The most Harmonious Dharamshala Mcleodganj with Shimla - World's best Buddhism Spiritual Tour 

Shimla - Summer Capital of India

The most Harmonious Dharamshala Mcleodganj with Shimla - World's best Buddhism Spiritual Tour : Overview

This Package is specifically designed for Indian as well as International travelers seeking to pay a visit to His Holiness Dalai Lama - The Spiritual Guru of the Tibet & world. Who stays in Picturesque Indian Himalayan Tourist towns McLeodGanj / Dharamshala in North Indian Himalayan State (Himachal Pradesh).

Dalai Lama, the Spiritual Guru of the Tibet & world, now living in Exile in India in lovely town of Mcleodganj.  You will visit Dalai Lama Temple as well as embark on the spiritual Journey on this beautiful Himalayan Town. Dharamshala / Mcleodganj are the Winter Capital of Himachal Pradesh. Dharamshala is Home to World's Most Scenic Cricket Stadium popular for hosting IPL tournaments. Dharamshala Mcleodganj are Most peaceful, most beautiful, most enchanting tourist Destination. 

What is unique in "The most Harmonious Dharamshala Mcleodganj with Shimla - World's best Buddhism Spiritual Tour" package ?

Dharamshala/Mcleodganj is Home to Dalai Lama - The Spiritual Guru of the Tibet & world, now living in Exile in India in lovely town of Mcleodganj. This is the biggest reason to Visit Dharamshala & Mcleodganj to meet HH Dalai Lama and Dalai Lama Temple as well as embark on the spiritual Journey. The uniqueness of this package is given below:

• Dharamshala is Winter Capital of Himachal Pradesh

• Dharamshala is Home to World's Most Scenic Cricket Stadium popular for hosting IPL tournaments

• Dharamshala is Most peaceful, most beautiful, most enchanting tourist Destination.

• Near By is the Famous Tibetan Capital in Exile  "Mcleodganj", which deserves at least 50% of travel time, Mcleodganj is famous for food, restaurants, Dalai lama temple and multinational crowd.

• It has availability of five star hotels as well as resorts as well as 3 star and 4 star hotels catering to all clients.

• Dharamshala is known for the scenic Beauty and Proximity to Famous Pilgrimage spots in Kangra valley.

• Dharamshala is the trekking destination for scaling Dhauladhar peaks and Passes which range from 3000 meters to 4500 meters - gateway to Pir Panjal ranges

• Many small trekking points available like Triund, Snowline cafe, Indrunag (famous paragliding point) etc

• Visit India's best summer vacation destination - Shimla

• Shimla Famous Mall Road which was built by Britishers

The most Harmonious Dharamshala Mcleodganj with Shimla - World's best Buddhism Spiritual Tour: Highlights

• Take pleasure of Snow Covered Dhauladhars in Dharamshala and Mcleodganj

• Feel the peace by Dalai Lama Temple

• Pious visit of Tsuglagkhang Temple & Bhagsunag Temple

• Visit peaceful & very old St. John's Church

• Take pleasure of stunning Bhagsunag Waterfall

• Enjoy at highest point of Shimla - Jakho Hill

• Shimla Famous Mall Road which was built by Britishers

• Visit the Highest Cricket Ground with best view ever in the whole world

• Enjoy Kotwali Bazaar Shopping

Hotels In Dharamshala

Standard - The Castle - TA Rank  - 3.5 - Certificate in Excellence

Deluxe - Meghavan Resort - TA Rank  - 3.5 - Certificate in Excellence

Luxury - Asian Health resort - TA Rank - 3.5 - Certificate in Excellence

Package Inclusion

• 5 nights’ accommodation on twin sharing room

• 3 nights stay in Dharamshala

• 2 nights stay in Shimla

• Daily Bed Tea, Breakfast & Dinner

• Welcome Drink on arrival

• Flights from Mumbai/Delhi to Chandigarh (Optional)

• Flights from Mumbai/Delhi to Kangra Airport (Optional)

• Pick up & drop from Chandigarh Airport/Railway Station /Bus Stand

• All Transfers & sightseeing by dedicated Cab

• All hotel & transportation taxes

• Inclusive of all taxes

Package Exclusion

• Lunch is not including in this package.

