiterati (The Other Space)** or **Dakini House**. Both are known for their quiet atmosphere and mountain views. **Shiva Cafe** is open but requires a **20-min** uphill hike from the waterfall—wear good shoes! ### 🚌 Transport: Volvo Bus Logistics * **Outbound (Feb 11)**: Depart from **IFFCO Chowk, Gurgaon** (~5:00 PM / 7:20 PM) or **ISBT Kashmiri Gate/Majnu Ka Tilla** (~8:00 PM - 11:00 PM). Reliable operators: **HRTC (Himsuta)**, **Zingbus**, and **Laxmi Holidays**. * **Return (Feb 15)**: Evening departures from <spot name="McLeodGanj" emoji="🏙️"/> between **6:00 PM and 9:00 PM**. * **Booking**: Feb 2026 bookings generally open **6-9 months** in advance on major portals like RedBus or Zingbus. **What you can do now:** 1. **Select your stay**: Let me know if one of the shortlisted hotels catches your eye, and I can provide booking links or check specific room configurations for 4 people. 2. **Confirm the Trek plan**: Would you like me to find a local registered guide for your group of 4 to handle the SP office permits? 3. **Itinerary Draft**: If you're happy with these spots, I can put together a day-by-day flow for you. What would you like to do next?