'LIVE' THE HIMALAYAS

Dharamshala holds a very significant position as the second (winter) capital of Himachal Pradesh. It is also the abode of the Tibetan spiritual leader, the 14th Dalai Lama, and the capital of the Tibetan government-in-exile, with a considerable Tibetan settlement. It is one of the most beautiful, scenic places in the world, set in the backdrop of the snow-clad peaks of Dhauladhar Mountains, where heaven meets earth.

Leisure activities: Tibet has maintained a unique culture, religion and language for centuries. After the Chinese invasion in 1950, the Dalai Lama, Tibet’s political and religious leader sought and was given asylum in India, along with thousands of Tibetan refugees. Today, there is a thriving settlement in Dharamshala, which is called Tibet-in-exile. To learn about Tibetan culture and religion, there are many places of interest at Dharamshala. Tsuglagkhang, Mcleodganj the residence of the Dalai Lama is a mustvisit, as are the Tibet Museum, Dalai Lama temple, Tibetan Parliament House, Library of Tibetan Works and Archives, War Memorial and Kangra Art Museum. The Tibetan Children’s Village, a charitable organisation, caters to children who are in the greatest need among the refugees. For the last 5 decades, it has run solely on the generosity of its well-wishers. At Gyuto and Namgyal Monasteries, you can interact with the Tibetan monks and get valuable insights into the peace-loving Buddhist philosophy. If you are in the right place at the right time, you could even be fortunate enough to meet His Holiness, the 14th Dalai Lama himself. Palampur, the Tea Capital of North India is famous for its beautiful tea gardens, which are a natural scenic sight. Tea lovers can pick up some handcrafted, fresh mountain teas here. Some of the teas available are Black Teas, White Teas, Oolong Teas, Green Teas and Tisanes.