• Any expenses of a personal nature like laundry, telephone calls, beverages, gratuities etc

• Entrance Fees and Camera fees at monuments and other places of interest

• Travel insurance

About Key Monastery

The biggest centre of Buddhist learning in Spiti Valley, Key Monastery is over 1000-year-old. It is the oldest training centre for Lamas. It is located at a height of 13,668 feet above mean sea level in Lahaul Spiti district of Himachal Pradesh in north India.

The monastery is famous for its architecture called Pasada style. Pasada style is characterised by two or more stories and often plays the role of a fort-monastery. The monastery is spread over three floors – underground, ground and first floor. Underground is mainly utilized for storage; ground floor is used as assembly hall, called Du-Khang. The ground floor also has small rooms for monks.

There are no accommodation options at the monastery. Tourists who visit the monastery, prefer to stay at Kaza. Kaza offers a wide range in terms of hotels, resorts and homestays.

There are no restaurants or eateries at the Key Monastery. It is advisable to carry food while visiting the monastery. The monks at the monastery serve tea to all visitors.

Best time for visiting Key Monastery is during summer, from May to October. From October end, Rohtang Pass remains closed due to snow fall.

About Dhankar Monasteries

Dhankar Gompa is a Gompa, a Buddhist Temple in the district of Lahaul and Spiti in India. It is situated in Himachal Pradesh state. The Monatsery is located at a height of almost 3894 m from sea level in the Spiti Valley and is surrounded by town Tabo and Kaza.The Monastery had been declared as one of the ‘100 Most Endangered Sites in the World’ by World Monument Fund in the year 2006 and a team of non-profit groups are working to organize its preservation. This is one of the most famous Fort Monasteries that has been built in accordance with Central Tibetan Pattern. Total of 150 Lamas reside in this Monastery.

Reaching There

To reach Dhankar, there are only two options available - to hire a personal taxi or to opt for government buses. The taxi can be hired from Kaza or Tabo and the charges are 900 INR for dropping there and 1600 INR for a return journey. If you want to go for public transportation, only two buses go in a single day from Tabo as well as Kaza and that too till Schichling. From Schichling, one has to either hike for 8 kms or opt for a hitchhike. You can also opt for a taxi from Schichling which takes charges of 300 INR to drop you at Dhankar.

Where to Stay

Well there are no resorts or hotels available in Dhankar but Yetty & Yet comprise of some lodges for stay and that too at nominal charges. Other option is to stay with locals to enjoy the local culture.

Buddhism related activities in Dharamshala

Losel Doll Museum - Norbulingka complex: Visit Losel Doll Museum which is located in the Norbulingka complex to explore the history of Tibet. The museum showcases elaborately detailed beautiful dolls that depict the costumes of each region of Tibet.

Dalai Lama - Tibetan Govt. in Exile - TIPA: McLeodganj is the headquarters of the Tibetan government in exile and the residence of His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama. The Buddha temple is situated opposite to the present abode of His Holiness, the Dalai Lama and is worth a visit. The Tibetan Institute of performing Arts (TIPA) is 1km. walk from McLeod Ganj and preserves a number of musical dance and theatrical traditions of Tibet. It is also known as ‘Little Lhasa in India’. Dal Lake is situated at a height of 1775m above sea level and is just 2kms from McLeodganj.

Tourist places in Dharamshala Himachal Pradesh 

Bhagsu Waterfall: Bhagsu Falls is a beautiful waterfall, situated in the small village of Bhagsu, behind the Bhagsunath Temple. During monsoon, this waterfalls turns into a 30 ft cascade, alongside a mountain that features slate graffiti.

