Dharamshala - McLeodGanj - Dharamkot- Baijnath Trip

Before checking into our Airbnb, we made quick stops at the War Memorial and the famous Dharamshala Cricket Stadium.

The War Memorial was a treat — we clicked countless photos amidst the beautifully maintained grounds. Spring was in full bloom, with vibrant flowers and towering pine trees that left us awestruck.

Even though it was only the third week of April, the town was bustling with tourists, giving us that familiar feel of peak summer vacations when every corner seems to echo with chatter and excitement.

After enjoying a sumptuous lunch at Gobblers, we resumed our journey towards Sidhbari, where our Airbnb was located. Once we arrived, we took some time to rest and recharge until around 5 PM.
Couldn't click the pictures of food as we were damn hungry, just the dessert!! Food was good👍

(Evening): Exploring McLeodganj & Bhagsunath

In the evening, we drove to McLeodganj, only to find it vibrant and buzzing with life.

We began a leisurely walk towards Bhagsunath Temple — a peaceful stroll, not at all tiring. Even our parents found it quite manageable. Once we reached the temple premises, we spent some quiet time sitting and soaking in the divine atmosphere.

Post the temple visit, we explored the local market. It was a good shopping experience.

Post the temple visit, we explored the local market. It was a good shopping experience — full of small surprises and local finds.

We then walked back to the main McLeodganj market and, feeling a bit tired, decided to stop at the first eatery we spotted — Nick’s Italian Kitchen. The café, filled with foreign tourists, made us slightly unsure about the food, but we went ahead and ordered pizza, cannelloni, and momos. While the pizza and momos were decent, what truly stood out were the desserts.

Their tea cakes were irresistible — from date walnut and carrot cake to caramel banana and chocolate banana walnut — every bite was a treat.

Day 2: Baijnath Temple & the Magical Vibe of Dharamkot

Our second day began with an early start. By 8 AM, we were on our way to the ancient Baijnath Temple, one of the oldest temples in Himachal Pradesh dedicated to Lord Shiva. Built in 1204 AD, this magnificent stone temple is renowned and is believed to have healing properties — especially for ailments related to pain and suffering.

As we entered the temple premises, we were greeted by the soulful sound of local musicians playing Shiv bhajans on traditional instruments. Their rhythmic chanting and the divine surroundings created a spiritual ambiance that left us mesmerized.

Post Darshan, we drove back to McLeodganj, continuing on to explore the quaint hill village of Dharamkot.

On our way back to McLeodganj, we made a quick but memorable stop at the Church of St. John in the Wilderness, nestled amidst tall deodar trees. Built in 1852, this Neo-Gothic stone church is dedicated to John the Baptist and is one of the oldest structures in the region. Its Belgian stained-glass windows and moss-covered gravestones lend it a quiet, haunting charm. The serene surroundings and cool breeze made it a perfect spot to pause, reflect, and soak in the tranquil beauty of nature before continuing our journey.

Dharamkot, perched above McLeodganj, welcomed us with an entirely different vibe — relaxed, artsy, and serene. The narrow lanes were lined with cozy cafés, local art studios, and wellness centers. The presence of Israeli tourists, who are drawn here post their military service for spiritual retreats, yoga, meditation, and Himalayan peace, added a unique cultural touch to the area.

We browsed through the local market, picking up a few interesting items, though the short visit left us wanting more.

Dharamkot felt like a destination that deserved a trip of its own, and we’ve made a mental note to return for a 2-3 day stay — to truly soak in its tranquil charm and explore its trails, cafés, and spiritual centers at leisure.