Day Tour of Dharamshala, home to the Dalai Lama with Lunch

Dharamsala , India

Day Tour of Dharamshala, home to the Dalai Lama with Lunch

Active

5h - 6h

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Instant confirmation

Mobile or paper ticket accepted

About this experience

Located in the North Indian state of Himachal Pradesh, Dharamshala is home to the Dalai Lama and the Tibetan government-in-exile. Dharamshala also has beautiful tea gardens and its Kangra tea is famous all over the world. On this day-long tour explore the Tibetan quarter of McLeodGanj, visit St. John’s church, walk around the Dal Lake and watch Tibetan artisans at work.

Highlights:
• McLeodGanj
• Church of St. John in the Wilderness
• Norbulingka Institute

Available options

1-8 Traveler

Pickup included

What's included

Transport by private air-conditioned vehicles

02 bottles of mineral water per person

Lunch (beverage excluded)

Local English speaking guide

Hotel pick-up and drop-off

Detailed itinerary

You will be picked up in the morning for a tour of Dharamshala with your guide for the day.

First visit McLeodGanj, also known as ‘Little Lhasa’. It is the seat of the Tibetan government-in-exile and home to the Dalai Lama. Walk around the town and see the main temple where the Dalai Lama grants an audience to visitors whenever he is in residence. Also take a look at the residence of the Dalai Lama. Next explore the nearby market that is famous for Tibetan handicrafts.

From McLeodGanj go to the Church of St. John in the Wilderness. It is a beautiful church built in the neo-gothic style in 1852. The church has some exquisite Belgian stained glass windows. One of the Viceroys of British India, Lord Elgin, is buried in the grounds of the church.

Afterwards, go for a walk around Dal Lake. The lake is a picturesque excursion spot surrounded by Deodar forests. Nearby is a Hindu temple dedicated to Durveshwar Mahadev.

Visit the Tibetan Children's Village, a non-profit charitable organization that takes care of orphans and young refugees from Tibet. The school in the village is mainly focused on quality modern education and an introduction to the heritage of Tibetan Buddhism.

After the morning’s tour your guide will take you to a local restaurant where you will have lunch (beverage excluded). After lunch, visit Norbulingka Institute, a center for the preservation of traditional Tibetan art. The Institute has an exhibition hall and you can also view artisans at work.

At the end of the tour, you will be dropped back at your hotel.

What's not included

Food and drinks, unless specified

Gratuities

Available languages

Guide guide

Important information

Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap

Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries

Not recommended for pregnant travelers

Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health

Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness

Warm clothes in winter and comfortable walking shoes are recommended.

Not recommended for pregnant women and people with heart or back problems.

The duration of transfers are approximate. The exact duration will depend on the time of day and traffic conditions.

Children must be accompanied by an adult

Meeting point

We will pick up traveler from their hotels / fixed point within city center.

Important notes

Hotel pickups commence approximately 30 - 60 minutes prior to this time, exact pickup time will be advised on reconfirmation.

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.