Last updated on May 29th, 2026 at 09:24 am
Reading Time: 9 minutesMost people stop at McLeodGanj and never go further.
That’s understandable, McLeodGanj is beautiful, well-connected, and has everything you need for a comfortable hill station trip. But 2 km above it, up a steep road that most tourist buses don’t take, is Dharamkot.
I discovered it without a plan. Walked up from McLeodGanj one afternoon with no particular destination in mind, and found a village where foreign travellers sitting outside cafes and narrow lanes leading to different places. And honestly say more foreigners than Indian’s.
I came back the next day. And the day after that.
This is everything I learned about Dharamkot Himachal Pradesh — from how to get there, where to eat and things to do.
Table of Contents
Dharamkot Himachal
| Location | Kangra district, Himachal Pradesh |
| Altitude | 1,457 metres |
| Distance from McLeodGanj | 2 km |
| Distance from Dharamshala | 5 km |
| Distance from Delhi | 486 km |
| Best time to visit | March to June, September to November |
| Stay options | Guesthouses, homestays, yoga retreats |
| Known for | Triund trek base, yoga retreats, cafes, foreign backpacker community |
Where is Dharamkot?
There are two Dharamkot, not to confuse you. One is in Punjab. The one we’re talking about is Dharamkot Himachal Pradesh.
Dharamkot is present in Himachal in Kangra valley, Dharamshala being the headquarters in the state of Himachal Pradesh. It is 5km and 2km away from Dharamshala Mcleodganj, respectively.
It is located just above the McLeod Ganj, and one can see spectacular views of the Dhauladhar ranges on reaching Dharamkot.
Dharamkot is genuinely a place less explored by Indian tourists, with a maximum of people making till McLeod Ganj.
How to Reach Dharamkot from Delhi
By bus — most convenient:
Overnight buses from ISBT Kashmere Gate, Delhi to McLeodGanj or Dharamshala run daily. Journey takes 12–14 hours. Fares range from ₹900–1,500 depending on the bus type. Book on redBus or at the ISBT booking counter.
You can take a ropeway cable ride from Dharamsahal to Mcleodganj, and then taxi from Mcleodganj to Dharamkot or can walk your way through.
By train:
Nearest major station is Pathankot which is 90 km. From Pathankot take a bus or shared cab to McLeodGanj — approximately 3 hours.
By flight:
Nearest airport is Gaggal (Dharamshala Airport) — 15 km from McLeodGanj. IndiGo and Air India operate Delhi–Dharamshala routes. Take a taxi from airport to McLeodGanj, then auto to Dharamkot.
By car:
Delhi to Dharamkot is 486 km — approximately 10–12 hours driving. The route via Pathankot is the most commonly used. The drive through the Kangra valley approaching Dharamshala is one of the better Himachal road stretches.
How to reach Dharamkot from Mcleodganj
There are many ways within the McLeod Ganj region to reach Dharamkot.
- On reaching the McLeod Ganj bus stand and entering the Tibetan market on the left, one route goes to Dharamkot (1.8 km) another goes to Bhagsu Nag Waterfall (1.5 km).
The most simplest and easiest way is to set up a google maps from Mcloedganj and walk your way to Dharamkot.
Where to Stay in Dharamkot
Dharamkot has guesthouses, homestays, and yoga retreat accommodation.
Budget guesthouses: ₹500–1,000/night. Basic rooms, generally clean, some with valley views. Facilities are simple. Good options are clustered near the main village area and near the Triund trek starting point.
Yoga retreat stays: Several retreats offer accommodation alongside their courses, room + meals + yoga sessions bundled together. Rates vary from ₹1,500–3,500/night depending on the retreat.
Long-term stays: If you’re planning a week or more, monthly room rentals are available from ₹5,000–10,000. Several travellers and yoga students stay this way.
Book on Booking.com for current availability and prices, Dharamkot fills up during peak season (April–June, October) and advance booking is recommended.
Tip: Accommodation in Dharamkot is significantly cheaper than McLeodGanj for comparable quality. If you’re spending multiple days in the area, staying in Dharamkot and walking down to McLeodGanj for the day is a good idea.
What makes Dharamkot a significant attraction among foreign tourists?
From my point of view, I think It’s the vibe and love for the culture that connects them and makes them settle forever.
I noticed people and found that they always try to make a healthy environment like a smile for a smile, not with a perspective to make anything, but it’s in people’s nature, and it can be seen. Also, they love to speak Hindi, and words like Namaste, Dhanyawad, and much more.
Cafes in Dharamkot — Where to Eat
Dharamkot has a surprisingly good cafe scene for a village this size — most of it driven by the long-stay foreign traveller community.
