A blockbuster 2 day itinerary for Dharamshala

You know a place is khaas when a filmmaker like Imtiaz Ali picks it for a movie like Rockstar. Dharamshala, nestled in the arms of the Dhauladhar mountains in Himachal Pradesh, isn’t just scenic – it’s absolutely soul-touching. With Tibetan flags fluttering in the breeze and chai ki khushboo wafting from every corner, this one-day itinerary will take you through the best of this pahadi paradise. And yes, cinematic nerds and chai addicts, you’re gonna love every second here.

Toh chalo shuru kare?

Day One - Sunrises, Illiterati arts and Rockstar

8:00 am – Sunrise and serenity at Naddi viewpoint

Start your day thoda filmy at Naddi Viewpoint – the kind of spot where you half-expect a guitar-wielding Ranbir Kapoor to walk by and play subhanallah for you. The morning sun paints the snow-clad peaks gold, and the silence? Shaant, like Sunday mornings. A little chai from a roadside stall here? Total sip-sip hooray moment.

Looks like the iconic YJHD scene ?

9:00 am – Breakfast with a view at The Other Space

Dekho bhai, pehle pet puja, baaki sab kaam duja.So if your idea of heaven is books, balconies, and the best latte art in town—The Other Space is the place. It’s where you sip coffee and casually rethink your entire life plan. (Bas views dekh ke job mat chhod dena, uska blame main nahi loongi).

The Himalayas here hit harder than your ex’s last text, and the vibe is straight out of a Pinterest mood board—with a side of illiterati art.From art jams to music gigs and offbeat workshops, there’s always something happening here. Trust me, The Other Space might just be the ‘IT’ girl of Dharamshala.

Views of the Himalayas or of latte arts?

10:30 am – Seek peace at the Dalai Lama temple

Tsuglagkhang Complex. The prayer wheels spin, the monks chant, and for once, your thoughts go quiet. Man ko sukoon milta hai yahan, and honestly, that’s priceless and something very rare to find in thai generation. 

11:30 am – Quick detour to the tea gardens

On your way to McLeodganj, swing by the Dharamshala tea gardens. The rows of lush green leaves, mist swirling like movie fog, and that fresh, earthy smell? Pure magic. Snap a few pics here – don’t worry, they’re all brew-tiful. 

12:30 pm – A soulful visit to Norbulingka Institute

This is where Rockstar magic happened; a few parts of the song Sadda Haq were shot here. Norbulingka is like walking into a postcard. The colours pop, the artists work in silence, and every corner whispers calm. Don’t miss the doll museum – it’s a tiny universe of big feelings. Bilkul alag vibe hai yahaan.

Don't forget to see the tibetan dolls

2:00 pm – Lunch at Tibet Kitchen

Hunger games over – time for momo therapy. Try the thukpa, tingmo, and crispy fried momos with a side of soul also try their tibetan thali, one bite in, and you’ll forget all the worries of your life for a while… Pet bhi khush, dil bhi full.

3:00 pm – Dharamshala cricket stadium

Yeah let’s not lie — our IG feed has been full of edits of this place. The prettiest stadium in India. Surrounded by snow-capped peaks, it looks less like a cricket ground and more like a movie climax location. And listen — cricket fan ho ya na ho, doesn’t matter. You have to visit this spot. For fans, it’s sacred. For the rest, it’s a visual treat you didn’t know you needed. This place is too beautiful to skip so don’t (Yeh dhamki hai) 

The coolest cricket stadium | Credits: instagram.com (@_nandinii.ii)

3:30 pm – Stroll through McLeodganj market

Time for some retail therapy, but pahadi style. Singing bowls, beaded jewellery, handwoven shawls, and those “I love mountains” tees you’ll totally wear to the gym later. And yeah, grab a cinnamon roll or some hot butter tea – this market runs on vibes and sugar highs. (and ooh, can you get me a fridge magnet too?)

5:30 pm – Sunset at Bhagsu waterfall

Bhagsu’s more than just a waterfall – it’s a whole vibe. Walk past the ancient temple, catch graffiti walls with existential doodles, and let the spray of the falls kiss your cheeks (nature’s way of saying tu cute hai). Top it off with a chill session at Shiva Café – rugged, remote, and real.

Enjoy shaam ki adrak wali chai at the waterfall

7:00 pm – Dinner and chill at Moonpeak Espresso

Finish the day with some Tibetan butter rice or roasted aubergine, jazz in the background and lemon ginger tea warming your hands. Conversations flow easy here – with strangers, with yourself, or maybe even with the mountains. (Okay fun fact time: You know Ranbir Kapoor was here jamming when he was shooting for Rockstar?) and everything here is made from scratch. Sauces, breads, cakes and everything in between.

Day two – Trails, tales and thoda self-discovery

8:00 am – Morning trek to Triund (or at least halfway)

Chalo thoda cardio ho jaye. Start your day with a gentle-to-moderate trek to Triund. Even if you don't go all the way, the halfway point gives you jaw-dropping views. Think main character energy, mountain edition. The wind plays with your hair, the birds give background score – pura filmy scene hai.

I would suggest completing the trek cause you don't wanna miss out on this

11:00 am – Brunch at Gobblers

You earned it! Wafflesome is your treat spot. Fluffy waffles, Nutella everything, and coffee that feels like a warm hug. Sit by the window, people-watch, and relive your morning trek ke heroic moments.

12:00 pm – Explore the Tibetan museum

This small but powerful museum gives you goosebumps. The stories of exile, hope, and culture are beautifully told. It’s one of those places where time slows down and your perspective changes a bit. Also, very Instagrammable walls – history but make it aesthetic.

1:30 pm – Lunch at Jimmy’s Italian Kitchen

Pizzas with a view? Yes please. Jimmy’s is a Dharamshala classic. Their wood-fired pizzas and creamy pastas are straight outta a food dream. Order extra garlic bread – future-you will thank present-you.

Steamy, cheesy wood-fired pizza is all we need for lunch

3:00 pm – Art and soul at Lah Garden Gallery

Hidden gem alert! Lah Garden is an artsy space that hosts local art, poetry readings, and sometimes, random jam sessions. It’s raw, real, and ridiculously beautiful. Feels like stepping into someone’s creative diary. Sit for a while. Maybe even write something of your own. (You can also share it to me)

5:00 pm – Golden hour at Gallu Mata temple

Take a short uphill walk to this peaceful temple. The view? A full-on 360-degree panorama of the Dhauladhars. If you catch golden hour here, bas – your camera roll will never be the same again. Sit on the steps, let the wind mess up your hair, and just breathe.

It's always worth for the view | instagram.com (@anjali13d)

7:00 pm – Last supper at Nick’s Italian Kitchen

End your two-day filmy escape with a laid-back dinner at Nick’s. Tibetan spinach soup, wood-fired thin crust pizza, and lemon cake that tastes like joy. Watch the lights twinkle below as Dharamshala gets ready to sleep.

Conclusion

I have never been to this place, but a friend of mine, Nandini Ahuja, did (and this whole itinerary is her recommendation). I’ve heard almost 30,000 different stories about it (I wish I could say I am exaggerating, but I really am not). I also got an insider tip that she cried when she saw the stadium cause it was so pretty. Listening to her stories and writing this blog has genuinely altered my brain chemistry about Dharamshala. I feel like I am in love with this place and should visit ASAP!

So I’m packing my bags and running towards Dharamshala. Are you too? Are you?! chalo saath mein ghumenge! yayyyy