but the rate there is higher than on the walk-in rate. Beside the radio, you will not be allowed to take any electronics inside the temple on the days when the Dalai Lama is present. Gyuto Monastery is the residence of Karmapa - the Head of the Kagyu Tibetan Buddhism. Standing tall and strong at a dizzying height of 10,000 feet, the Tabo Monastery is one of the oldest monasteries located in the Tabo Village of Spiti Valley. We must not forget that these are all sacred religious places and houses of worship. Maintain a general posture of silence and modesty to avoid disrupting their work. It is the personal monastery of the 14th Dalai Lama. Another attraction is the bronze statue of Shakyamuni Buddha, which is three meters (10 feet) high. What is the dress code for women when visiting the complex. You must not point your feet at a monk and should fold your legs while sitting down with one. I am heading to Mackeid Ganj in the morning and now have a good sense of what to do. We able to attend prayer sessions with HH Dalai Lama. We spent one whole afternoon checking out guest houses and hotels in Jogiwara and Temple Road (that day there was a slight earthquake in McLeod Ganj, but we didnt feel anything) and finally found a real gem called Moonwalk Residency. Murals, frescoes and column paintings exemplifying the Kashmiri style of Buddhist iconography are what stand out in this monastery. The Gyuto monastery is a tantric college based on the Tibetan Tantric Wisdom. Excellent Darshan with no touts. What was you your experience? There are separate buildings, in fact, in its complex serving as the quarters for the monks. I would highly suggest that you either switch off your phone for a while or at least switch it to silent or to vibrate. You can experience the chants, the thud and lull of music and instruments . 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Everyone has a unique and personal experience while meditating, but the calm of these places grow on you, and you feel it within yourself. In case your visit does not coincide with Dalai Lamas sessions, you may still soak in the serenity offered by the place, interact with the monks, and learn about their culture. From our experience, monks are always friendly, helpful, easy-going and willing to interact with visitors. It is one of the most significant places of worship which attracts devotees from all over the world and serves tourists as well. Village Kandi, P.O.- Khaniyara, Tehsil-Dharamshala, District - Kangra, Dharamshala, Himachal Pradesh, 176215. 172 53 Beautiful monastery Review of Gyuto Monastery Reviewed 1 week ago via mobile Absolutely wonderful monastery in vibrant yellow colours. Ideally, one should be covered below knees and should wear simple well-covering clothes as a basic etiquette while visiting a monastery. In my last few articles, I discussed in details about how a person can plan a trip to Dharamshala and Mcleodganj; when would be a good time to do so; places that you should visit and activities that you can enjoy as a tourist. Walk around and observe the absolute beauty and the grandeur of the monastery. If you dont feel like staying in a monastery, there are lots of accommodation options in McLeod Ganj literally, one guest house next to another. I will be staying at the monastery for a week. Chose clothes that are a little lose, simple, modest and cover your entire body including arms and legs. You can experience the chants, the thud and lull of music and instruments . It gives a deep insight into the history of Tibet, traditions of the Tibetans, destiny of thousands of Tibetan refugees who left Tibet and difficulties that the Tibetans have to endure in present Tibet. If planned well in advance, travelers can schedule their bookings to attend a teaching session by HH Dalai Lama himself! Dalai Lama centre or temple is the most holy place in Dharamshala. How to float an AdSense Ad to left or right? Attending the Dalai Lamas speech or teachings in the Dalai Lama Temple in McLeod Ganj is quite trouble-free, especially if compared to securing a ticket to Dalai Lamas speech in Europe where all available tickets are sold out within an hour. Facebook When leaving, walk a few steps backward before turning away. If you are interested in Buddhism and would like to chat with monks about Tibetan Buddhism, spirituality or any other topic, they will be happy to share their views and knowledge with you. Many thanks for the info. There is a beautiful statue of Sakyamuni Buddha established in this monastery that shines and spreads a golden hue around when Sun shines upon it. Even if all that I stated above does not interest you, you should still visit the