Buddhist Circuit India – Himachal Spiritual Sojourn (12 Days / 11 Nights)

Description

Discover the heart of Tibetan Buddhism Circuit nestled in the Himalayas. This curated journey combines spiritual exploration of ancient monasteries with the convenience of flights and comfortable stays, offering an immersive cultural experience & see the life of Buddhist Monks of Himalayas.

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Day-wise Itinerary:

Day 1: Arrival in Delhi

• Arrive at Delhi International Airport (DEL).
• Receive a warm welcome and transfer to your pre-booked hotel by private vehicle.
• Check-in and relax. Day at leisure to recover from your journey.
• Overnight: Delhi (Hotel as per choice/budget – typically not included in this package cost, you can prefer to direct fly if your arrival in Delhi, matches with the flight to Gaggal or Dharamsala Airport. You can also report directly at Gaggal airport)

Day 2: Delhi to Gaggal or Dharamsala Airport (Flight) & Transfer to Mcleodganj (Approx. 20 km / 45 mins drive)

• After breakfast, transfer from your Delhi hotel to Delhi Airport (DEL).
• Board your flight to Gaggal Airport (DHM), the gateway to Dharamshala.
• Upon arrival at Gaggal Airport, meet your private cab driver.
• Transfer to Mcleodganj, the vibrant seat of His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama.
• Check into your premium 4-star hotel, ensuring perfect hygiene standards.
• Evening at leisure to explore the bustling market or relax.
• Overnight: Mcleodganj (4-Star Hotel).

Day 3: Mcleodganj & Dharamshala Monastery Exploration

• Embark on a guided tour of the key Buddhist sites:
  • Tsuglagkhang Complex, also called Mcleodganj Temple or His Holiness Dalai Lama Temple: Visit the main temple, residence of the Dalai Lama, housing statues of Shakyamuni, Avalokiteśvara, and Padmasambhava (Guru Rinpoche). Witness buddhist monks chanting (subject to timings).
    
  • Namgyal Monastery: Also known as Namgyal Tantric College, a center for Tibetan Buddhist study.
    
  • Gompa Dip Tse-Chok Ling: Another significant monastery in the area.   
  • Nechung Monastery: Known for its unique traditions.   
  • Library of Tibetan Works and Archives: A repository of valuable manuscripts and artifacts.   
  • Tibetan Institute of Performing Arts (TIPA): (Exterior view/visit depending on time and schedule).
    
• Sightseeing Time: Full day allocated for relaxed exploration (approx. 5-6 hours).
• Overnight: Mcleodganj (4-Star Hotel).

Day 4: Mcleodganj to Bir via Chauntra (Approx. 70 km / 2-3 hours)

• After breakfast, drive towards Bir Billing.
• En route, potentially stop near Chauntra to explore the vicinity which leads towards the Bir Tibetan Colony.
•  Visit key monasteries in the Bir area
  • Chokling Monastery: Known for its large stupa and Padmasambhava statue.  
  • Explore other monasteries representing Nyingma, Kagyu, and Sakya schools. (e.g., Dirru, Drikung Dozin Theckcho Ling, Palyul Chokhorling mentioned in doc ).  
  • Palpung Sherab Ling Monastery (at nearby Bhattu): Offers meditation courses.    :
• Sightseeing Time: Approx. 3-4 hours including travel and monastery visits.
• Check into your comfortable 3-star hotel in Bir.
• Overnight: Bir (3-Star Hotel).

Day 5: Bir Sightseeing & Paragliding Adventure

• Morning free to explore the Bir Tibetan Colony further, visit the handicraft center, or just soak in the peaceful atmosphere.  
• Afternoon, experience the thrill of Tandem Paragliding from Billing (one of the world’s best sites) landing in Bir (subject to weather conditions, cost usually extra).
• Enjoy stunning aerial views of the Dhauladhar range and the valley.
• Activity Time: Approx. 2-3 hours including transfer to Billing and flight time.
• Overnight: Bir (3-Star Hotel).

Day 6: Bir to Rewalsar (Tso Pema) (Approx. 90 km / 3 hours)

• Drive through scenic landscapes to the holy lake of Rewalsar, also known as Tso Pema (‘Lotus Lake’) to Tibetan Buddhists.
• Check into your HPTDC hotel or a local guesthouse, centrally located near the lake.  
• Afternoon, take a walk around the sacred lake, observing the blend of Buddhist, Hindu, and Sikh shrines. Note the giant statue of Guru Padmasambhava.  
• Visit the Drikung Kagyu Gompa, Nyingma Gompa, and Zangdok Palri Palace Monastery surrounding the lake.
• Sightseeing Time: 2-3 hours for lake walk and initial monastery visits.
• Overnight: Rewalsar (HPTDC Hotel / Guesthouse).

