Dharamkot is one of those quaint Himachal towns — the kind that seems willed into existence by the story Gods. Time and nature have worked their magic, carving out the snow-capped mountains that define its landscape. And while seasoned travellers insist that no amount of time will suffice to soak in the town’s beauty, we’ve created an itinerary for those who just have a few days to spare.
Where to stay in Dharamkot?
Chonor House
The homestay’s claim of being ‘within walking distance of everything the McLeod town has to offer’ will make any tourist’s ears perk up. McLeod Ganj is Dharamkot’s busier neighbour, which plays host to beautiful bazaars, monasteries, and the Dalai Lama’s residence.
But convenience aside, the homestay’s Tibetan aesthetic is the other draw. An offshoot of the Norbulingka Institute, started in 1980 to help revive Tibetan art, Chonor House integrates this sensibility into its decor. Its interiors — scrupulously tidy — feature custom-built furniture, created in-house by artisans.
Book your stay here.
Cuckoo’s Nest
If you identify as a literary hermit, you’re bound to love this century-old colonial bungalow. Its verandahs play host to dizzying views of the Kangra Valley, while its gardens are living canvases of colour.
In a bid to ensure you’re never short of company, the hosts have decked the in-house library with a choice selection of books. Recline with a paperback and sip some tea. If you love experimenting in the kitchen, you’re in luck. The Cuckoo’s Nest lets you try your hand at delicious homemade pizza and snacks that wield the wild plum harvest.
Book your stay here.
Where to eat in Dharamkot?
Khanabadosh Cafe
Picture tapping your feet to some cult favourite music while you dig into a second helping of bedmi poori with aloo sabji (crisp, deep-fried Indian bread with potato vegetable). We’ve just painted a picture of your potential evening at one of the town’s most popular hangout spots.
Books, art, and cinema converge at the Khanabadosh. The cafe is the brainchild of city-dweller Nishant Thakkar, who moved to Dharamkot from Mumbai during the pandemic. Along with his zeal, he also brought in some lip-smacking Mumbai staples — vada pav (a potato bun inside bread), misal pav (a popular Maharashtra dish of sprouts curry topped with farsan, onions, lemon and coriander), and filter coffee.
Check it out here.
Moonlight Cafe
What are beautiful views without some wood-fired pizza? At the whimsical Moonlight Cafe, you’ll be spoilt for choice by the menu that boasts Indian, Chinese, and Continental fare.
The cafe’s location on Dharamkot’s Old Main Street might make it tough to spot. But, weave your way through the host of eateries and shops until you come to one where bougainvillaeas and lights mark the entrance. That’s Moonlight Cafe for you.
Address: Old, main street, Dharamkot, Dharamshala, Himachal Pradesh – 176219.
Tibet Kitchen
A pre-requisite before stopping by Tibet Kitchen is that you must have a big appetite. When given the menu, don’t think twice before placing your order for the Tibetan thali, which includes three pieces of momos, manchurian, tingmo (Tibetan bread), ema datse (spicy Bhutanese stew made from hot chilli peppers and cheese), chowmein, and pickled onions.
We hear the locally produced yak cheese, butter tea, and thukpa (Tibetan noodle soup) are lovely too.
Check it out here.
What are the popular adventure activities in Dharamkot?
Pine forests, mountains, and pretty views converge into what can be aptly described as a picture-book experience in Dharamkot. At every page (read: corner), a surprise awaits. But the real deal lies in participating in a paragliding or trekking experience. The town is inundated with beautiful hiking trails and waterfalls.
One example is the Triund trek, a relatively easy hike past the snow-covered Dhauladhar ranges. Another option is the trek to Naddi from Upper Dharamkot, where you’ll get a good view of the Tibetan temple surrounded by thousands and thousands of prayer flags.
The real kicker is the ‘Gallu Waterfall Hike’, which, for the longest time, was a secret gatekept by the locals. Also known as ‘no name waterfall’, it’s now on every traveller’s list. The route is paved with forests, bird song, and rivulets — nature’s very own soap opera.
How to add value to your trip?
Attention! Pottery lovers and art enthusiasts — how does a day of moulding clay high up in the mountains sound? If you’ve got more than 24 hours to spare, you might want to check out the Dharamkot Studio, which was started in 2019 as a space for creative minds to converge
Their residential pottery retreat helps you reconnect with your artistic side, and find inspiration in nature and community. Meanwhile, the art and painting retreat explores Thangka drawing (Tibetan Buddhist painting done on cotton or silk), Kangra painting, acrylic pouring, charcoal sketching, and painting on pottery.
Participate here.
Edited by Khushi Arora
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