monasteries just to witness the grand architecture and beauty of the place. Lady travelers should keep this in mind and be respectful of the fact. A visit to any of the monasteries in Mcleodganj will give you an insight into the lives of the Lamas here and firsthand experience of Tibetan culture. All Rights Reserved. If yes, please feel free to post them either in the comments section of this article below. Continuing in the same series, in this post, I will talk about the monasteries in Dharamshala and Mcleodganj. While there are other famous tourist attractions such as the Dharamshala cricket stadium, tea gardens, Kangra fort and rock temples of Masroor (more on these in my series of articles coming up soon) in and around Dharamshala, one can certainly not miss visiting the monasteries in Dharamshala. for their current programme, events, documentaries and exhibitions. The more these wheels are rotated, the more blessings will be bestowed upon humanity. The monastery also known as the Namgyal Tantric College has become a centre of study of Tibetan Buddhism and culture. About 20 kilometres south of Leh lies one of the most significant monasteries in central Ladakh- Thiksey. You can actually appreciate its beauty more if you walk around. The gompa is situated on a hillside amidst greenery, so be ready for a good hike. One can stay in the monastery to learn more about their culture and mingle with the monks. Read More Courses & Events Includes a 3-year core curriculum, weekend teachings, summer retreats, guided pilgrimages, events, and Tibetan holidays. Alternatively, you may use, Dalai Lama Temple Complex Questions & Answers. They have become such a huge part in Buddhism that some major decisions made even by the Dalai Lamas need to be consulted with them. Download your FREE high-resolution version pdf copy of this detailed travel guide of Dharamshala & Mcleodganj infographic guide. . Most travellers coming to McLeod Ganj, a suburb of Dharamsala, are attracted by the place where the Dalai Lama lives and are curious about lives of the Tibetans living in the town, their culture and traditions. The upper division of the city, also called Mcleod Ganj, was specifically the place where Dalai Lama stayed. . The Tabo Monastery welcomes visitors and they have cosy rooms with attached bathrooms and their restaurant also provides good food and the locals try to make them as comfortable as possible. #9 of 59 things to do in Dharamsala Religious Sites Visit website Call Email Write a review What people are saying " Dharmsala,India Tibetian Buddhist Temple " Apr. . It is not allowed to take shoes, bags, and hats inside. When we went to the Dalai Lamas speech (November 2015), we didnt have to register prior the day of the event, but its better if you ask in the Office of the Dalai Lama that is located in the Dalai Lama Temple whether you need to register and reserve your place for the teachings or not. One of the most famous temples here is the Arya Tara temple, which is the private abode of His holiness Dalai Lama. It is located in Mcleodganj near Dalai Lama's residence. Extreme solace of soul to gaze the shining golden Budhda. Do not just throw your arm around his shoulder or try to get touchy. This complex houses Dalai Lama's residence, Tsuglagkhang Temple, Namgyal Monastery and Tibet Museum. The city lies 18 km (11 mi) away from Kangra City. However, there are public buses and auto-rickshaws plying that will take you around Dharamshala and Mcleodganj. The Mindrolling Monastery is a remarkable place present in Dehradun and it is the perfect place for getting away from the hustle and bustle of the city and it is a great place to try authentic Tibetian cuisine. Built inside the complex are a monastery, various stupas and temples, a museum, library, bookstore and a cafe. Their simplistic lifestyle teaches us that even in todays world, we can live with humility and be content. Spend some time in the monastery, listen to the chants, talk to the monks, observe their rituals and have a never like before experience. The bright yellow buildings make a stunning contrast to the majesty of the Himalaya which sits behind the monastery. A visit to Namgyal Monastery is always among the top things to do in Mcleodganj. In order to provide shelter to the remaining monks, the monastery was reconstructed in Dharamshala in the year 1992. I will start with the Namgyan Monastery which is in fact Dalai Lamas personal monastery and is also referred to as Dalai Lamas Temple. Visit a monastery and attend a puja or a fire puja, Kalachakra Temple (right by the main square in McLeod Ganj), near to Tibetan Library and Tibetan government in exile, about 2 km