Dharamshala (In and around)

When everything is going against you, remember that airplane takes off against the winds, not with it. Bad times are occasions for good learning, these are the occasions which a good learner never misses.

This is my first kind of blog wherein I had collected content prior to the commencement of the journey itself. Well I was awaiting for sanction of my leaves from last few months then I eventually got approval for leaves commencing from last week of March’20 (right at the time of lockdown due to COVID) so my plans starting from Indonesia then landed to Sikkim then Himachal eventually canceled as all territories one by one closed their doors for visitors due to the global pandemic.

Then few districts of Himachal eventually opened their doors in mid of July’20 with a lot of restrictions i.e. COVID negative report, E-pass, Confirm hotel booking and so on. Since I was already in quarantine in Delhi for the last 4 months so I decided to take the risk and my curiosity eventually helped me to enter into the Himalayas and feel the magic in the air.

Undoubtedly terrains, culture, weather, and a lot of other things changed just after 9 hours of ride comprising 504 km. of distance from Delhi.

Dharmshala town located in Kangra district of Himachal Pradesh has almost everything which a nature lover can probably think of. Don’t know why I waited so long but that was probably the only district of Himachal which I have explored at the end.

Though due to the global pandemic few villagers were treating me like an Alien with a spaceship (Me and my bike) though the majority of peoples were very nice and they made me feel like I am in my home itself.

While in Dharamshala I have done the research for my all kind of friends (every theme). So beat Spiritual, Nature lover, shopping freak, party animal, adventure lover whatsoever kind of person you are. Here is the list of places I have shortlisted for you (when I am saying shortlisted I really mean it as I haven’t included places of less interest)

 

Things to do (in and around)

Spiritual Spots - Temples (very close to nature)

Aghanjar Mahadev Temple

This scenic temple is located on the bank of a river which is quite a popular spot for photography among tourists. While you are in the temple you must have “chacha ki special chai” (Milk Tea) outside the temple. 

Indrunag Temple

This temple is located at the hilltop. It will make you feel like you are on the top of a mountain pass above the clouds and you will feel the magic in the air. This place is also popular for paragliding among tourists.

 

Bhagsu Nag Temple

This temple is very near to Mcleodganj main market and surrounded by amazing cafes. Tip- Must take a 30-minute trek and visit Bhagsu falls followed by Shiva café. 

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Spots for Nature lovers

Drive to Tea gardens

Yes you heard it right as Darjeeling is not the only place to serve tea gardens. Kangra’s green tea is way better. This few miles drive from Dharamshala will rejuvenate your soul.

 

Naddi Viewpoint

That was the best place I came across to see sunset or sunrise.

 

Bhagsu Waterfall

Though it requires a bit of effort to reach this place (30 minutes trek) but trust me you won’t regret post sipping two cups of tea’s one at the waterfall side followed by another one at Shiva café.

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Dal Lake

Try to visit in the rainy season for the best view. You will find a lot of animal lovers feeding dogs and fishes near the lakeside.

 

Church – St. John in the wilderness

This church is located in a very peaceful cantonment area on road towards Naddi village near Mcleodganj. This old architecture themed church is must visit place, especially for architecture lovers.

Kharota

You would regret post looking at couples if you are going there without your better half.

Other sight-seeing spots

The Hippie Village

Dharamkot village located few miles away from Mcleodganj is popularly known among International tourists especially Israeli tourists and also popularly known as the hippie village in the hills.

Cricket Stadium

Dharamshala’s cricket stadium is the world’s highest located stadium located in the lap of hills surrounded by Dhauladhar mountain range from all 4 sides. A tour to the stadium comprising banquet, dressing room, stance, ground, and other areas will make any cricket lover feel crazy.

 

Norbulingka

This place is popular for Norbulingka institute though I wasn’t lucky as the institute was closed when I visited though it’s a calm place where any tourist can spend the entire day. Though this place is surrounded by a lot of Tibetian cafes I found the best cuisine in the café called “The taste of Tibet”.

 

Chinmaya Tapovan

This place is basically a calm ashram located few miles away from Norbulingka. Tourists may visit this place to visit the beautiful temple built inside the ashram. 

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Peepal Farm

Animal lovers couldn’t afford to miss this place. The crew of peepal farm rescue handicapped animals and provide shelter to them in the farm. Animal lovers may follow their youtube channel “Peepal farm” for more details.

 

Shopping Freaks

In whatsoever part/village of the Dharamshala, you are living i.e. Naddi, Dharamkot, Kareri you will depend on these markets for all essential items except for grocery

Kotwali Bazar

This is the biggest market in the area and is located in main Dharamshala where you find almost everything or I would rather say if the thing you are looking for is not available in Kotwali means that item doesn’t exist in the entire district.

 

Mcleodganj Market

The Main Mcleodganj Tibetian market starts from Mcleodganj main square near to bus stand. This market is popular for Tibetan handicrafts, clothes, food, and cafes. 

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Maximus Mall

That’s probably the biggest shopping mall located in Dharamshala town. That’s the perfect place for shopping for brand freaks and the food court located in the mall offers a variety of cuisines for food lovers.

