Dharamsala with Teachings by the Dalai Lama

Welcome to incredible India! An Ekno representative will meet you and escort you to the hotel upon your arrival at the airport in Delhi. After checking into the hotel, spend the rest of your day at your leisure exploring the local area and soaking up the vibrant atmosphere. Our friendly guide and hotel staff will be on hand should you need recommendations or general provisions.

After breakfast you will take a flight to Dharamsala, in the north Indian state of Himachal Pradesh. Upon arrival you will be transferred to your hotel in McLeod Ganj. This fascinating and multicultural hill station is universally known as the home of the 14th Dalai Lama and the Tibetan Government in Exile.

In the afternoon you will visit the temple of His Holiness, the Namgyel Monastery, where you can turn the giant prayer wheels and observe the monks going about their daily activities. We will also officially register for the Dalai Lama’s teachings (passports required).

Today you will attend the first day of the Dalai Lama’s teachings – starting at 8:00 am and finishing at 11:30am.

After the teachings, you can take a short visit to the picturesque village of Naddi. This peaceful village offers spectacular views of both the Dhauladhar mountain range and the lush Kangra valley. Wandering around Naddi and soaking up the scenery is a perfect way to reflect on the morning’s Buddhist teachings. On the way back to McLeod Ganj you can visit the Tibetan Children’s village (opening hours permitting), which provides care and education for Tibetan children living in exile.

After an early breakfast you will spend the morning at the second day of the Dalai Lama’s teachings.

When the teachings are finished you can have lunch at one of the many multicultural restaurants that dot McLeod Ganj. After lunch you will take an afternoon hike up to the Gallu Temple. The gradual hike weaves you through thick pine forests, oak thickets and colourful rhododendron as the peaks of the Dhauladhar tower overhead. There are two well stocked tea stalls along the way to re-fill water bottles, drink some chai (tea) or to have a snack.

If there is third day of teaching then spend your morning at the third day of the Dalai Lama’s teachings or Morning at leisure..

After lunch you will be driven to the Tong Len Charitable Trust to meet the children. The Trust was conceived in 2003, with visions to support displaced Indian communities in the Kangra Valley. The charity was created by Jamyang (Tharchin Gyaltsen), a refugee Tibetan monk, when he observed and interacted with young Indian children begging and scavenging in the local rubbish bins on a daily basis. In witnessing the miserable conditions of the children he was not able to shut his eyes and felt a responsibility to find the solution to create a different future for the children.

Morning at leisure..

After lunch you will visit the Norbulingka Institute, which works to preserve traditional Tibetan culture and art forms. The visit will include a guided tour of the workshops, where you can meet the artisans as they work. Before heading back to McLeod Ganj you will be able to visit the Gyoto Monastery, a secluded and peaceful haven specialising in the study of Tantric meditation, Tantric ritual arts and Buddhist philosophy.

On your final day in McLeod Ganj you will have time to finish up any last minute shopping, take a relaxing stroll around the Dalai Lama’s temple or simply rest at your leisure as you reflect on your journey.

After an early morning breakfast, drive to Dharamsala airport for your return flight to Delhi. Upon arrival in Delhi transfer for your flight home or further travel in India.

We look forward to seeing you on another Ekno experience soon. If you wish this pilgrimage package can be combined with one of our other tours or India extensions.