How to Get from Dharamkot to Delhi

Leaving behind the quiet, cedar-scented trails of Dharamkot feels like waking up from a peaceful dream. You swap the spiritual hum of the Dhauladhar mountains for the electric energy of India's capital, and the journey south connects two completely different worlds. The road takes you from the high-altitude hippie haven where travellers linger for weeks, down through the winding foothills of Himachal Pradesh and into the bustling heart of Delhi.

Dharamkot to Delhi by Bus

The bus is the main link between these Himalayan slopes and the capital. Dharamkot has no bus stand of its own: walk or take a taxi down to the bus stand in McLeod Ganj, or continue to the one in Dharamshala. The Himachal Road Transport Corporation (HRTC) sells advance tickets for any of its buses at counters in both bus stands, and departure times are posted at the stands. In Delhi, the HRTC counters are on the first floor of ISBT Kashmiri Gate (06:00 to 21:30) and at Himachal Bhawan near Mandi House (10:00 to 17:00).^[1]

Tips for Traveling from Dharamkot to Delhi

The descent from the mountains has many hairpin bends in the first few hours. If you are prone to motion sickness, take medication before boarding and try to get a seat near the front. Keep your valuables in a small daypack that stays with you at your seat rather than in the luggage hold.

• Dress in layers: It can be cold when you leave Dharamkot in the evening, but the temperature rises as you descend toward the plains. Wear clothes that are easy to peel off.
• Stay hydrated: Bring a large bottle of water, as the air on the bus can be dry and not every roadside shop is open late at night.
• Arrival in Delhi: Have your destination address or an offline map ready when you arrive, so you can deal calmly with the rickshaw and taxi drivers at the bus station.
• Booking: Buy your ticket a few days ahead at the HRTC counter in McLeod Ganj or Dharamshala so you can choose a window seat or sit with your travel companions.