Dharamshala Stay
Gyuto Tantric Monastery in Sidhbari, its red steps leading up to the golden temple, with the Dhauladhar range behind

Little Lhasa · Dharamshala

Monasteries & Meditationin Dharamshala and McLeod Ganj

The home of the Dalai Lama and the Tibetan community in exile. Walk the kora at dawn, sit quietly while monks chant, watch them debate in the courtyard, and learn to meditate in the cedar forest above town.

Plan a calm day Meditation courses

Checked against official sources in October 2026 · Photo: Himalayanlens, CC BY-SA 4.0

ༀ་མ་ཎི་པ་དྨེ་ཧཱུྃ

Om mani padme hum

Slow down. Walk clockwise. Listen.

A day in the monasteries

From dawn kora to evening lamps

No monastery publishes a prayer timetable, so treat this as the usual rhythm of the day and ask at the temple the evening before.

  1. Pilgrims walking the Lingkhor kora path past prayer wheels and a golden shrine in McLeod Ganj
    Around sunrise

    Walk the kora

    Join Tibetans on the forest path around the temple hill, clockwise, turning prayer wheels past mani stones and prayer flags. Allow 30–40 minutes.

    Photo: Gerd Eichmann, CC BY 4.0
  2. Gilded statue of Shakyamuni Buddha in the main temple of Namgyal Monastery, McLeod Ganj
    Early morning

    Prayers in the temple

    Step into the main temple while monks chant and butter lamps burn. Walk the complex clockwise, and keep quiet.

    Photo: Bernard Gagnon, CC BY-SA 4.0
  3. Main gompa of Tushita Meditation Centre in Dharamkot, a red Tibetan-style hall among cedar trees
    Mid-morning

    Meditate or study

    Walk up to Tushita for its drop-in guided meditation (Mon–Sat, 9–10am, by donation), or down to the Library of Tibetan Works & Archives for a philosophy class.

    Photo: Jaypee, CC BY-SA 4.0
  4. Canopied courtyard of the Tsuglagkhang temple complex in McLeod Ganj, with an endless-knot banner
    Usually early afternoon

    Watch the monks debate

    In the Namgyal courtyard, standing monks clap and stamp to press each point of philosophy. Days and times vary with holidays and exams, so ask at the temple the day before.

    Photo: Wojciech Kocot, CC BY-SA 4.0
  5. Rows of lit butter lamps in the Butter Lamp House of the Dalai Lama Temple, McLeod Ganj
    Dusk

    Butter lamps and evening prayers

    Come back as the courtyard empties and the lamps glow, or take a last turn of the prayer wheels on the kora at sunset.

    Photo: King-O-Convenience, CC BY 2.0

Monasteries and temples

Places of quiet devotion

From the Dalai Lama's own temple in McLeod Ganj to the chanting halls of Gyuto and the artists of Norbulingka down the valley.

Canopied courtyard of the Tsuglagkhang temple complex in McLeod Ganj, with an endless-knot banner
Photo: Wojciech Kocot, CC BY-SA 4.0
01

Tibetan Buddhist; Namgyal is the Dalai Lama's own monastery

Tsuglagkhang and Namgyal Monastery

Also called Dalai Lama Temple, Main Tibetan Temple

McLeod Ganj, south end of Temple Road

The heart of Tibetan life in exile. The plain concrete buildings hide a working temple: the main hall (1969) holds the throne His Holiness teaches from, a large Buddha, Padmasambhava and Avalokiteshvara, and the courtyard fills with pilgrims, butter lamps and prayer wheels. Namgyal Monastery, the Dalai Lama's personal monastery, shares the complex; its monks lead the ceremonies here and debate in the courtyard.

  • The main temple hall and the Kalachakra Temple
  • Monks debating in the courtyard
  • Rows of prayer wheels and butter lamps
  • The kora path around the hill

VisitingFree. No official hours are published; it is usually open from early morning to early evening. No photos inside the Kalachakra Temple; courtyards are usually fine. The Dalai Lama's residence behind the guarded gate is not open to visitors.

