Barnet- a quaint village near Mcleodganj- Dharamshala

Car drives are the best. There is an added advantage to stop where ever you want or to not stop at all. Luckily in one such drive with my cousins, we did not stop and ended up in the village of Barnet. Now Barnet is not a fancy colonial remnant as the name may suggest. It is actually pronounced with a typical Himachali accent.

People usually come to Mcleodganj to experience the beautiful Tibetan culture. But there’s another side to this place. The local side. The Himachali side. Barnet defines exactly that. On reaching Barnet you’ll be greeted with Dhauladhar standing right infront of you. and once you enter the village, you will be taken back in time.

It’s a typical rural village where life still runs on traditional way of living. The women run the entire village by doing the daily household errands while men are away earning in the bigger towns like Mcleodganj and Dharamshala.

Things to do in Barnet

1. Talk to the locals and hoard first hand stories

The second time I went to Barnet, I met a local man who invited me to his house. I had the sweetest chai of my life and even though it was unbearable for me the gesture was beautiful. He told me about how old the village was and what he does for a living. There is something about human interactions that I adore way too much!

2. Sit in the fields and enjoy a 360 degree view

On one side you can spot the Dhauladhar and on the other you can see the vast expanse of the Dharamshala/Kangra valley! The views from this village are too majestic to be ignored. Also, do not forget to be careful on the fields- you’ll pass chickens, cows and dogs on your way !

3. Do nothing!

Yes, you read that right. Take time off your mobile, breathe and enjoy the silence that comes along with such places. Or maybe the silence along with the cows mooing!!

4. Do the Kareri Lake trek

The local that I met told me that reaching Kareri village is easier from Barnet than from Dharamshala. So, if you have a few days to spare, go trekking!

Confused how to reach Barnet?

Drive till Stobari and turn right at the trijunction of the vilage. Keep driving for 3 km and the road will end in Barnet.