down Jogiwara Road from the square, In Dharamsala, you have a unique opportunity to stay in a monastery, attend pujas, speak to the monks and become a part of the Tibetan spiritual world for a while. May 2018. We were thinking about staying there for a few days, but then we changed our minds, since we had already experienced staying in a monastery in 2014 and nothing could (probably) beat the Two unforgettable weeks we spent in a Tibetan monastery in Nepal. We would not recommend you to leave your electronics in the booth outside the temple we left all our stuff there and when we came back to pick it up, the man who was working there that day dropped our external hard disk on the ground and damaged it. Please be very careful about what or where you are pointing your camera at. If the monk seems busy going about his daily chores, leave him be and do not cause disruption. Also Read: When is the Best time to visit Mcleodganj. I will name the 5 which probably are the largest ones and also the most visited ones by tourists. Tel/fax: 91-542-385-380. Dharamshala is well connected via road, air, and train to Delhi and other major cities in India. You can apply for a private audience. If you are planning to, When is the Best time to visit Mcleodganj, Tourist Attractions in Mcleodganj and Things to Do, How to Plan a Trip to Dharamshala and Mcleodganj, Rohtang Pass Status 2023 Most Recent Updates. When you step inside a monastery, the first and most important thing is to let your worries go and soak yourself in the peace and tranquillity of the place. The main chamber of the monastery has a majestic statue of the Buddha and with the backdrop of the snow-clad mountains, this is an extremely serene and peaceful place to spend an afternoon. The place has the grandest and picturesque monasteries in India that have preserved the Buddhist and Tibetan culture after the Dalai Lama's exile from Tibet. There are several monasteries in Mcleodganj and Dharamshala which remain to be a center of not only religious following but also receive thousands of tourists each year; people looking forward to learning about Buddhist and Tibetan culture and also to admire the beauty of the place. Please be careful of such areas and do not enter with your shoes on. However, we attended the incredible fire puja, a special ceremony of offerings, in Guyto Monastery, which was more important to us that the weather. Lots of monks were praying. the settings and top that with the snow capped Himalayas in the background and one can feel Heaven and Earth meet. Dharamshala today gets its identity from these Tibetan people. Above all this religious place also needs to maintain sacredness for other disciples visiting the place. For non-believers, rotating prayer wheels could be a fun activity as well, if done respectfully and in the right manner (rotate clockwise). copyright 2015 - 2019 simplynomadiclife.com Designed & Developed by Pix & Hue. The deity of this monastery is Sankhyamukhi Buddha. NOTE: This trek can also be done in the reverse direction (from Dharamsala to Mcleodganj). If you are wondering about the route or public transport to get there, please read How to Plan a Trip to Dharamshala and Mcleodganj. If, you liked it and found it helpful,please feel free to share itwith your family and friends to help them too. Another name for this temple-complex is Namgyal Tantric College. per night. The monastery is believed to be 400 years old and has control over 17 gompas in the region. Extensive information is available at Tibet museum about why these people were forced to flee their country by the Chinese and what is their fight for. Fares for luxury Volvo can be anything between 1000 to 1300 rs per seat, one way. Address: McLeod Ganj, Dharamshala, Himachal Pradesh 176219, India. While starting a conversation with a monk, it is respectful to sit at the same level as his. So while making an offering, it is best to request a male visitor or companion to hand it over to a monk. The original temple was established in Lhasa, Tibet, and was re-established in the city of Dharamsala. People who are able to secure the special permission to stay will have a nice time experience the life of the monks and the unique ways of the monastery. Some of the monks may not even accept something directly from you and would request that you pass it on to a male who would then give it to the monk. Your blog will be most helpful Keep at a respectable distance from the statues and platforms that they are established on. The most popular with place to visit in McLeod Ganj. more, You seem to have JavaScript disabled. Why you should visit can really have multiple answers but the most basic