 

Pathways (Hikes)

Gunna Mata Temple

The hike to Gunna Mata temple starts from Naddi village and it takes 60-90 minutes of a good time to reach the temple at the hilltop. Tip – Do not visit the temple in rains as I did and ended up donating my blood to dozens of leeches.

Gallu Temple

This temple can be reached by 2 wheeler or by hike either one though I would recommend nature lovers to follow the walkway trail to the temple from Dharamkot (Ask for walkway shortcut to temple from Dharamkot village)

Gallu Waterfall Trail

It requires almost an hour's walk to reach this hidden gem. The journey itself is as much fascinating as the destination. p.s.- Avoid visiting the waterfall during rains.

Trek from Dharamkot to Naddi Village

The distance of this trail is just 1-2 km against 7 km of distance by a motorable road and it takes 45 minutes to cover this picturesque path by foot.

 

Walk to Flag point

Surrounded by prayer flags all around in the mid of the hills. You will lose your gamma on this land of the lama.

Tip- Ask for pathway towards from Dharamkot towards Naddi village in order to find this place.

Treks for adventure lovers

Thatharna Trek

Just like Triund, this is also a day hike trek starts from a place called Kharota (very near to Dharamshala town).

Triund Peak Trek

This trek is meant for a day hike and it takes 3-4 hours to climb. Trek starts from Gallu temple, Dharamkot village.

 

Kareri Lake Trek

Kareri village itself is 40 odd km away from Dharamshala followed by 12-13 km of a long trek. Altogether you need a minimum of 3 days to explore Kareri lake.

 

Lamdal Trek

Lamdal is beyond kareri lake and you require additional of 1-2 days along with kareri lake trek.

 

 

Cafes - Segregated into different themes

Cafes for Best Views

Illiterati Cafe (Jogiwara Road)             

They have the best views and if you are a book lover, you’ll love it. 

Shiva Café (Bhagsu)

This café requires a bit of hard work (trek) to reach though you won’t regret post reaching the cafe especially the sunset from this location act as cherry on the cake.

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Sunset café (Near Gallu temple towards the waterfall)

Just like Shiva café in Bhagsu this café also requires a bit of trekking and its path is way narrow and completely wet in rains though its completely worth visiting this place.

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Radha Krishna Café (Dharamkot)

Amazing view of Dhauladhar ranges. Sit in the outside area on the floor sitting for amazing experience. The best part is that you really do not have to walk at all as this café is located on main Dharamkot road itself.

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Heena Café (Upper Dharamkot)

You can see the entire Dharamkot while sipping a cup of coffee.

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The work space café (Jogiwara Road)    

If you are here for work, then this place is meant for you only. They offer shared workspace with high-speed internet and panoramic view at nominal charges.

 

Cafes for the best cuisine

Dudu Falafel (Bhagsu)

Super tasty Israeli food. You’ll get good Israeli food in Bhagsu in almost every cafe. But Dudu’s falafel is the best. 

Pedro’s Place (Bhagsu)

Though Ginger lemon honey tea is quite popular in the area but only Pedro use additional spices to make it unique.

 

Kunga and Nick’s Italian Kitchen (From Main Square to Bhagsu Road)

They serve the best cakes and muesli in the town.

 

Family Pizzeria (Dharamkot)

Oldest and most popular café in Dharamkot for its yummy pizza.

 

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Taste of Tibet (Norbulingka)

That’s the place where I had eaten yummiest mutton dim sums of my life.

 

Cafes for best Ambience

Tibetian Tea house (Jogiwara Road)

Must visit this place if you like to experience traditional Tibetian culture starting from décor to cutlery. Along with ambiance also try their homemade spicy chutney too.

Morgan’s Place (Dharamkot Main Square)

Quiet place and the biggest most café in Dharamkot. 

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Trek N Dine (Dharamkot)

No clue why but I find this as the happiest most café in Dharamkot. The café is almost full all the time.

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Raku’s (Bhagsu)

Just like Trek N dine cafe in Dharamkot. Raku’s is the most happening and crowded café in Bhagsu.

 

There are many cafes, but these are my favorite. You can obviously, explore more and share your experience in the comments section.

How to reach Dharamshala

By Road- Regular overnight tourist buses are available from Delhi, Chandigarh to Dharamshala.

By Air- Nearest airport is located in Gaggal (Known as Dharamshala airport) which is located 13 Kms from Dharamshala. Remaining distance needs to be covered by private cab (estimate cost for cab would be Rs.800/-).

Best time to Visit

Winters are usually too cold here hence ideal months to visit Dharamshala are April till June followed by September till Mid October. You may also consider July, August if you like intense rainfalls.

Tip- Ensure to carry at least a woollen jacket.

You may refer to this URL for booking related assistance  Travel Apps

More than happy to help travelers, Feel free to approach for any queries at Prateeksapra.p@gmail.com or 9910326647.

About the author

Prateek Sapra is based out of New Delhi. A crazy nomad who loves to explore unexplored and offbeat destinations. He believes that every destination has a message that communicates with him. With each trip, he tries to express the message he receives from each destination through the mode of words and tells the world. "Be what you are, others are already sold" This is what he lives by.