Dharamshala, India

The Highlights

• The temple of the 14^th Dalai Lama in McLeod Ganj – The Tsug la Khang temple complex, housing the Namgyal monastery and the Tibet history museum. Around the temple hill there is the Lingkor, 45 minutes walking meditation trail lined with Buddhist shrines, stupas and a massive Chorten [Buddhist prayer wheel] and trees covered with thousands of prayer flags placed by devotees.
• Tushita meditation center – A vipassana [silent retreat] meditation center set deep in the pine forest woods of Dharamkot.
• Norbulingka – The Institute for Tibetan arts and crafts with adherence to traditional methods. Japanese style zen garden with a café and huge Buddha statue in a separate temple complex. The institute is open for visitors.  Located in Siddhpur, 20 km from Dharamshala.
• MenTse Khang – Tibetan medical, astrological and astronomical science Institute founded by the 13th Dalai Lama in 1916. The principle objective is to preserve and encourage the practice of Sowa Rigpa, an ancient Tibetan healing system. It also aims to assist Tibetan refugees in areas relating to health care and sanitation. Volunteering opportunities are provided in areas such as research, teaching English and project work. The institute has an Out Patient Department. It is located in between Mcleodganj and Dharamshala.
• Triund – A 5 hour, easy and very beautiful trek from Bhagsu Nag to a grassy meadow on a ridge with marvelous views over-looking Bhagsu Nag, Dharamkot, Mcleod Ganj and Dharamshala. Spellbinding views up to pong dam, a large water reservoir at 100 km distance.
• Waterfalls – One located 15 minutes walking distance from the village of Bhagsu Nag and the other one a 2 hour easy and very scenic hike from Dharamkot.
• St.Johns in the Wilderness – Set amidst beautiful dense forest lies St.Johns Church, a gothic stone Anglican Church dedicated to St. John the Baptist. The neo-gothic church is one of the oldest structures in Dharamshala dating back to 1852.This religious edifice holds historical significance as the final resting place of lord Ergin, a governor during the British raj.
• Naddi – A farmer’s village 3km from Mcleodganj. Stunning views of the Dhauladhar glacier view point. International Sahaja meditation center.
• Cafes and restaurants – The café and restaurant scene is vibrant with live music and delicious vegetarian and vegan food served until late. The cafes have a laid back ambiance, with travelers and expats exchanging travel stories and offering advice on the new best spiritual courses in town.
• Within 70 km radius from Dharamshala are several Hindu Temples, Tea plantations, old Kangra fort and hot springs.