Study Tour to Dharamshala & McLeodganj from 04th to 08th Apr 2025

Mr. Jatinder Taneja - Managing Director

Travelers: Jatinder Taneja, Guneeta Taneja, Sehr Taneja and Veer Taneja

Purpose: Family cum Study trip

Duration: 4 nights

Itinerary:

• 2 nights at Storii by ITC Hotels, Dharamshala
• 2 nights at Hyatt Regency, near McLeodganj

General Observations

• Dharamshala: Clean town with well-maintained roads
• McLeodganj: Bustling area with vibrant markets and cultural sites
• Roads: Generally good, though 4-lane highway under construction between Pathankot and Dharamshala
• Airport: Kangra Airport is small (only ATR aircrafts), but a bigger airport is under construction
• IndiGo Airlines: Very good experience, good aircrafts and service
• SpiceJet: Poor experience on DEL–DHM sector (Veer & Sehr); not recommended

Accommodation Reviews

1. Storii by ITC Hotels, Dharamshala

• Altitude: Approx. 4,780 ft (1,457 m)
• Proximity: 20 minutes from Kangra Airport
• Rooms: 37 (Suites, Premier, and Standard)
• Amenities: Mountain and valley views, one restaurant, activity area, beautiful lawns
• Food: Very good
• Note: Some construction ongoing (banquet, pool, villas). Recommended for clients okay with lower altitude

2. Hyatt Regency, near McLeodganj

• Altitude: Approx. 6,831 ft (2,082 m)
• Location: Hilltop, about 2 km from McLeodganj
• Room Categories: Standard, Deluxe (with balcony), and Villas
• Views: Deodar trees, mountain views
• Facilities: Gym, indoor pool, restaurant, Cedar Deck party area (note monkey presence)
• Villas: 2 and 5-bedroom with living areas and sit-outs; upper floors not elderly-friendly
• Activities: Yoga, meditation, walking trails; special lunch arrangements
• Remarks: Highly recommended for high-end clients; well-rounded resort

Sightseeing & Visits

1. Norbulingka Institute

• Location: Near Storii ITC
• Description: Promotes Tibetan culture & Buddhism; beautifully maintained
• Recommendation: Guide recommended for historical context

2. HPCA Stadium, Dharamshala

• Experience: Scenic and interesting for cricket fans; entry ticket required

3. Brij Anayra Hotel, Dharamshala

• Altitude: Approx. 5,200 ft (1,585 m)
• Description: Colonial-style with 11 heritage rooms, tea gardens, cycling paths, great food
• Remarks: Highly recommended for clients seeking a unique experience

4. Fortune Park Moksha, McLeodganj

• Altitude: Approx. 6,831 ft (2,082 m)
• Location: Strawberry Hills, 10 km from McLeodganj
• Rooms: 60 rooms facing the valley; 35 newly renovated rooms recommended
• Facilities: Bar/restaurant, open-air deck, pool, games area; lobby pending renovation
• Remarks: Recommended for 3/4 star clients

Local Experiences

1. Dalai Lama Temple, McLeodganj

• Access: 10 minutes from Hyatt; free drop/pickup morning/evening, midday at ₹600 + tax
• Recommendation: Hire a guide for a deeper experience

2. McLeodganj Bazaar

A bustling market with antiques, paintings, and more. Worth a one-time visit.

3. Naddi Sunset Point

• Distance: 20 minutes from Hyatt
• Observation: Overcrowded due to cafés and hotel constructions; sunset viewing now limited to small, unkempt cafés
• Recommendation: Not suitable for inbound clients

Conclusion

The trip was enjoyable with comfortable stays and rich cultural experiences. Highlights included the Norbulingka Institute and Brij Anayra Hotel. However, areas like Naddi Sunset Point have lost their appeal due to overdevelopment.

Jatinder S. Taneja
Managing Director