Guided Tour to Palampur-Monasteries, Temple & Tea Gardens visit

Dharamsala , India

Guided Tour to Palampur-Monasteries, Temple & Tea Gardens visit

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(8 reviews)

5h - 6h

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About this experience

Embark on a guided day tour from your hotel to Palampur, North India's tea capital. Visit Shri Chamunda Devi Mandir, a 400-year-old temple dedicated to Goddess Durga. Explore Dorzong Monastic Institute nestled in the Dhauladhar Mountain Range, fostering Buddhism's teachings. Learn about tea cultivation and manufacturing during a plantation walk and factory visit, followed by a tea tasting session. Conclude your tour with a visit to Dongyu Gatsal Ling Nunnery. Experience the rich history and culture of Palampur and its surroundings in a single day.

Available options

Guide & Transportation (Opt 2)

Pickup included

Transportation only

Pickup included

What's included

Tea tour with Tea Tasting.

Bottled water

All Taxes

Local guide ( Option 2)

Hotel/airport pickup and drop-off

Transport by private vehicle

Detailed itinerary

Meet your guide and driver at Hotel.They will Pick up you as per schedule time and drive towards Tea Capital of North India Called Palampur.

Shri Chamunda Devi Mandir also known as Chamunda Nandikeshwar Dham is a temple dedicated to Shri Chamunda Devi, a form of Goddess Durga.Thus, this temple was constructed around 400 years ago for the ease of the believers.

Nestled at the base of the Dhauladhar Mountain Range, the Dorzong Monastic Institute (DMI) serves as a dedicated space for the study and practice of Buddha Dharma. Positioned approximately 20 kilometers from Dharamshala, near Gopalpur village, this institute was founded by the Eighth Kyabje Dorzong Rinpoche. The scenic location, adorned with cedar forests, was carefully chosen to serve as a haven for preserving Buddhism and fostering the teachings of the Drukpa Kagyu community.

The tour will start with a presentation about the history of the estate and a brief description about how tea is grown, manufactured, sorted and tasted. This is followed by a walk around the plantation with a tour guide, who will provide information on how the bushes are grown and looked after. You can learn about plucking and try your hand at plucking 'two leaves and a bud'.This is followed by the factory visit, where you will be able to learn the process of tea manufacturing with explanations of the withering, rolling, fermenting, drying and sorting processes and interact with the workers. Also, learn how our hand-made green tea is made in the traditional woks 'kadhais'.Lastly, experience a Tea Tasting session where you can discover the different flavours, appearance and aroma of various grades of tea manufactured at factory, throughout the season. The tea tasting sessions are led by our experienced team, who will lay out a range of freshly brewed teas for you to taste.

Dongyu Gatsal Ling Nunnery for Himalayan women in the Drukpa Kagyu Tradition of Tibetan Buddhism.

What's not included

Gratuities

Any meal

Gopalpur Zoo+Saurabh Van Vihar fees for foreign tourist

Available languages

Guide guide

Reviews breakdown

Viator 5.0

1 reviews

5★

4★

3★

2★

1★

Tripadvisor 4.9

7 reviews

5★

4★

3★

2★

1★

Important information

Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health

Suitable for all physical fitness levels

A maximum of 8 people per booking

The duration of transfers is approximate; exact duration will depend on the time of day and traffic conditions

Operates in all weather conditions; please dress appropriately

Important notes

• The duration of transfers are approximate, the exact duration will depend on the time of day and traffic conditions
• Comfortable walking shoes are recommended
• Operates in all weather conditions, please dress appropriately

About Dharamsala

Dharamsala is a serene hill station in Himachal Pradesh, known as the home of the Dalai Lama and the Tibetan government-in-exile. It's a spiritual haven nestled in the Himalayas, offering a blend of Tibetan culture, Buddhist teachings, and breathtaking natural beauty.

Top Attractions

McLeod Ganj

McLeod Ganj is the upper part of Dharamsala and the home of the Dalai Lama. It's a vibrant hub of Tibetan culture, with monasteries, shops, and restaurants.

Cultural Half day to full day Free to explore, entry fees for some attractions

Bhagsu Nag

Bhagsu Nag is a picturesque village near McLeod Ganj, known for its waterfall, temples, and cafes. It's a popular spot for backpackers and nature lovers.

