Frommer's Review
One of the best reasons to spend any amount of time in Dharamsala is to sample each of the exquisitely decorated rooms that make up this charming Tibetan guesthouse at the toe-end of McLeod Ganj, a stone's throw away from the main gompa. Each room is uniquely themed according to aspects of Tibetan culture; the museum-standard murals created by different experts in conjunction with artists from the Norbulingka Institute neatly balance the beautifully crafted teak-and-rosewood furniture and hand-knotted carpets rendered by other Norbulingka teams. There are three categories of rooms, each offering different amenities: Some have balconies, some have tubs, and some (like the magnificent "Voyage at Sea" rooms) are simply enormous. "Nomad" features strikingly painted yaks, goats, and traveling tribespeople and also has a lovely balcony from which you have a direct view of the main gompa. The terrifically colorful Songsten Suite not only has a separate lounge and private balcony, but its own shrinelike cabinet showcasing statues of the three great kings of Tibet. There's a public homey sitting room furnished with plush sofas and a combination of parquet wood flooring and thick rugs. Indeed, you need hardly step outside the front door to get a good feel for Tibetan art and culture -- this is a treasure chest of style and meticulous attention to details most Westerners probably don't think about. Dharamsala's best guesthouse also offers its most impressive dining opportunity. The menu is a veritable encyclopedia of Tibetan dishes -- which have a way of becoming quite addictive. Share a plate of momos to start -- these butter dumplings are steamed to perfection and filled with tasty fresh white cheese. Or experiment with the excellent bobi, which allows you to build your own Tibetan spring rolls, a fun alternative to the greasy version popular in Chinese takeout joints. You can build all night, using thinly grilled bread wraps, seasoned glass noodles, mixed vegetables, tofu, and Basmati rice. Or have the bobi as a starter, after which you can try the delicious fried pishi (wontons), deliciously seasoned shabri (meat or vegetable balls in garlic sauce), or steaming mutton-filled shabalay (bread pie). There's even a selection of scrumptious salads (try the cheese, carrot, apple, walnut, and spinach concoction). Note: Tibetan hospitality at its very best can, of course, do nothing to stop the chorus of barking hounds that seems to be the typical prelude -- or interruption -- to a good night's sleep.
Facilities:
Restaurant; boutique; room service 6:30am-10:30pm; laundry; TV room; cybercafe; library; can arrange transfers
Note: This information was accurate when it was published, but can change without
notice. Please be sure to confirm all rates and details directly with the companies in question before
planning your trip.
