Tsuglagkhang Complex, Temple Rd. This is the largest Tibetan temple outside Tibet, and it has a large meditation hall containing some beautiful statues and thangkas, as well as a Kalachakra temple with beautiful murals. It is the monastery of His Holiness the Dalai Lama, and is located just in front of his residence. On the basement level of the complex you will also find the Namgyal Cafe, which is run as a work-training center for Tibetan youth with daringly fusionesque if often unremarkable food, but great atmosphere in the evenings.
Tibet Museum, opp. Tsuglagkhang, tel. +91-1892-22510, [3]. Small but interesting museum on the history of Tibet and its people. Open Tu-Su 9AM-5 PM, entry Rs.5.
Tibetan Library, [4], near the Tibetan Government in Exile, with a small but interesting museum.
Tibetan Institute of Performing Arts (TIPA), [5]. Stages performances of traditional Tibetan dance, music, and theatre.
Every year in February-March for ten days or so, and occasionally at other times, the Dalai Lama [6] holds public lectures. Registration at Tibetan Branch Security Office (near Hotel Tibet) is necessary, preferably 3-4 days beforehand (although shorter notice may be possible). Bring a cushion to sit on, a FM radio with headphones to listen to the simultaneous translation from Tibetan to English, a cup for tea, and a sunhat/umbrella, but as little else as possible, as security is tight. The last day of teaching concludes with public prayers, for which no security pass is needed. Donations are welcome.
Visit the 17th Karmapa at his temporary residence at the Gyuto Tantric University in the town of Sidhbari near McLeod Ganj. For detailed information, check the Kagyu school's official web site: Kagyu Office.
Bhagsu Waterfall, 3 km from Dharamsala. An easy walk down Bhagsu Rd through the village of the same name, then 1 km up to the waterfall itself. Despite a sign advising visitors not to venture further, the path to the waterfall is in reasonable shape, except for the final 50 meters which are distinctly dodgy, especially in slippery weather.
If you are in for a brisk walk, climb the hill beyond Dharamkot to Triund with a beautiful view of the first peaks of the "real" Himalayas, and a wide view over the plains at its feet. As the peak is over 3000 meters, make sure to wear good shoes, carry water (some food if you like) and and an extra vest or coat. At the top, even in sumnmer, the weather can change from quite hot and sunny into a small snowstorm very quickly, every year, some tourists get themselves into serious trouble this way, wearing only sandals and a T-shirt in a snowstorm.
Dal Lake, 4 km from Dharamsala (past Naddi). Fairly well signposted, this thoroughly anticlimactic sacred pond is the color and texture of its yellow lentil namesake. Don't bother.
Courses
Courses range from yoga, meditation, reiki, Tibetan and Indian cooking classes, Tibetan language classes and Thai massage. All courses include vegetarian meals, and are offered at the following meditation centers:
Tushita Meditation Center, -10 days meditation courses (mostly residential) with Buddhist teachings. Silence is usually only half the day.
Vipassana - Situated near Dharamkot, offers a 10 days meditation course. You need to register in advance at their web-site. The course will teach you the vipassana technique as taught by Goenka. You have to be in complete silence, and you are provided 2 meals and very light dinner. The course is free, you can leave a donation if you please.
Buddha Hall - reiki with Usha - Usha is a grandmaster reiki teacher who runs courses in reiki (I,II,III and Master) as well as tarot and crystal healing from Buddha hall in Bagsu, (Opposite the German Bakery). She is a very flexible and compassionate teacher - highly recommended.
Z-Meditation, - five day meditation course in McLeod Ganj (go down the stairs at Yongling School. It's the big green building). The course is much more varied than vipassana - it includes a few techniques on meditation, some with painting, some about subjects related to your own life, and also 2 hours of daily yoga, 3 meals, and a refreshment break. The entire retreat is undertaken in silent.
Asho Institute in Bhagsu Village also provide courses in ayurvedic nutrition and tai-Chi.
Llhamo's kitchen learn how to cook traditional tibetan food, including momos from a delightful tibetan man called Llhamo. It all takes place in llhamos single room house right in the centre of town.
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