one would be for the cultural experience. Thiksey consists of numerous white buildings that are arranged in hierarchical order, which stand out against the rocky golden brown hills. Here we will talk about some of the monasteries that welcome guests to spend their night to get an experience of life. For Tibetans, the entry fee is Rs. IRCTC Initiates Tour Packages on Spiritual Routes. This place is not really a monastery; but still, a must visit for anyone who wants to learn a little about Tibetan culture. We watched a documentary From Nomad to Nobody that was screened in the Tibet Museum and talked about the miserable destiny of Tibetan nomads who are forced to quit their traditional ways of living as nomads and have to live in settlement camps. Food you may take dry fruits and nuts which are high density items. To use our mobile site, please enable JavaScript. 2019 Having spent almost three weeks in McLeod Ganj, we would like to help you to make most of your stay in this unique part of the globe to immerse yourself fully into the incredible Tibetan culture and learn about the Tibetan community. The temples surrounding the monastery have beautiful and unique architecture, which are made more beautiful with several rows of Buddha statue. If you have any questions; or need any other details; please feel free to ask in the comments section below; or at our Community Area; and I will be glad to answer. You must try and visit when the prayers or mainly the debates are going on. See our Privacy Policy for more information on how we use your data. A decent dress is more than what is needed to visit the temple. n become a relaxing destination for all the visitors. The temples and private rooms surely give a sense of inner calm to every guest. In addition to the arts and crafts, the institute boasts of a two-storey building called the Seat of Happiness Temple or Deden Tsuglakhang. This is one of the most serene and calm monasteries in the town. The staff of the hotel was excellent, always ready to help, and there was even a room service they have a restaurant on the top floor. It is utterly disrespectful; one shouldnt even touch or sit near the main statue. Are you looking for a hostel in Leh, or are you a biker looking to, Himachal Pradesh is as scenic as it gets. IRCTC'S Introduces Bharat Darshan Tourist Package this Diwali Season! Another important thing to know is that you should secure the way you will listen to the interpreter either through your radio or another way check with the Office of the Dalai Lama a few days before the event. When in a monastery, you do not know what is religiously important and what is not; so it is best to observe with your eyes and not your hands. Wow, what an experience! Is it possibile from August 15th for 2 weeks to Perched at the height of 3,000 metres above sea level, it has been recognised as the second-largest monastery in the world, the first one being Lhasa. Surrounded by green hills, spectacular mountains and banks of River Indus, it looks both impressive and intriguing. Easy accessibility, Scenic beauty of the area, road connectivity, and availability of facilities are to name a few; but the biggest one is of the religious importance this region holds. In the next article of the series, I am going to talk about traveling to Dharamshala in detail. Hello, One of the highlights when visiting the place is witnessing how monks debate in the courtyard. There is a reason why Dharamshala is famous for its monasteries. The Phuktal or the Phugtal Monastery is situated in a remote corner of the Lungnak Valley and the visitors needs to reach on foot and they can ask the monks to provide them a room for the night. There is no entry fee to the museum and they also run a documentary on Tibet twice a day here. Learn how your comment data is processed. very peaceful place you will feel the positive vibes once you reach at the temple premises. The Gompa owes its legacy to the renowned preachers and scholars who in ancient times resided in this cave. So should you visit a monastery? You canfollow me on Instagramand subscribe to my YouTube channel to ask your travel questions in a direct message on Instagram or comment on my YouTube videos. Located on Sidhbari road this monastery is roughly 50 minutes of drive away from main Mcleodganj and half an hour away from Dharamshala. We didnt have the radio, so we listened to the Dalai Lama speaking Tibetan, which we didnt understand, but the whole experience was amazing. Change the bus at the main bus station in Dharamsala. Enjoy McLeod Ganj and if you need any more information about the town than what youve found in the article, let us know. Also Read: