Travel Logistics

In the case of a catastrophic emergency that affects the whole group, emergency procedures will be posted at the top of this website (https://www.colorado.edu/crowninstitute/travel-logistics.) Please advise family members to look here for emergency updates.

• On the ground in Dharamsala, daily emails, containing important updates and logistical information will be sent to all guests. Please be on the lookout for these emails from CrownInstituteEvents@colorado.edu. If you are not planning to check emails in India, please check in with staff daily to keep abreast of the critical updates. 
• All guests are encouraged to download and join the group texting app, GroupMe, prior to arriving in India. This is a group chat specific for our shared time in India, and users in the group can see who else has joined, but not their direct contact information, thus providing a level of privacy not available in WhatsApp. In addition to critical information updates, GroupMe will also be used to convey information in an emergency. Use this link to join the "Compassion in Action” GroupMe.

• This website has proven useful for many travel tips, including food safety, packing, and cultural customs.
• Guard against sleepless nights by packing earplugs, eye masks, white noise apps, or other sleep aids. Note that our departure day of Sunday, March 24 begins the two-day joyous festival of Holi, that includes firecrackers and celebrations into the night.  
• Tap water in India is not safe for Western tourists. Bottled or boiled water should be used for brushing teeth, face washing, and drinking. Avoid ice in drinks and any non-cooked food (fruits and raw vegetables.) Electric kettles and bottled water will be in all guest rooms in the Dharamsala hotels.
• Other Tips: 
  • ​Although breakfast is included at the hotels and is enjoyable, you may appreciate packing your own tea or instant coffee as well as oatmeal packets to enjoy in your hotel room for a familiar tummy-pleasing breakfast.
  • Pack paper towels for hand drying in your hotel bathroom. Single use paper towels or tissues are also recommended for drying your face.
  • Pack facial cleansing wipes to use instead of water on your face.
  • Do not rinse your toothbrush under the tap, make sure to use bottled water (a sport squirt bottle can come in handy for this).
• ​Always carry a pack of tissues with you, as toilet paper is not commonly found outside of the hotel rooms. In some areas, you may only find traditional squat facilities. While the New Delhi hotels will have Western-style flush toilets, please avoid placing any toilet paper in the Dharamsala toilets, including at the hotels and at the location of the Conversation with His Holiness.  
• In India, illness (including testing positive for COVID-19), accidents, or medical emergencies should be reported to Michelle Shedro: WhatsApp +1 720 987 7047. Michelle will have a first aid kit for unexpected minor cuts and ailments.
• Be prepared for traveler's stomach issues and other common ailments by packing these recommended items. Please consult your physician for personalized guidance.
  • Ibuprofen (Advil) for fever/anti-inflammatory; acetaminophen (Tylenol) for pain/fever; Pepto-Bismol for nausea; Immodium or similar anti-diarrheal; Benadryl for allergy relief; Ondansetron (Zofran) (by prescription in US or over the counter in India) for nausea and vomiting; several days' supply of electrolytes. 
• ​If you are prone to motion sickness, be prepared with your remedy of choice. This will be helpful for the flight in the smaller craft plus the on-the-ground transportation that winds through the streets in Dharamsala. 
• Hospitals: 
  • The main hospital in McLeod Ganj is the Tibetan Hospital: Men-Tsee Khang, Khara Danda Road, Dharamsala, +91 1892 223 113.
  • Hospital for serious matters: Fortis Hospital, Near ISBT Kangra, Himachal Pradesh (~50 min. drive from McLeod Ganj), +91 1892 242 555.
  • Alert Michelle Shedro if a hospital or doctor is needed. If you obtained travel insurance, have contact details and procedures on hand.

• You will encounter animals in the street. 
• Macaque monkeys generally will not attack unless provoked, but they will be aggressive if they think you have food. If they think you have food, try holding out your empty palms and then slowly walk away.
• Many stray dogs are on the streets. While generally friendly to humans, they are very territorial to other dogs. Do not pet or try to engage with the dogs. 
• There are cows on the street. Be careful and wear sturdy shoes. Don’t be afraid to give one a shove to avoid being stepped-on in tight spaces.
• Be “Street Smart”. The area is generally a safe destination. Most locals are friendly and helpful, often going out of their way to assist travelers. However, it is important to exercise basic safety precautions. Share travel plans with someone and avoid isolated areas or traveling alone at night. 
• Throughout your stay in India, including in MacLeod Ganj, you will see and be approached by people asking for food or money (including children and those with disabilities). Please do some research before traveling to educate yourself and discern how you will respond. You may want to explore various charities addressing this complex issue.

• The weather in late March in Dharamsala is comfortably warm. Last year (2023), the same period showed highs of 81 with a low of 60 (Fahrenheit), however, the preceding week had temperatures in the 90s. Note that McLeod Ganj sits at a higher elevation than Dharamsala proper, so temperatures will be cooler. Check the forecast before finalizing your packing. Note that New Delhi will be considerably warmer (hot).
• Shoes & Walking Safety: Dharamsala, specifically McLeod Ganj, sits at an elevation of 6831 feet/2082 meters. Please keep in mind that it is a mountainous region with walking being the primary mode of travel. Sensible walking shoes/sneakers are a must, not only due to the amount of walking that you will be doing but also due to the uneven payment combined with the road congestion (cars, scooters, pedestrians, cows, dogs, and monkeys). Consider taking a walking pole or cane to support yourself, if needed.
• Attire: Guest attire ranges from nice-casual to business-casual. Jeans are fine when walking around town however not common during the Conversation sessions with His Holiness. It is culturally appropriate and polite to dress modestly, keeping your shoulders and knees covered. Shorts are not culturally appropriate and if you wear a tank top, it is recommended that you cover your shoulders with a scarf. There are no scheduled events where dressy or formal attire is expected.

