Himachal Pradesh boasts a celestial circuit through the undulating hills and serene valleys apart from its adventure treks and thrilling sports. The intricate tapestry of Buddhism has been woven in this region for centuries, long before the 14th Dalai Lama graced it. These sacred sites bear witness to the rich history associated with Guru Padmasambhava, each narrating enchanting tales. For instance, the ancient Rewalsar Lake recounts an 8th-century monarch's pursuit to erase Padmasambhava.
Explore the buzzing odyssey which caters to the aspirations of pilgrims, photographers, and scholars alike. Take a trip through the Buddhist circuit of Himachal Pradesh.
McLeod Ganj and Dharamshala are two popular tourist destinations near the towering Dhauladhar Range. McLeod Ganj is known as the "Mecca of Tibetan Buddhism" outside Tibet and is the residence of the 14th Dalai Lama. To get a complete experience of Buddhist culture, you can visit various notable sites, including the Tsuglag Khang temple, Namgyal Monastery, Gompa Dip Tse-Chok Ling, Mani Lakhang Stupa, Nechung Monastery, Library of Tibetan Works and Archives, and the Tibetan Institute of Performing Arts. Namgyal Monastery, founded in Tibet and now in McLeod Ganj, is a centre for studying Tibetan Buddhism and culture with 200 resident monks. It attracts followers and scholars from all over the world.
McLeod Ganj is only accessible by road. The nearest airport is Gaggal (Kangra), and the closest broad-gauge train station is Pathankot. A narrow gauge connecting train from Pathankot to Kangra is also available. Chandigarh and Delhi are the most accessible cities to reach McLeod Ganj from.
Bir is a Tibetan Buddhist enclave located 30 km from Palampur. Established in 1966, it is home to monasteries of the Nyingma, Kagyu, and Sakya schools. Some notable places include Dirru Monastery, Drikung Dozin Theckcho Ling Monastery, and Palyuo Chokhorling Monastery. The colony features a Tibetan handicraft centre, Suja (children's village school), an institute for studying Buddhist traditions, culture, and spiritual literature. Bir is also known for paragliding and mountain biking.
Bir is easily accessible by road from Palampur (30 km) and Jogindernagar (16 km). Travellers can also find taxis from Palampur, Dharamshala, or Jogindernagar to reach Bir.
Rewalsar is a beautiful town known for its pagoda-style monasteries and a sacred lake. The town is a convergence point for Hindu, Sikh, and Buddhist faiths, with temples, a Gurdwara, and sacred lakeside spaces. The lake's fish are considered sacred and are protected from fishing activities. The Gurudwara, built in 1930, commemorates Sikh Guru Gobind Singh's month-long stay by the serene waters. Hindu temples pay homage to Lord Krishna, Lord Shiva, and Sage Lomas.
Rewalsar can only be accessed by road. It is 25 km from Mandi and 80 km from Jogindernagar, the closest train station. Bhuntar Airport in Kullu is the nearest airport, which is 85 km away.
Lahaul Valley has preserved Buddhism in its original form, as it has been practised and promoted for centuries. Due to its secluded location and tricky terrain, the valley is not easily accessible. However, travellers who visit Lahaul often report a sense of tranquillity closely associated with Buddhism. In the 8th century AD, the monk Padmasambhava introduced Buddhism to Lahaul-Spiti, and his presence is still strongly felt in the place. As a thriving centre of Buddhism, the valley boasts several monasteries and repositories of ancient murals, thangkas, wood carvings, and massive statues of Guru Padmasambhava.
To reach Lahaul & Spiti Valley, go to Manali from Bhuntar. Hire a bus/cab there. Chandigarh is the nearest airport (495 km). Take a bus to Reckong Peo/Manali, then to Kaza.
Nestled at an altitude of 3,050 m, the Tabo Monastery is a revered Buddhist institution established in 996 AD. The complex, which comprises nine temples, 23 Buddhist shrines, a monks' chamber, and a nuns' chamber, is the largest monastic complex in Spiti. Despite its unassuming exterior, Tabo is a treasure trove of mesmerising galleries adorned with wall paintings and stucco statues. Numerous caves and contemporary structures contribute to the site's rich historical and spiritual significance.
Tabo is accessible via road from Kaza (50 km) and Shimla (500 km). Regular buses run on the route, but the terrain is best suited for a sturdy off-road vehicle.