mcleodganj-dharamshala trip

fanofu2 · Nov 5th, 2009, 11:17

cardinal - really need your advise here since you are so well aware of this area... after spending hours researching, I have narrowed down to either "8 auspicious him view hotel" which apparently the next best option after Chonor if one wants to have a Tibetan experience and clear value for money... or "Glenmoore cottages", which is a little pricey but seems to be very well positioned both from the views and privacy point of view and yet being close to the main market... i am looking for a combination of tibetan experience, serenity and yet not too far from the main market area so that my wife does not get worked up about how much she has to walk to go shopping!!

I am driving to mcdgnj so would need parking space also...

pls help...! sorry, i might have asked for a combination which may not exist but anything close to this utopian hotel i am looking for will help... cheers!

Cardinal Divide · Nov 5th, 2009, 12:58

I'll do my best. I have not been to either place but I have heard nothing but great things about both.
8 Auspicious Him View is down a steep section of Jogibara Road. It will be about a half kilometre walk up hill to the main market (shopping). It's great exercise though. You would need to ask the guest house about parking. It looks lovely and very Tibetan. Glenmoore Cottages is one of the best kept secrets in McLeod Ganj. Such a well kept secret that I often forget that it is there. Richard Gere really did stay there. I have seen a picture of him in front of one of the cottages. The cottages are not in Tibetan style so I assume it is Indian run. It is a nice flat walk to town but the road can be a little dirty if it has been raining unless the road has been paved. Parking should not be an issue.
It is a toss up. Glenmoor Cottage wins for serenity hands down because it is set in the forest on a little dead end road. As far as I know there are no neighbours and you shouldn’t be serenaded by barking dogs at night. Fantastic! 8 Auspicious Him View is a very nice Tibetan style guest house in a nice interesting neighbourhood, you will see lots of Tibetans in the street. There are some good restaurants, the awesome Japanese place is right there, and it is cheaper. If you can get a room with a view it will be a mountain view rather than the valley view from Glenmoor. Both views are great by the way!
Tough decision!

Cardinal Divide · Nov 5th, 2009, 13:07

I should mention that McLeod Ganj is, of course, very Tibetan so you won't miss out on the Tibetan experience you are looking for if you decide to stay at Glenmoor.
I'll add to your decision making troubles by suggesting that you might wan't to spend one night down at Norbulinkga at the Norling Guest House. it is the sister to Chonor House. There is a shop at Norbulingka that is out of this world but bring a credit card because it isn't cheap!

Cardinal Divide · Nov 5th, 2009, 13:20

Sorry one more thing. If you don't enjoy driving on really steep hills you might prefer Glenmoor. I have seen some drivers from the plains on Jogibara Road with their eyes nearly popping out of their heads. It can be a bit freaky if you aren't used to very steep narrow roads.

fanofu2 · Nov 5th, 2009, 17:30

thank you so much for the very balanced assessment cardinal...! but as u rightly said my decision making is not any easier now... though it is also not any more difficult since Norbulinkga at the Norling Guest House is also fully booked (that was the first one i checked once Chonor House ceased to be an option)

I guess like all wise men, I will leave the decision to wifey

and she is sure to choose Glenmoore once she sees your assessment... so, yes, i guess the decision is made!!

Thanks again Cardinal - u are a saviour!

one more thing - is the triund trek do-able in one day? (if not, then is there an option to trek up and ride down or something?)

fanofu2 · Nov 5th, 2009, 20:08

also, can u pls give the same kind of a balanced assessment between udechee huts and glenmoore?? sorry - last question!! :P

Cardinal Divide · Nov 5th, 2009, 23:12

Udechee Huts is a few kilometres from town so likely not what either of you are looking for on this trip.
Triund is totally doable in one day especially if you take a rickshaw to the trail head in Upper Dharamkot. It is only 9km to Triund from Dharamkot. I personally find the up hill climb and the altitude cause me and virtually everyone I have ever gone with to go a little slowly. Start early in the morning so that you have lots of time to enjoy the walk. It is really lovely. Wear good shoes and bring some warm clothes along in case the weather changes. There is no road to Triund so you will want to be prepared. Don’t forget water. You will find a chai shop about every 3 km along the trail.
I think that you will have a wonderful time no matter which guest house you choose.
I don't mind the questions at all. That's what I am here for. The more the merrier!

delhiwala · Nov 6th, 2009, 00:30

Quote:

Originally Posted by Cardinal Divide

....I don't mind the questions at all. That's what I am here for. The more the merrier!

The Hallmark of a true IMer..........

