What began as a simple airport pickup turned into two unforgettable days exploring the quieter side of the Dhauladhars with a local driver who knows these roads by heart.
For many travelers, Dharamshala begins at the airport — a small runway surrounded by mountains that immediately tells you this journey will be different.
When Barbara Weibel landed at Dharamshala Airport, her plan was simple: reach her hotel in McLeod Ganj comfortably after a long flight. What she didn’t expect was that the drive itself would become her first introduction to the region.
From
Dharamshala Airport (Gaggal)
45–50 mins
To
McLeod Ganj
The road from the airport climbs steadily, winding through villages, pine forests, and sudden viewpoints where the valley opens up below. For visitors unfamiliar with hill driving, this stretch can feel intimidating. For locals, it’s just another day on the road.
Barbara noticed the difference immediately.
“He was a safe driver, very prompt, and reliable,” she later shared.
“By the time we reached my hotel, I already felt comfortable trusting him with more of my trip.”
Choosing to Explore More
After settling into McLeod Ganj, Barbara decided to do something many travelers hesitate to do — hand over her sightseeing plans to a local. Instead of rushing between crowded spots, she wanted to understand the area at a slower pace.
So the airport pickup turned into two full-day tours.
These weren’t rushed checklist tours. They were unhurried drives with pauses — sometimes for photographs, sometimes just to take in the silence. Routes changed based on weather, traffic, and local conditions, something only daily hill drivers really understand.
Barbara especially appreciated clear communication.
“He speaks pretty good English, knows all the best places, and explains things calmly,” she said.
That clarity matters in the mountains, where roads can narrow suddenly and plans often need to adjust.
Reliability Over Rush
What stood out most wasn’t just the scenery — it was consistency. Each morning started on time. The vehicle was clean and comfortable. Routes were planned realistically, not optimistically.
For travelers new to Himachal Pradesh, this reliability removes a lot of stress.
Arjun Kumar picked me up at the Dharamsala Airport and delivered me to my hotel in McLeod Ganj. He was a safe driver so I hired him to do two full-day tours while visiting the area. He is a very nice man. Always prompt, very reliable, knows all the best places, speaks pretty good English, and has very affordable rates. I highly recommend him.
B
Barbara Weibel•
Nov 2024 • Verified Google Review
Why Local Experience Matters
Hill stations are not just about destinations — they’re about the journey between them. Roads change with seasons, shortcuts appear and disappear, and timing can make the difference between a peaceful drive and a stressful one.
This is where local knowledge quietly shapes the experience.
Travel Tip: If you’re arriving by flight, plan at least one flexible day after your airport pickup. Local drivers can suggest routes and stops based on real conditions, not just maps.
Barbara’s trip didn’t revolve around ticking off landmarks. Instead, it flowed naturally — airport to hotel, hotel to hills, hills back to town — all without rushing.
Sometimes, that’s what makes a journey memorable: not how much you see, but how smoothly you move through it.
If you’re planning your own visit, remember — the first person you meet after landing often sets the tone for everything that follows.
Arjun Kumar
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"I don't just drive; I guide. The hidden waterfalls and secret trails mentioned in this story are part of my regular routes. Let's customize this journey for you."
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Curated by Arjun Kumar Taxi Service • Himachal Pradesh