Tibetan monasteries: The Tibet Oral History Project (TOHP) aims to preserve the history and culture of the Tibetan people. As advised by His Holiness the Dalai Lama, we record the life experiences of Tibetan elders who were forced to flee their homeland following the Chinese invasion

Dalai Lama Temple:  One of the holy place in Dharamshala is Dalai Lama Temple. The temple complex is kept open from sunrise to sunset for the visitors to explore the peaceful ambiance of the surroundings. During the morning hours visitors can participate in the prayers as the monks chant and meditate. You can join local residents for a meditative walk around the temple/monastery complex.

Visit Cricket Stadium:  The famous tourist location in Dharamshala is Cricket Stadium. Cricket Stadium (DCS), an internationally renowned stadium, is the home ground of Himachal Pradesh State cricket team. Few international and Ranji cricket matches are held here on annual basis.

St. John church: The famous place in Dharamshala is st. John Church. It is an Anglican Church which is dedicated to Saint John. This is one of the ancient church in Dharamshala

How to reach Dharamshala

By Air: Flights to Dharamshala land at the Gaggal airport. There are two flights daily but are prone to cancellation due to weather or lack of passengers.

By Bus: Travelling by bus is most popular way to get to Dharamshala, but can be a very slow journey through the winding roads. These trips take you to lower Dharamshala. You can book then for your return trip back down.

By Train: The nearest railway station is at Pathankot. From there, you can either hop on a bus or private taxi. People who love travelling by train can climb aboard the slow but picturesque Kangra Valley Railway from Pathankot

Get around

By Auto rickshaws: Auto rickshaws are a preferred and cheap mode of travelling around.

By Private Taxi: Many tourists who travel to Dharamshala book a private taxi for a fixed number. If you plan on hiring one, ensure you discuss the rates with the taxi driver in advance.

On Foot: Dharamshala is small enough to be travelled on foot.

Meditation in Mcleodganj

Namgyal Monastery is a Tibetan Buddhist monastery closely associated with all the Dalai Lamas since the third. Namgyal Monastery is the personal monastery of the 14th Dalai Lama.

Its primary role is to assist with rituals involving the Dalai Lama of Tibet. Its main tantric practices reportedly include those of Kalachakra, Yamantaka, Chakrasamvara, Guhyasamaja, and Vajrakilaya.

Founded in either 1564 or 1565 as Phende Lekshe Ling (on the foundations of the since defunct monastery called Phende Gon) by the Third Dalai Lama Gyalwa Sonam Gyatso, Namgyal Monastery was renamed in honour of the female long-life deity Namgyälma in 1571.

Since the completion of construction on the Potala Palace (begun by the Fifth Dalai Lama), Namgyal was traditionally housed in the red section at the top of that building in Lhasa.

Following the Tibetan uprising of 1959, Namgyal Monastery relocated to Dharamshala, India, where it continues, active, to this day. According to Namgyal's website, Namgyal (Dharamshala) has "nearly 200" monks (up from 55 in 1959), representing all four main Tibetan monastic lineages.

In 1992, on the advice of the present Dalai Lama, Namgyal established an American branch in Ithaca, New York, including within it the Namgyal Monastery Institute of Buddhist Studies.

On February 8 of 1996, the monks of Namgyal Monastery's Institute of Buddhist Studies offered their first "Blessing of Cyberspace" as part of the "Twenty-four Hours in Cyberspace" event.

In 1998, Namgyal incorporated a Tibetan monastery in Bodhgaya, India, called Gendhen Phelgyeling. That monastery is now known as Namgyal (Bodhgaya), and has 45 monks.

Namgyal (Dharamshala) also manages a temple in Kushinagar (since 1967), and an elderly home in Shimla (since 1992). Whether the People's Republic of China has maintained an institution with the same name inside Tibet is unclear.

Tushita center / Tushita Meditation

Tushita Meditation Centre: Tushita offers 10-day Introduction to Buddhism/meditation retreats, 8-day non-residential courses, and programs for advanced students, all in the Tibetan Mahayana tradition. Silence is the norm most of the day, but discussion groups do take place after philosophy lessons. The price includes lodging, lessons, and three vegetarian meals a day.

