Its not Dharamshala or Mcloedganj which you want to see.its Dharamkot! That place has everything the view with hills, the valley, noise of the water fall, tripy cafes with awesome cheap food and everyone with red smiling eyes. We reached early in the morning with drizzling weather an clean rocky routes. Score some and herbal tea will do. Get a room with view for 300/- and set of for Mcloed.
The town is filled with Punjabi tourist in weekends and so is the shrine. See 2-3 googled ‘places to see’ sights, click some pictures and walk back. Walks are what keep the stories alive and so is the mist which keeps ur smiles alive in the pictures. Taxi and auto are all over priced and local buses are the best means to travel. Reach room have chocolate mouse, Israeli dinner and mood to sleep. Next day its Shiva café walk and the waterfall.
Start with English breakfast, awesome pictures in the middles of hills and set for water-fall. Rain starts and umbrellas and wind cheaters are must. The trek to café is high and it’s the route and waterfall is the must. The Shiva Café is nothing worth the hype. Its just location and the determination of finding something talked about which takes you there. Walk back from Baksu and do have the ‘Baksu cake’ from German Café and you are fit. On the way Moonlight Café which only serves masala tea, Israli girls painting and basuri player which makes the sunset even better. Last night and mood for Tibetian food. A drink of whiskey and sit in open and let the wind and night view of the Hills take you off.
Last day walk to Triund starts at 7am, 18 kms from Dharamkot, a awesome 8 hrs trek. Keep your bags light and set to walk. Guide is a must as he keeps you informed and alert. The route is beautiful and keep you smiling. Maggie in the first café is must. Further there is only walking and brilliant views. Its like a google map view of the Cricket Stadium to the shines and monasteries. The top view is worth it all…the clouds are passing and the grey-green hills. Triund is the place to be if you want to a escape holiday. Have tea with snacks and relax with juju. Think of nothing and just be. Walking back is tiring and rocky but laughs on every fall and click funny pictures to keep you good. See the monk tombs and pedicure in fresh rain waters from the hills. Reach back, deep breath walk to Baksu pack cake and roll, get to Mcloed have fried aloo momo’s, get irritated with crowd and bargain on souvenirs. Main market is close to bus stand so shopping on last day is gud. Silver jewelry is over priced but tempting. Do not over eat if you have motion sickness. Bus at 6 pm to Delhi and on the way back you can see the St Johns church(plx don’t make extra efforts). So a good walking partner who is stable and makes good decisions is all you need for a awesome weekend trip to this part of Himachal Pradesh!Thk u my friend.