Dharamsala is a cultural destination known for its beauty, culture, food, and exciting activities. In this travel cost guide, we'll cover everything you need to know to plan your travel budget and have an amazing trip without spending too much. This guide includes average trip costs from previous travelers, typical hotel prices, food and dining costs, entertainment and sightseeing prices, and information about transportation.
How much does it cost to travel to Dharamsala?
You should plan to spend around $41 (₨3,465) per day on your vacation in Dharamsala. This is the average daily price based on the expenses of other visitors.
Past travelers have spent, on average for one day:
- $14 (₨1,206) on meals
- $5.07 (₨429) on local transportation
- $46 (₨3,857) on hotels
A one week trip to Dharamsala for two people costs, on average, $574 (₨48,510). This includes accommodation, food, local transportation, and sightseeing.
All of these average travel prices have been collected from other travelers to help you plan your own travel budget.
-
One Week
Per person
$287
₨24,255
-
2 Weeks
Per person
$574
₨48,510
-
One Month
Per person
$1,229
₨103,950
-
One Week
For a couple
$574
₨48,510
-
2 Weeks
For a couple
$1,147
₨97,020
-
One Month
For a couple
$2,458
₨207,900
How much does a one week, two week, or one month trip to Dharamsala cost?
A one week trip to Dharamsala usually costs around $287 (₨24,255) for one person and $574 (₨48,510) for two people. This includes accommodation, food, local transportation, and sightseeing.
A two week trip to Dharamsala on average costs around $574 (₨48,510) for one person and $1,147 (₨97,020) for two people. This cost includes accommodation, food, local transportation, and sightseeing.
Please note, prices can vary based on your travel style, speed, and other variables. If you're traveling as a family of three or four people, the price per person often goes down because kid's tickets are cheaper and hotel rooms can be shared. If you travel slower over a longer period of time then your daily budget will also go down. Two people traveling together for one month in Dharamsala will often have a lower daily budget per person than one person traveling alone for one week.
A one month trip to Dharamsala on average costs around $1,229 (₨103,950) for one person and $2,458 (₨207,900) for two people. The more places you visit, the higher the daily price will become due to increased transportation costs.
Is Dharamsala expensive to visit?
Dharamsala is a charming destination that draws in visitors with an array of travel preferences, spending habits, and budgetary choices. You'll find a wide array of accommodation options, such as luxury hotels, mid-range places, or budget-friendly hostels.
Dharamsala can be very expensive if you want it to be, but there are ways to cut down on your costs, like looking for discounts and coupons.
On average, budget travelers spend $18 (₨1,516) per day, mid-range travelers spend $41 (₨3,465) per day, and luxury travelers spend around $78 (₨6,621) per day. These costs are calculated from the expenses of previous travelers to Dharamsala.
Within Asia, Dharamsala is a reasonably affordable destination compared to other places. It is in the top 25% of cities in Asia for its affordability. You can find more affordable cities such as Mandalay, but there are also more expensive cities, such as Similan Islands.
For more details, and to find out if it's within your travel budget, see Is Dharamsala Expensive?
How much money do I need for a trip to Dharamsala?
The average Dharamsala trip cost is broken down by category here for independent travelers. All of these Dharamsala travel prices are calculated from the budgets of real travelers. Also, you can see more details at How much does a trip to Dharamsala cost?
Dharamsala on a Budget
|
Category
|
Budget
|
Mid-Range
|
Luxury
|
Accommodation 1
For 1 person in double occupancy
|
$10
(₨844)
|
$23
(₨1,929)
|
$44
(₨3,685)
|
|
Local Transportation 1
|
$2
(₨188)
|
$5
(₨429)
|
$10
(₨819)
|
|
Food 2
|
$6
(₨528)
|
$14
(₨1,206)
|
$27
(₨2,305)
|
|
Entertainment 1
|
$2
(₨203)
|
$5
(₨464)
|
$10
(₨887)
|
|
Alcohol 2
|
$1-4
(₨102-305)
|
$3-8
(₨232-696)
|
$5-16
(₨444-1,331)
|
Realistic Expectations for Your Travel Budget
It's important to be realistic about your budget for Dharamsala. Many assume they can visit on a shoestring, but most travelers find that to be very challenging. Think about what matters to you when traveling. Is it staying in a resort, visiting all the attractions, or dining out at nice restaurants? These factors will determine how much you spend on your trip.
The Truth on Budget Travel
You might think that you're a budget traveler. But unless you're willing to eliminate a lot of comforts from your trip, prepare to spend a lot more than the daily average of $18 that backpackers often get by on.
Young backpackers often get away with this shoestring budget, but it usually involves staying in hostel dorms, eating at the cheapest restaurants or fast food places, taking public transit or walking, and only visiting free attractions.
