Pema Thang Guest House & Restaurant is located in McLeod Ganj, Dharamsala, home to His Holiness the Dalai Lama and the Tibetan Government-in-Exile with a large and vibrant Tibetan community. ’ÄòPema’Äô stands for Lotus and ’ÄòThang’Äô means Field. The Guest House & Restaurant is spread in the ambiance of pine trees, tucked in a quiet side street, with a magnificent view of the Kangra Valley. The Tsuklakhang (main temple) and the market are five minutes walk from the guest house.

The chirping of birds in the mornings, melodious chanting of prayers from the neighbouring Namgyal Monastery and beautiful sunsets viewed from your private balcony all contribute to a wonderfully memorable and relaxing stay.

Charming, comfortable and scrupulously clean, Pema Thang Guest House & Restaurant has been recommended by Lonely Planet, Wikipedia and several other reputable travel guides.

Upper Dharamsala or McLeod Ganj

McLeod Ganj or Upper Dharamsala at nearly 1,800 metres, is nestled in the foothills of the Dhauladhars which rise to 4546 mts. A hill station from the days of the British Raj, it is now often referred to as ’ÄúLittle Lhasa’Äù and offers travelers a unique opportunity to experience a vibrant Tibetan culture. McLeod Ganj is nine kilometers by bus and four kilometers by taxi route up the hill from Lower Dharamsala or Kotwali Bazar, as it is known. At a much lower altitude of 1250 metres, nearly all the inhabitants of Lower Dharamsala are Indians. Being the headquarters of Kangra district all the local Indian government offices are located there too.

McLeod Ganj is largely populated by Tibetans and it is surrounded by pine, Himalayan oak, rhododendron and deodar forests with a magnificent view of the Kangra Valley. Today, streams of Tibetan refugees from Tibet and other parts of the world converge at McLeod Ganj to receive blessings and teachings from His Holiness the Dalai Lama. Western and Indian tourists, academics as well as spiritual seekers come here in large numbers to see the rebirth of an ancient and profound civilization. The high altitude and cool weather contribute physically to this recreation of the original Tibetan environment.

McLeod Ganj pulsates with the sights and sounds of Tibet. Though certainly more modern, life is basically Tibetan in character. Shops strung out along the narrow streets of this hill town sell traditional Tibetan arts and handicrafts and the aroma of Tibetan dishes linger in the air.

The Residence of His Holiness Dalai Lama is opposite the Tsuklakhang. During the winter months (end of December till around the middle of February), we often have snow and therefore quite cold (minimum 0¬ƒ C). Summer temperatures range from 22¬ƒ C to 30¬ƒ C. The monsoons hit Dharamsala from mid-June till mid- September and cool the summer temperatures considerably.

Guest Rooms

Pema Thang Guest House: McLeod Ganj, India: