Dharamsala and McLeod Ganj, Himachal Pradesh, India:
Home of His Holiness the Dalai Lama and Tibetan Community in Exile.

Visitors come from all over the world to McLeod Ganj– the former British Hill station located above Dharamsala City proper.

Home to the 14th Dalai Lama and the Tibetan government-in-exile.
This vibrant center for Tibetan Buddhism, culture, and refugee life is surrounded by pine forests and cedar trees.  The Dalai Lama, who has lived here since 1959, with the Tsuglagkhang Complex  (Dalai Lama Temple) serving as a central and peaceful focal point.

Very informative websites below to learn more about the Tibetan community in exile:

Tibet Museum in McLeod Ganj:   Exhibitions, talks and activities: www.tibetmuseum.org

Tibet Children’s Village: https://tcv.org.in/

www.dalailama.com
https://tibetnetwork.org/
www.savetibet.org
www.freetibet.org

Cry of the Snow Lion–  a beautiful and powerful documentary on the history, culture and struggles of Tibet:  www.cryofthesnowlion.com

Accomodation in McLeod Ganj:
Loads of travelers guesthouses and hotels for all budgets, and below is my favorite:

Pema Thang Guesthouse located up on quiet Hotel Bhagsu Road:
Make sure request room with a view!  Nice restaurant with a view too. A walkway brings you down to Chonor House and into the Dalai Lama Temple compound.
https://pemathangguesthouse.com/

Chonor House:   the most upscale in McLeod Ganj a short walk from the Dalai Lama’s Temple.
https://norbulingkahotels.org/about-chonor-house/

Tushita Meditation Centre:

Tushita Meditation Center is located a few km above McLeod Ganj in Dharamkot.
Offering a series of courses and retreats in Tibetan Buddhist tradition:
Lots of info on their site: https://www.tushita.info

Founded by Lama Yeshe and Lama Zopa Rinpoche along with the Foundation for the Preservation of Mahayana Tradition.
More info on centers worldwide: https://fpmt.org

Glen Svensson:  a wonderful Tushita teacher also teaches elsewhere in the world. More information including links to talks: www.glensvensson.org

Beyond Dharamsala:

Norbulingka Institute – approx 30min. drive from Dharamsala:

Dedicated to the preservation of Tibetan arts providing training in the art of sculpture, thangka painting and applique.

https://norbulingka.org/pages/our-vision-preserving-tibetan-culture

A worthwhile day trip from McLeod Ganj or spend more time here…

The Norling Guesthouse is very comfortable amidst the peaceful gardens. They also manage Chonor House in McCleod Ganj.

https://norbulingka.org/pages/norbulingka-accommodation

Bir and Deerpark Institute:

Deerpark Institute  in the Bir Valley is approx 2 hours drive from Dharamsala:
Founded by Dzongsar Khyentse Rinpoche from Bhutan.
Offering courses and retreats in all classical Indian traditions.
https://deerpark.in/

Getting to Dharamsala in Himachal Pradesh:

Deluxe buses depart from Delhi- approx 12 hour drive to Dharamsala and some buses continue on the steep road up to McLeod Ganj. Otherwise from Dharamsala bus station, get a taxi up to McLeod Ganj.

Dharamsala Airport is at Kangra, also called Gaggal (DHM)
Check out flights from Delhi. Taxis available from the DHM airport -about one hour drive to McLeod Ganj

Train to Pathankot- overnight train is popular frm Delhi..approx 12 hours.
From Pathankot station, either bus or taxi for approx 3-4 hour drive to McLeod Ganj.

Some more helpful travel information from the Tushita Meditation Center website:
https://tushita.info/faq/location-and-travel-information/

Om Mane Padme Hum – Om to the Jewel in the Lotus

Travel Gently- Live Consciously

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