Dharamkot Studio
Pottery studio and community art space in McLeodganj, Dharamshala, Himachal Pradesh, India.
About Dharamkot & the Studio Spaces
Located in the mountain village of Dharamkot near McLeodganj, Himachal Pradesh, Dharamkot Studio sits at an altitude of approximately 2,100 metres above sea level, surrounded by pine and cedar forests and shaped by the slower rhythm of life in the Himalayas. The village is known for its Tibetan culture, meditation centres, yoga spaces, forest paths, cafes, and a long history of artists, travellers, and seekers who come here for slower days in the mountains.
Over the years, Dharamkot Studio has grown within this environment and now functions through two different spaces in the village.
Old Dharamkot Studio — Community Art Space
The Old Dharamkot Studio functions as a pottery studio and community art space open to visitors throughout the year. The space includes short, non-residential workshops, a small art gallery, a cafe, and views across the village and surrounding mountains.
Open Friday to Wednesday, 10:30 AM – 6:00 PM. Thursday is the weekly off.
Retreat Centre — Residential Studio Space
Located within the same village, the Retreat Centre is a quieter residential studio space designed for pottery retreats and longer courses. The studio and accommodation are located on the same premises, creating a slower and more immersive experience focused on studio practice, nature, and community living.
The space can host up to 20 participants, artists, and facilitators.
Programs
From short workshops to residential retreats, courses, and longer studio-based programs.
Planning your visit
Weather
Spring & Summer (Mar–Jun): Pleasant days with cool nights; comfortable for studio work and walks.
Monsoon (Jul–Sep): Green and misty with regular rainfall; quieter, slower pace.
Autumn & Winter (Oct–Feb): Clear, crisp days and cold nights, with occasional snowfall in winter.
What to bring
Light layers for daytime
Warm clothing for mornings and nights
Comfortable walking shoes
A light jacket
Sunscreen and sunglasses
A reusable water bottle
How to reach
By car: The studio is around 2 km from McLeodganj and about 5–8 km from Dharamshala, depending on where you begin.
By air: The nearest airport is Kangra Airport (Gaggal / Dharamshala), about 20 km away. Taxis are easily available and usually take around 45–60 minutes.
By bus: Overnight buses from Delhi reach Dharamshala. From the bus stand, Dharamkot can be reached by taxi in roughly 20–30 minutes.
We can also help arrange a pick-up on request.
FAQs
What is the difference between workshops, retreats, and courses?
What is the difference between workshops, retreats, and courses?
Workshops are non-residential 1–5 day formats. Retreats are fixed 5-day residential programs. Courses are longer 1–5 week formats and may be residential or non-residential depending on the structure.
Can someone who has never done pottery before join any program?
Can someone who has never done pottery before join any program?
Yes. The workshops and retreats are beginner-friendly, and the studio is designed to help first-time participants feel comfortable with clay and the making process.
Is accommodation also provided?
Is accommodation also provided?
Stay is provided for 5-day retreat participants and for the 5-week beginner course format. For 1–5 day workshop participants, accommodation is not included, but there are many guest houses, homestays, and hostels near the studio.
Can I visit the studio if I am not joining any program?
Can I visit the studio if I am not joining any program?
Yes. The community studio is open throughout the year and welcomes visitors from Friday to Wednesday, 10:30 AM to 6:00 PM. Thursday is the weekly off, and the space includes a café and a small art gallery.