Delhi to Mcleodganj A Life Altering Journey. Set against the beautiful backdrop of Dhauladhars this tranquil monastery is the seat of Tantric Buddhism in India. Thank you! Here is the link to his schedule. Less crowded and very clean with no commercial activity anywhere around it. You will be asked to deposit them at the locker area before entering the monastery and collect on your way back. They have a collection of over 30,000 photographs depicting Chinese occupation of Tibet, the whole issue around human rights abuses by Chinese forces in Tibet; and the series of events that led to Dalai Lamas exile. Dalai Lama at Tsuglakhang Temple in McLeod Ganj, India, on 3 November 2015. Once you've restored your spiritual energy, enjoy a picturesque stroll to Bhagsu Waterfall or climb the hill to Triund to bask in . 4 stars 8 & up 156 Breakfast included103 Luxury 12 Property types Resorts Motels Hotels All-inclusives Show all View Holiday Rentals Amenities Free Wifi 106 Breakfast included103 Pool 22 Free parking 155 Show all Distance from 25+ km Bhagsu Waterfall Gyuto Monastery Norbulingka Institute Kangra Valley Show all Download your FREEhigh-resolution version pdf copyof this infographic guide about the list of impressive monasteries in Dharamshala. The entire complex is located on a hilltop offering a spectacular view of the valleys around with lush green mountains in its backdrop. The impressive monastery in which hundreds of maroon robed monks reside is a unique visit. It is located within the main town itself and would not take too long for you to get there. Dharamshala belongs to the district of Kangra in Himachal Pradesh, India. If you get a chance, you must speak with some monks and learn about their life. S over a year ago Answer 2 answers Prakash M 0 Votes Hello, Unsubscribe in one click. It will not only keep you hydrated always, but you will also help in saving the Himalayas from plastic garbage. It was a divine experience in a serene and pristine place with snow peaked mountains around. Truly, this city is worth visiting! The majority of older monks speak some English. It became famous when his holiness Dalai Lama, a Buddhist leader, chose this city as his abode when he was exiled. The design of the monastery complex is such that there is something for everyone to explore. Happy travels, Petra and Veru. Happy travels, In todays article, I will share with you all about monasteries in Dharamshala or Mcleod Ganj region. Some of the activities monks do at the monastery include applique and embroidery. 10 Must Visit Places in Dharamshala Namgyalma Stupa Gyuto Karmapa Temple / Gyuto Monastery Chamunda Nandikeshwar Temple Norbulingka Institute / Norbulingka Monastery Triund Hill, Near Mcleod Ganj Bhagsunag Waterfall / Bhagsu Falls, Near Mcleod Ganj Bhagsunath Temple, Near Mcleod Ganj Tsuglagkhang / Dalai Lama Temple Complex, Near Mcleod Ganj I saw a lift but not sure if its operational. Why you should visit Monasteries in Dharamshala. Each of these areas has its attractions and unique things. Plan your visit well and attend the Dalai Lamas teachings in the Dalai Lama Temple, Seating in the Tsuglakhang Temple is on first come first served basis and there is an English translation available provided you have an fm radio channels, as they say on the. Here, you can find several Buddhist temples. In fact, it is the oldest monastery in India and the Himalayas that has been functioning continuously since its inception. Imagine experiencing the utmost peace and calming of your senses while you are being struck by the surreal beauty of a place set against the backdrop of the snow-clad Himalayas, the Dhauladhars. Visitors are allowed to enter monasteries and attend a puja, a prayer session, that includes chanting mantras, bowing and making offerings. Heres a rundown of the must-visit monasteries in Dharamshala, Himachal Pradesh. Detailed guidelines for attending Dalai Lamas session are available on his official website. Just above the town of Dharamshala, in Mcleodganj, is Tsuglagkhang, the place where the Dalai Lama resides. When visiting the complex, be sure to wear comfortable shoes because the journey towards the sacred place is uphill. The answer is that you definitely should if you have the time. Sach Pass Status 2023 Sach Pass Road How to Plan a Trip to Spiti Valley A Complete Travel Guide, How to Plan a Trip to Kashmir A COMPLETE Travel Guide, Zojila Pass Road Status and Condition 2023 24, UberCPM.Com Review Waste of Time and Space. Do not try to force a conversation. Guyto monastery has got rooms for rent for their visitors. They often travel the world to bring their magical tantric chordal chanting to a wider audience.