About Chonor House

Chonor House, a branch of Norbulingka, was designed and built by British architect David Porter in a style intended to blend with the natural environment of the hills overlooking the Kangra valley. The stone and slates were obtained from the surrounding hills and carried by mule to the site which was at that time inaccessible to motor vehicles. The shape and location of the building preserved the large pine & cedar trees which dominate the garden and dining area.

It is conveniently located near the Thekchen Chöling Temple adjacent to HH the Dalai Lama’s residence. Each of our well-appointed rooms are beautifully decorated according to a unique Tibetan theme, with murals featuring regions such as Kham, Amdo and Central Tibet and the flora and fauna of the Land of Snow. These striking wall paintings are complemented by appliquéd fabrics, hand-knotted carpets and carved and decorated wooden furniture, all created by Norbulingka craftsmen.

Set amidst tall cedars, Chonor is peacefully removed from the hustle and bustle of the town, and yet within easy walking distance of everything Mcleod Ganj has to offer. 

Chonor House was our first hotel built under the hospitality department of Norbulingka Institute, when we needed a well-appointed guest house both to serve important guests and earn income for the institute. In the drive to make Chonor House a place for visitors to remember we decided to custom build all the furniture and give each room a unique theme. This allowed for creativity and also five Norbulingka artisans plenty of work. It was deeply satisfying to be able to simultaneously create beautiful things and give work to people who needed it. 

Consequently, Chonor House became not only the most colorful and comfortable guesthouse, but also contributing towards the sustainability of Norbulingka’s mission for preservation of Tibetan art and culture.