Day 7: Rewalsar Exploration

• Spend the day exploring Rewalsar more deeply. Visit the caves associated with Guru Padmasambhava’s meditation (ask locally for directions/access).
• Revisit the monasteries, spend time in quiet contemplation by the lake, and feed the sacred fish.  
• Learn about the legend connecting Guru Padmasambhava, Princess Mandarava, and the creation of the lake.  
• Sightseeing Time: Full day at leisure for spiritual exploration.
• Overnight: Rewalsar (HPTDC Hotel / Guesthouse).

Day 8: Rewalsar to Keylong (Lahaul Valley) (Approx. 240 km / 8-9 hours via Manali & Atal Tunnel)

• An early start for the drive towards the Lahaul Valley.
• Drive first towards Mandi and then Kullu-Manali.
• Pass through the Atal Tunnel, connecting Kullu Valley with Lahaul.
• Enter the starkly beautiful, high-altitude region of Lahaul.  
• Reach Keylong, the district headquarters.  
• Check into your 3-star hotel.
• Overnight: Keylong (3-Star Hotel / Best Available).

Day 9: Keylong Area Monasteries (Lahaul)

• Explore the important monasteries around Keylong:
  • Shashur Monastery: Founded in the 17th century, known for its blue pines setting and annual festival.  
  • Tayul Monastery: Meaning ‘chosen place’, with a large Padmasambhava statue.  
  • Gemur Monastery: Famous for its 11th-century idol of Marichi Vajravarahi and dance-drama.  

   
• Optional (Time/Road conditions permitting): Consider a visit to Trilokinath Temple (Approx 53 km from Keylong), revered by both Hindus and Buddhists.  
• Sightseeing Time: Approx. 5-6 hours for the Keylong area monasteries (add 4-5 hours extra if visiting Trilokinath).
• Overnight: Keylong (3-Star Hotel / Best Available).

Day 10: Keylong to Manali (Approx. 70 km / 2-3 hours)

• Enjoy the morning views in Lahaul.
• Drive back through the Atal Tunnel towards Manali.
• Arrive in the popular hill station of Manali, nestled in the Kullu Valley.
• Check into your 3-star hotel.
• Rest of the day free for leisure or exploring the Mall Road.
• Overnight: Manali (3-Star Hotel).

Day 11: Manali Local Sightseeing

• Visit local Manali attractions:
  • Hadimba Devi Temple: An ancient cave temple dedicated to Hidimbi Devi.
  • Manali Gompa (Gadhan Thekchhokling Gompa): Explore this serene Buddhist monastery in the heart of Manali.
  • Vashisht Village: Known for its hot springs.
  • Old Manali: Explore the cafes and laid-back vibe.
• Sightseeing Time: Approx. 4-5 hours.
• Overnight: Manali (3-Star Hotel).

Day 12: Manali to Bhuntar Airport (Approx. 50 km / 1.5-2 hours) & Flight to Delhi

• After breakfast, check out from the hotel.
• Transfer to Bhuntar Airport (KUU) near Kullu.
• Board your flight back to Delhi (DEL).
• Arrival in Delhi marks the end of your memorable Tibetan Buddhist Circuit journey.

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Inclusions (Suggested):

• Dedicated Hindi or English or French Guide Available
• Accommodations: 2 Nights Mcleodganj (4-star), 2 Nights Bir (3-star), 2 Nights Rewalsar (HPTDC/Guesthouse), 2 Nights Keylong (3-star), 2 Nights Manali (3-star).
• Meals: Daily Morning Tea/Coffee, Breakfast & Dinner in Himachal hotels.
• Transfers: Delhi Airport pickup/drop, Gaggal Airport pickup, Bhuntar Airport drop. All Himachal sightseeing & transfers by Toyota Innova Crysta.
• Permits: Inner Line Permits (if required).
• Driver allowances, tolls, parking.

Exclusions (Suggested):

• Domestic Flights (Delhi-Gaggal & Bhuntar-Delhi).
• Delhi Hotel Stay.
• Lunches, personal expenses, tips, monument/monastery entrance fees.
• Paragliding activity cost in Bir.
• Travel Insurance.
• VISA Service
• Anything not mentioned in inclusions.

Note: High-altitude acclimatization is crucial. This itinerary involves significant travel on mountain roads; flexibility is advised. Ensure the group is prepared for varying accommodation standards (especially in Rewalsar).

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