Dharamkot, Himachal Pradesh – The Soulful Village Above McLeod Ganj

Dharamkot is an extremely small and peaceful village in the stunning landscapes of Himachal Pradesh. It is situated a little above McLeod Ganj and has close proximity to the popular town of Dharamshala. This place provides a range of enchanting experiences for visitors who come here to enjoy nature, calmness, and cool mountain breeze. Here, tourists can walk on forest paths, do yoga, eat tasty food, and meet kind people from around the world. Therefore, such factors make it a must-visit destination on a traveler’s bucket list. Through this complete travel guide, let’s understand in detail why Dharamkot, Himachal Pradesh feels magical, how to reach, the best time to visit, things to do, traveling tips, and more. 

About Dharamkot

Dharamkot, Himachal Pradesh is a small, peaceful village in the mountains of Himachal Pradesh, India. It is close to McLeodganj and surrounded by green trees and beautiful views. Many people choose this destination for their vacation to come here, relax, enjoy nature, and do yoga or meditation. There are small cafes, homestays, and walking paths where you can feel calm and happy. Travelers from all over the world visit Dharamkot because it is calm and full of natural beauty. The air is fresh, and the weather is cool most of the year. It is one of the best places for trekking, meeting new people, or just sitting peacefully.

Best Time to Visit Dharamkot

The ideal time to visit Dharamkot entirely depends on what you like to do and what kind of weather you will enjoy the most. Here is an overview of Dharamkot in different seasons: 

1. Summer (March to June)

The weather during this season is nice, with temperatures between 15°C and 30°C. It’s a good time to walk around and enjoy nature. But in May and June, many people visit, so it can get a little crowded.

2. Monsoon (July to September)

This is the rainy season. There is a lot of rain, which can make walking or hiking a little challenging. But the trees and plants become very green, and the fog makes everything look like a fairy tale.

3. Winter (October to February)

During the winter season, it gets very cold, and sometimes it snows in December and January. If you like snow and cold weather, this is a significant time to visit. But some hotels and restaurants may be closed in the coldest months.

How to Reach Dharamkot, Himachal Pradesh

Here are the three easy ways to reach Dharamkot, Himachal Pradesh: 

1. By Air (Flight)

The closest airport to Dharamkot is in Gaggal (also called Kangra Airport). It’s just 18 km away. You can fly there from cities like Delhi and Chandigarh. After that, take a taxi or bus to Dharamkot.

2. By Train

The nearest train station to Dharamkot is Pathankot, 90 km away. Trains come here from Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, and Amritsar. From the station, you can take a taxi or bus to Dharamkot.

3. By Road (Bus or Car)

Dharamkot is well connected by roads. You can come from Delhi (520 km), Chandigarh (250 km), or Shimla (270 km). Take a bus or drive to McLeodganj, then a short ride to Dharamkot.

Places to Visit In & Around Dharamkot

Dharamkot offers access to key spots that are not only enchanting but also provide a range of memorable experiences. Let’s have a closer look at these spots: 

1. Bhagsu Nag

Bhagsu Nag is a pretty village close to Dharamkot, Himachal Pradesh, only 2 km away. You can walk or take a taxi to this stunning site. It has an old temple for Lord Shiva, which people believe has healing powers. There is also a beautiful waterfall where people swim and enjoy picnics, especially in summer.

2. Dharamshala Cricket Stadium

Dharamshala Cricket Stadium is one of the best places to visit for those who love cricket. This cricket ground is very high up (at 1457 meters) and has amazing mountain views. It’s in Dharamshala, about 10 km from Dharamkot. You can go by taxi or bus. Sometimes, cricket matches happen here that you can watch.

3. Triund Hill

Triund is a famous place for trekking enthusiasts. The comprehensive trek starts from McLeodganj and takes 4–5 hours. You’ll walk through forests, see waterfalls, and enjoy amazing views. Many people camp at the top at night under the stars.

4. Gallu Devi Temple & Gallu Waterfall

Gallu Devi Temple is on a hill and is devoted to Goddess Durga. People go there to pray and enjoy the beautiful view. From the temple, you can walk for 45 minutes to reach the Gallu waterfall. It is suggested to go early in the morning (around 8-9 AM) before the place gets crowded.

5. Tibetan Children’s Village (TCV)

Tibetan Children’s Village is a school where Tibetan children live and study after coming from Tibet. The school also has a small museum and shows Tibetan culture through old things like paintings and statues. You can talk to the students and learn about their lives.

6. Dal Lake

Dal Lake, a popular spot, is a calm and quiet lake surrounded by tall trees. It is one of the best places for a picnic or a boat ride. Here, you can rent a small boat and enjoy the peaceful nature. Also, the distance of the lake from Dharamkot is about 12 km, and you can go there by taxi or bus.

Best Things to Do in Dharamkot, Himachal Pradesh

Let’s explore some of the key activities in Dharamkot, Himachal Pradesh, that people can take part in. 

1. Hiking

One of the best things to do in Dharamkot is hiking. There are many beautiful paths through forests and hills. The most famous one is the Triund trek. It takes you up to 2,875 meters high, where you can see snow-covered mountains.

2. Paragliding

If you like adventure, you can go paragliding in a nearby village called Bir. You will fly in the sky with a trained pilot and see the beautiful valleys from above.

3. Meditation

There are three main meditation centers in Dharamkot: Tushita, Vipassana, and Osho Nisarga. You can join classes that last a few days or weeks. These help you feel calm and happy inside.

4. Yoga

Dharamkot is very quiet and peaceful, which makes it a wonderful place to do yoga. Many yoga centers teach different types of yoga, like Hatha, Vinyasa, and more. 

5. Visit the Dalai Lama Temple

The Dalai Lama lives here, and this temple is called Tsuglag Khang. It is a peaceful place for prayers and learning about Tibetan culture. You can watch the monks pray and even join spiritual talks. There is also a museum that shows Tibetan history.

6. Try Local Food

Dharamkot has many cafes and restaurants. You can taste delicious local food like momos, thukpa, and shabalay. You can also find other foods like Israeli, Italian, or German dishes. 

7. Shopping

There is a small market in Dharamkot where you can buy handmade items, souvenirs, and Tibetan things like prayer flags and jewelry. Most items are not too expensive.

Essential Tips to Make Your Trip Better

Here are some of the key tips that will help you make your trip to Dharamkot, Himachal Pradesh even better: 

• It is important to carry warm clothes as it can get extremely cold in the mornings and evenings. 
• It is advised to wear comfortable shoes because you will have to walk a lot, and the routes can be filled with rocks. 
• Be respectful when you go to temples or holy places. Dress properly, take off your shoes, and stay quiet inside.
• Try delicious and authentic flavors of the mountains. Have local food like momos and thukpa, both of which are extremely yummy. 
• Bring your own water bottle and don’t throw garbage around. 
• Sometimes there is no electricity or internet, so be ready for that. 
• Don’t forget sunscreen, bug spray, and a small first-aid kit, especially if you are going hiking.

Conclusion

Himachal Pradesh is home to several key tourist spots. However, among all, Dharamkot stands as one of the most likable places to visit. It is ranked among the top hill stations to visit in India. This stunning village in the lap of Himachal Pradesh offers travelers a range of adventurous, peaceful, spiritual, and enchanting experiences. Therefore, one should surely pay a visit to this place to gather some memories with their loved ones and make the most of their vacations. Also, for a successful visit, do not forget to pay attention to the key travel tips given above. 

Also Read – Himachal Pradesh Government Important Schemes In 2025-26