Chonor House

It was a once in a lifetime experience stay which room is all contained by Norbulingka arts. I could watch Himalaya mountains from the window.

A charming hotel in the centre of town. Our room was comfortable, and if the mist/fog had cleared, would have offered great views over the valley. Had dinner there one evening which was nice. Our one criticism, although not the fault of the hotel, is the number of street dogs very close to the hotel, who barked throughout the nights we were there, making sleep near impossible. For this reason alone we would not recommend this hotel.

Excellent location but would be difficult for people with mobility problems. If you like generic, international 4/5* hotels, this place is not for you. By staying in this unique hotel, you’ll be supporting the Norbulingka Institute. Staff are friendly, food is fine and the rooms are totally unique, some with great balconies and incredible views. But it is all a little tired I’m afraid.

Wie stayed for 3 nights and had the 8 auspicious suite which has a living room and a bedroom both with beautfiul wooden floor and all decorated with Tangkas, Lamps and other nice things from the Norbulingka Institute. It is a beautiful hotel with a nice terrace where you can have breakfast or dinner. We liked the very friendly hotel staff, the service during the breakfast could be a bit better though. I recommend the hotel for a stay in the center of Mc Leod with a great ******* mountain atmosphere.

The guesthouse entrance is up a very steep narrow road and there are further steep steps to reception. We were warmly welcomed with a cup of honey tea and our bags were carried from the car for us. Our room was in an annex opposite the reception area. It was shabby and very basic but we accepted it and went out to explore. The real problems started when we tried to sleep. The generator outside our window was off and on all night - I was told it drove the air con for the kitchen freezers. Then the stray dogs who had been sleeping peacefully in the alleyway during the day came alive once it got dark and again at various times throughout the night and early morning. We asked the night receptionist if any other rooms were available but were told not but she would leave a note for the manager. We spoke with the manager next morning and were moved to a much nicer room at reception level at no extra cost. Although it was still possible to hear the generator in this room it wasn’t so bad. The dogs however are a permanent problem. You should also be aware that there is building work ongoing on the 3rd floor which I believe was the restaurant. Breakfast was taken in the lounge. All of the staff we approached were very helpful but they must have been aware of the generator noise and hopefully something will be done about it.

This is a wonderful hotel. My family of 5 had two rooms for nearly a month’s long stay. Chonor is a sanctuary from the hustle and bustle of McLeod Ganj. It’s wonderfully situated in the midst of McLeod but off the beaten path. It’s very well managed, with a friendly and helpful staff. The food was great too. Each of our rooms had a private balcony with beautiful views of the mountains and the Kangra valley. I wouldn’t stay anywhere else in McLeod Ganj.