Which place is cheaper, Dharamsala or Jammu and Kashmir?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Jammu and Kashmir or Dharamsala?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Trying to figure out where to travel next? This travel comparison between Jammu and Kashmir and Dharamsala can help. It includes a travel cost comparison in addition to other factors. For many travelers, the cost of a destination is a primary consideration when choosing where to go.
Where Should I go: Jammu and Kashmir or Dharamsala?
Jammu and Kashmir
Jammu and Kashmir is the northernmost state of India. It is a mountainous region of the northern Himalayas with sweeping valleys, stunning lakes, and snow-capped scenery dotted with temples. While the region has been known for a border dispute with Pakistan, the unrest has been quieting and tourism is beginning to make a comeback. The area typically draws trekkers, those hoping to visit sacred temples, and others looking to experience Himalayan culture.
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.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Family-Friendly Tours to India, The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in India, The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in India, and The Best 2-Week Tours in India.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayJammu and Kashmir $29Dharamsala $35
The average daily cost (per person) in Jammu and Kashmir is $29, while the average daily cost in Dharamsala is $35. 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 destination. What follows is a categorical breakdown of travel costs for Jammu and Kashmir and Dharamsala in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personJammu and Kashmir $15Dharamsala $23
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomJammu and Kashmir $30Dharamsala $46
Compare Hotels in Jammu and Kashmir and Dharamsala
Looking for a hotel in Jammu and Kashmir or Dharamsala? 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.
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.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Jammu and Kashmir $3.63Dharamsala $5.13
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Dharamsala
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Dharamsala:
- Dharamshala Airport Transfers : Budget Sedan and SUV Cabs: $35
- Airport to Dharamshala transfer: $50
- Chandigarh to Dharamshala Transfer: $85
Is it cheaper to fly into Jammu and Kashmir or Dharamsala?
Prices for flights to both Dharamsala and Jammu and Kashmir 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
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Food Meals for one dayJammu and Kashmir $7.01Dharamsala $8.34
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Dharamsala
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Dharamsala.
- Flavors of Dharamshala: 2-Hour Guided Street Food Tour: $26
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Jammu and Kashmir $15Dharamsala $5.55
Tours and Activities in Dharamsala
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Dharamsala are as follows:
- The Spiritual Trails of Dharamshala(Guided Walking Tour): $13
- Walking the Spiritual Path (Guided 2-Hour Dharamshala Tour): $18
- McLeodGanj Heritage Trails (2 Hour Guided Walking Tour): $18
- Dharamshala Street Food Crawl ( Guided Food Tasting Tour): $25
- Mcleodganj Nature Trek (3 Hours Guided Walking Tour): $26
- Cultural tour - Dharamshala & Mcleodganj for full day: $30
- Guided Kora Circuit & Walking Tour Around McLeod Ganj: $42
- Hiking Day Tour to Triund from Dharamshala: $42
- Dharamshala Mcleodganj Tour: $48
- Best of Dharamshala with a local Half Day Tour by a AC Car: $80
- Private 6 hrs Mcleodganj & Dharamshala City Tour: $96
- Historical Tour, Kangra fort &Rock cut temple from Dharmasla: $98
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayJammu and Kashmir $3.78Dharamsala $5.55
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Jammu and Kashmir and Dharamsala, we can see that Dharamsala is more expensive. And not only is Jammu and Kashmir much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Jammu and Kashmir would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Jammu and Kashmir and be able to afford a more luxurious travel style by staying in nicer hotels, eating at more expensive restaurants, taking tours, and experiencing more activities. The same level of travel in Dharamsala would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Dharamsala than you might in Jammu and Kashmir.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Jammu and Kashmir Expensive? and Is Dharamsala Expensive?.
Which has a larger population, Jammu and Kashmir or Dharamsala?
Jammu and Kashmir has a larger population, and is about 520 times larger than the population of Dharamsala. When comparing the sizes of Jammu and Kashmir and Dharamsala, keep in mind that a larger population does not always imply the destination has more attractions or better activities. So, always research the type of place that you want to visit along with the activities and attractions that interest you.
Budget Your Trip is all about finding out how much everything costs so that you can travel cheaper and longer. Created by avid travelers Laurie and Bryan, our goal is to help you plan your next trip on the right budget. With average daily travel costs that are calculated from the budgets of real travelers, plus an analysis of hotel and tour prices, you can find out how much money you need to plan your next adventure. We also have plenty of travel advice, accommodation reviews, and activity suggestions.