Exploring Tibetan Influence on Himachal Pradesh

Tibetan influence is strong in the north of Himachal Pradesh. The touristy places that have the most Tibetan influence in the state are Dharamshala and Bir. In fact, you can also study Buddhism in these places.

Many people reach Dharamshala by bus through the winding roads of northern Himachal Pradesh, but you can also get in here by train connecting to the nearest station at Pathankot, followed by a bus or taxi or just get a taxi from Delhi, which takes about 10 hours. When you are in Dharamshala, you must visit the largest Tibetan temple outside Tibet at the Tsuglagkhang Complex. There are other places, such as the Tibetan Library, Tibetan Museum, Tibetan Institute on Performing Arts, and Tibet World, which you may visit to learn more about Tibetan influence in the place. You can take a day out to visit Bhagsunag waterfalls to have a magnificent view. There are plenty of hotels near Dharamshala so whether you are on budget or have enough cash to spend, you will surely find a kind of Villa that fits your needs. There are plenty of places to learn and perform yoga, learn cooking, and also volunteer in social work in Dharamshala.

Set in the Dhauladhar range of the Himalayas, this picturesque town is divided into two regions: Upper Bir and Lower Bir. It can be easily reached by buses from Dharamshala and Delhi, by toy train from nearby Pathankot, or by taxis from Pathankot or Dharamshala. You can visit Chokyi Lodro College of Dialectics if you are interested in higher Buddhist philosophical study, visit Palpung Sherab Ling, a Tibetan Buddhist monastery, and also be a part of the Dharmalaya Institute to have a great experience with compassionate living. Deer Park Institute is a great place to learn various aspects of Buddhism. Paragliding on the mountain top of Billing and shopping at Bir Tibetan Colony are recommended. You will find many hotels in Bir Billing that serve healthy and delicious food, so finding a place to sleep and eat is not at all difficult here.

When you are traveling to Bir Billing from Dharamshala, you will come across a mountainous town with beautiful scenery and tea gardens—Palampur. To experience unmatchable views of the Dhauladhar range, you can go to a 300-meter-wide channel called Neugal Khad, located a few kilometers outside Palampur. Next to it, there is a beautiful garden to explore, Saurabh Van Vihar. Jakhni Mata Temple, Baijnath Temple, Chamunda Devi Temple, and Brijeshwari Temple are a few famous temples in and around Palampur. You will find lovely hotels in Palampur and an overnight stay is recommended in this beautiful place.

Experiencing and exploring Tibetan influence in northern Himachal Pradesh is really exciting. If you have the luck, then you can also meet Dalai Lama in Dharamshala, but do not plan it, just check if you are lucky enough when you are there.

Also Read: Relax your mind and body in tranquility of Palampur