Welcome to Dharamsala
Dharamsala (also spelled Dharamshala) is known as the home of the Dalai Lama, but the untidy market town where the buses pull in is actually Lower Dharamsala. The Tibetan spiritual leader is based 3km up the hill in Upper Dharamsala, also known as McLeod Ganj, and that's where most visitors are heading. When people locally talk about Dharamsala, they usually mean Lower Dharamsala
Top experiences in Dharamsala
Amazing hotels and hostels
We've pre-picked the best hotels, hostels and bed and breakfasts to make your stay as enjoyable as possible.
Food and drink
-
Moonpeak in Mcleod GanjMulticuisine
-
Nick’s Italian Kitchen in Mcleod GanjItalian
-
Green Hotel Restaurant in Mcleod GanjMulticuisine
-
Shangrila Vegetarian Restaurant in Mcleod GanjTibetan Indian
-
Tibet Kitchen in Mcleod GanjTibetan
-
Common Ground Cafe in Mcleod GanjAsian
-
Cool Talk Cafe in Bhagsu & DharamkotMulticuisine
-
Indique in Mcleod GanjMulticuisine
-
Lung Ta in Mcleod GanjJapanese
-
Jimmy’s Italian Kitchen in Mcleod GanjItalian
Travel guides
Starting at $27.99
Dharamsala activities
Private 7-Night Himalayan Hills Tour from Delhi
Your visit starts from New Delhi, the capital of India, and takes you first to Amritsar. From there, you travel to the quaint town of Dharamsala and McLeod Ganj known as "Little Lhasa." After McLeod Ganj, you will head towards the tea capital of North India, Palampur, then travel to the former capital of the British East India Company, Shimla. On your way back to Delhi, experience the Shimla-Kalka toy train.Day 1: Delhi - Amritsar.Welcome on arrival in Amritsar and check in at hotel. Afternoon transfer to Wagah border to witness the Beating Retreat ceremony a, ceremony of closing gates and lowering of flags of India and Pakistan. Later in the evening, pay a visit to the Golden temple, the most holy place for the Sikh religion. Overnight at the hotelDay 2: Amritsar - DharamsalaAfter breakfast, travel onwards to Dharamsala, the center of the Tibetan exile world in India. Check into your hotel and visit the Norbulingka Institute dedicated to the preservation of the Tibetan culture in its literary and artistic forms. Overnight at the hotel.Day 3: DharamsalaAfter breakfast, you will be taken to McLeod Ganj, a suburb of Dharamsala also known as “Little Tibet.” There is a long list of places and monuments that are worth visiting. You can enjoy a visit to the Dalai Lama Temple Complex, Library of Tibetan Works, Institute of Buddhist Dialectics, Tibetan Medical and Astrological Institute, Church of St. John in the Wilderness; Dal Lake; the view of the Dhauladhar mountains from Talnoo-Nadi; Kotwali Bazaar; Kangra Devi Temple; Naam Art Gallery. Overnight at the hotel in Dharamshala.Day 4: Dharamsala to PalampurAfter a scrumptious breakfast in the hotel, you will leave for Palampur, a town situated in the foothills of the Himalayas surrounded by tea gardens and mountain scenery of the Dhauladhar range. On your way to Palampur, you will stop over to visit the Gyuto Monastery. When in Palampur, check into your hotel. Then rest or visit the Neugal Khad to have an excellent view of the Dhauladhar range.Overnight at the hotelDay 5: Palampur to ShimlaYou will leave for the former capital of the British East India Company, Shimla. Check into your hotel. Relax and stroll in the town.Overnight at the hotelDay 6: ShimlaEnjoy a tour around this heritage hill city. The city's buildings are styled in the Tudorbethan and Neo-Gothic architectures dating from the colonial era. During the walk, you will get to see a number of old buildings, such as Gaiety Theater, General Post Office, Bantony, Betink’s Castle etc. Overnight at the hotel.Day 7: Shimla - Kalka - Delhi In the morning, enjoy an awe inspiring experience with the famous Kalka - Shimla toy train. Upon arrival to Kalka, you will be received by a driver at the railway station to drive you to Delhi. Overnight at the hotel.Day 8: DelhiTransfer to airport to board your international flight.
Indian Odyssey by Rail
Travel like a local on this 54-day trip, exploring India by train from the northeast to the southwest. Skip the backpacking and let the train – and the innumerable beautiful sights – move you, from the Taj Mahal to the colours of Rajasthan to the ruins of Karnataka. This trip will hit some of the country’s highlights, with loads of time to hop off and get to know your surroundings in a way only a Rail tour allows. The trip won’t last forever, but the memories definitely will.
Northern India by Rail
For something a little more off the beaten path, take the train right to the heart of India’s colourful culture for a different look at this dynamic country’s northern region. Experiences like the India-Pakistan Wagah border ceremony and Dalai Lama sights in Dharamsala get you in touch with the spiritual side of India, while the toy trains in Shimla are always a delight. Riding the rails back to Delhi gives you the chance to see many of India’s well-known highlights, and we even include a G Adventures-supported walking tour led by former Delhi streetkids. You’ve never experienced India quite like this.
Northern India & Rajasthan to Goa by Rail
Hop aboard for a different look at this dynamic country’s northern region before turning south ending up at the ever-popular coastal town of Goa. On this trip, you’ll explore the temples, shrines and tombs – including the legendary Taj Mahal – while absorbing the rich culture and vibrant daily life of this exciting country. Experiences like the India-Pakistan Wagah border ceremony and Dalai Lama sights in Dharamsala get you in touch with the spiritual side of India. The colours of Rajasthan, bustle of Mumbai and beaches of Goa will stay with you long after you catch that flight home.
Highlights of Ladakh
Those who visit Ladakh are usually adventure-seekers looking for the next high-altitude thrill, but we wanted to focus more on the zen side of things. Rich in culture, scenery and history, Ladakh is a treasure trove of wonders hidden away in a remote part of the world. After a start in Delhi, we’ll visit mountain villages, valleys, and Hindu and Buddhist temples along the road to Leh. If you’re looking to break a sweat after all, try rafting or hiking amongst other pulse-racing activities, but we totally understand if you’d rather just lay back and let the culture of the region soak right in.