7-Day Family-Friendly Road Trip in Dharamshala: Nature and City Experiences

Day 1: Welcome to Dharamshala

Dharamshala, India

9:00 AM

Breakfast at Hotel

Start your day with a hearty breakfast at your hotel with options such as parathas, eggs, and fresh fruit.
Enjoy your meal before exploring the vibrant surroundings.
INR500, 1 hour

10:30 AM

Visit Dalai Lama Temple

Immerse yourself in Buddhist culture at the serene Dalai Lama Temple complex, learning about the teachings of His Holiness.
A 15-minute drive from central Dharamshala.
Free, 1.5 hours

12:00 PM

Explore Dharamkot Village

Take a short hike to the quaint village of Dharamkot for breathtaking views and authentic local shops.
A 30-minute hike from the temple.
Free, 2 hours

2:00 PM

Lunch at The Jungle Restaurant

Savor a delicious lunch featuring fresh ingredients in a beautiful natural setting.
Drive back to Dharamshala, about 20 minutes.
INR800, 1 hour

3:30 PM

Visit HPCA Stadium

Step inside this stunning cricket stadium surrounded by the Himalayas and capture some unforgettable family photos.
A 15-minute drive from the restaurant.
INR100, 1 hour

5:00 PM

Relax at Naddi Viewpoint

End the day at Naddi Viewpoint for breathtaking sunset views of the Dhauladhar Range.
A 20-minute drive from the stadium.
Free, 1 hour

7:00 PM

Dinner at The Art Cafe

Enjoy a delightful dinner with options like pizza and pasta in a cozy atmosphere.
Short drive back to McLeod Ganj, approximately 20 minutes.
INR900, 1.5 hours
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Day 2: Exploring McLeod Ganj

McLeod Ganj, India

8:00 AM

Breakfast at The Tibet Kitchen

Enjoy delicious Tibetan specials like momos and traditional tea to fuel your day.
Short walk from your hotel.
INR600, 1 hour

9:30 AM

Tibetan Museum

Discover the rich history and culture of Tibet through engaging exhibits in this museum.
Walk over, around 15 minutes.
Free, 1 hour

11:00 AM

Bhagsunag Waterfall

Hike to this stunning waterfall, a perfect spot for the kids to enjoy some splashing around.
A 30-minute walk from the museum.
Free, 2 hours

1:00 PM

Lunch at Bhagsu Restaurant

Relish local flavors with dishes such as thukpa and fried rice at this cozy eatery.
At the waterfall site.
INR700, 1 hour

2:30 PM

Visit Bhagsunath Temple

Proximity to the waterfall, visit this ancient temple dedicated to Lord Shiva.
Located right next to the restaurant.
Free, 30 minutes

3:15 PM

Return Hike to McLeod Ganj

Enjoy the scenic trails and beautiful views back to McLeod Ganj.
A 30-minute hike back.
Free, 1 hour

4:30 PM

Stroll through Local Markets

Explore delightful handicrafts, clothing, and souvenirs in the vibrant local markets.
Short walk from your hotel.
Free, 1.5 hours

6:30 PM

Dinner at The Divine Court

Try a mix of Indian and Tibetan cuisine with family favorites like butter chicken and noodles.
A short walk from the market.
INR850, 1.5 hours
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Day 3: Nature in Bhagsunag

Bhagsunag, India

8:00 AM

Breakfast at Hotel

Enjoy breakfast at your hotel featuring local delicacies and continental options.
At your hotel.
INR500, 1 hour

9:30 AM

Bhagsunag Waterfall Relaxation

Enjoy a leisurely morning soaking in the beauty of the waterfall and swimming in the natural pools.
Down the path from your hotel.
Free, 2 hours

11:30 AM

Visit Tibetan Monastery

Explore the nearby Tibetan monastery to experience spiritual art and architecture.
A short hike back to the main area.
Free, 1 hour

1:00 PM

Lunch at The Green Restaurant

Choose from various health-conscious options, including salads and smoothies.
Driving distance from the monastery, approximately 10 minutes.
INR750, 1 hour

2:30 PM

Explore Bhagsunag Village

Stroll through this picturesque village filled with colorful houses and local shops.
Walk back to the village from the restaurant.
Free, 1.5 hours

4:00 PM

Yoga Session for Families

Engage in a fun family yoga session at one of the local studios to unwind together.
A short drive back to McLeod Ganj.
INR1000, 2 hours

6:30 PM

Dinner at Nick’s Italian Kitchen

Treat your family to authentic Italian cuisine including wood-fired pizzas and homemade pasta.
Near the yoga studio.
INR1000, 1.5 hours
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Day 4: Adventure on Triund Trek

