Dharamkot is a hidden gem in the peaceful foothills of the Dhauladhar range. It has a Jewish community centre and the Chabad House. Located above McLeodGanj, the place offers majestic views of the Kangra Valley and renders several things to do in Dharamkot for a perfect trip. It is a splendid place to find a balance between peace and excitement. From spiritual tranquility to exciting sports like paragliding, Dharamkot has too many things to offer for tourists.
9 Things To Do In Dharamkot
Here are the top recommendations for the best things to do in Dharamkot that you won’t regret doing during your trip :
1. Trekking To Triund Hill
Photo: Alok Kumar / Wikimedia Commons
Amidst the untamed nature and the clear blue skies, the trek to the Triund hilltop is one of the best things to do in Dharamshala. This 5.45 Km long trek (from Dharamshala to Triund) can take somewhere around 4 to 6 hours to finish. You might want to start early to avoid the harsh sun during the mid-day. The slope of the area is gently rising, and the path tearing through the oak forest will give you ample opportunities to take pictures of the uncanny natural beauty.
Best Time To Visit: January to February & March to August
Nearest Airport: Gaggal Airport
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2. Mediation In Tushita Meditation Centre
Photo: Jaypee / Wikimedia Commons
Just above the town of MacleodGanj in the forested hills lies an institution for the teaching and practising of the principles of Buddha. This centre, based on the Tibetan Mahayana tradition, offers sessions for meditation. They offer introductory courses on Buddhism to give a better overview of their traditions. If you are a devotee of Buddha or someone who wants some time for inner retrospection, this activity is one of the best things to do in Dharamshala.
Best Time To Visit: February to November
Nearest Airport: Kangra Airport
3. Exploring Bhagsu Waterfall For Swimming And Photography
Photo: Nishat Ch 100 / Wikimedia Commons
The mesmerising Bhagsu Waterfall near Dharamkot is a natural attraction that draws people in with its stunning beauty and relaxed atmosphere. Located near the Bhagsunag Shiv temple, this stream of water tearing through the rocky terrain is a wonder created by Mother Nature. So, make sure you have your camera ready and click a ton of pics and videos. The picturesque waterfall is 20 metres tall and offers a good hiking opportunity that you must not miss.
Best Time To Visit: March to June & October to November
Nearest Airport: Kangra Airport
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4. Yoga Sessions At Himalayan Iyengar Yoga Centre
Photo: New Africa / Shutterstock / Image For Representation Only
Set up in 1985 by Yoga Master Sharat Arora, this yoga centre offers week-long yoga programs. These are aimed at imparting a deep knowledge of yoga. This institution is amidst the picturesque hills with thick vegetation and mountain rivers. It offers you an opportunity to change your perspective on life. At the centre, they offer various courses like Silent Meditation Retreats, Yoga Therapy Courses, Yoga Workshops for Back Pain, Yoga for Vipassana Meditators, Yoga for Women. If you want to go on a journey of inner self-exploration, then visiting this place is one of the best things to do in Dharamshala.
Nearest Airport: Gaggal Airport
5. Pottery Classes And Ceramic Art In Dharamkot Studio
Photo: CC0 Public Domain / Pexels
One of the top things to do in Dharamkot is to learn ceramic art and pottery at the Dharamkot Studio, set amidst the picture-perfect mountains, beautiful climate, and pure air. The institution has two studios well connected by a road. The first studio is about 5000 square feet and is used for non-residential workshops. The second studio offers beginner’s courses and can house 18 people at a time. They use terracotta and stoneware clay, pottery wheels, slab rollers, and other ways to make their art.
Nearest Airport: Dharamshala Airport
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6. Explore The Dalai Lama Temple
Photo: Bernard Gagnon / Wikimedia Commons
Officially known as the Tsuglagkhang Complex, the temple was built in 1959. This is following the exile of His Holiness, the 14th Dalai Lama. This is present under the caring shadows of the Mighty Himalayas. The temple complex houses a magnificent, gilded statue of the Buddha surrounded by carvings of various incidents from his life and his teachings. The temple area also has prayer wheels and prayer flags around the main shrine.
Nearest Airport: Gaggal Airport
7. Experience The Local Cuisines And Cafes
Photo: Ashwin Kumar / Wikimedia Commons
Food is one of the most important aspects of any outing. A place like Dharamkot has no dearth of such options. Here you will get multiple options in Indian, Tibetan and Israeli cuisines that you can enjoy while sitting in the complete view of the misty mountains. The calm and quiet setting and the good food will definitely make your visit worth the time. Places like Salvation Café even offer tasty European dishes alongside other food options.
Nearest Airport: Gaggal Airport
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8. Paragliding At Bir
Photo: Pan Wojteczek / Wikimedia Commons
Located in the Joginder Nagar Valley, Bir is often considered as the “Paragliding capital of India.” While paragliding, you can enjoy a spectacular view of the valley underneath and Dhauladhar mountain. This is one of the most famous ecotourism in the area and gives you a whole new experience to treasure throughout your life. Paragliding on a certain evening in the Bir Billing will let you witness the altering hues of the sky.
Best Time To Visit: October to December
Nearest Airport: Kangra Airport
9. Bird Watching At McLeodGanj
Photo: Rignam Wangkhang / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
Surrounded by the towering mountains, McleodGanj is a densely forested area and is well known for its unique plants and animals. The forest is a mix of tropical trees and coniferous trees that offer a diverse habitat for a diverse species of birds. Here in the forest, you can see the Indian peafowl, white-rumped Vulture, a nearly extinct species, and myriads of other avian species like Green Bee-eater, Spotted Forktail, Rock Bunting, Purple Sunbird, Rufous Treepie, and others.
Best Time To Visit: June to September
Nearest Airport: Gaggal Airport
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Dharamkot has plenty of fun options, and your trip will be incomplete if you do not opt for these activities amidst the foothills. The calm weather, peaceful setting, and scenic beauty under the heavenly Himalayas add to your beautiful experience when you engage yourself in these activities. So, if you want to explore Dharamkot up close, TripXl can help you with a tailored itinerary according to your time and budget.
Cover Photo: O’SHI / shutterstock / Image For Representation Only