Dharamshala

This quote by John Ruskin, is one to live by:

"Mountains are beginning and end of all natural scenery."

And this little story of my hike was one hell of a ride.

How to reach here:

Air : GAGGAL AIRPORT (DHM) is the nearest airport to Dharamshala McLoed Ganj. It is about 14-15 km away (approx 30 min drive).

A direct flight from Delhi are available; while travelers from other places might have to commute through connecting flight via Delhi itself.

Rail : Though Kangra railway station is the closest to Dharamashala, but none of the important trains have a halt here. So an overnight train journey to PATHANKOT RAILWAY STATION (PTK) is the best bet for the ones willing to commute via rail.

And thereafter hiring a cab to cover remaining distance of around 85 km via NH 154 would take around 2 hours and 30 min.

Road : Either Bus or Self Drive via road will take you around 09-10 hours to reach Dharamshala town from the NCR.

Best time to visit:

The weather at hill stations tempt people to visit here during scorching summer months (March- July) back at their hometown. This time is considered ideal for trekking along picturesque trails.

While the people who would love to experience the Tibet culture to its best are recommended to travel during Buddhist LOSAR FESTIVAL (varying dates between Feb- March).

LOSAR FESTIVAL

This festival is to mark the first day of Lunar calendar and is treated as the the New Year of Tibetans.

Though this festival is carried on for 15 days, but the main bash is restricted to the first 3 days.

VACATIONARY TIP: While you are there during the festive time, don't miss out on:-

- being a part of exquisite "Chham" dance.

- try assortment of traditional dishes like Guthuk (dumpling and noodle soup) and Kapse (sweet-salty fried pastries).

- taste the locally brewed barley beer namely "Chang"

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The trek to DHARAMKOT "the yoga village" from the McLeod Ganj bus depot itself was nothing short of exemplary.Though cabs can be one option but then the cold mountain breeze hitting your face and you backpacking along the way, will definitely give you that "Dora- The Explorer" vibe.

Considering our stay to be at a hostel named "Fluger"; on the way you most definitely should take at pit stop at the "Himalayan Tea Shop". Here you won't only get to interact with the fellow travelers around the globe but you also get that solace where you can sit and just gaze into the nothingness of mountains breathing Mother Nature in.

We trekked a little further to finally arrive at Hostel.

One of the best option for backpacker travelers to social and comfort their stay can be at Flugers Hostel. What won't you get here: the best view(specially from rooms at first floor), gaming room with a play station and other indoor games and the open cafe with fingerlicious food. The quite space up along the cafe stairs can be one of the best time you get to spend with yourself under the roof of million twinkling stars.

Moreover it has some more to offer with the great collection of books for the readers. This compact and cozy place with the top amenities and and nearest to cafes in Hippie village can be one of the best bet until its competition "Zostel" opens up here.

Cafe hopping in the evening will take you by surprise as these cafes are some of the best you will see on any hill station. You cannot afford to miss out on Bhagsu Cake; the in- house recipe of Bhasgu Villagers, which was initially served at Moonlight Cafe (recently shut down for unknown reasons, and instead opened the bakery 2-3 shops away from there.)

NOTABLE CAFE:

Trek and Dine ( best ambiance)
Bodhi Green (Vegan)
Once in Nature (Live Music; Vegan)

Following day begun with a meditation session (Mon- Sat @ 9:30 am) at one of the old Buddhist establishment namely: Tushita Meditation Centre. It offers Buddhism courses, advanced courses, group retreats where you can learn and live at the same place i.e. the Centre itself, while the food would be included for those, up for the courses.

Up-next was the trek to No Name Waterfalls. To my belief waterfall never cease to amaze anyone. Just the dynamics of water flowing off its own accord from mountain top is so unmistakably brilliant, that it may take anyone out of words.

On arrival at McLEOD GANJ main town, one may opt for local shopping on the way from Kalachakra temple (famous Buddhist temple) to Tsuglagkhang (residence of holy soul Dalai Lama).

Tsuglagkhang Complex not only houses the Photang, but also has a Tsug Temple , Tibet Museum and Namgyal Gompa (monastery where Monks debate) within.

MUST KNOW if entering the TEMPLE

Remove shoes before setting foot into the temple area.
Walk around the temple; and turning the prayer wheels should be both in "clock-wise" direction.
Don't stop prayer wheels that are already moving.

MUSEUM

A display of moving photos and videos about Chinese invasion and the Tibet struggle. Don't miss out on great documentaries on Tibetans that are being screened

Days - Tuesday- Sunday
Museum Time - 9 a.m TO 5 p.m
Entry Fee - Free
Documentary Time - 11 a.m AND 03 p.m
Documentary Fee - ₹ 10

VACATIONARY TIP :

A walk down on the temple road must have a pit stop at "Coffee Talk" bakery for all the coffee and cake lovers, to sit back and talk while enjoying the serene view of mountains covered in clouds.

Before heading back to the hostel, catching an auto or a cab for DAL LAKE should be ticked off the Check-List.

Dal Lake, probably not more beautiful than the original one in Kashmir, but equally serene nevertheless, is not only known for the obvious.

This is also considered as the sacred place where pilgrims travel to, in the month of September and celebrate a fair, to mark the presence of Lord Shiva.

The end day of the trip can be marked by covering the main waterfalls around here, the Bhagsu Waterfalls.

They are very popular for the right reasons. It is beautifully sculpted by mother nature, although the word " popular" means it is very crowded. Trekking further for half an hour from the Bhagsu Falls will bring you to the "Shiva Cafe" where you can relax and stretch your legs while soothing your taste buds.

Last notable bakery when Dharamshala trip could serve your sweet tooth is with the "German Bakery" at the Taxi Stop of Bhagsu Temple. Variety of Cakes and shakes along with other lip smacking cuisines should not be missed.

On return journey to LOWER DHARAMSHALA you will see nothing but one of the most picturesque Cricket Stadium in the world: HPCA Stadium. You can opt for stadium tour and it is worth every penny to see a cricket pitch with the backdrop of snow-clad mountains.

HPCA STADIUM TOUR

Timing - 9 am - 5 pm Daily
Duration - 30 minutes
Entry Fees - ₹ 20/person

On your way back, the Dharamshala War Memorial would have you feel the sense of pride. This place even marks the entrance of Dharamshala, and is located at the slopes of Kangra Valley. Here Pine trees line both the sides along the narrow road and form a thick, shady arch above you, against the impossibly blue sky.A combination of patriotic feeling in heart and serene view before eyes is worth a one time visit.

DHARAMSHALA WAR MEMORIAL (HARDWARE)

Timing - 8 am- 8 pm
Duration - 60 - 90 minutes
Entry Fees - ₹ 10/person

My best friend on the trip was google maps and localites to help me explore more of Dharamshala-McLoedGanj- Dharamkot; but now VACATIONARY can be YOUR best friend.

Be it calm of nature or serenity of surroundings.

Be it beauty of waterfalls or the feeling of being able to eat clouds like cotton candy, the place in word is EPIC.

Dharamshala

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