Description
Chonor House, located near the Thekchen Chöling Temple next to the Dalai Lama’s residence, is the best place to stay in Mcleod Ganj. The hotel was built by the Norbulingka Istitute who aim to preserve Tibetan customs and way of life using local stone and slate brought by mule. Inside the hotel, all rooms have been covered in Tibetan artwork – and each room offers a different scene, painted by Tibetan artists. It is like a museum to Tibetan culture in itself. The rooms have teak and rosewood furniture along with hand knotted carpets.
Coupled with the traditional art comes the traditional hospitality. Everyone is willing to please and look after you. The food is another delight – with traditional Tibetan recipes used to reflect their wonderful surroundings. By choosing Chonor House, you will come to understand more about the Tibetan way of life. The hotel is not luxurious, but the luxury is in the experience and you will surely leave with happy memories. The hotel has a TV room, cyber café, laundry service and restaurant.
You can visit the elegant Deden Tsuglagkhang temple built in a traditional Tibetan style. Its principal focus is a 14 ft gilded copper statue of the Buddha, crafted by the Norbulingka Sculpture Studio, which is surrounded by elaborate artwork and murals painted by Thangka Painters.
Accommodation
Chonor House offers 11 Rooms - all in different sizes and shapes. Its best to go for a suite. Each room features 24 hr hot & cold water, a small electric kettle, a gas heater for those colder winter months, a mini fridge and local and international telephone dialling.
Childcare
Children are welcome at Chonor House but there are no specific facilities.
Facilities
Facilities at the hotel include a restaurant, internet facilities, lounge, gift shop and travel desk.
Activities
Activities in and around McLeod Ganj include walking, trekking, meditation, yoga and cooking classes and visits to temples.
Services
Room service is available from 7am - 10pm and a laundry service. Both Mastercard and Visa are accepted.
When to travel
Dharmasala has a cool climate all through the year. Summers (March to June) are warm with temperatures between 22 °C to 38 °C. Trekking enthusiasts prefer this season. Monsoons (July to September) with heavy rainfalls are messy. Winters (December to February are chilly and freezing. During January the mercury dips below -4 °C. Snowfalls in winters (especially January) are a nightmare due to blocked roads and poor visibility. Best Season to visit Dharmasala is from September to June.
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Best time to visit
Good time to visit
Average time to visit
Not applicable
Location and directions
Dharamsala, India
Chonor House is is centrally located in McLeod Ganj, Himachal Pradesh, India, overlooking His Holiness the Dalai Lama’s temple / monastery. It was built by Norbulingka Institute as part of its endeavour to preserve and promote Tibetan Culture.
How to get there
9-hour direct flight to Delhi Indira Gandhi International Airport, followed by an overnight train to Pathankot Railway Station. Chonor House is a 2-hour drive from Pathankot.