1. Funkey Monkey Cafe and Restaurant – One of the most popular spots in Dharamkot. Good for breakfast and lunch, pancakes, sandwiches, pasta, and local dishes. Reliable wifi. ₹150–300 per meal.
2. Chillax Cafe – As the name suggests, slow, relaxed, no rush. Good coffee and decent food. Becomes a social spot in the evenings.
3. Cafe Moon Light Known for its views and evening atmosphere. Sit outside if the weather allows.
4. Bodhi Greens Health-focused menu, salads, smoothies, whole grain options. Popular with yoga students and long-term travellers.
5. Space Out – Good for an evening sitting. Known for its vibe more than the food.
6. Open Heart Cafe – Quiet, comfortable, good for spending a few hours with a book or journaling.
General food budget: Rs. 400–700 per day eating at cafes. If you cook your own meals (possible in guesthouse kitchens), Rs.200–300 per day.
How people stay long-term here?
People stay long-term here with their talent and the lifestyle they create around it.
- An Astrology and Tarot reader (Luna from Argentina)
- Jolly Music House – Where people come and learn music styles.
- Foreigners running yoga and meditation centers (You will come across many here)
- Tim from Finland runs a small handmade candle stand shop ( In Upper Bhagsu).
And much more stories like these exists here in Dharamkot.
Best Time to Visit Dharamkot Himachal Pradesh
March to June — The Most popular window. The weather is pleasant, the Triund trek is fully accessible, and the village is at its most lively. March and April are the best months, cool, clear, and not yet crowded. May–June gets warmer but Dharamkot’s altitude keeps it manageable.
September to November — Post-monsoon. The green is at its most saturated, the air is clear, and the Dhauladhar views are exceptional. October is the sweet spot — festivals are over, crowds thin out, and the weather is perfect.
December to February — Cold, sometimes snow. Most cafes stay open but the village slows down significantly. Worth it if you specifically want snow and quiet.
July to August — Monsoon. Rain is heavy, trails can be slippery, and Triund trek is not recommended. The village is green and beautiful but outdoor activity is limited.
Yoga Centres in Dharamkot
Dharamkot has quietly become one of the better yoga destinations in Himachal Pradesh not because of any one famous retreat, but because of the concentration of genuine, established centres in a small area.
Most centres offer drop-in classes as well as multi-day or multi-week residential courses. If you’re staying in Dharamkot for more than two or three days, attending even a few morning sessions changes how you experience the place.
1. Amara Prema
One of the more established yoga spaces in Dharamkot. Offers Hatha and Vinyasa classes with both resident and visiting teachers. Drop-in sessions available approximately Rs. 400–600 per class.
2. Himalayan Lotus Yoga
Focuses on traditional Hatha yoga with an emphasis on alignment and breathwork. Smaller group sizes which makes it easier to get proper attention as a beginner.
3. So Shanti Yoga (Near Trek N Dine)
Conveniently located near the main Dharamkot trail area. Known for accessible classes that work for beginners as well as experienced practitioners. Morning sessions starting around 7–8 AM are the most attended.
General advice for yoga in Dharamkot:
Walk around on your first day before committing to any centre. Most have noticeboards outside with schedules, teacher bios, and pricing. Talk to other travellers at cafes, word of mouth is the most reliable way to find which centre suits what you’re looking for. Drop-in classes let you try before committing to a full course.
Prices for multi-day courses typically range from ₹3,000–8,000 per week depending on the centre and whether accommodation is included.
I’ve also been doing Yoga for quite some time at home and at gym. If you’re a complete beginner and want to learn a few, I’ve written about 5 easy yoga asanas you can do at home.
The Most Famous Thing to Do in Dharamkot—Triund Trek
Triund is the most popular day trek in the McLeodGanj area, and Dharamkot where the trail begins.
I did the Triund trek 3 times in different years. Once with a tour company, second time alone and third time I was the trek leader and took foreign people to the triund trek.
Trail details:
- Distance: 9 km one way from Dharamkot
- Altitude: 2,828 metres at the top
- Difficulty: Easy to moderate
- Time: 3–4 hours going up, 2–3 hours coming down
- Entry: No entry fees
What to expect: The trail starts from just above Dharamkot village from Gallu Devi Temple, and climbs steadily through oak and rhododendron forest for the first half. The second half opens up onto rocky terrain with the Dhauladhar range appearing ahead. The final push to the top is the steepest section.
At the top, a flat meadow, a tea stall run by locals, and a 360-degree view of the mountains on one side and the Kangra valley on the other.
Camping: Allowed at the top. Basic tents available for ₹500–700/night. Carry a warm sleeping bag, temperature drops sharply after sunset even in summer.
Best time for the trek: Early morning start (6–7 AM) to reach the top before clouds build. Avoid monsoon season.
