Two and a half millennia after the Buddha walked on earth, another walks in his foot steps. Welcome to Dharamshala, the land of Dalai Lama, a charming little town with elegant bungalows. Dharamshala enjoys the unique distinction of being the chosen home of the spiritual and temporal head of the Tibetan people. Dharamshala popularly known as the Scotland of India, is one of the 80 hill stations established by the British between 1815 and 1847 and has one of the most spectacular settings for a hill station. It is closest to the perennial snowline and is built along a spur of the Dhaula Dhar range. The town varies in height from 1250 meters at the bazaar to 1768 metres at Mcleod Ganj. Dharamsala is surrounded by deodar forests and provides a superb view of the great granite mountains.

About 10 kms away from Dharamsala is Mcleod Ganj. One of our family guesthouses, The Annex Hotel, is located in Mcleod Ganj and is centrally located and minutes away from the Dalai Lama's residence.

Download brochure (PDF)... of the Annex Hotel.

Mcleod Ganj has a strong Tibetan influence. Monks in deep red are a common sight in this town and the Dalai Lama is often here providing conferences and classes throughout the year. The Dalai Lama settled here after his flight across the Himalayas following the Chinese invasion of Tibet in Oct.1959. The Tibetan community can be experiences here. The cultural and economic aspects of the area are predominantly Tibetan and are a joy to participate in whether it be meditating, spiritual programs and classes, cooking or astrology, There are many activities and interests always happening in the area and usually there is something for everyone to enjoy.

   

The following words might help you in having an exchange in Tibetan:

Tasgu dekej (hello,good luck)
Thukje-chey (Thank you)
Thukhe-sik a (please)
Gong-thag(sorry)
Ssoo-den (Good - bye)
Jaa (Go)

The Namgyal Monastery and the Centre of Tibetan Studies, known as little Lhasa, is a major cultural and spiritual attraction in Mcleod Ganj. This cathedral opposite the Dalai Lama's residence resembles the Lhasa cathedral in Tibet and is a 5 minute walk from the main bazaar. It contains large gilded bronzes of Buddha, Avalokitesvara and Padmasam-bhava. The Dalai Lama often leads prayers when he is in residence and if you sign up at the security office, an audience with him is possible. The other major attraction is the Church of St. John-in-the-Wilderness which has attractive stained glass windows. Lord Elgin, one of the few viceroys of British occupied India, to die in office, is buried here. The Nechung Monastery in Lgangchen Kyishobn has a Tibetan museum and library with a wide range of books, magazines & photo-copying facilities. The Central Tibetan Administration Offices are located here and you can also attend lectures & classes on Tibetan culture and Buddhism.

Blend of Culture This region of Himachal Pradesh stands out culturally because of the pronounced blend of cultures-Tibetan, post-colonial and Kangra. In particular, Dharamsala and Mccleodganj stands out amongst the other hill-stations of India. These spots are your typical getaways for the jaded big city traveler in need of a respite. Thatched cottages nestled amidst thick coniferous forests is a peaceful alternative after days of traveling. As one looks up, the green fringes merge with the snow-clad mountains and as your eyes shift downwards, the vast panorama of the Kangra valley embraces you.

Little Lhasa Mcleod Ganj, The Little Lhasa is thick with the Tibetan cultural feel. It is an altogether different world where the crisp breeze is broken by chanting of the hymns along with the tinkling of the prayer wheels. The place was once full of hippies who have since moved out with the crowds inundating the town. For a research scholar, Mcleod Ganj offers a host of possibilities and to the not-so-scholarly souls, a cultural bonanza awaits. First lets look at what has Mcleod Ganj got to offer to the hungry palette and then we will look into spiritual stuff! The Tibetan run restaurants give you an ample respite from dal, chapatti and rice that you get in most other places. If you are fond of momos, thukpa, and the likes, you have come to the right place. Tsongkha Restaurant, Yak Restaurant, Snowland and Shangrila are some of the place, which serve excellent food. A constant flow of Westerners has brought in its wake a number of restaurants and eateries, which offer the kind of food that is not so commonly available in India.

If one is into meditation, there are a number of classes held by monks for the beginners, as well as advance practitioners. Tushita Meditation Center is one such outfit, which offers clean residential accommodation as well. There are also a number of alternate medicine doctors in the little town.

After satisfying your palette and your soul, you could go out for a nice long walk or an arduous trek. Bhagsunath, three kilometers away is an easy option after momos and beer. There is a temple, a spring and also a waterfall. Dal Lake is a major disappointment, as it does no justice to its name. An annual fair is held here in the month of September. It is worthwhile walking up to Naddi, which offers a splendid view of the Dhauladhar ranges. The best thing about Dharamshala is the easygoing pace, the peaceful expression on everybody’s face. It is a place where you would like to do the ordinary things in life, where you would like to let yourself loose and forget about hectic schedules and maddening self imposed deadlines!!

Dalai Lama
Gives you all the information you need on the Dalai Lama's schedule and teachings.
http://www.dalailama.com/  

Tibetan Institute of Performing Arts
Promotes the practice and preservation of traditional Tibetan dance, music, and theatre. 
http://www.tibetanarts.org/

Norbulingka Institute
A registered trust functioning under the Chairmanship of His Holiness the Dalai Lama and is dedicated to the preservation of Tibetan culture.
http://www.norbulingka.org/

Foundation of the preservation of the Mahayana Tradition
The Foundation transmits the Mahayana Buddhist tradition and values worldwide through Tibetan Buddhist teachings, meditation, community service, retreat centers, and projects that preserve the tradition.
www.fpmt.org

Dhamma Sikhara Himachal Vipassana Centre
A centre where one can practice the 10 day Vipassana insight meditation courses.
http://www.sikhara.dhamma.org/

Volunteer Tibet
Volunteer Tibet can connect you with the perfect volunteer opportunity. All opportunities currently listed are with non-profit or government organisations in or around Dharamshala.
http://www.volunteertibet.org.in