Cardinal Divide · Nov 6th, 2009, 09:08

I would post more often but my sphere of knowledge is limited to my experience over 14 months in McLeod Ganj and a combined total of 3 months in Delhi as a tourist. Between Majnu ka Tilla and McLeod Ganj I have a lot of friends so I seldom stay or travel elsewhere because of time constraints. One day....
In the meantime I lurk, waiting for the occasional topic such as this one where I can provide useful info

fanofu2 · Nov 7th, 2009, 00:52

hey cardinal - so here's more questions coming your way!

my mcleodganj plan is between 15th and 18th nov but my leave is up to 22nd. Any suggestions for something to do in the interim without making the trip too hectic? i will need two days to drive back, so that really leaves 19th and 20th as free days... one option i was thinking of was to drive down to chamba, stay there on 19th and 20th and then drive back straight from there starting 21st morning... if not chamba (in case roads are really bad or in case it is too long a distance) then what options do i have?

thanks again!

delhiwala · Nov 7th, 2009, 01:13

Dear Aman,

The question is for Cardinal Divide, but I am chipping in:

Why not go through Chamunda Devi, Palampur, Baijnath, Jwalamukhi, Chintpurni, Naina Devi, Nangal, Una, Anandpur Sahib.......

fanofu2 · Nov 7th, 2009, 01:26

thanks delhiwala! sorry the question was actually for anyone willing to answer... :P

thats a lot of choices... how many hours drive would each of these be? ideally anything that would take more than ~5 hours would probably make it less worthwhile given that we have only 2 days...

thanks

delhiwala · Nov 7th, 2009, 01:37

You can easily visit all these places in two days and return to Delhi.

Chamunda Devi and Baijnath are very close to Dharamshala you can do both these places by afternoon, if you start in morning, then you may come to Jwalamukhi Temple have Darshans and leave for Chintpurni for a night stay.

Next morning you may visit the Chintpurni Temple and then go to Naina Devi (Use ropeway for saving time)...After that you may rush to Delhi.....may be with a quick stop at Anandpur Sahib....

We did such a journey 3 years back, we covered all these places in 4 days including Baba Balak Nath Temple at Dyotsiddh too...

fanofu2 · Nov 7th, 2009, 02:16

thanks again dilliwala... any suggestions further up (or around) the hills?

Cardinal Divide · Nov 7th, 2009, 11:01

I am afraid that I am useless for helping plan a trip around HP by car but I would recommend Kangra Fort and Masrur Rock Temple. Rawalsar is one of the most enchanting places that I have ever seen but it would be out of your way.

Nov 5th, 2009, 11:17	#16
fanofu2 Member Join Date: Oct 2009 Location: delhi Posts: 25	confused about hotels!! cardinal - really need your advise here since you are so well aware of this area... after spending hours researching, I have narrowed down to either "8 auspicious him view hotel" which apparently the next best option after Chonor if one wants to have a Tibetan experience and clear value for money... or "Glenmoore cottages", which is a little pricey but seems to be very well positioned both from the views and privacy point of view and yet being close to the main market... i am looking for a combination of tibetan experience, serenity and yet not too far from the main market area so that my wife does not get worked up about how much she has to walk to go shopping!! I am driving to mcdgnj so would need parking space also... pls help...! sorry, i might have asked for a combination which may not exist but anything close to this utopian hotel i am looking for will help... cheers!

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Nov 5th, 2009, 12:58	#17
Cardinal Divide Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: Canada Posts: 202	I'll do my best. I have not been to either place but I have heard nothing but great things about both. 8 Auspicious Him View is down a steep section of Jogibara Road. It will be about a half kilometre walk up hill to the main market (shopping). It's great exercise though. You would need to ask the guest house about parking. It looks lovely and very Tibetan. Glenmoore Cottages is one of the best kept secrets in McLeod Ganj. Such a well kept secret that I often forget that it is there. Richard Gere really did stay there. I have seen a picture of him in front of one of the cottages. The cottages are not in Tibetan style so I assume it is Indian run. It is a nice flat walk to town but the road can be a little dirty if it has been raining unless the road has been paved. Parking should not be an issue. It is a toss up. Glenmoor Cottage wins for serenity hands down because it is set in the forest on a little dead end road. As far as I know there are no neighbours and you shouldn’t be serenaded by barking dogs at night. Fantastic! 8 Auspicious Him View is a very nice Tibetan style guest house in a nice interesting neighbourhood, you will see lots of Tibetans in the street. There are some good restaurants, the awesome Japanese place is right there, and it is cheaper. If you can get a room with a view it will be a mountain view rather than the valley view from Glenmoor. Both views are great by the way! Tough decision!

Nov 5th, 2009, 13:07	#18
Cardinal Divide Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: Canada Posts: 202	I should mention that McLeod Ganj is, of course, very Tibetan so you won't miss out on the Tibetan experience you are looking for if you decide to stay at Glenmoor. I'll add to your decision making troubles by suggesting that you might wan't to spend one night down at Norbulinkga at the Norling Guest House. it is the sister to Chonor House. There is a shop at Norbulingka that is out of this world but bring a credit card because it isn't cheap!

