A Travel Price Comparison for India Dharamsala vs. Darjiling for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

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Should you visit Dharamsala or Darjiling?

Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?

Should I visit Dharamsala or Darjiling? This is a common question asked by many travelers. By figuring out which city has activities that align with your interests along with knowing which is more affordable, you'll understand where you can get more bang for your buck. So, let's dive into the details and the data, which all comes from actual travelers.

Where Should I go: Dharamsala or Darjiling?

Dharamsala

With a name that literally means "a spiritual dwelling," Dharamsala roughly translates as a shelter or rest house for pilgrims and travelers. Home to the Dalai Lama and the Tibetan Government in Exile, Dharamsala is today a popular destination for foreigners on vacation, backpackers seeking the surrounding mountains, as well as students of Buddhism.

Darjiling

What began as a cluster of villages grew to prominence in the 19th Century when the British first established a hill station here and eventually realized that the climate was well-suited for tea plantations. Darjeeling (or Darjiling) has since become known for its teas in addition to cultural diversity, stunning views, and trekking opportunities.

Which city is cheaper, Darjiling or Dharamsala?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.

The average daily cost (per person) in Dharamsala is $29, while the average daily cost in Darjiling is $28. These costs include accommodation (assuming double occupancy, so the traveler is sharing the room), food, transportation, and entertainment. While every person is different, these costs are an average of past travelers in each city. What follows is a categorical breakdown of travel costs for Dharamsala and Darjiling in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Dharamsala $19
    Darjiling $11
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Dharamsala $38
    Darjiling $22
Compare Hotels in Dharamsala and Darjiling

Looking for a hotel in Dharamsala or Darjiling? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options and compare which is best for your budget and travel style.

Hotels in Dharamsala


Hotels in Darjiling


Kayak helps you find the best prices for hotels, flights, and rental cars for destinations around the world. Compare prices for multiple destinations when planning your next trip.


Our Analysis
We've analyzed the average and typical hotel prices based on guest reviews, star ratings, and hotel amenities here: Dharamsala Hotel Prices and Darjiling Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Dharamsala $4.18
    Darjiling $6.11

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Dharamsala

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Dharamsala:

  • Dharamsala- Transfers+Hotel+Sightseeing (3 Days): $304
  • Affordable Dharamshala Airport Transfer: $35

Is it cheaper to fly into Dharamsala or Darjiling?

Prices for flights to both Darjiling and Dharamsala change regularly based on dates and travel demand. We suggest you find the best prices for your next trip on Kayak, because you can compare the cost of flights across multiple airlines for your prefered dates.





Food
  • Food Meals for one day
    Dharamsala $6.80
    Darjiling $11

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Dharamsala

Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Dharamsala.

  • Private Full Day McleodGanj City Sightseeing & Cooking Class: $74

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Dharamsala $4.53
    Darjiling $9.83

Tours and Activities in Dharamsala

Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Dharamsala are as follows:

  • Dharamsala Half Day Sightseeing Tour: $50
  • Half-Day Private Kangra Valley Cycling Tour from Dharamshala: $69
  • Hiking Day Tour to Triund from Dharamshala: $72

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Dharamsala $4.53
    Darjiling $7.16

About these numbers

When comparing the travel costs between Dharamsala and Darjiling, we can see that Dharamsala is more expensive. However, the two cities are actually relatively comparable in price, as the difference is somewhat minimal. Generally, this means that you could travel with generally the same travel style and level of luxury in each place. Since both cities are in Asia, it's no surprise that their costs are relatively close, as many destinations here have somewhat similar travel prices overall.

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Dharamsala vs. Darjiling Travel Comparison

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