McLeodganj Dharamshala Dalhousie Package – Himachal Tour (5N/6D)
Overview
This Himachal tour pairs the Tibetan heart of the Kangra Valley with the colonial hill town of Dalhousie. After an overnight journey from Delhi you reach Dharamshala, at the foot of the Dhauladhar range, and spend your first day at the Dalai Lama Temple Complex, the War Memorial, the tea gardens and the HPCA Cricket Stadium, one of the most scenic cricket grounds in India.
Day 3 is a full day in McLeod Ganj: Namgyal Monastery, the stone church of St John in the Wilderness amongst the deodars, the little Dal Lake, the Bhagsu Nag Temple and a short walk to the Bhagsu Waterfall (time for Tibetan markets and cafés en route). You then cross to Dalhousie (pine forests and colonial buildings) and on the final full day you visit Khajjiar (the meadow and lake known as 'Mini Switzerland of India') before the overnight Volvo from Dharamshala back to Delhi.
The itinerary is ideal for those interested in Tibetan culture, for families and for anyone who would rather be in the quieter hill stations rather than the busy resorts. You stay three nights in 3-star hotels on double occupancy – two in Dharamshala and one in Dalhousie – with breakfast every morning, and the two overnight journeys keep your daylight hours for sightseeing.
Package Features
Overnight drive up and a Volvo coach back to Delhi.
War Memorial, tea gardens and the HPCA Cricket Stadium.
Namgyal Monastery, Tibetan markets and mountain cafés.
A sacred temple and a short walk to the falls.
Pine forests, old churches and quiet evenings in town.
The 'Mini Switzerland of India' ringed by cedar forest.
Include Features
- 3 nights' stay in 3-star hotels on double occupancy (2 nights Dharamshala, 1 night Dalhousie)
- Daily breakfast at the hotel
- Overnight road journey from Delhi to Dharamshala and an overnight Volvo coach from Dharamshala to Delhi
- All transfers and sightseeing by vehicle as per the itinerary
- Sightseeing and activities as listed in the itinerary (items marked at your own expense are extra)
- GST
Excluded Features
- Lunch and dinner, including meals during the overnight journeys
- Horse riding and other activities at Khajjiar (at your own expense)
- Entry tickets and camera fees, unless specifically included
- Personal expenses such as shopping, laundry, phone calls and tips
- Travel insurance
- Anything not listed under Included
Tour Itinerary
Day 1 Delhi to Dharamshala – Overnight Journey
- You are picked up in Delhi and begin the journey to Dharamshala, a hill town at the foot of the Dhauladhar range.
- Travel through the plains of Haryana and Punjab as the landscape slowly gives way to mountain views.
- Overnight journey to Dharamshala.
- Highlights of the Day: Overnight drive from Delhi to the Kangra Valley
Day 2 Arrival in Dharamshala – Local Sightseeing
- Arrive in Dharamshala, transfer to your hotel and complete check-in, then rest after the overnight journey.
- Visit the Dalai Lama Temple Complex, a peaceful spiritual centre with views across the valley.
- See the War Memorial, dedicated to the soldiers of Himachal Pradesh, and walk through the green tea gardens.
- Pause at the HPCA Cricket Stadium (one of India's most scenic grounds with the Dhauladhar range behind it).
- Return to the hotel in the evening. Overnight stay in Dharamshala.
- Highlights of the Day: Dalai Lama Temple Complex, War Memorial, Tea Gardens, HPCA Cricket Stadium
Day 3 McLeod Ganj Sightseeing
- After breakfast, set out for a full day in McLeod Ganj and visit Namgyal Monastery, the personal monastery of His Holiness the Dalai Lama.
- See St. John in the Wilderness, a stone church set in dense deodar forest, and the small Dal Lake ringed by cedars.
- Seek blessings at the Bhagsu Nag Temple, then take the short walk to Bhagsu Waterfall.
- Spend free time in the Tibetan markets, handicraft shops and cafés.
- Return to the hotel. Overnight stay in Dharamshala.
- Highlights of the Day: Namgyal Monastery, St. John in the Wilderness, Dal Lake, Bhagsu Nag Temple, Bhagsu Waterfall, Tibetan markets
Day 4 Transfer from Dharamshala to Dalhousie
- After breakfast, check out and drive to Dalhousie, a hill station known for its colonial-era buildings, pine forests and peaceful atmosphere.
- Enjoy the scenic drive through Himalayan landscapes and check in to your hotel on arrival.
- Spend the evening at leisure, exploring the local markets or relaxing in the cool mountain air. Overnight stay in Dalhousie.