MapStay nearbyOfficial site
Gyuto Tantric Monastery in Sidhbari, its red steps leading up to the golden temple, with the Dhauladhar range behind
Photo: Himalayanlens, CC BY-SA 4.0
02

Gelug tantric college, founded in Tibet in the 15th century

Gyuto Tantric Monastery

Also called Gyuto Ramoche, Sidhbari

Sidhbari, on the Dharamshala–Palampur road, about 6–8 km from Dharamshala

One of the two great tantric colleges of the Gelug school, known around the world for its monks' deep, multiphonic chanting. After stops in Dalhousie and Arunachal Pradesh in exile, it settled at Sidhbari, where His Holiness inaugurated the monastery in 1996. The big golden temple stands right against the Dhauladhar.

  • The main temple with the Dhauladhar behind it
  • Chanting, if your visit meets a prayer session

VisitingFree. No official hours; travel listings say roughly early morning to early evening. The 17th Karmapa lived here from 2000 but has been outside India since 2017, so the audiences in older guidebooks no longer happen.

MapStay nearby
Water garden and footbridge among Tibetan-style buildings at Norbulingka Institute, Sidhpur
Photo: Japleenpasricha, CC BY-SA 4.0
03

Institute for Tibetan arts, with a Buddhist temple

Norbulingka Institute

Also called Seat of Happiness temple (Deden Tsuglakhang)

Sidhpur, about 6 km southeast of Dharamshala

Here Tibetan artists are trained and employed in statue-making, thangka painting, appliqué and woodcarving, and you can watch them at work while you walk through quiet water gardens. The Seat of Happiness temple holds a gilded Buddha about 4 m tall and more than a thousand small Buddha murals; the Losel Doll Museum shows Tibetan life in miniature.

  • Artists at work in the studios
  • The Seat of Happiness temple
  • Gardens, Losel Doll Museum, café and shop

VisitingUsually open daily, about 9am to 5–5:30pm; the doll museum until 6pm. Studios close on second Saturdays, Sundays and some holidays. There is an entry fee; check the amount at the gate. Photos are fine in the gardens, often not inside the temple.

MapStay nearbyOfficial site
Prayer hall of Nechung Monastery, temple of the Tibetan state oracle, with drums and long horns, Dharamshala
Photo: Gerd Eichmann, CC BY-SA 4.0
04

Seat of the Nechung Oracle, the State Oracle of Tibet

Nechung Monastery

Also called Nechung Drayangling, seat of the State Oracle

Gangchen Kyishong, next to the Library of Tibetan Works & Archives

Home of the medium of Tibet's State Oracle, who is still consulted on important matters. The richly painted temple was finished in 1984 and consecrated by His Holiness in 1985. The Central Tibetan Administration holds summer and winter invocation ceremonies here; they are official ceremonies, not tourist events.

  • The painted temple hall, with drums and long horns
  • An easy pairing with the Tibet Museum and the Library next door

VisitingNo official hours or fee are published; go in daytime and check locally.

MapStay nearby
Dolma Ling Nunnery grounds at dusk, a lit path leading to a pavilion beneath the Dhauladhar hills
Photo: Japleenpasricha, CC BY-SA 4.0
05

Non-sectarian; nuns from all Tibetan Buddhist traditions

Dolma Ling Nunnery

Also called Dolma Ling Nunnery and Institute

Sidhpur, near Norbulingka

One of the leading places where Tibetan nuns study the full philosophy course, with debate at its centre, toward the Geshema degree. His Holiness inaugurated it in 2005, and some 300 nuns live here.

  • A working nunnery and philosophy college

VisitingIt closed to visitors in 2020 and we found no confirmed reopening policy. Contact the Tibetan Nuns Project before you go.

