Israeli lifestyle and culture is a feeling that you will have in a hippy village, Dharamkot in Himachal Pradesh, 13 km from Dharamsala. This beautiful place has also been a popular destination among Israeli tourists. Initially, the village is inhabited by the Gaddi shepherd community. However, over the years, regular visits from Israeli tourists have changed the outlook of the village. It is now dotted with cafes, restaurants, yoga centers, and gift shops. Over time, now the locals can speak Hebrew fluently. Most of the Signage and boards in the village are written in Hebrew.

Dharamkot, a hippy village doesn’t have any roads, except for a single road that leads to it and pretty much ends at “Trek and Dine”–a famous café. After Trek n Dine, the road narrows down to a pathway, ideal for aimless walks through the village to various other viewpoints, rocks, waterfalls, and some tracks.

More backpackers than families

It’s mostly populated with locals, Non-Indian tourists, and a few Indian backpackers. McLeod Ganj and Dharamshala are more family-oriented destinations, whereas Dharamkot has a different outlook with nonfamilies visitors. The place is full of spiritual-seekers and peaceful travelers who are doing some soul-searching or just enjoying the lap of nature.

You may also read Mcloed Ganj: An Escape to Nature, Hills, History & Scenic Beauty

Stay and food options

I visited the place in December 2022. It was a brief trip, but we enjoyed it a lot. Dharamkot is divided into two parts: lower Dharamkot, and upper Dharamkot. We stayed in Dharamkot Inn in lower Dharamkot just opposite to cafe, “Trek and Dine”. It was a nice and comfortable stay. Perhaps this is one of the rare places where you can drive your car or taxi right up to the door. This place has many reasonable) places to stay and awesome food (mostly Israeli cuisine) to taste. Dharamkot village does not have big hotels or resorts but there are plenty of homestays, budget hotels, and a few backpackers hostels too.

There are restaurants and cafes where you can have different cuisines. We had our dinner at Trek & Dine, a beautiful restaurant in the middle of lower Dharamkot. We had our breakfast at another good place, the Moonlight café. It was a blissful feeling of being in this beautiful place. The aroma of freshly brewed coffee and the warmth from sun rays coming from the window added soothing feelings, creating memories that would linger in hearts forever.

Eager to explore the local culture, we immersed ourselves in the vibrant markets of Dharamkot. The colourful shops showcased an array of handicrafts, Tibetan artifacts, and locally made products.

The place is full of Bliss & Calmness

People love being a part of the journey to Dharamkot because the place is full of absolute bliss and calmness. The quietness of the place attracts a lot of tourists every year. I wish to visit it again and again. Time in Dharamkot was nothing short of a fairy tale. It was a chapter that had been etched with beauty, tranquility, and a deep sense of fulfillment. The place is absolute heaven for nomads, travelers, and people who love to go hiking and trekking. There is nothing like Dharamkot when you want to experience the true beauty of nature with no sort of extravagant luxury or privileges.

Parking is an issue in Dharamkot

Parking can be a problem in Dharamkot. If you are going in your own car, you must know there can be parking problems as the roads are not very wide. I recommend you park vehicles in the parking at McLeod Ganj and choose to travel with a hired taxi. This way you will be easier and will enjoy walking and the surrounding.

Exploring the surroundings of Dharamkot

In Dharamkot you can escape to many beautiful points like Heena Cafe in upper Dharamkot and many others. Heena Cafe is one of the best places where you can spend time and have a few Tibetan cousins like Veg Thali, Veg Thenchuk, Arrabiata Pasta, and Tibetan Style Momos. You may check the menu & taste other things as well. There are more attractions near Dharamshala that you may explore

Triund Trek: Embark on a trek to Triund, a popular destination known for its scenic beauty and panoramic views of the Dhauladhar range. The trek starts from Dharamkot and takes around 4-6 hours to reach the top.

Bhagsu Waterfall: Visit the enchanting Bhagsu Waterfall, located near the Bhagsunath Temple. It’s a short trek from Dharamkot and offers a refreshing experience amidst nature.

Dal Lake: Explore Dal Lake, a small and serene lake surrounded by deodar trees. It’s located near Tota Rani village, about 2 kilometers from Dharamkot.

Naddi Viewpoint: Take a trip to Naddi, a picturesque village situated above McLeod Ganj. From the Naddi Viewpoint, you can enjoy breathtaking views of the Kangra Valley and the Dhauladhar mountain range.