Last updated on May 30th, 2025
One day while exploring Mcleodganj, I happened to ask a local “Is Dharamkot worth visiting?” To which he replied “Not at all, its just a cafe hub”. I believed him. A couple days later, a random visit to a cakery compelled me to change my belief. If you too are confused to choose between Mcleodganj or Dharamkot, keep reading.
Mcleodganj and Dharamkot are just 3 km apart but how they make you feel inside out is a pretty noticeable difference. Dharamkot is now, what I believe Mcleodganj was, years before! Many people still come to Mcleodganj for fresh air, serene landscapes and the calm from their daily hectic lives but unfortunately, this place has changed a lot over the years.
Many still confuse over the question Dharamkot or Mcleodganj – which is better to visit?
Let me give you 6 reasons why you could choose Dharamkot over Mcleodganj for your next visit.
1. Dharamkot Offers A Lot of Affordable Home Stays
I think this reason alone is enough for people looking for staying longer and experiencing things at a slower pace. Hotels or guest houses are always on the costlier side as compared to the home stays and therefore not the best options to stay in if you want to stay in for longer periods of time.
2. Have A Creative Aura Perfect for Artists, Writers, and Thinkers
Creative people are always on the lookout for spaces that have minimal distractions. And Dharamkot has ample of options like that. Being less crowded , this place allows you to work upon in peace. Work from a homestay, get yourself a landscape facing seat in your favourite cafes. When in a creative blockage get yourself a walk in the many trails that are a part of Dharamkot and get lost in nature.
3. Has Many Spiritual Retreats and A Better Cultural Immersion Than Mcleodganj
This is another highlight of the place. Weather its learning how to cook Tibetan food or learn any form of art (eg- pottery) or even if it is engaging yourself in spiritual or healing activities (eg – meditation, sound healing, Yoga classes ), Dharamkot offers it all. A home to spiritual centres like Tushita Meditation Centre and Vipassana Meditation making it an ideal place to learn new things while staying.
4. Has Ample Of Work-Friendly Cafes
It goes without saying that Dharamkot is famous for its many cozy cafes offering good wifi, mountain views and diverse menus that range from healthy, conscious meals to their comfort foods from around the world, making it one of the best locations for digital nomads, artists, musicians and remote workers alike.
You might want to read : The Birdhouse Cakery – A Heartwarming Bakery in Dharamkot for Slow Travellers
5. Not Yet Commercialised
The last time I visited Mcleodganj was somewhere during the start of April, the tourist season was just round the corner and you could hear non-stop honking of tourist cars along the narrow lanes. The nights would end up into long lines of vehicles. Sometimes enough to stop the walking crowd. Dharamkot on the other hand is much quieter at night. At nights, you would call it even isolated but that’s what differentiate it from Mcleodganj.
The crowd coming to Mcleodganj are more of people who want to travel for the love of pictures, food and enjoyment. Dharamkot on the other hand has laid back atmosphere.
With each year, Mcleoodganj is becoming more commercial. As a result, the number of hotels have drastically increased too.
6. You’ll Feel Closer To Nature
The walk from Mcleodganj to Dharamkot was the most tranquil part of my trip to Mcleodganj. It allowed me several moments to my own self, introspecting various aspects from my life.
Unlike Mcleodganj, the roads in Dharamkot were not jammed with honking cars. Instead I was able to breathe in the fresh air of the mountains and hear the birds sing. Though there is a section of Dharamkot that is a hub of cafes and home stays but if you are the inquisitive kind, there are many hidden places in Dharamkot that are still untouched. Less crowded, less touristy. Almost all famous trails like the Triund trek, Bhagsu Water Fall and Naddi View Point are easily accessible from Dharamkot itself, making it perfect for day hikes or quick nature getaways.
Final Thoughts
Mcleodganj or Dharamkot? – the difference is in how deeply you want to rest.
No doubt, McLeodganj still offers an escape to the mountains which is still a privilege for people coming from the cities that never sleep. It definitely is worthy for a visit.
While Mcleodganj is famous for its lively markets, vibrant cafes and a rich cultural scene that make it worth a visit. Dharamkot is famous for its quiet forest trails, cozy cafes and laid-back vibe create the perfect setting to relax and recharge away from the crowds.
On an unsettling note – The transition of Mcleodganj’s image from a peaceful escape to a bustling tourist spot, over the years, made me realise how easily places can lose their charm if we’re not careful. It’s kind of heartbreaking.
The purpose of travelling is not just to explore the places but to preserve their authenticity.
The idea is simple – If we don’t want a place to lose its vibe, we need to put in the required efforts. We need to be more responsible and conscious as travellers.
Start in Mcleodganj if you must but if you’re truly looking to slow down and unplug with the digital world, it is Dharamkot where you should choose to be.
Mcleodganj or Dharamkot – Travel Consciously!!