Do I Want to Move to the Mountains or Just Need a Weekend Off? – A 3-Day Itinerary for Dharamshala That'll Confuse Your Soul (In a Good Way)

If you've ever googled "quick mountain getaway from Delhi," you've probably already come across Dharamshala. And if you haven't been yet—congrats, this blog is about to make it really hard for you not to book those tickets.

I spent a long weekend in Dharamshala this May (Friday to Sunday), and between spiritual spots, quiet cafés, heavy rains, and incredible vegan food, I now don't know if I should move to the hills or just go on more long weekends. Here’s my detailed, honest, and slightly funny 3-day itinerary—perfect for couples, solo travellers, or you + your burnout.

🚍 Getting to Dharamshala from Delhi

Here’s the real talk: there are no sleeper buses running overnight from Delhi to Dharamshala. That left us with the semi-sleeper option, which honestly isn’t bad.

We booked our semi-sleeper overnight bus around ₹1400–₹1600 one way. Prices fluctuate depending on when you book (especially close to the weekend).

You can go the safer route by booking with HRTC (Himachal Road Transport Corporation) – reliable, government-run, and mostly on time. But we took a little gamble and booked a private operator:

• To Dharamshala: Ram Dalal Travels (had working charging ports and was quite spacious)

• Return: FlixBus (decent, but cramped and no working ports)

  
  

We boarded around 9:30 PM from Kashmiri Gate and reached Dharamshala between 6–7 AM. Sleep was questionable, but excitement was 10/10.

🛵 Getting Around Dharamshala, McLeodganj & Dharamkot

We found that renting a scooty for around ₹1500 for three days was hands-down the best way to explore these hill towns. The roads are narrow and winding, so scooty is not only convenient but also fun.

If you’re thinking of driving your own car, beware — it can get tricky to maneuver, especially on weekends when these places get crowded. Narrow lanes and parked vehicles can make driving stressful, so scooty definitely wins.

🏡 Where We Stayed: Hidden in the Dhauladhar Range

We booked a cute homestay in a quiet village tucked into the Dhauladhar mountains, close to Dharamkot, McLeodganj, and Dharamshala.

Now, I don’t mean to be dramatic, but the view from our window looked like a Pinterest board threw up in the best way possible. You could see misty forests, distant snow-capped peaks, and sleepy rooftops all in one frame. Mornings were unreal.

BNB details here: Airbnb

Room With a View: Waking Up to the Himalayas

Our Private Window to the Himalayas

🌿 Day 1: Tea Gardens, Tibetan Art & That One Dish Called Siddu

We kicked off Day 1 slow (we had just stepped off a 10-hour bus ride, after all). Here's what we covered:

🍵 1. Dharamshala Tea Garden

Our first stop: the lush, underrated tea gardens of Dharamshala. It's huge, and the fresh air and greenery hit different after a long bus ride. Plus, it’s super Instagrammable if you care about that kind of thing (and you probably do).

A little sunshine, a lot of tea, and endless green—this tea garden stroll was straight out of a postcard.

🌟 2. Norbulingka Institute

Next, we visited Norbulingka Institute, a Tibetan cultural center and art hub. There were monks painting thangkas, artists carving wood, and a serenity that felt... imported.

The whole place is stunning and peaceful. Even if you don’t understand art, your soul might cry a little from happiness.

A Peek Into Tibetan Culture Through Dolls

🧁 3. Ate Siddu

We grabbed a Siddu, which is a steamed Himachali bun stuffed with goodness (depends on the filling). Think of it like a momo's elder cousin who studied abroad. Soft, heavy, and so good.

✨ 4. Cable Car Ride: McLeodganj to Dharamshala

By evening, we rode the McLeodganj-Dharamshala cable car. Gliding over pine trees and tiny homes below, I suddenly understood why people move to the hills and start writing poetry.

🌋 Day 2: The Triund Trek (aka The Day My Legs Died But My Soul Lived)

We dedicated Day 2 to the Triund Trek, and spoiler: it was worth every aching muscle.

⛺ Trek Details:

• Start Point: We began walking 1–2 km before Gallu Devi base camp due to rocky roads

• Distance: ~10–11 km (with our extended start)

• Time: ~5-6 hours (moderate pace)

• Difficulty: Moderate

  
  

We started early and were blessed with... RAIN. Midway through, it poured so much we considered turning back. But then the mist rolled in, and it suddenly felt like Narnia meets Himachal.

By the time we reached the top, the clouds had cleared and the Dhauladhar range was showing off. Picture-perfect views. Fresh air. Legs: gone.

We headed back by evening, destroyed and delighted.

💕 Day 3: Spiritual Vibes, Naddi Views & Vegan Joy

We kept Day 3 light and easy. It was all about culture, views, and really good food.

🙏 Dalai Lama Temple

The Tsuglagkhang Complex is peaceful and powerful. Spinning prayer wheels, maroon-robed monks, and a sense of calm I hadn’t felt in months.

🌄 Naddi/Bal Village

Naddi was everything you dream of in a mountain village — super pretty, with a gentle river flowing right beside it, surrounded by lush greenery. Honestly, it felt like stepping into a postcard.

But then came Sunday. The place was so crowded that we seriously considered turning back. It was the busiest spot we saw on the entire trip — even more packed than the usual tourist markets! We ended up leaving early, half wishing we’d come on a quieter day just to soak in the peace properly.

🥗 Vegan Café Stop

We stopped at a vegan café—you can find it easily online. It's called Bodhi Greens. We got a Vegan coffee, vegan pancakes and a tofu paranta that made me believe in tofu again. Super chill vibes and a great place to just sit and be.

🛍️ Tibetan Market

We ended the trip by walking through the local Tibetan market. Picked up some handmade jewelry, wool scarves, incense, and more. Most of it I didn’t need, but everything I wanted.

After lunch, we hopped back onto our semi-sleeper and began the long, sleepy ride back to Delhi.

☕ Coffee Lovers’ Paradise: Dharamshala Cafes

One last thing — if you’re a coffee lover like me, Dharamshala’s cafes won’t disappoint. We tried quite a few spots, each with its own cozy vibe and great brews that kept us fueled throughout the trip. Honestly, some of the best coffees I’ve had in a long time!

I’m planning a whole separate blog/vlog soon just dedicated to the cafes we visited and the delicious things we ate, so stay tuned if you want the full foodie scoop.

Final Thoughts (and Some Soul Confusion)

This weekend in Dharamshala was something to me. Maybe it was the altitude. Maybe it was the quiet. Or maybe it was just the perfect mix of slow mornings, steep treks, spiritual spaces, and really good food.

Taking in the breathtaking mountain views from our balcony in Dharamshala.

If you’re burnt out, bored, or just need fresh air that doesn't come from a purifier—book that bus. Dharamshala might not fix your life, but it will remind you how much peace a place can offer.

See you until next time :)

Sakshi