Budget-Friendly 4-Day Itinerary for Amritsar and Dharamshala

Day 1: Explore Amritsar

Amritsar, India

7:30 AM

Breakfast at Ahuja Milk Bhandar

Start your day with some delicious Amritsari kulchas served with a side of chole and fresh lassi at this local favourite.
Located a short walk from the Golden Temple.
INR 200, 1 hour

8:30 AM

Visit Golden Temple

Explore the iconic Golden Temple, the spiritual hub of the Sikhs, offering serene views and a peaceful atmosphere.
From Ahuja Milk Bhandar, it’s a 10-minute walk.
Free, 2 hours

10:30 AM

Jallianwala Bagh Memorial

Learn about the tragic history of India at Jallianwala Bagh, which commemorates the massacre of 1919.
Just a 15-minute walk from the Golden Temple.
Free, 1 hour

12:00 PM

Lunch at Krishna Veera's

Enjoy traditional Punjabi thali for lunch, filled with local flavours and hearty portions.
Head down to Lawrence Road, about a 10-minute drive.
INR 350, 1 hour

1:00 PM

Partition Museum Visit

Discover the poignant stories of the partition of India through various artifacts and exhibits.
A short 5-minute drive from the restaurant.
INR 200, 1.5 hours

3:00 PM

Shopping at Hall Bazaar

Wander through the bustling Hall Bazaar filled with local handicrafts, textiles, and souvenirs.
Just a 10-minute walk from the museum.
Free (excludes shopping), 1.5 hours

5:00 PM

Evening Lighting Ceremony at Golden Temple

Return to the Golden Temple for the mesmerising evening ceremony where the holy book is put to rest.
Walk back to the temple for this evening spectacle.
Free, 1 hour

6:30 PM

Dinner at Bharawan Da Dhaba

Savour delicious traditional Punjabi dishes like butter chicken and dal makhani in a classic dhaba setting.
About a 15-minute walk from the temple.
INR 400, 1.5 hours
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Day 2: Amritsar to Dharamshala

Amritsar, India

8:00 AM

Breakfast at Puriwala

Enjoy crispy puris served with alloo sabzi and sweet lassi to fuel your day.
Located near the bus stand.
INR 150, 1 hour

9:00 AM

Travel to Dharamshala

Catch an early bus from Amritsar to Dharamshala, enjoying the scenic views on the way.
Board at the Amritsar Bus Station.
INR 600, 7 hours

4:30 PM

Check-in at Hotel

Settle into your hotel and relax a bit after your journey.
Your hotel will typically be near McLeod Ganj.
INR 1500 (per night), 1 hour

5:30 PM

Explore McLeod Ganj

Stroll through the charming streets of McLeod Ganj and soak in the Tibetan culture and lifestyle.
Just a walking distance from your hotel.
Free, 1.5 hours

7:00 PM

Dinner at The Taste of Asia

Relish a variety of Tibetan and Asian delicacies, including momos and fried rice.
Located in McLeod Ganj.
INR 500, 1.5 hours
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Day 3: Discover Dharamshala

Dharamshala, India

8:00 AM

Breakfast at BobsnBarley

Start your day with pancakes or a full English breakfast in this cozy setting.
A quick 10-minute walk from your hotel.
INR 300, 1 hour

9:00 AM

Bhagsu Waterfall Trek

Take a refreshing trek to the stunning Bhagsu Waterfall, a perfect spot for photos and relaxation.
Follow the trek route from McLeod Ganj, about 30 minutes walk.
Free, 2 hours

11:30 AM

Visit Bhagsunath Temple

Check out the local temple, located very close to the waterfall, famous for its old architecture.
5-minute walk from the waterfall.
Free, 30 minutes

12:30 PM

Lunch at Jimmy's Italian Kitchen

Savour Italian dishes and wood-fired pizzas at this popular eatery.
Walk back to McLeod Ganj, about 15 minutes.
INR 400, 1 hour

1:30 PM

Visit the Tibetan Museum

Learn about Tibetan culture and history with enriching exhibits.
Just 10 minutes walk from the restaurant.
Free, 1.5 hours

3:00 PM

Explore the Tsuglagkhang Complex

Discover the main temple and home of the Dalai Lama, filled with serene beauty.
Directly adjacent to the Tibetan Museum.
Free, 1 hour

4:00 PM

Relax at Norbulingka Institute

Spend your afternoon getting to know Tibetan art at this tranquil centre.
Located a short taxi ride away from downtown.
INR 100 for transport, 2 hours

6:30 PM

Dinner at Tibet Kitchen

End your day with some delightful Tibetan dishes, including traditional thukpa and momos.
Return to McLeod Ganj via taxi.
INR 400, 1.5 hours
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Day 4: Farewell Dharamshala

Dharamshala, India

8:00 AM

Breakfast at Common Ground Cafe

Try their sumptuous breakfast bowls or smoothie bowls to start your day right.
Located in McLeod Ganj.
INR 300, 1 hour

9:00 AM

Visit Dharamshala Cricket Ground

Take a walk around this picturesque cricket ground, famous for its stunning backdrop of the Himalayas.
Easily accessible via local transport.
Free, 1 hour

10:00 AM

Shopping for Souvenirs

Spend some time picking up gifts and reflections of your trip from the local shops.
Head back to McLeod Ganj market.
Free (excludes shopping), 1.5 hours

11:30 AM

Lunch at The Diner

Relax and enjoy burgers or sandwiches in this casual dining spot.
Located in McLeod Ganj.
INR 400, 1.5 hours

1:00 PM

Head back to Amritsar

Make your way back to Amritsar for your departure by bus.
Train or bus journey back to Amritsar takes around 7 hours.
INR 600, 7 hours
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