What to carry: Water (minimum 2 litres), snacks, warm layer for the top, sunscreen, and sturdy shoes. The trail is rocky in places.
Frequently Asked Questions — Dharamkot Himachal Pradesh
Where is Dharamkot located? Dharamkot is in Kangra district, Himachal Pradesh — 2 km above McLeodGanj and 5 km from Dharamshala. It sits at approximately 1,457 metres altitude.
How to reach Dharamkot from Delhi? Take an overnight bus from ISBT Kashmere Gate to McLeodGanj then walk 2 km uphill to Dharamkot or take an auto ride.
What is Dharamkot famous for? The Triund trek starting point, yoga retreats, a strong foreign backpacker community, and its quiet atmosphere compared to McLeodGanj.
Is Dharamkot better than McLeodGanj? There’s better or worse. McLeodGanj has the Tibetan culture, the Dalai Lama Temple, more restaurants and shops. Dharamkot is quieter, more village-like, and attracts long-stay travellers and yoga students. Many people stay in Dharamkot and visit McLeodGanj during the day.
What is the difference between upper and lower Dharamkot? Lower Dharamkot is closer to the McLeodGanj road — more accessible, slightly more commercial. Upper Dharamkot is quieter, has better views, and is where most of the yoga retreats are located. The Triund trek trail passes through upper Dharamkot.
Is Dharamkot safe for solo travel? Yes, it’s one of the more solo-traveller friendly places in Himachal. The community of long-term travellers makes it easy to meet people. Standard common sense applies for solo travellers in any hill station.
Is Dharamkot good for yoga? Yes, it has several established yoga retreats and is specifically known as a yoga destination in the Himachal region. Courses range from day sessions to multi-week residential programmes.
Final Thoughts
I discovered Dharamkot because I walked past the point where most people stop. That’s the best way to describe it, a place you find when you go a little further than the obvious destination.
If you’re planning McLeodGanj, add at least one day for Dharamkot. Walk up instead of taking the auto if you can. Spend some time there.
Nearby Places You Can Visit from Dharamkot
Dharamkot’s location makes it a solid base for exploring the wider area. You’re not limited to the village — several worthwhile destinations are within easy reach.
1. McLeodGanj
McLeodGanj is right below Dharamkot, 2 km downhill, 20–30 minutes on foot. I did the up-down walk three to four times a day without thinking twice about it.
The Tsuglagkhang Complex—the Dalai Lama’s temple is the first thing to visit. If you’re planning to attend a public blessing, you can actually meet the Dalai Lama in McLeodGanj with advance planning, I’ve written about that experience in detail.
Beyond the temple, the Tibetan market, the cafes along the main street, and the Kora Circuit walking path are all worth your time. For a full picture of things to do in McLeodGanj, I’ve covered that separately.
2. Dharamshala
Dharamshala is 7–8 km from McLeodGanj, about 20 minutes by auto or shared cab.
Most travellers spend their time in McLeodGanj and Upper Dharamshala without visiting lower Dharamshala, which is the actual town. It’s worth a half-day, the Tibetan market has better prices than McLeodGanj for the same goods, and the food options are more local and less tourist-facing.
The HPCA Cricket Stadium is also here, one of the most scenic cricket grounds in India with the Dhauladhar range as the backdrop.
3. Bir Billing — Paragliding
Bir is 60–65 km from McLeodGanj, approximately 2 hours by bus from the main bus stand. Buses run daily.
Visit Bir Billing for paragliding—asia’s highest paragliding site, the Billing takeoff point is at around 2,400 metres. Paragliding flights cost approximately Rs.2,500–3,500 for a tandem flight depending on the season and operator. Book through a certified operator, don’t go for the cheapest option when you’re jumping off a mountain.
Beyond paragliding, Bir itself is a quiet, pleasant town with a Tibetan colony, several monasteries, and good hiking options. It pairs well with Dharamkot if you have 4–5 days in the area.
I spent a night when I went for camping at Triund.
I didn’t book any accommodation and I was just roaming in Mcleodganj, knocking door to door for a room. Even if I could just a bed. Some local told me about Dharamkot that I might find something there.
It was already more than 11 in the night and I took a hike to Dharamkot from McLeod. At times on the way, I got scared like anything. I picked up a stick for safety. My phone had almost died. And then I heard some noise. It was music “teri ankhya ka yo kajal” coming from a cafe. I took out my camera, zoomed to its full capacity (35X) and found a group dancing around bonfire in a hotel.
I took a breath of relief.
“Ab main insanon ki basti me aa gya hoon…”
Hi Rajat,
That sounded like quite a memorable moment. But, you know that’s what I love about the places and people, especially in hostels. Mleodganj and Dharamkot is such a happy place that you might see even souls enjoying till the morning. And, thanks, Rajat, for sharing your unique story with me.