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Dharamshala forest and waterfall camping trek
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GALLU DEVI · BAL NALA WATERFALL · NADDI

Dharamshala Forest
& Waterfall Trek.
A night outdoors.

A two-day forest and waterfall trek near Dharamshala, with a Bal Nala Waterfall stop, overnight tent stay and return via Naddi and Dal Lake.

GUIDED FOREST TREK · 2 DAYS / 1 NIGHT
By Dharamsala Treks · Manu Adventures India
DURATION2 days / 1 night
ROUTEBal Nala · Naddi · Dal Lake
DIFFICULTYUphill & uneven sections
START & FINISHMcLeod Ganj

FOREST PATHS. A WATERFALL STOP. A NIGHT OUTSIDE.

A Dharamshala forest and waterfall trek.
Two days to explore.

Walk from the McLeod Ganj area towards Bal Nala Waterfall, spend a night at a forest campsite and return via Naddi Village and Dal Lake.

This two-day, one-night Dharamshala waterfall and camping trek combines woodland walking with time outdoors near McLeod Ganj. The listed route begins at Gallu Devi Temple and continues through pine and cedar forest towards Bal Nala Waterfall before reaching the agreed campsite.

The next morning includes breakfast and a return through the forest towards Naddi and Dal Lake. Share your dates, group size and hill-walking experience with the team to confirm trail access, the campsite and current arrangements. Mountain views, waterfall conditions and evening activities depend on the weather.

01Forest and waterfall walk

Gallu Devi Temple and Bal Nala Waterfall feature in the route.

02One night in tents

Dome tents, sleeping bags and mats at a forest campsite.

03A different return

The listed second day passes Naddi Village and Dal Lake.

YOUR TWO-DAY FOREST CAMPING PLAN

Follow the forest trail.
Stay a little longer.

01

MCLEOD GANJ → GALLU DEVI → BAL NALA → FOREST CAMP

Walk to the waterfall and settle into camp

The listed itinerary begins at 9 am in McLeod Ganj, followed by a short drive or walk to Gallu Devi Temple. Confirm the meeting point and how you will reach the trailhead before departure.

Continue through pine and cedar woodland towards Bal Nala Waterfall. Pause for the included packed lunch at a suitable spot selected by your guide, then follow the trail towards the forest clearing used for camp. Keep away from slippery edges and fast-flowing water, and follow the guide’s advice at the waterfall.

Settle into your dome tent, spend time at camp and enjoy dinner. A bonfire depends on the weather and local permission; clear-sky stargazing also depends on conditions.

Included meals: packed lunch and dinner. Overnight: forest campsite.

02

FOREST CAMP → NADDI VILLAGE → DAL LAKE → MCLEOD GANJ

Breakfast and a village-side return

Begin with morning tea and breakfast at camp. Pack up and follow the agreed trail towards Naddi Village, taking breaks as needed. Appreciate the surrounding hills when visibility allows before continuing towards Dal Lake.

The listed plan finishes in McLeod Ganj in the early afternoon, around 1–2 pm. Confirm the expected return time with your guide before arranging onward travel.

Included meals: morning tea and breakfast. Finish: McLeod Ganj.

Timings and route details are indicative. Confirm the current total walking distance, terrain, trailhead transfer and campsite for your dates.

KNOW YOUR CAMPING ARRANGEMENTS

What’s included.
What to arrange separately.

Included

  • Experienced local trekking guide
  • One night at a forest campsite in dome tents
  • Sleeping bags and mats
  • Day one packed lunch and hot dinner
  • Day two morning tea and breakfast
  • Drinking water during the trek
  • Basic first-aid kit
  • Trek permits and forest entry, if applicable
  • Bonfire where weather and local rules permit

Not included

  • Transport to or from McLeod Ganj
  • Personal expenses, snacks, bottled drinks and souvenirs
  • Travel or adventure insurance
  • Tips and gratuities
  • Porter services
  • Anything not listed as included

Transport and porter services can be requested separately. Confirm tent sharing, dietary requirements, drinking-water provision, campsite facilities and any trailhead transfer before booking.

PREPARE FOR YOUR FOREST TREK

Plan the walk.
Enjoy the overnight stay.

Discuss your walking experience

The trip combines forest walking with an overnight camp. Ask about the current route’s climbs, uneven ground and distance, and share your fitness, experience and any children’s ages so the team can advise on suitability.

Confirm weather and access

Rain can make paths and waterfall surroundings slippery. Ask about trail conditions, campsite access and the plan for your dates. Follow the guide’s advice on route changes and evening activities.

Pack for walking and camping

Bring walking shoes with good grip, warm layers, rain protection, a torch, sun protection and personal essentials. Ask for a packing list and confirm which equipment is provided and how your bags will be carried.

Leave the forest and water clean.

Carry your litter back, follow local guidance on fires, respect nearby villages and use the campsite and water sources as directed by your guide.

BEFORE YOU PLAN YOUR CAMPING TREK

Forest and waterfall trek FAQs.

How long is the Dharamshala forest and waterfall trek?

The package is two days and one night. The listed plan starts at 9 am on day one and returns to McLeod Ganj around 1–2 pm on day two. Confirm current timings before departure.

Which waterfall does the itinerary visit?

Bal Nala Waterfall is listed on day one, approached through the forest from the Gallu Devi Temple area. Confirm current access and follow your guide’s advice around the water.

Where will we stay overnight?

The package includes one night in dome tents at a forest campsite, with sleeping bags and mats. Confirm the exact campsite, tent sharing and available facilities with the team.

Are meals and drinking water included?

Yes. The listed inclusions are day one packed lunch and dinner, day two morning tea and breakfast, and drinking water during the trek. Share dietary requirements before booking.

Is a bonfire guaranteed?

No. The listed bonfire is weather-dependent, and fires also need to follow local rules. Confirm the evening arrangements for your dates.

Does the return route pass Naddi and Dal Lake?

Yes, both are in the listed second-day itinerary. Confirm the actual connecting trails and timing with the guide according to current conditions.

Is this trek suitable for beginners or families?

Discuss your walking experience, fitness and any children’s ages with the team. Suitability depends on your group, the current route and comfort with an overnight tent stay.

How do I enquire about this camping trek?

Use the enquiry form, WhatsApp or phone links below. Include your dates, group size, walking experience and questions about tent sharing, meals, transport and the route.

LET’S PLAN YOUR DATES

Ask about your Forest & Waterfall Trek.

Include your preferred dates, traveller count, walking experience and questions about the route or transport.