Nov 5th, 2009, 13:20	#19
Cardinal Divide Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: Canada Posts: 202	Sorry one more thing. If you don't enjoy driving on really steep hills you might prefer Glenmoor. I have seen some drivers from the plains on Jogibara Road with their eyes nearly popping out of their heads. It can be a bit freaky if you aren't used to very steep narrow roads.

Nov 5th, 2009, 17:30	#20
fanofu2 Member Join Date: Oct 2009 Location: delhi Posts: 25	thank you so much for the very balanced assessment cardinal...! but as u rightly said my decision making is not any easier now... though it is also not any more difficult since Norbulinkga at the Norling Guest House is also fully booked (that was the first one i checked once Chonor House ceased to be an option) I guess like all wise men, I will leave the decision to wifey and she is sure to choose Glenmoore once she sees your assessment... so, yes, i guess the decision is made!! Thanks again Cardinal - u are a saviour! one more thing - is the triund trek do-able in one day? (if not, then is there an option to trek up and ride down or something?)

Nov 5th, 2009, 20:08	#21
fanofu2 Member Join Date: Oct 2009 Location: delhi Posts: 25	also, can u pls give the same kind of a balanced assessment between udechee huts and glenmoore?? sorry - last question!! :P

Nov 5th, 2009, 23:12	#22
Cardinal Divide Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: Canada Posts: 202	Udechee Huts is a few kilometres from town so likely not what either of you are looking for on this trip. Triund is totally doable in one day especially if you take a rickshaw to the trail head in Upper Dharamkot. It is only 9km to Triund from Dharamkot. I personally find the up hill climb and the altitude cause me and virtually everyone I have ever gone with to go a little slowly. Start early in the morning so that you have lots of time to enjoy the walk. It is really lovely. Wear good shoes and bring some warm clothes along in case the weather changes. There is no road to Triund so you will want to be prepared. Don’t forget water. You will find a chai shop about every 3 km along the trail. I think that you will have a wonderful time no matter which guest house you choose. I don't mind the questions at all. That's what I am here for. The more the merrier!

Nov 6th, 2009, 09:08	#24
Cardinal Divide Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: Canada Posts: 202	I would post more often but my sphere of knowledge is limited to my experience over 14 months in McLeod Ganj and a combined total of 3 months in Delhi as a tourist. Between Majnu ka Tilla and McLeod Ganj I have a lot of friends so I seldom stay or travel elsewhere because of time constraints. One day.... In the meantime I lurk, waiting for the occasional topic such as this one where I can provide useful info

Nov 7th, 2009, 00:52	#25
fanofu2 Member Join Date: Oct 2009 Location: delhi Posts: 25	hey cardinal - so here's more questions coming your way! my mcleodganj plan is between 15th and 18th nov but my leave is up to 22nd. Any suggestions for something to do in the interim without making the trip too hectic? i will need two days to drive back, so that really leaves 19th and 20th as free days... one option i was thinking of was to drive down to chamba, stay there on 19th and 20th and then drive back straight from there starting 21st morning... if not chamba (in case roads are really bad or in case it is too long a distance) then what options do i have? thanks again!

Nov 7th, 2009, 01:13	#26
delhiwala IM what IM Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: Indeyah ! Posts: 4,813	Dear Aman, The question is for Cardinal Divide, but I am chipping in: Why not go through Chamunda Devi, Palampur, Baijnath, Jwalamukhi, Chintpurni, Naina Devi, Nangal, Una, Anandpur Sahib.......

Nov 7th, 2009, 01:26	#27
fanofu2 Member Join Date: Oct 2009 Location: delhi Posts: 25	thanks delhiwala! sorry the question was actually for anyone willing to answer... :P thats a lot of choices... how many hours drive would each of these be? ideally anything that would take more than ~5 hours would probably make it less worthwhile given that we have only 2 days... thanks

Nov 7th, 2009, 01:37	#28
delhiwala IM what IM Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: Indeyah ! Posts: 4,813	You can easily visit all these places in two days and return to Delhi. Chamunda Devi and Baijnath are very close to Dharamshala you can do both these places by afternoon, if you start in morning, then you may come to Jwalamukhi Temple have Darshans and leave for Chintpurni for a night stay. Next morning you may visit the Chintpurni Temple and then go to Naina Devi (Use ropeway for saving time)...After that you may rush to Delhi.....may be with a quick stop at Anandpur Sahib.... We did such a journey 3 years back, we covered all these places in 4 days including Baba Balak Nath Temple at Dyotsiddh too...

Nov 7th, 2009, 02:16	#29
fanofu2 Member Join Date: Oct 2009 Location: delhi Posts: 25	thanks again dilliwala... any suggestions further up (or around) the hills?

Nov 7th, 2009, 11:01	#30
Cardinal Divide Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: Canada Posts: 202	I am afraid that I am useless for helping plan a trip around HP by car but I would recommend Kangra Fort and Masrur Rock Temple. Rawalsar is one of the most enchanting places that I have ever seen but it would be out of your way.