Do You Identify as an Average Traveler?
As a couple or family looking for fun, you're likely to choose a mid-range hotel, dine at popular restaurants, and explore the major museums and attractions with entry fees. Most visitors to Dharamsala will want to visit the major attractions, museums, sights, and landmarks. After all, most activities do cost money. Therefore, it's sensible to expect your daily budget to be approximately $41 per person, per day.
Dreaming of a Stylish Getaway?
If you're looking for an all encompassing trip with every amenity and a higher level of service, then prepare yourself for a price tag closer to $78 per day. To stay in a nicer hotel, eat at award winning restaurants, splurge on extravagant excursions, and take taxis or private drivers to get around the destination, you'll need to be prepared for a more "luxury" set of prices.
Accommodation Budget in Dharamsala
The wide range of prices for hotels and accommodation in Dharamsala can be very surprising. Some hotels have much higher price tags than others, and in turn offer higher levels of luxury and more amenities. Also, during peak season, prices are much higher. The average price for a hotel room in Dharamsala in the off-season is $37, but in the peak travel season it will average around $69. In general, you can expect hotel prices in Dharamsala to range from $18 to $157. Hostels are typically much cheaper, especially if you stay in a dorm. Also, note that the average hotel price is not always what travelers will pay (see below). You can save a good bit of money if you travel during the low season or shoulder seasons, as room prices adjust according to the overall demand. Booking in advance can often save you money, too, along with taking advantage of sale prices or special deals.
Calculated from travelers like you
The average price paid in Dharamsala for two people for a typical double-occupancy hotel room is $46 (₨3,857). For one person sharing a room, the average price paid for a hotel room is $23 (₨1,929) per night. These costs are from the reported spending of actual travelers.
Looking for a hotel in Dharamsala? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options.
The most affordable highest rated hotels in Dharamsala include:
- Tih The Grand Him Queen starting at $86
- Hotel The Origin starting at $35
- Pawan Guest House starting at $24
- Bella Heights starting at $24
- Nishaad Resorts starting at $27
By skipping and traveling during the low or shoulder season, you'll enjoy lower accommodation rates and fewer crowds.
Transportation Budget in Dharamsala
In Dharamsala, the public transit system is not very good.
Calculated from travelers like you
-
On average, past travelers have spent $5.07 (₨429) per person, per day, on local transportation in Dharamsala. The cost of a taxi ride or rideshare service (Uber/Lyft) in Dharamsala is significantly more than public transportation.
-
Transportation1
Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
$5.07
₨429
Some of the standard hotel transfers and transport options include:
- Dharamshala Airport Transfers : Budget Sedan and SUV Cabs for $34 details
How much does it cost to go to Dharamsala? Naturally, it depends on the dates. We recommend Kayak because they can find the best deals across all airlines.
The price of renting a car in Dharamsala will depends on dates, the type of car, the location, and your age. We recommend Kayak because they can find the best deals across all car rental companies.
Food Budget in Dharamsala
Cuisine often serves as a primary motivation for travel, so make sure to indulge in the local dishes.
Calculated from travelers like you
-
While restaurant and meal prices in Dharamsala can vary significantly, the average cost of food in Dharamsala is $14 (₨1,206) per day, per person, based on the spending habits of previous travelers.
-
Food2
Meals for one day
$14
₨1,206
When dining out, the average daily cost for food in Dharamsala is around $14 (₨1206) per person, with previous travelers spending from $6 to $27. Generally, breakfast and lunch cost less than dinner, but this will depend on the type of restaurant and what you order.
Typical meal prices in Dharamsala are as follows:
- Breakfast: $1 to $4
- Lunch: $2 to $6
- Dinner: $4 to $10
- Coffee: $1
- Fast Food or Street Food: $2
Cuisine in and around Dharamsala consists largely of chicken and mutton with vegetables which include pumpkins, potatoes, beans, and beetroots. Some staple meals of the region include thukpa (noodle soup usually with chicken and vegetables), skyu (thumb-sized pieces of kneaded dough cooked in a kind of soup), and momos (dumplings). Other specialties comprise of khambir (a whole wheat local bread baked into a pan shape), butter tea (salty tea churned with butter), and chang (a light local brew of beer). These dishes are common throughout the mountainous regions of the Himalayas. Momos are a popular street food, served in stalls by the Temple complex steamed or fried and stuffed with spiced potato, cabbage, spinach, radish, or carrot with chili sauce on the side. Any of the noodle dishes are also staples. Being a popular destination for visitors, McLeod Ganj is a great place for dining options - from cheap Punjabi dhabbas (roadside restaurants) to mid-range Tibetan and Western establishments.
