India has long captivated travelers with its natural beauty, spirituality, and culture. For some, a single visit is simply not enough—they return again and again, sometimes for years on end. Among the tourists, some stay so long that some Indian towns have come to be second homes for foreigners. One such village is a small picturesque village in Himachal Pradesh which is now well-known as “The Village of Foreigners.”
The Village Foreigners Call Home
Foreigners outnumber locals in this special village, and hence its popularity. Most tourists rent houses or rooms for months and become a part of the native population. The environment is serene, bohemian, and spiritual—blessed with natural beauty, perfect for people looking to relax and find themselves.
Viral Video Brings the Village into the Limelight
A vlogger traveler Mohammad Aman (@amaankhanvlogz), with a following of more than 100,000 on Instagram, put this village on the viral map. In his latest video, Aman uncovered this village’s quaint life, where “foreign nationals outnumber Indians.” He said that he himself lived there for months, paying rent for a small room and sharing space with individuals from across the globe. The village is also known colloquially as “Mini Israel” because of its sizable Israeli populace.
Dharamkot: India’s ‘Mini Israel’ in Himachal Pradesh
The village in Aman’s video is Dharamkot, a tranquil holiday spot within just two kilometers uphill from Dharamshala in Himachal Pradesh.
When Aman shot his video, rain had quietened the streets but most of the people he recorded were foreigners. The Israeli community constitutes the biggest number of long-staying visitors here.
Dharamkot established its identity as a relaxed centre of yoga retreats, meditation retreats, and bohemian cafes offering global cuisine such as Israeli and Italian cuisine. It’s also famous for its beautiful mountain views and spiritual vibrations.
Reactions and Online Viral Debate
Aman’s video has gone extremely viral, exceeding 20 million views and garnering thousands of comments. Some viewers praised the natural beauty of the village, while others likened it to Kasol, another Himalayan destination popularly referred to as “Mini Israel.”
The post also led to controversy. Some users commented provocatively, suggesting that foreigners could be “occupying” the region. Others debated the Israel-Palestine conflict, making the comments section a hot debate.
Despite the online buzz, many travelers who’ve visited Dharamkot describe it as a peaceful and welcoming mountain haven where cultures from around the world come together in harmony.