Cultural Half day Free to explore, entry fees for some attractions

Dalai Lama Temple (Tsuglagkhang Complex)

The Tsuglagkhang Complex is the heart of Tibetan Buddhism in Dharamsala. It houses the Dalai Lama's residence, the Dalai Lama Temple, and the Tibetan Museum.

Religious 1-2 hours Free entry to the temple, ₹100 for the museum

Triund Trek

The Triund Trek is a popular and relatively easy trek starting from McLeod Ganj. It offers stunning views of the Dhauladhar range and the Kangra Valley.

Adventure Full day (4-5 hours trek) Free

Kangra Valley

The Kangra Valley is a scenic valley in the Himalayas, known for its tea gardens, temples, and historic sites. It's a great place for nature lovers and history buffs.

Nature Full day Free to explore, entry fees for some attractions

Must-Try Local Dishes

Thukpa

A hearty Tibetan noodle soup with vegetables, meat, or eggs. It's a popular dish in Dharamsala, especially during the cold months.

Main Course Vegetarian and non-vegetarian options available

Momos

Steamed or fried Tibetan dumplings filled with vegetables, meat, or cheese. They are a popular street food in Dharamsala.

Snack Vegetarian and non-vegetarian options available

Dal Baati Churma

A classic Rajasthani dish consisting of lentils (dal), baked wheat balls (baati), and a sweet crumbled dessert (churma). It's a must-try in Dharamsala.

Main Course Vegetarian

Chang

A traditional Tibetan beer made from barley. It's a popular drink in Dharamsala and is often served in local restaurants and cafes.

Drink Alcoholic

Popular Activities

Trekking Paragliding Mountain biking Rafting Yoga and meditation Tea tasting Spa and wellness treatments Nature walks

Best Time to Visit

March to June, September to November

This is the best time to visit Dharamsala due to pleasant weather and clear skies. It's ideal for sightseeing, trekking, and exploring the outdoors.

15°C to 30°C 59°F to 86°F

Practical Information

Language

Official: Hindi, English
Widely spoken: Pahari (local dialect), Tibetan
English: Moderately spoken

Currency

Indian Rupee (INR)

Time Zone

GMT+5:30

Electricity

230VV, 50HzHz

Safety Information

Overall Safety Rating: Generally safe

Dharamsala is generally safe for travelers, but it's always important to stay alert and take precautions, especially in crowded areas and at night. Petty crime, such as pickpocketing and scams, can occur, so it's essential to be vigilant and protect your belongings.

Important Precautions:

• Be cautious of strangers offering unsolicited help or services.
• Use reputable tour operators and guides.
• Keep your valuables secure and be aware of your surroundings.

Getting there

By air

Gaggal Airport (Kangra Airport) • 15 km (9.3 miles) from Dharamsala

By train

Pathankot Railway Station, Chakki Bank Railway Station

By bus

Dharamsala Bus Stand, McLeod Ganj Bus Stand

Getting around

Public transport

Local buses are the most common and affordable way to get around Dharamsala. They connect major areas like Dharamsala, McLeod Ganj, and Bhagsu Nag.

Taxis

Available • Apps: Ola

Rentals

Car, Bike, Scooter

Neighborhoods

McLeod Ganj Bhagsu Nag Dharamsala Town

Day trips

Palampur

35 km (22 miles) from Dharamsala • Half day to full day

Palampur is a picturesque town known for its tea gardens, temples, and historic sites. It's a great place for nature lovers and history buffs.

Bir and Billing

70 km (43 miles) from Dharamsala • Full day to overnight

Bir and Billing are twin towns known for their paragliding opportunities, monasteries, and natural beauty. Bir is a small town with a Tibetan colony, while Billing is a higher altitude town with stunning views.

Kangra Fort

20 km (12.4 miles) from Dharamsala • Half day

Kangra Fort is one of the oldest and largest forts in India, with a rich history and stunning architecture. It's a great place for history buffs and those interested in ancient Indian culture.

Festivals

Losar (Tibetan New Year) • February or March (varies by lunar calendar) Saka Dawa • May or June (full moon day of the fourth lunar month) Dharamsala International Film Festival (DIFF) • November

Pro tips

Visit the Tsuglagkhang Complex early in the morning for a peaceful and spiritual experience.
Try Tibetan butter tea at a local café for a unique and authentic taste of Tibetan culture.
Hire a local guide for trekking and cultural experiences to gain insights and support the local community.
Carry cash, as ATMs may not be available in remote areas, and card acceptance is limited.
Dress in layers, as temperatures can vary significantly throughout the day and night.