Tea-estate bungalow
Colonial-era bungalows with verandas facing the Dhauladhar and tea grown at the door.
All ridesYear-round
Kangra Valley: Tea, Temples & the Dhauladhar
Per person, 2 travellers · Private car · GST extra. Private and tailor-made versions on request.
Overview
A gentler kind of Himalaya
Not every mountain journey needs high passes. The Kangra valley sits at a gentle 1,000 to 2,000 metres beneath the sudden snow peaks of the Dhauladhar, with tea gardens, old temples and a large Tibetan community around Dharamshala.
This journey is about slowing down: a morning walk through a working tea estate near Palampur, a day among the monasteries and craft workshops around Bir, painters and potters at Andretta, and the eighth-century rock-cut temples at Masroor. It works almost all year and pairs well with a longer trip into Spiti or Ladakh.
Day by day
The itinerary
6 days, Dharamshala → Dharamshala. Open a day for the route, travel time, stay and meals.
McLeod GanjDays 1 – 2
The Tibetan hill town.
Day 1Arrive in DharamshalaUp to McLeod Ganj
Route Gaggal airport or Pathankot → McLeod Ganj
Travel 1–3 hrs
Stay McLeod Ganj
Meals Dinner
Altitude 2,080 m
Arrive by air at Gaggal or by train at Pathankot and drive up to McLeod Ganj.
Day 2McLeod GanjTemples and an optional hike
Route Tsuglagkhang · Bhagsu · optional Triund
Travel On foot
Stay McLeod Ganj
Meals Breakfast & dinner
Altitude 2,080 m
Visit the main temple complex and the Tibetan quarter, or hike up to the Triund ridge for a close view of the Dhauladhar.
The valleyDays 3 – 5
Tea, crafts and temples.
Day 3Norbulingka & PalampurCrafts and tea
Route McLeod Ganj → Norbulingka → Palampur
Travel 2 hrs
Stay Palampur tea estate
Meals Breakfast & dinner
Altitude 1,470 m
Watch thangka painters and woodcarvers at work at Norbulingka, then settle into a bungalow on a tea estate.
Day 4Bir & AndrettaMonasteries and potters
Route Palampur → Bir → Andretta → Palampur
Travel 2 hrs
Stay Palampur tea estate
Meals Breakfast & dinner
Altitude 1,470 m
Bir's monasteries and paragliders, then the artists' village of Andretta, known for its pottery.
Day 5Baijnath & MasroorTemples old and older
Route Palampur → Baijnath → Kangra → Masroor → Dharamshala
Travel 4 hrs
Stay Dharamshala
Meals Breakfast & dinner
Altitude 1,450 m
The 13th-century Baijnath temple, Kangra's fort and the eighth-century rock-cut temples of Masroor.
HomeDay 6
Departure.
Day 6DepartAirport or station
Route Dharamshala → Gaggal or Pathankot
Travel 1–3 hrs
Stay —
Meals Breakfast
Altitude —
Transfer to the airport or railway station.
Where you'll stay
Stays along the route
Chosen for warmth, cleanliness and character. Exact properties are confirmed when you book.
Boutique hotel
Small hotels with mountain views, a short walk from the town's cafés and temples.
Dates & prices
Departures and prices
Prices are per person. Private journeys can start on any date in season.
| Departure | Type | Status | Enquire |
|---|---|---|---|
| Any date | Private journey · best Mar – Jun & Sep – Dec | Open | Enquire |
| Option | Indian residents | International |
|---|---|---|
| Private · 2 travellers | ₹36,000 | USD 620 |
| Private · 4 travellers | ₹28,000 | USD 490 |
Per person, 2 travellers · Private car · GST extra. Single rooms, upgrades and extra nights on request.
What's included
- 5 nights in boutique hotels and a tea-estate bungalow
- Breakfast and dinner every day
- Private car with driver
- Guided tea-estate walk and tasting
- Local guide for Masroor and Kangra
- Airport or station transfers
Not included
- Travel to and from Dharamshala
- Lunches and drinks
- Entry fees
- Travel insurance
- GST at 5%
Before you go
Good to know
Practical notes on altitude, kit, permits and connectivity for this journey.
Getting there
Gaggal airport near Dharamshala has flights from Delhi; Pathankot is the nearest major railway station, about three hours' drive away.
Weather
Spring and autumn are clear and pleasant. July and August bring heavy monsoon rain; winters are cool with snow on the high ridges.
Fitness
This is an easy journey. The optional Triund hike is a steady half-day climb for those who want it.
Journey essentialsDharamshala → McLeod Ganj → Palampur → Bir → Andretta → Masroor · Mar – Jun · Sep – Dec
Route notes: getting there & permits
Along the way
Photographs from the route
A few of the places you'll pass through.
Before you book
Questions we're often asked
Is this suitable for older travellers or families?
Very. Drives are short, stays are comfortable and walks are optional.
Can I combine it with Spiti or Ladakh?
Yes — it's a lovely way to begin or end a longer trip into the high mountains.
Can I travel solo on a private journey?
Yes. Private journeys run for one traveller too; the per-person price is higher because the vehicle and guide aren't shared.
Can you change the itinerary?
Almost always. Private journeys can be reshaped around your dates, pace and interests, and on small-group departures we can add nights before or after the trip.
How do I pay?
A 25% advance confirms your booking and the balance is due 30 days before you travel. We accept bank transfer, UPI and cards.
What if I need to cancel?
Our cancellation terms are set out on the booking terms page — the earlier you let us know, the more we can refund. We strongly recommend travel insurance that covers trip cancellation and high-altitude evacuation.
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Start planning
Ready for Kangra Valley Slow Journey?
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