Learn Buddhism in Tushita Meditation Centre

Meditation starts at 6AM in the meditation/learning hall, & students spend 45 minutes meditating.  Meditation is followed by breakfast that usually consisted of porridge, fruit, bread, peanut butter and chai.  The rest of the morning is normally spent in the meditation hall where following topics are covered:

• The Mind and Emotions

• Karma

• Rebirth

• Love and Compassion

• The Nature of Reality

At noon, healthy, vegetarian food is offered as lunch. After Lunch, there is lesson on  karma yoga, which is basically daily tasks assigned to do as selfless work.  The rest of the late afternoon into the evening is spent in the meditation centre for more teachings until 6:30PM.  After the last teaching of the day, Dinner is served, which is a vegetarian soup, followed by another 45 minute meditation session. In the beds at night, students are encouraged to write in journals or read material on Tibetan Buddhism.

On the last night of the course, a ceremony is held at the stupa located just outside the meditation / hall.  A stupa is the earliest, and some consider most significant, architectural Buddhist expression-monument in Buddhism and is used by Buddhists as a place of worship.  Students lit candles and place them around the stupa.  The light of the candles symbolizes burning away mental afflictions of desire, aggression, greed, jealousy, pride and so forth.

Perched atop the green hills that rise above Dharamshala valley sits the surprisingly busy village of Mcleod Ganj, home to the Tibetan government in exile and the residence of His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama. Flanked by the snow-capped Himalaya Mountains and filled with countless courses and activities at a minuscule price, the little town has also attracted a significant population of expatriate volunteers and students of Buddhist philosophy.

Like the other popular traveler hangout in India’s Himachal Pradesh state—Manali—Mcleod Ganj is well prepared to receive the thousands of backpackers and tourists that come for the spiritual ambiance, to help Tibetans refugees or to simply escape the heat and chaos of the low-lands and spend a few days relaxing in the cool mountain air.

Dharamshala Vipassana

This center, located in nearby Dharamkot, runs austere 10-day vipassana (mindfulness) meditation retreats, during which you must remain completely silent. The retreats, which run from May to November, are intense (up to 14 hour days), but no previous meditation experience is required, as you will be asked to set aside any practice while learning the vipassana technique. It is recommended that beginners attend a course like those offered by Tushita — a mix of meditation, philosophy, and discussions. The retreat is free, but donations are welcome.

Buddhism Dalai Lama

The Dharamshala is home to Tibetan government in exiles since 1960 & has become now an international Buddhist centre. Tibet was an autonomous kingdom ruled by the spiritual dynasty of the Dalai Lama until 1949, when the Chinese People’s Liberation Army invaded the country. Since then, more than 250,000 Tibetans have fled on foot over the Himalaya seeking asylum in India. There are over 200 monasteries and nunneries and over 20,000 monks and nuns. While Indian Buddhism was on its decline in India, Dharamshala has succeeded to revive it. Today Dharamshala is a heaven for peace and harmony & home to several Buddhist temples and monasteries.

The Dalai Lama also fled Tibet and was granted asylum in Dharamshala in 1959. The headquarters of the Tibetan government in exile is located in the village of Gangchen Kyishong, a short walk below Mcleod Ganj, where a team of politicians continues to fight for the rights of those still being oppressed in Tibet.

Chance to meet Dalai Lama: While visiting Dharamshala, There are opportunities to meet the Dalai Lama face-to-face during your stay in Mcleod Ganj, but private audiences are rarely granted.

Revisit The History: Town still lives in the era of colonial aura, Visit elegant cottages at Forsythganj and visit the St John Church where former viceroy to India, Lord Ilgin is buried. Transition from Colonial aura of Forsythganj to Mcleodganj is even more unique, where colonial aura is replaced with Bustling Tibetan Bazaars selling food, carpets and books.

Norbulingka Institute: Famous place which has traditional art crafts of Tibet, Thangka paintings, Buddha temple and garden

Gyto Monastery: Located at Sidhwari, 6kms on Palampur road, Home of Karmapa Lama, Karmapa is considered third most revered spiritual guru after Dalai Lama and Panchen Lama.

