12 Indian Towns That Feel Like Foreign Countries

7. McLeod Ganj (Dharamshala) — Tibetan Plateau Away from Tibet

McLeod Ganj is home to the Tibetan exile community and carries an unmistakable Himalayan-Tibetan character: monasteries, prayer flags, thangka paintings, and Tibetan cuisine feature prominently in the town’s public life. The presence of the Dalai Lama’s residence and several monasteries creates a spiritual and cultural atmosphere that visitors often describe as similar to towns in Tibet or the Tibetan plateau. Trekking trails and viewpoints add to the sense of mountain town living, where mule tracks and coffee shops share space on steep lanes. Local handicrafts, Tibetan bread, and momos are everyday delights that echo the cultural connection. For travelers, October through March offer crisp mountain air and cultural festivals; be mindful of higher elevations for those with limited high-altitude experience. Cultural reports and regional guides describe McLeod Ganj as a living center of Tibetan culture in exile and a clear example of how diasporic communities shape a town’s character.