I embarked on a soul-stirring journey to Dharamshala and Bir, where I discovered serene mountains, spiritual retreats, and vibrant Tibetan culture, offering a rejuvenating escape and a chance to explore scenic hikes and find inner peace amidst breathtaking landscapes.
Dharamshala had been on my list for a very long time, and I was happy to finally visit this place. After a long drive from Delhi, we checked in at our beautiful villa nestled in the mountains. For budget options, you can check out Hotel The Nest and Hotel Sahebs Castle McLeodganj, while for luxury, consider Regenta Resort Exotica Dharamshala on Hilltop. Day one was super chill. We visited the most offbeat monastery, Norbulingka, and also explored the Dalai Lama Temple. While going through the market, we had tea at One By Two Cafe, where we met a lot of monks and local people, and then called it a day.
Dharamshala is all about calming your mind, body, and soul. We started with a sound healing session, though you can also opt for early morning yoga at Aranya Yoga Centre, which offers meditation, sound healing, and yoga. Later, we hiked up to Shiva Cafe, passing through Bhagsu market, where we shopped for the most authentic Himachal goods. We enjoyed amazing food at Shiva Cafe with a stunning view. In the evening, we got creative with a sunset pottery workshop at Dharamkot Studio. We ended our day with a bonfire at the hotel. If you have more time, you can also do the Triund trek.
The next day, we left Dharamshala and embarked on a one-and-a-half-hour journey to Bir. We immersed ourselves in the local culture with a mouthwatering lunch at Ara Cafe, then prepared for Asia’s highest sunset paragliding, offering breathtaking views of the Himalayan landscape.
On day 4, we began by immersing ourselves in the spiritual aura of Tsering Jong Monastery before embarking on a quest to discover an offbeat waterfall hidden in the mountains. We savored delicious food at various cafes (Bir is known for that) and relaxed. For those craving an extra thrill, consider indulging in adventure activities like sky cycling, adding an extra dash of excitement to your Dharamshala adventure. Alternatively, you can extend your trip by spending two more days in Jibhi, one of the most offbeat towns in Himachal, known for its charming tree houses.