Buddhism (Brief Information)

Prince Siddartha also known as Gautama Buddha was born a Hindu in the Kshatriya caste of warrior aristrocrats in approx. 563 BC-483 BC, in the Shakya clan's village of Kapilvastu in the foothills of the Himalayas.now known as 'Lumbini' in Nepal.

Siddartha married and had a son, but at age of 29, he left the Palace in search of salvation of the soul. After witnessing a dead body, old age person and a diseased beggar outside his Palace. He led a life of an ascetic and wandered around in search for answers!! Around 528 BC he concentrated on meditation under a 'Bodhi Tree' in Bodhgaya and realised the 'Middle Path' which is the base of Dalai Lama's Tibetan Buddism in Dharamsala, India.

This 'Enlightenment' is called 'A State of Bodhi' and hence the name 'Buddha' or 'The Enlightened One' was given to him by his followers.

For the remaining 45 years of his life he travelled the Gangetic Plain of Central India teaching and founded the community of Buddhist Monks and Nuns. The Sangha to continue His spiritual teachings after his body had become one with the universe. Buddha died at Kushinagar, India at the age of 80. His last meal was 'sukara-maddava' and His last words were "All things which are made of parts eventually come apart. Be mindful and achieve Enlightenment!" The rituals of Tibetan Buddhism along with the concept of Universal Peace and Compassion have their roots in Buddha's Middle Path Philosophy.

Dharamshala airport to Mcleodganj

The distance between Dharamshala airports to Mcleodganj is 18.0km. To reach there it takes approx 1.0 hour by road.

Best time to visit Dharamshala

A hill station of pleasant sceneries and great weather, Dharamshala is a great destination for an exotic vacation that takes you away from the clamor and chaos of urbanity. The following year wise break-up of seasons in this hill town can give a better view of finding the Best time to visit Dharamshala.

Summer Season: The summer season starts from March and continues till mid-July. The summers on hill stations have their own unique charm. The weather is pleasant and ideal for sightseeing, exploration and fun. In Dharamshala, the temperature swings between 22 degrees to 35 degrees and flowers are in bloom and sceneries are verdant for enjoying and taking a perfect click. Travelers visit Dharamshala at this time to take part in trekking and participating in the Buddhist Losar festival that takes place during February-March.

Monsoon Season: The ambience freshens up and there is verdure all around with the arrival of the monsoon season. The monsoons in Dharamshala start in July and lasts till September. Many tourists don’t mind getting wet and enjoying the spectacular sights that this hill station has to offer during this time. Also due to low tourist traffic, the hotel rates are low, although the terrain can be unsafe and one may also have to face roadblocks as well. Nevertheless, monsoon season is one of the best times for romantic and honeymoon couples to relish the amazing weather and wonderful sights.

Winter Season: The winter season stretches from October and it remains appreciably cool till February. The days are chilly and it also snows in January and February as well. This is a good time to visit this place and enjoy the cool air and amazing sights. Remember to take a good number of warm clothes. This a great opportunity for honeymoon couples to enjoy a cozy time together.

Things to do in Dharamshala

McLeodganj is famous for various authentic Tibetan products like carpets, thangkas, jewellery, and other knick-knacks. Just a kilometer away from McLeodganj is the Tibetan Institute of Performing Arts (TIPA) where you can find musical, dance, and theatrical traditions of Tibet.

Losel Doll Museum - Norbulingka complex

Visit Losel Doll Museum which is located in the Norbulingka complex to explore the history of Tibet. The museum showcases elaborately detailed beautiful dolls that depict the costumes of each region of Tibet.

Kangra Art Museum - Kotwali bazaar

You can also visit Museum of Kangra Art at Kotwali Bazaar. The museum has a rare collection of miniature paintings from the Kangra School, in addition to local jewellery, traditional wood carvings with some of the exhibits dating back to the fifth century.

Mcleodganj Shopping

If all that sightseeing has made you hungry then you can just drop in to one of the restaurants or café scattered around McLeodganj for some traditional Tibetan, Israeli or even a German cuisine.

The main shopping area in Dharamshala is in McLeodganj, offering range of handicraft items including woollens, carpets, metal ware, Thangkas, and jewellery.

