PACK Dharamkot

Perched above the bustle of McLeod Ganj in the quieter village of Dharamkot, PACK is a well-run hostel with private rooms and dorms, panoramic Himalayan views, a café on-site, and a genuinely calm vibe. Dogs and cats are welcome here — one pet per booking — making it a rare find among hostels in the Kangra valley. Rooms start at ₹2,499 for a private with a mountain-view balcony, or ₹599 if you're happy in a dorm and travelling solo with your pet.

What it's like to stay here with a dog

Dharamkot sits a short climb above McLeod Ganj and is noticeably quieter — narrower lanes, fewer vehicles, and immediate access to the forest trails that wind toward Triund. For a pet parent, that matters. Your dog won't be navigating tourist-market chaos every time you step outside. The forest trail access right from the village is the real draw: morning walks with your dog with Dhauladhar ridgeline in view is genuinely hard to beat. PACK itself has a common hangout area, a café, indoor games, and bonfire evenings — the kind of place where you'll meet other travellers and your dog will inevitably become the social mascot of the common area.

Rooms, dorms, and what's practical with a pet

Private rooms (Deluxe at ₹3,499/night or Standard at ₹2,499/night) both come with ensuite washrooms, private balconies, mountain views, and WiFi. If you're travelling with a dog, a private room makes the most sense — your pet has a defined space, and you're not navigating leash logistics in a shared dorm. Dorm beds are available from ₹599 (6-bed mixed) to ₹799 (4-bed female or mixed), though bringing a pet into a shared dorm is a social consideration worth thinking through before you book. The property has 24/7 reception, hot water, laundry on request, and two-wheelers available to rent — useful if you want to explore the wider Kangra valley. The leash rule applies everywhere on property, so pack a reliable one. Pets are not allowed on the beds — standard hostel etiquette, but worth knowing ahead.

The neighbourhood and what's around

Upper Dharamkot puts you opposite Heena Café and within easy walking distance of Dharamkot's small cluster of yoga studios, bakeries, and mountain-facing cafés. The Triund trek begins nearby — while the upper sections of that trail may not be ideal for all dogs depending on fitness and season, the lower forest paths are excellent for a long off-leash-style morning walk (keep your dog leashed near other trekkers). McLeod Ganj is a 20–30 minute walk downhill, or a short auto ride if you'd rather not do the climb back up. The property does not allow private parties or outside visitors in rooms, which keeps the atmosphere settled — good for dogs who do better in calm environments.