• The local currency is the Indian Rupee. Debit and credit cards are widely accepted at hotels and at larger restaurants and shops. It is advisable to have the local currency (cash) on hand for smaller purchases and for tipping. There is an ATM at the Pullman New Delhi hotel as well as various throughout Dharamsala. It is recommended that you get 100 INR bills for tipping and small purchases.
• The below was created from advice from indiasomeday.com. Of course, tipping is at your discretion. For reference, in Dharamsala, a coffee averages 100 INR ($1.20 US); a sandwich averages 300 INR ($3.60 US)
  • Meals: 7%-10%. Note that in Delhi you may see a "service tax" added to your bill. This is not a tip.
  • Hotel: For Delhi, the website discourages tipping individual people or leaving a tip in the room. Instead, ask if you can leave a tip at the front desk, indicating that it should go to the whole staff. In Dharamsala, we (the organizers) will directly tip our hotels. If you would like to offer an additional tip, you can leave it at the front desk of the hotel.
  • Airport transfers: 50-100 INR. Note: We have paid for this service, including tips. Additional tipping is discretionary.
  • If you hire a car/driver for the day: 200-400 INR/day. Note: We have paid for this service as it relates to the excursions, including tips. Additional tipping is discretionary.
  • Tour guide, group tour: 100-300 INR per guest. Note: We have paid for any entrance or tour fees, including tips. Additional tipping is discretionary.
  • Special note regarding the Tibetan Children’s Village, Gyuto Monastery, and Dolma Ling Nunnery: These venues do not have an entrance fee and operate on donations. While we will contribute on behalf of our guests, guests are encouraged to donate directly if they are so moved.
• Please note that only citizens of India are permitted to carry Indian Rupees into the country. Please do not attempt to exchange USD before traveling into the country. We recommend using an ATM or a currency exchange business after you arrive in India. 

• The power supply in India is 220-240 volts. Sockets are "Type D" (three round pins in a triangle pattern). Guests are encouraged to travel with adapters and be aware if a converter is needed. 
• While all the event hotels in Dharamsala have Wi-Fi capability, guests should not expect the speed and consistency of U.S. internet. 
• Cell service is spotty throughout Dharamsala. Before leaving your hotel’s Wi-Fi, communicate or gain information that is needed, anticipating poor cell service.
• For guests wanting to use their U.S. based international plans on their smartphones, both AT&T and Verizon have cell coverage (spotty) in McLeod Ganj.
• Regarding simcards: On previous travels to India a guest wrote, "I highly recommend people getting an Indian simcard when arriving at Delhi airport at the Airtel booth. This is very fast, and only costs 450 rupees ($5.40 US) for a month with daily 1.6GB data and unlimited calls in India."
• Dharamsala and Delhi are located in the India Time Zone (UTC+05:30). If it is noon in New York City, it is 9:30 pm in India. Find your date & time.

• To enter the Delhi airport, it is required that all travelers have their printed boarding pass in hand. You must present your printed boarding pass to the armed guards at the airport entrance. This will be needed to enter the Delhi airport for your flight to Dharamsala and for your international departure flight. There is a printer at the Pullman Hotel for your use. 

• All guests must have their security badge to enter. Security badges will be distributed at the Tuesday “Getting to Know You” session. Please contact Michelle Shedro if you are not attending the Tuesday session to make arrangements for obtaining your security badge.
• On the mornings of the Conversation, all guests will go through security in order to enter the Private Residence. Be prepared for the queue and expect a pat-down plus all bags being fully emptied and contents inspected. It is recommended that you leave unnecessary items in your hotel room. It is likely that women and men will have separate security lines.
• If COVID-19 testing is required by the Private Office, COVID-19 Rapid antigen tests will be conducted by security. This will be determined by the Private Office at their discretion.
• Guests will not be permitted to pass through security with a cell phone, computer, or camera. You will need to surrender these items to security, retrieving them upon your exit. You will be given a claim ticket.

• Passport (and printed copy for safe keeping in case passport is lost)
• India Visa (printed) 
• IndiGo Itinerary or Boarding Pass (printed). This is required to be in hand in order to enter the Delhi Airport on the day of travel to Dharamsala. 
• International return itinerary or boarding pass (printed). This is required to be in hand in order to enter the Delhi Airport. 
• COVID-19 Rapid Antigen Self-Tests, as you may want on hand for your personal use. 
• COVID-19 masks and vaccination card. These may be required for the Conversations.  
• Travel Insurance documents & ID card (printed), if applicable. 
• At-A-Glance Schedule of the week's activities (to be linked closer to event) 
• Your personal itinerary that details ground transportation times (printed). This itinerary will be emailed to guests in early March. 
• Map of McLeod Ganj (to be linked closer to event) 
• Items noted in the “Staying Well & Comfortable” section