MapStay nearbyOfficial site

More places nearby

Museum of the Central Tibetan Administration

Tibet Museum

Gangchen Kyishong (moved here from the temple complex in 2022)

The modern story of Tibet and its people in exile, told by the Central Tibetan Administration, with documentary screenings.

9am–5pm, closed 1–2pm, on Saturdays and on holidays. Adults Rs 20, under-18s free (as of 2026).

Map

Gelug

Dip Tse Chok Ling Monastery

Tsechokling Gompa

Below McLeod Ganj, down a long forest stairway

A quiet gompa in the forest, built in 1987 to replace its namesake near Lhasa. Its prayer hall holds a Buddha with an ornate jewelled crown, and its monks are known for ritual arts and chanting.

Hours not published; daytime is safest. Expect a few hundred steps each way.

Map

Gelug, the exile branch of Kirti in Ngaba, eastern Tibet

Kirti Monastery

Kirti Jepa Dratsang

McLeod Ganj, Clubhouse Road side

Set up in the 1990s for monks from Ngaba, with a strong record in monastic education and its own debate tradition.

Hours not published; check locally.

Map

Tibetan Buddhist nunnery

Gaden Choeling Nunnery

McLeod Ganj, about 10 minutes' walk from the main temple

A hillside nunnery started by nuns who fled Tibet; about 160 nuns live here.

Hours not published; be quiet and respectful, as this is the nuns' home.

Map

Nyingma

Zilnon Kagyeling Nyingma Monastery

Nyingmapa Gompa

Bhagsu Road, between McLeod Ganj and Bhagsu

A small Nyingma monastery on the walk to Bhagsu, linked with the ritual master Ngagpa Yeshe Dorje Rinpoche, the "rainmaker".

Hours not published; check locally.

Map

Chanting, debate and the kora

Walk clockwise, listen closely

The kora (Lingkhor)

A forest footpath loops around the hill of the main temple and the Dalai Lama's residence, past prayer wheels, prayer flags, carved mani stones and memorials. It takes 30–40 minutes, with a few steep, uneven parts. Go early, when Tibetans walk it with their prayer beads; always clockwise, and watch out for monkeys.

Monks' debate at Namgyal

A standing monk fires questions on Buddhist philosophy, clapping and stamping to drive each point home, while a seated monk defends. It usually happens in the early afternoon, but times differ and debates pause for holidays, exams and big events. Watch quietly from the side.

Prayers and chanting

Monks and nuns chant at morning and evening sessions, but no monastery publishes a timetable. Your best chances are early morning and late afternoon at the main temple and at Gyuto, famous for its deep chanting.

Prayer wheels and butter lamps

Anyone may turn the prayer wheels, always clockwise; pilgrims recite Om mani padme hum as they go. Butter lamps burn before the altars as offerings; ask at the temple if you would like to offer one.

Strings of Tibetan prayer flags around a white stupa on the Lingkhor kora, McLeod Ganj
Photo: Artemas Liu from Taipei, Taiwan, CC BY 2.0
Row of brass prayer wheels engraved with mantras at the Tsuglagkhang complex, McLeod Ganj
Photo: Wojciech Kocot, CC BY-SA 4.0
Kalachakra sand mandala on display behind offerings in the Kalachakra Temple, McLeod Ganj
Photo: Adam Jones from Kelowna, BC, Canada, CC BY 2.0
Prayer flags strung through the forest over a white incense burner at the Tibetan Flags Temple near Dharamkot
Photo: Lisa Tully, CC BY 2.0

Meditation and Buddhist courses

Learn to sit still

The cedar forests above McLeod Ganj hold some of India's best-known meditation courses. Most serious courses fill weeks ahead, so book these before your hotel. Before you do, try a minute here.

