Dharamsala
Dharamsala is in the Kangra Valley, in the Dhauladhar mountains. The town is divided into Dharamsala itself, a typical small Indian town, and McLeod Ganj, the residence of the Dalai Lama and home to the Tibetan community. When the Dalai Lama left Tibet, Prime Minister Nehru offered to permit him and his followers to establish a ‘government in exile’ here in 1960. Since then, many Tibetan exiles have settled in the town, most of them live in McLeod Ganj where they established monasteries, temples and schools. That is why the town is also named Little Lhasa. McLeod Ganj pulsates with the sights and sounds of old Tibet. Though certainly more modern, life is basically Tibetan in character. Shops strung out along the narrow streets, sell traditional Tibetan arts and handicrafts and the aroma of Tibetan dishes lingers in the air.
Sightseeing
The Tsuglagkhang Complex, opposite the residence of the Dalai Lama, is the largest Tibetan temple outside Tibet and it has a large meditation hall containing some beautiful statues and thangkas, as well as a Kalachakra temple with beautiful murals. It houses three main images: that of the Sakyamuni Buddha, 3 metres high and made of gilded bronze, and of Padmasambhava and Avalokitesvara, which both are facing Tibet.
A distinctive feature of Namgyal Monastery is its diversity of practice: prayers and rituals of all the major schools of Tibetan Buddhism are performed here by Namgyal monks.
The Tibetan Handcraft Centre is a non-profit venture to promote the traditional Tibetan craft of carpet-weaving and to generate employment in the community. The centre has a showroom in the main street.
From Dharamsala you can visit Bhagsu Waterfall. If you like a brisk walk, climb the hill beyond Dharamkot to Triund, with a beautiful view of the first peaks of the ‘real’ Himalayas, and a wide view over the plains at its feet.
Dal Lake is a small mid-altitude lake near the village of Tota Rani. It’s surrounded by deodar trees and considered to be a sacred spot as there is a small Shiva temple on its banks.
Festivals/special occasions
Losar, the Tibetan New Year, is celebrated in December/January, with processions of masked dancers at the local monasteries.
Nalwari cattle Fair takes place in March, where local artists perform and wrestling matches are held.
The annual Opera Festival runs from March 27th till April 4th.
Every year in February-March, for around 10 days, the Dalai Lama holds public lectures. Registration at the Tibetan Branch Security Office, at least 3-4 days beforehand, is necessary.
Hotels
We have selected a few of the best hotels in McLeod Ganj and can book rooms according to your wishes and budget.
Dharamsala is in the Kangra Valley, in the Dhauladhar mountains. The town is divided into Dharamsala itself, a typical small Indian town, and McLeod Ganj, the residence of the Dalai Lama and home to the Tibetan community. When the Dalai Lama left Tibet, Prime Minister Nehru offered to permit him and his followers to establish a ‘government in exile’ here in 1960. Since then, many Tibetan exiles have settled in the town, most of them live in McLeod Ganj where they established monasteries, temples and schools. That is why the town is also named Little Lhasa. McLeod Ganj pulsates with the sights and sounds of old Tibet. Though certainly more modern, life is basically Tibetan in character. Shops strung out along the narrow streets, sell traditional Tibetan arts and handicrafts and the aroma of Tibetan dishes lingers in the air.
Sightseeing
The Tsuglagkhang Complex, opposite the residence of the Dalai Lama, is the largest Tibetan temple outside Tibet and it has a large meditation hall containing some beautiful statues and thangkas, as well as a Kalachakra temple with beautiful murals. It houses three main images: that of the Sakyamuni Buddha, 3 metres high and made of gilded bronze, and of Padmasambhava and Avalokitesvara, which both are facing Tibet.
A distinctive feature of Namgyal Monastery is its diversity of practice: prayers and rituals of all the major schools of Tibetan Buddhism are performed here by Namgyal monks.
The Tibetan Handcraft Centre is a non-profit venture to promote the traditional Tibetan craft of carpet-weaving and to generate employment in the community. The centre has a showroom in the main street.
From Dharamsala you can visit Bhagsu Waterfall. If you like a brisk walk, climb the hill beyond Dharamkot to Triund, with a beautiful view of the first peaks of the ‘real’ Himalayas, and a wide view over the plains at its feet.
Dal Lake is a small mid-altitude lake near the village of Tota Rani. It’s surrounded by deodar trees and considered to be a sacred spot as there is a small Shiva temple on its banks.
Festivals/special occasions
Losar, the Tibetan New Year, is celebrated in December/January, with processions of masked dancers at the local monasteries.
Nalwari cattle Fair takes place in March, where local artists perform and wrestling matches are held.
The annual Opera Festival runs from March 27th till April 4th.
Every year in February-March, for around 10 days, the Dalai Lama holds public lectures. Registration at the Tibetan Branch Security Office, at least 3-4 days beforehand, is necessary.
Hotels
We have selected a few of the best hotels in McLeod Ganj and can book rooms according to your wishes and budget.
City Tours :
WildLife Tours :
| Ranthambore National Park | Keoladeo Ghana National Park | Bandhavgarh National Park | Corbett National Park | Rajaji National Park |
Special Tours :