Triund, India

7:00 AM

Breakfast at Hotel

Fuel up early with breakfast at the hotel, preparing for an adventurous trek.
At your hotel.
INR500, 1 hour

8:30 AM

Start Triund Trek

Begin your trek towards Triund, surrounded by stunning mountain views.
Drive to the trek starting point, about 30 minutes.
Free, 2-3 hours

11:30 AM

Reach Triund

Take a well-deserved break at Triund, reveling in panoramic views of the Dhauladhar Range.
N/A, it's the destination.
Free, 1 hour

12:30 PM

Packed Lunch at Triund

Enjoy a picnic-style lunch you packed earlier while soaking in the majestic surroundings.
At Triund.
INR500 (packed lunch cost), 1.5 hours

2:00 PM

Begin Descent

Start your descent back while soaking in the beautiful views one last time.
Same trail back down.
Free, 2-3 hours

4:30 PM

Return to Hotel

Rest and refresh at the hotel after a day of adventure.
Drive back to your hotel.
Free, 30 minutes

6:00 PM

Dinner at Jimmy’s Italian Kitchen

Wrap up the day with delicious Italian fare and relaxing ambiance.
Near your hotel.
INR900, 1.5 hours
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Day 5: Cultural Exploration

Dharamshala, India

8:00 AM

Breakfast at Hotel

Start your day with a wholesome breakfast at your hotel.
At your hotel.
INR500, 1 hour

9:30 AM

Visit Namgyal Monastery

Explore this important Tibetan Buddhist monastery, attending a morning prayer session if possible.
Drive to the monastery, about 15 minutes.
Free, 1.5 hours

11:00 AM

Tashi Jong Monastery Visit

Experience the tranquility and beauty of this nearby monastery with impressive architecture.
Drive about 20 minutes from Namgyal.
Free, 1.5 hours

1:00 PM

Lunch at The Himalayan Cafe

Savor a delightful mix of Himalayan and Indian dishes suitable for the whole family.
Short drive back to the cafe in Dharamshala.
INR700, 1 hour

2:30 PM

Visit Norbulingka Institute

Learn about Tibetan arts and crafts through workshops and exhibitions.
Drive to Norbulingka, about 30 minutes.
Free, 2 hours

4:30 PM

Explore Local Craft Shops

Visit local artisan shops and show support for the community.
Return to Dharamshala.
Free, 1.5 hours

6:30 PM

Dinner at The Diner

Relax with a casual dinner featuring American-style comfort food.
In central Dharamshala.
INR800, 1.5 hours
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Day 6: Visit Palampur

Palampur, India

8:00 AM

Breakfast at Hotel

Have breakfast before heading out to Palampur.
At your hotel.
INR500, 1 hour

9:30 AM

Drive to Palampur

Set off on a picturesque drive to Palampur, famous for its tea gardens.
Drive approximately 1 hour.
Free, 1 hour

10:30 AM

Visit Tea Gardens

Tour through the sprawling tea plantations and learn about tea production.
Located in the heart of Palampur.
Free (tour may vary), 1.5 hours

12:00 PM

Lunch at Cafe The Tea Garden

Enjoy a tasty lunch surrounded by the natural beauty of tea fields.
On-site at the tea garden.
INR800, 1 hour

1:30 PM

Visit Palampur Monastery

Explore this tranquil monastery and take in its serene atmosphere.
Short drive from the cafe.
Free, 1 hour

3:00 PM

Explore Local Artisan Shops

Support local craftsmen by exploring shops selling handmade goods.
Back to the town center.
Free, 1.5 hours

5:00 PM

Return to Dharamshala

Head back to Dharamshala after a delightful day in Palampur.
Drive approximately 1 hour back.
Free, 1 hour

6:30 PM

Dinner at The Clay Oven

Conclude your day with a lovely dinner serving an array of Indian dishes.
In Dharamshala.
INR900, 1.5 hours
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Day 7: Departure

Dharamshala, India

8:00 AM

Breakfast at Hotel

Enjoy a final breakfast at your hotel with your family, sharing memories of your trip.
At your hotel.
INR500, 1 hour

9:30 AM

Visit Local Café for Souvenirs

Stop by a local café to grab some last-minute souvenirs and gifts.
Short walk to the nearby café.
Cost varies, 1 hour

11:00 AM

Check-out

Wrap up your stay, check out of the hotel, and get ready for your departure.
At your hotel.
Free, 30 minutes

12:00 PM

Heading Home

Depart from Dharamshala with heartfelt souvenirs and beautiful memories.
Drive to your departure point.
Free, N/A
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