The handicraft items sold in Dharamshala are created by the local artisans; these products reflect excellent craftsmanship and artistic calibre of the people.

Kotwali Bazaar Shopping

The Kotwali Bazaar is the prime shopping destination. The Tibetan carpets and rugs sold in this market are worth buying. The vivid colours, traditional motifs and unique artwork on the carpets depict the Tibetan culture.

You may also like other Tibetan handicrafts including hat, the Chubas (traditional outfit of the Tibetan women) and bags that make for some great souvenirs as well. Don’t forget to buy Thangkas, as your r shopping in Dharamshala will be incomplete without buying them.

Easily available in almost all the shops in Dharamshala, Thangkas are brightly coloured cloth paintings depicting Buddhist culture, fair and festivals. Kangra Style of paintings depicting the court scenes or the love story between Radha and Krishna of the mythological era, are other must-buy items in Dharamshala.

Wooden carvings on bamboo are popular among tourists visiting Dharamshala. Tourists can visit Norbulingka Institute on Khanyara Road to check out the artwork. Silk and woollen woven scarves, embroidered kurtas are also worth including to your shopping list. Don’t forget to add Kangra Valley Green Tea as well to the shopping list.      

Adventure Activities in Dharamshala

Dharamshala is an ideal destination for adventurous enthusiasts as the town offers plenty of activities that one can enjoy here. Some of the adventurous activities in Dharamshala include trekking, paragliding, fishing, rock climbing and angling.

Walking

If you are not an adventurous person by nature, you can explore this picturesque town by going for leisure walks in the lap of Himalayas. Trekker’s delight, Dharamshala is a popular base for trekking in the forested Dhauladhar range, equipment can be hired here. The best season for trekking is from April till June and again between September and October.

Trekking

Seasoned trekkers may try the exhilarating and adventurous stretch from Dharamshala to the Chamba valley, over the Indrahar Pass. Trekkers may also take the route through snowbound Dhauladhar Range terminating at Lamu.

There are some easy treks as well for beginners including the McLeodganj and Dharamshala that stretches from Tang Narwana to Toral Pass. If you are a hard-core trekker then take the route through Bhagsu via Dharamkot to Triund and enjoy an exquisite view of the peaks of the Himalayas.

Rock climbing is another activity in Dharamshala that you can indulge in a remote part of the Himalayas. Dharamshala - Nayagraon is one of the popular tracks for rock climbing.

You can spendyour time in the lap of nature and enjoy fishing and angling in the small streams and rivers around Dharamshala. The 20-km stretch in River Beas from Nadaun to the Pong Dam is popular for fishing.

Paragliding is another outdoor activity that you may enjoy in Dharamshala

Current Mcleodganj tourist places 

Triund Hill: Triund Hill is located at a height of about 2,842 meters above sea level and with a distance of about 9 kilometers from McLeodganj (located at height of 2,082 meters above sea level) and 17 kilometers from Dharamshala.

Tibetan Museum: Located near the Main Temple of His Holiness the Dalai Lama (Tsuglag Khang). Tibet Museum exhibit Tibetan history and ongoing movement through huge collection of photographs and documentaries.

Naddi View Point: Naddi is a small village in the Kangra district of Himachal Pradesh. The Village is very scenic and is just 3 or 4 kilometers away from Mcleod Ganj, the headquarters of the Tibetan government in Exile. There are several points like Sunset point, Eco point and View Point. The sunset point really does offer beautiful sunset views. From the View point one can see the whole of the Dhauladhar mountain ranges.

Nechung Monastery: Nechung Dorje Drayang Ling Monastery has an important place in Tibetan history as the seat of the State Oracle of Tibet. Nechung monastery in Tibet lies just below Drepung monastery, four miles west of Lhasa, the country's capital. Nechung originally came to Tibet with a descendant of the Indian sage Dharmapala.

Dharamkot: Dharamkot is a beautiful hill station, situated on the crest of a hill, around 14 kms away from the main town of Dharamshala. This stunning spot provides panoramic views of the Kangra valley and the Dhauladhar ranges.