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Pakistan Karakoram Highway Expedition
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Chonor House is a unique Tibetan style hotel, set in the foothills of the Himalayas in Dharamsala, northern India. This is a Norbulingka Institute project who aim to preserve Tibetan customs and way of life. David Porter, the British architect designed it to ensure the style blends with the natural environment and preserves the pine & cedar trees which dominate the surrounds. Situated near Thekchen Chöling Temple and the Dalai Lama’s residence, it’s the best place to stay in Mcleod Ganj.
Overlooking the Kangra valley, Chonor House features just 11 Tibetan style rooms. All are unique in shape and size, individually decorated in a typical Tibetan style with striking wall paintings and murals created by Norbulingka’s Tibetan artists. Rooms are furnished with colourful carved wooden furniture and hand knotted carpets. Ensuite bathrooms have 24 hrs hot & cold water, an electric kettle, a gas heater for winters and a mini fridge.
Dining is mostly authentic Tibetan cuisine, mixed with Indian and continental dishes. Guests at the Chonor House, with experience the Tibetan hospitality, cuisine and some parts of the Tibetan culture. But for better understanding, guests can visit Dalai Lama Temple Complex in McLeod Ganj and Tibet Museum to know the history of Tibet. Also visit the elegant Deden Tsuglagkhang temple built in a traditional Tibetan style or local markets to buy Tibetan handicrafts.
Amenities
Bar/PubCoffee ShopConciergeCribs/Infant Beds AvailableDisabled FacilitiesGardenLibraryMeeting/Conference FacilitiesMultilingual StaffRestaurantSafety Deposit BoxesSalonSpa/SaunaStay Chonor House features a range of 11 different rooms. Each room is uniquely decorated with a different Tibetan theme, with murals, flora and fauna of Tibet. All rooms are different in shapes and sizes but all enjoy spectacular views of the surrounding natural habitat. Ensuite bathrooms have modern amenities with running hot and cold water. Amenities include an electric kettle, gas heater for those colder winter months, a mini fridge and WI-FI internet connectivity.
ChildCare Families with children are welcome to stay at the Chonor House but there are no specific facilities available. Babysitting service can be arranged, on request.
Dine The in-house restaurant at the Chonor House serves traditional Tibetan cuisine supported with Indian and continental favourite dishes. Meals are served in the restaurant decorated in typical Tibetan style and decoration. The food is prepared by specialist cooks with locally sourced fresh ingredients and is known for its hygiene consciousness.
Relax There is no swimming pool or spa but you won’t be really needing it. There are internet facilities, lounge, gift shop and travel desk. There is room service and laundry service available. Both Mastercard and Visa are accepted.
Experience McLeod Ganj is situated ten kilometres uphill from the main Dharamsala city where life revolves around this Buddhist temple complex, linked to the off-limits private residence of the Dalai Lama. Staff at the Chonor House will be happy to organise day tours with visits to Namgyal Monastery and Tsuglakhang Temple, the latter surrounded by elaborate artwork and murals painted by Thangka painters. It houses 1,500-year-old idol relics brought from Lhasa during the Cultural Revolution.
Location 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.
Getting there Fly to Delhi Indira Gandhi International Airport, followed by an overnight train to Pathankot Railway Station. Chonor House is a 2-hour drive from Pathankot.
When to go 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.
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