5-Day Amritsar Dharamshala Tour: McLeod Ganj and the Golden Temple

Our Amritsar Dharamshala tour joins two of the most peaceful places in North India. Spend three nights in Dharamshala and McLeod Ganj, the home of the Dalai Lama, below the snow peaks of the Dhauladhar range. Then drive down to Amritsar for the Wagah Border ceremony and the Golden Temple at dawn. It is a private tour with your own car, driver and local guides.

Shamrock Journeys is a trusted Himachal tour operator. Since 2002 we have planned private Himachal and Punjab tours for families, couples and groups.

Tour at a Glance

Here are the key facts of the 5-day Amritsar Dharamshala tour.

Tour name: Dharamshala with Amritsar
Duration: 5 days and 4 nights
Route: Dharamshala (3 nights), Amritsar (1 night)
Starts: Amritsar, Pathankot, Kangra (Gaggal) airport or Chandigarh. Ends: Amritsar
Tour type: private tour with car, driver and local guides
Highlights: the Tsuglagkhang temple, McLeod Ganj, Bhagsu Falls, Kangra Fort or Triund, the Wagah Border ceremony and the Golden Temple
Best time: October to June

Why Choose This Tour

Two faiths, two moods: Tibetan Buddhist McLeod Ganj and the Sikh Golden Temple in one short trip.
Three nights in the hills: time to slow down, with a free day for Kangra Fort or the Triund trek.
Easy to reach: Amritsar has direct flights from Delhi, Mumbai and other cities.
Short and complete: one of our best short Himachal tour packages, ideal for a long weekend.
Private and flexible: change any day, any hotel and the pace.

Amritsar Dharamshala Tour Itinerary

This is the day-by-day plan of the Amritsar Dharamshala tour.

Day 1: Arrive and Drive to Dharamshala

We meet you at Amritsar airport or station, about 200 km and four to five hours from Dharamshala, or at Pathankot station (about 90 km) or Kangra airport (about 15 km). Drive into the Kangra Valley with the Dhauladhar peaks ahead, check in to your hotel and rest.

Overnight: Dharamshala

Day 2: McLeod Ganj and Tibetan Culture

With a local guide, visit the Tsuglagkhang complex, the main temple next to the residence of the Dalai Lama, and the Namgyal Monastery. Walk the lanes of the McLeod Ganj market, then go up to the Bhagsu Nag temple and Bhagsu Falls. On the way back, see the HPCA cricket stadium with the mountains behind it.

Meals: breakfast. Overnight: Dharamshala. Read our Dharamshala travel guide.

Day 3: Kangra Fort or the Triund Trek

Choose your day. Drive to Kangra Fort, an old fort above two rivers, and the Masroor rock-cut temples. Or walk up to Triund, a ridge with close views of the snow peaks, about four to five hours up with a guide. Or simply rest, with a visit to Naddi and Dal Lake for the sunset.

Meals: breakfast. Overnight: Dharamshala

Day 4: Dharamshala to Amritsar and the Wagah Border

Drive to Amritsar, about four to five hours, and check in to your hotel. In the late afternoon, go to the Attari-Wagah border for the flag-lowering ceremony, full of music and national pride.

Meals: breakfast. Overnight: Amritsar

Day 5: The Golden Temple and Departure

Day five is the highlight of the Amritsar Dharamshala tour. Visit the Golden Temple early in the morning, when the gold glows on the holy pool. Share a simple meal at the langar, the free community kitchen, then walk to the Jallianwala Bagh memorial. We then take you to Amritsar airport or station. Your Amritsar Dharamshala tour ends here.

Meals: breakfast. Read our Amritsar guide.

What Is Included

Your Amritsar Dharamshala tour includes:

Four nights in hotels of your choice, from 3-star to luxury, on a twin or double sharing basis
Breakfast every day
A private air-conditioned car with driver for all transfers and sightseeing
A local guide in McLeod Ganj and Amritsar
All taxes, tolls, parking and driver costs

What Is Not Included

Flights and trains
Lunch and dinner
Entry tickets and the Triund trek guide
Personal expenses and travel insurance

Best Time for This Tour

The Amritsar Dharamshala tour is best from October to June. October and November bring clear mountain views, December to February is cold with snow on the peaks, and March to June is pleasant in the hills but hot in Amritsar. July to September brings very heavy rain to Dharamshala.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the Amritsar Dharamshala tour private?

Yes. You travel with your own car and driver, with local guides.

Can I start in Amritsar instead?

Yes. We can visit the Golden Temple and Wagah first, and end the tour in the hills.

Is the Golden Temple open to everyone?

Yes. People of all faiths are welcome. Cover your head, take off your shoes and wash your feet before you enter.

Is the Triund trek difficult?

It is a moderate walk of about four to five hours up. We suggest it for guests who are used to walking.

Can I add Dalhousie?

Yes. Our 6-day Dharamshala, Dalhousie and Amritsar tour adds two nights in Dalhousie and Khajjiar.

How much does the Amritsar Dharamshala tour cost?

The price depends on your hotels, the number of travellers and the season. Tell us your plans and we will send a clear quotation.

More Tours with Amritsar

Many guests change or extend their Amritsar Dharamshala tour.

4-day Dalhousie with Amritsar tour: Dalhousie and Khajjiar instead of Dharamshala.
6-day Dharamshala, Dalhousie and Amritsar tour: both hill stations.
7-day Himalayas to the Golden Temple tour: the same route at an easier pace.
8-day Himachal with Amritsar and Katra tour: with Vaishno Devi.

See our Dharamshala tour packages and all our Himachal tour packages. We are one of the best tour operators for North India, and we also plan the best North India tours, from the Himalayas to Rajasthan and the Taj Mahal. Ready to book your Amritsar Dharamshala tour? Request your free quote

Plan Your India Holiday with Shamrock Journeys

Shamrock Journeys is a trusted India tour operator and holiday planner. Since 2002 we have designed private India tour packages, family tour packages, honeymoon tours and cultural tours for travellers from around the world.

Recognised and trusted: Recognised by the Ministry of Tourism, Government of India. Member of PATA, TAAI, IATO and ADTOI.

Tell us your travel dates and we will send you a personal itinerary. Request your free quote