Many accommodations throw in breakfast at no extra cost, though others might charge you for it. The price and quality can greatly vary by hotel. Knowing this in advance can help you figure out if you need to spend more money. You might find the hotel's buffet is worth it, or you may prefer to grab a cheaper bite at a local bakery or cafe.
Opt for a reusable water bottle to avoid buying drinks everywhere. It's beneficial for the earth as well.
Before you head out on a tour, be sure to find out which meals are included. You could end up paying for some meals out of pocket, which can impact your budget.
Sightseeing and Activities Budget in Dharamsala
Calculated from travelers like you
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Sightseeing activities, entertainment, and entrance tickets in Dharamsala typically cost an average of $5.49 (₨464) per person, per day based on the spending of previous travelers. This includes fees paid for admission tickets to museums and attractions, day tours, and other sightseeing expenses.
-
Entertainment1
Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
$5.49
₨464
The monastery of the Dalai Lama, Tsuglagkhang Complex, is the largest Tibetan temple outside of Tibet. The complex has a large meditation hall with a number of beautiful statues and thangkas, as well as a Kalachakra temple with stunning murals of intricate design. The Tibet Museum is another place significant to Tibetan culture with a display on the history of Tibet and its people. The Tibetan Library, near the Tibetan Government in Exile, also has a small museum, while the Tibetan Institute of Performing Arts occasionally holds performances of traditional Tibetan dance, music, and theatre.
As far as natural scenery goes, Dharamsala is situated amidst the Himalayan region of northern India. The mountainous terrain makes for stunning landscapes at every turn. Triund Hill, for example, just beyond Dharamkot, provides a beautiful view of the peaks of the Himalayas and a vast view over the plains as well. Bhagsu Waterfall and Dal Lake are also significant natural attractions of the region, amongst others.
Trekking, walking, or backpacking are probably some of the most sought out activities of the region with hikes to some of the natural landmarks mentioned above - Triund Hill, Bhagsu waterfall, Dal Lake, and also Indrahar pass trek which meanders through the snowbound Dhauladhar Range in the Kangra valley and ends at Lamu. Many others also come to Dharamsala to meet, or at least see, the Dalai Lama. To meet "His Holiness" is a spiritual experience for Buddhists and memorable to all who respect the religion. It is not always easy to have this chance as the Dalai Lama travels frequently and private audiences are carefully chosen (applicants must supply detailed information about themselves and why they wish to see "His Holiness"). He does give scheduled public teachings, though they are often crowded.
Other activities in the immediate area include yoga, meditation, healing practices, paragliding, cooking classes, and thangka painting lessons.
Local tours that last a few hours can be a great way to explore Dharamsala. Prices vary by the type of activity or tour, the dates, and the size of the group. Here are a few of the highest rated tours by previous visitors:
- Dharamshala Street Food Crawl ( Guided Food Tasting Tour) for $24 details
- Hiking Day Tour to Triund from Dharamshala for $41 details
- Private 6 hrs Mcleodganj & Dharamshala City Tour for $56 details
Nightlife Budget in Dharamsala
Calculated from travelers like you
-
The average person spends about $5.49 (₨464) on nightlife and alcoholic beverages in Dharamsala per day. The more you spend on alcohol, the more fun you might be having despite your higher budget.
-
Alcohol2
Drinks for one day
$5.49
₨464
Nightlife is a blast when traveling, but scaling back on drinks can really help stretch your travel budget.
Traveling in Dharamsala
Dharamsala, India
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.
Neighborhoods & Around
The town is divided into two areas, separated by about 9 kilometers. Lower Dharamsala consists of mostly of the government offices, schools, hospital, and commercial areas. Aside from a few tea gardens and the bus station, it is usually of little interest to tourists. Upper Dharamsala, known more commonly as McLeod Ganj (after Sir Donald Friell McLeod, a British Lieutenant-Governor of Punjab), is home to the Tibetan community and is the center of tourist activity. Bhagsu is another quiet urban area just 2 kilometers northeast with shops, restaurants, and a public pool. Dharamkot, about 3.5 kilometers north uphill, also has a number of restaurants and hostels. Divided into lower and upper Dharamkot, lower Dharamkot is similar to a smaller Bhagsu while upper Dharamkot is nestled in the woods for a quiet escape close to backpacking trails.
We've been gathering travel costs from tens of thousands of actual travelers since 2010, and we use the data to calculate average daily travel costs for destinations around the world. We also systematically analyze the prices of hotels, hostels, and tours from travel providers such as Kayak, HostelWorld, TourRadar, Viator, and others. This combination of expenses from actual travelers, combined with pricing data from major travel companies, gives us a uniqe insight into the overall cost of travel for thousands of cities in countries around the world. You can see more here: How it Works.
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.