Six slow breaths

Tushita: 10-day Introduction to Buddhism

Tushita Meditation Centre, Dharamkot

A residential course of teachings, guided meditation and discussion groups for complete beginners, with intensive meditation days near the end. Days run from a 6am wake-up to evening meditation.

How to join
Register on Tushita's website as soon as your dates are certain; a place is confirmed only by a non-refundable 2,000 INR deposit. Courses fill quickly, with waiting lists from one to six weeks before. Courses run from about late February to November; Tushita is closed in December and January.
Cost
By donation, with a guideline minimum of 8,600 INR for 10 days in a dormitory (as of 2026). Rupees only.
  • Silence from the first evening to the end
  • Phones handed in; no leaving the grounds
  • No intoxicants; celibacy
  • Clothes covering shoulders to below the knees
Official site

Tushita: drop-in meditation and weekend courses

Tushita, Dharamkot

A one-hour guided meditation Monday to Saturday, 9–10am, with no registration (it is cancelled during short courses). Non-residential 2–3 day courses such as "How to Meditate" run about 9am–5pm.

How to join
Just turn up for the drop-in. Weekend courses are booked in person at Tushita's office (Mon–Sat, mornings and afternoons), not by email.
Cost
Drop-in by donation. Short courses from 1,500 INR (2 days) or 2,000 INR (3 days), cash, including lunch (as of 2026).
Official site

Dhamma Sikhara: 10-day Vipassana

Forest near Dharamkot, about 1.5 km above McLeod Ganj square

A silent 10-day Vipassana course in the S.N. Goenka tradition. The wake-up bell rings at 4am; lights out at 9:30pm.

How to join
Apply online through dhamma.org when applications open for your course; replies can take up to two weeks, and you must then confirm. Autumn courses fill early. No courses run in January and February.
Cost
Free, including food and lodging. Courses run only on donations from past students; you may give at the end.
  • Noble silence until the last full day
  • Men and women kept separate
  • Phones deposited; no outside contact
Official site

Library of Tibetan Works & Archives: philosophy classes

Gangchen Kyishong, next to Nechung

Classes on Buddhist texts taught by geshes in Tibetan with English translation, plus logic and debate on Wednesdays and Tibetan language courses. The library's museum holds statues, thangkas and mandalas.

How to join
Register at the library office before your first class. The year runs from about March to December, with no classes at weekends or on holidays; check the current timetable at the office.
Cost
Registration Rs 100, then Rs 400 a month per philosophy class (as of 2026).
Official site

Lha: conversation with monks and Tibetans

Ahimsa House, McLeod Ganj

An hour of informal English conversation with Tibetan refugees, often monks, on any topic. It is the easiest respectful way to meet the community.

How to join
Monday to Friday, 4–5pm. Ask Lha whether they want a longer commitment from volunteers at the time you go.
Cost
Free; you volunteer your time.
Official site

Temple etiquette

A little care goes a long way

These are living places of worship and homes for monks and nuns.

  • Walk clockwise

    Around temples, stupas and the kora, and turn prayer wheels clockwise too.

  • Cover shoulders and knees

    Modest clothes for every monastery, and shoes you can slip off.

  • Shoes off in prayer halls

    Leave them where others have left theirs.

  • Ask before photos

    Never photograph a monk or nun without asking, never use flash during prayers, and no photos in the Kalachakra Temple.

  • Mind your feet

    When you sit, don't point your feet at the altar, statues or a teacher.

  • Keep quiet

    Phone on silent, voice low, and don't walk between monks and the altar during prayers.

  • With monks and nuns

    Greet them respectfully. Don't touch their heads or hug them, especially across genders.

  • Flags and mani stones

    Don't step on, sit on or take prayer flags or carved mani stones.

  • Offerings

    A white khata scarf is a sign of respect; small cash offerings go in the donation boxes.

  • Private areas

    The Dalai Lama's residence and monks' quarters are off limits.