- Highlights of the Day: Scenic drive to Dalhousie, local markets
Day 5 Dalhousie – Khajjiar – Dharamshala – Overnight Volvo to Delhi
- After breakfast, check out and drive to Khajjiar, popularly known as the 'Mini Switzerland of India'.
- See Khajjiar Lake, surrounded by dense cedar forest, and spend time on the wide green meadows with a gentle nature walk.
- Try horse riding or simply take photographs (activities at your own expense).
- Drive back to Dharamshala and transfer to the Volvo bus stand for your coach to Delhi.
- Overnight journey to Delhi.
- Highlights of the Day: Khajjiar, Khajjiar Lake, meadows, horse riding (optional)
Day 6 Arrival in Delhi
- Arrive in Delhi in the morning.
- Plan any onward train or flight for later in the day, as travel times on mountain roads can vary.
- Your tour ends here, with memories of monasteries, meadows and mountain towns.
- Highlights of the Day: Arrival in Delhi, tour ends
Payment Policy
- An advance payment is required to secure your booking; the balance is paid as per the schedule in your booking confirmation.
- Your booking is only confirmed once the itinerary has been agreed, the advance has been received and Luxe Trail Holidays have sent you a written confirmation.
- Full payment may be required at the time of booking for peak season dates, special hotel rates and certain activities.
- If payment is not received by the due date the booking is subject to the relevant cancellation terms.
- Price per person on double occupancy and includes GST.
Refund Policy
- Cancellation fees will vary depending on when we receive your request, the hotel and transport supplier policies and any peak season restrictions. The applicable charges are shared with your quotation.
- Refunds are processed once the relevant suppliers approve them, so timelines can vary.
- Refunds are made to the original payment method or another method agreed with you.
- Non-refundable amounts, supplier fees and bank or payment-processing charges may be deducted.
- If a service cannot be provided because of weather, road closures, government orders or other events beyond our control, a refund or an alternative arrangement is offered as per the supplier's terms.
Policy & Important Term
- Every traveller must carry a valid government photo ID (Aadhaar, passport, voter ID or driving licence). Foreign nationals need a passport with a valid Indian visa.
- Dress modestly at the Dalai Lama Temple Complex, Namgyal Monastery and Bhagsu Nag Temple, walk clockwise around the prayer wheels and stupas and adhere to the posted photography rules.
- Horse riding at Khajjiar is organised by local operators and you pay them directly. Agree the price with them before you ride.
- Day 5 is a long travel day ending with the overnight Volvo so do have a small bag with the essentials for the night journey.
- The sequence of the sightseeing can be altered due to traffic, weather or local events (snow in winter and landslides in the monsoon can of course slow down the mountain roads).
- The vehicle is provided for the routes in the itinerary. Any additional trips or detours will be charged separately.
- Standard hotel check-in and check-out times apply. Early check-in (following the overnight journey) is possible subject to availability.
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FAQ's
What is the difference between Dharamshala and McLeod Ganj?
McLeod Ganj is the upper part of Dharamshala (a short drive uphill from the lower town). It's home to the Dalai Lama's temple and a large Tibetan population and is therefore often referred to as 'Little Lhasa'. Lower Dharamshala has the cricket ground, the War Memorial and the tea gardens and this tour covers both.
What is the best time to visit Dharamshala and Dalhousie?
March to June is good for sightseeing and walking and you get lovely clear mountain views from the hills in September through to November (after the monsoon). Winters are cold with snow in Dalhousie and Khajjiar. July and August are very wet in Dharamshala (one of the wettest places in Himachal Pradesh).
How do we travel from Delhi and back?
You leave Delhi on day 1 for an overnight road journey and arrive in Dharamshala on the morning of day 2. You're then dropped at the Dharamshala Volvo bus stand on day 5 (after Khajjiar) for the overnight coach to Delhi which arrives on the morning of day 6. Plan onward travel for later that day.
How far is Khajjiar from Dalhousie?
Khajjiar is about 22 km from Dalhousie, roughly an hour's drive through cedar forest. It is a wide green meadow around a small lake, ringed by deodar trees, and is popularly called the 'Mini Switzerland of India'. Horse riding, short walks and photography are the main things to do there.
Which meals and activities are included?
Breakfast every morning at your hotel is included, along with the transfers and the sightseeing listed in the itinerary. Lunch, dinner, entry tickets and horse riding at Khajjiar are not included so you are free to choose your own cafés in McLeod Ganj and Dalhousie and pay only for the activities that you wish to do.
Is this tour good for families with children?
Yes. Most of the sightseeing is just short walks and easy drives and the kids generally enjoy the meadows at Khajjiar and the walk to Bhagsu Waterfall. The two overnight trips are the main thing to bear in mind with young kids so if you'd prefer a version with all the travel during the day then just ask us.
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