Dharamshala Tour Packages | McLeod Ganj & the Dhauladhar
Tsuglagkhang temple in McLeod Ganj with prayer flags and the snow-capped Dhauladhar range, Dharamshala
Destination

Dharamshala

Dharamshala, and McLeod Ganj above it, is where the Dalai Lama has lived since 1959 and where the Tibetan government in exile sits. It is in India, in the Himalayan foothills of Himachal, but it does not feel like India.

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Tsuglagkhang, the main temple complex and the Dalai Lama's residence. The Tibet Museum inside is small, careful and worth an hour.

Namgyal Monastery, where you can watch the monks debate in the courtyard in the afternoons.

Bhagsu waterfall and Dharamkot, short walks out of McLeod Ganj through pine forest.

Triund, a nine kilometre climb to a ridge at 2,850 metres with the Dhauladhar range directly above you. It is a full day, and a real walk rather than a stroll.

Comment y aller et temps de route

Ten to eleven hours from Delhi, which is why we normally break the journey at Chandigarh or Amritsar. Amritsar is around five hours, Shimla eight.

Combien de temps rester

Two or three nights. The town is small but people slow down here and end up staying longer than they planned.

Quand venir

March to June and September to November. Monsoon here is heavy, and January and February bring snow that can close the upper road.

A note on the drive

The last two hours are mountain road with switchbacks. It is safe with a driver who knows it, and uncomfortable with one who does not. Our Himalayan routes carry their own rate for exactly that reason.

Ask us about Dharamshala

Tell us when you want to travel and how long you have. We come back with a route, the vehicle it needs and one price, usually within 24 hours. Our day rates are published in full, and your hotels stay your own choice.

Get a price for your Dharamshala trip   See our car and driver rates

Beyond McLeod Ganj

  • Norbulingka Institute: Lower down the valley, a peaceful place where Tibetan craftspeople keep traditional painting, woodcarving and embroidery alive. The gardens are lovely.
  • Kangra Fort: One of the oldest forts in India, on a ridge above two rivers, about an hour's drive away.
  • Palampur tea gardens: Green tea estates against the snow peaks, an easy half-day drive. Some estates offer a short tour and tasting.
  • Dharamshala cricket ground: One of the most beautiful stadiums in the world, with the mountains right behind it.

Combining Dharamshala with other places

Dharamshala fits best between Amritsar and the hill towns of Dalhousie or Manali. A popular eight to ten day loop from Delhi is Amritsar, Dharamshala, Dalhousie and back through Chandigarh. Kangra airport at Gaggal also has flights from Delhi if you want to save a day on the road.

Questions fréquentes

Can you see the Dalai Lama in Dharamshala?

Only when he gives a public teaching, which is announced in advance on his official website. Most of the year he is not giving public audiences, but the temple is open to visitors every day.

Is the drive to Dharamshala safe?

Yes. The roads are good mountain roads, and our drivers on these routes do them regularly. We avoid driving the hill sections after dark.

Which tour includes Dharamshala?

We plan Amritsar–Dharamshala–Dalhousie routes on request. Our Amritsar tour can be extended into the hills.

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