Dharamkot: Where Cultures Collide and Nature Thrives

To Trek or To Taste

As I approached the village via the only road heading to the top of the mountain, I found  a fork in the road:

One of the starting points for the famous nine km-long Triund Trek is to the left of the fork. It is the perfect trail for hikers of all abilities. The inexperienced hiker will appreciate the rock-made path and stairways, which provide a proper trail that blends into the natural aesthetic. At the same time, the experienced hiker will love the view of the Kangra Valley, which stretches to the horizon, and the snow-covered peaks of the Dhauladhar range, which tower over them. Novices can easily cover the trail within a weekend and visitors love to take a few hours on the trail to visit the thick pine forests before heading back to their accommodations.

To the right of the fork, lies the heart and culture of Dharamkot which I have fallen in love with ever since my first visit.

We first come across Morgan's Place, a community favorite, and why many visit Dharamkot. The Cafe believes that although we have only one birthday, we have 364 unbirthdays every year. So, would you not have a happier life celebrating every unbirthday instead of just one birthday? And to celebrate, why not try out their wide range of Tibetan, Mediterranean, and Indian cuisine before claiming your free dessert in exchange for an Instagram mention?

Or, if you'd rather have some weird but wonderful creations, move a little further ahead to the Trek & Dine cafe. It is easily spotted by the creative furniture designed by an Austrian decorator, signs in Hebrew, and custom art left by tourists from all over the world. You may order a pizza with boiled egg and tomato sauce (much more delicious than expected) or a burger stuffed with mushrooms and cashews. Wash it down with one of their specialty juices made from an in-house combination of fruits and veggies before moving further into the artisan market.

The Yak Economy: Crafts, Cuisine and Culture

The markets of Dharamkot are tightly packed with artisanal cafes and artisans specializing in traditional handicrafts from Tibet, Nepal, and the Himachal. The yak is a creature of great cultural and religious significance in the Tibetan community. It serves as a source of wealth for the artisans. Therefore, you will have a great time shopping for yak-based products which are 100% cruelty-free. 

Clothes are made of genuine yak hair, a soft, thick, and breathable fiber. Or traditional art pieces made of yak bone. These yak products of artistic beauty are considered a religious duty to show appreciation for the many benefits these creatures bring to the Tibetan community. In artisanal cafes, yaks are used for their meat and milk products, such as cheese. Many of these artisanal cafes even use the traditional method of cooking with yak dung as fuel.

If you're looking for a great place to stay in Dharamkot, NomadGao offers affordable private rooms with stunning Dhauladhar mountain views, a zen coworking space, and a terrace café perfect for soaking in the scenery. For a more social vibe, Young Monk Hostel & Café is another solid option, with a cozy atmosphere and a great spot to meet fellow travelers.