So many of us keep going back to Himachal for the amazing pahadi culture and the serene mountains. But for many of us, the cliched destinations like Shimla, Dharamshala, and Kasol are a curse, because they are crowded and overbooked. If you are one of those who like to explore new places, then you must try Dharamkot.
A tiny hamlet between McLeodganj and Dharamshala, it is perfect for those seeking a remedy for their wanderlust. Dharamkot is also called a yoga village, with many houses conducting yoga classes by trained professionals. So, not only will you have a wonderful trip, you will come back fitter and healthier.
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Dharamkot is the perfect base for commencing many hikes in the Himalayas such as Triund, Illaqua and Indrahar Pass. If you are someone who prefers riding to walking, then you should avoid Dharamkot. It has only one paved road, that enters the village and ends at the first diner. You need to hike around the village to get anywhere.
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Most people who come to Dharamkot keep coming back for more. A village lost in time and space, it has an enchanting vibe. Local music filters through the air like mist. The villagers are friendly, warm and laid back. You will lose your sense of time once you are here. It is completely cut off from the outside civilization.
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You can stay at any of the homestays in the region, with accommodations as cheap as Rs. 500 for a night. You can try the local cuisine, cooked with homegrown herbs. The most amazing thing to eat in this area is a dessert called Bhagsu cake. Bhagsu cake has a typical crunchy pie crust, layered with sticky caramel toffee sauce and topped with dark chocolate or white chocolate.
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You can wake up to the birds chirping in the deodar forest, the rustling from the bamboo groves, and the smells of the herbs from the kitchen. You can hike to the nearby village Gallu and admire the breathtaking views from a cafe on top of the hill here.
If you like drinking light alcohol, you can try some of the few Himalayan fruit wines and apple cedar which you will easily find in the grocery shops for Rs. 200 – 300.
The only way to reach this hidden paradise is to take an overnight bus from Kasol. You can go to Dharamkot at any time of the year, though winters can get very cold.
So, if you want to relax in the mountains, without the crowd and din, then you should not miss Dharamkot.
