Chonor House
McLeod Ganj, Dharamshala
Owned by the Norbulingka Institute, which is committed to preserving and promoting Tibetan art and culture, Chonor House is a simple and totally authentic ‘Tibet in exile’ hotel right next to the Dalai Lama’s residence in the heart of Mcleod Ganj, or little Tibet. This small hotel provides a homely, spiritual place to gather your thoughts after an insightful day exploring the temple complex right outside.
The handful of rooms and suites are vibrantly decorated with Tibetan scenes and full of interesting artwork and furniture. Everything is carefully thought out to faithfully represent the region for visitors. It isn’t by any stretch of the imagination high end luxury, but it is comfortable, welcoming and full of character.
Location
Situated in the heart of McLeod Ganj, overlooking the Dalai Lama’s monastery and quiet hillsides scattered with houses, this hotel’s location exudes complete tranquility.
A little more detail
A handful of rooms & suites
Tibetan and Indian cuisine
Yoga
Temple visits
From a client…
An extraordinarily characterful place to visit. Luxury was dialled down compared to the rest of the trip but we loved it.
Image gallery
Why we love it
Discover what to expect from staying at Chonor House
Wholesome atmosphere
For anyone that went backpacking in their youth, Chonor House will bring a little bit of nostalgia, even if only for a few moments. It's no hostel, however, more akin to a boutique hotel. It feels right to stay here when visiting Dharamshala. This isn’t a Tibetan fairy tale, but a small, honestly run showcase of the country. With its impeccable provenance, a full house of Tibetan staff, and proceeds going to the Norbulingka charity, a stay at Chonor House feels wholesome.
Sweeping views
Pausing to take in your surroundings and anchor yourself in the moment is an essential part of meaningful travel. When you’re in a location as beautiful as this, finding those moments is a breeze. Breathe in the tranquillity as you sit on the stone balcony overlooking the Kangra Valley.
What can you do there?
When you’re not engaged in exploring the area, the hotel offers the opportunity to deepen your knowledge of Tibetan art through interactive workshops.
Community Connections
Profits from a stay at Chonor House go to the Norbulingka Institute. This charity has a wide remit but at its heart is the preservation of Tibetan artistic skills and methods. The funds they generate keep artists in stable income and focused on their craft and with additional help for childcare and access to health. A noble enterprise and one with very direct links to the Dalai Lama.