Festivals and teachings

When the town gathers

  1. Usually February or early March

    Losar, Tibetan New Year

    The date follows the Tibetan lunar calendar set by the astrologers of Men-Tsee-Khang in Dharamshala, so it moves every year. Expect temple visits, offerings and prayers; some institutions and the Tibet Museum close. Confirm the date nearer the time.

  2. The fourth Tibetan month, usually May or June

    Saga Dawa

    The month of the Buddha's birth, enlightenment and passing. Many Tibetans walk the kora, make offerings and join mani recitation sessions at the main temple.

  3. 6 July

    His Holiness's birthday

    Marked every year, often with long-life prayers at the main temple. Details are announced close to the day.

  4. Check dalailama.com/schedule

    Teachings and long-life prayers

    Public events are free. For a teaching, register a few days before in the main temple courtyard (9am–1pm or 2–5pm) with copies of your passport, Indian visa and C-form (Aadhaar for India residents); the fee is Rs 10. In 2026 the events here have been long-life prayer ceremonies rather than full teachings, and private audiences are now rare because of his age. Events are also streamed live.

Questions travellers ask

Before you go

Can't find yours? Ask our local team on WhatsApp.

Can I meet the Dalai Lama?

Probably not in person. His office says private audiences have been greatly reduced because of his age. The realistic chance is a public event at the main temple, such as a long-life prayer or a teaching, when he is in Dharamshala. Check dalailama.com/schedule before you plan around it.

How do I register for a teaching by His Holiness?

Registration opens a few days before and closes the day before a teaching. Go to the main temple courtyard (9am–1pm or 2–5pm) with copies of your passport, Indian visa and C-form, or Aadhaar if you live in India, and pay Rs 10.

Do I need to book Tushita?

For the 10-day Introduction to Buddhism, yes: register online and pay the 2,000 INR deposit to confirm, as courses fill quickly. Weekend courses are booked in person at the office. The Monday to Saturday 9am drop-in meditation needs no booking. Tushita is closed in December and January.

How much do Tushita and Vipassana cost?

Tushita runs on donation, with a guideline minimum of 8,600 INR for the 10-day course in a dormitory (as of 2026); drop-ins are by donation. Vipassana courses at Dhamma Sikhara are free, including food and lodging, and you may donate at the end.

When can I see the monks debate?

Usually in the early afternoon in the Namgyal courtyard at the main temple, though reports of the exact time differ and debates pause for holidays, exams and big events. Ask at the temple the day before.

Is photography allowed in the Dalai Lama Temple?

Not inside the Kalachakra Temple, and it is often restricted in other shrine rooms. It is generally fine in the courtyards. Follow the signs, ask before photographing monks, and never use flash during prayers.

What should I wear to the monasteries?

Modest clothes that cover your shoulders and knees, and shoes you can slip off easily before entering prayer halls.

Is there an entry fee?

The main temple complex is free. The Tibet Museum, now at Gangchen Kyishong rather than in the temple complex, charges Rs 20 for adults and nothing for under-18s. Norbulingka charges an entry fee; check the amount at the gate.

Can I talk with monks?

Yes. Lha Charitable Trust's English conversation class in McLeod Ganj (Monday to Friday, 4–5pm) welcomes travellers as conversation partners, and monks often attend. Be respectful: no hugging, and ask before photos.

Can I see the Karmapa at Gyuto Monastery?

No. You can visit Gyuto at Sidhbari, known for its chanting, but the 17th Karmapa, who lived there from 2000, has been outside India since 2017, so the audiences described in older guidebooks do not happen.

May all beings be happy.

Stay within walking distance of the temple

McLeod Ganj puts the main temple and the kora at your door; Dharamkot is a short walk from Tushita and Dhamma Sikhara.

Stays in McLeod Ganj Stays in Dharamkot

How we checked this

Facts on this page were checked in October 2026 against the official sources below. Timings change with the ritual calendar and His Holiness's schedule, so confirm locally before you plan around them.