Guided Tibetan Culture Walk at Norbulingka,Gyuto and Nunnery

Dharamsala , India

Guided Tibetan Culture Walk at Norbulingka,Gyuto and Nunnery

Active

(5 reviews)

All sales are final. No refund is available for cancellations.

Instant confirmation

Mobile or paper ticket accepted

About this experience

Available options

Tour Cost

What's included

Walking Tour

Local guide

Bottled water

All activities

Detailed itinerary

Dharamsala is the home to Dalai Lama, the Buddhist leader who runs his government in exile from Dharamsala. Now, what better place on earth than this little town set on the foothills of Dhauladhar ranges to experience the rich and regal Tibetan culture.You will get a chance to Experience a spiritual pilgrimage with this Tibetan Buddhist Circuit tour. Get to know about the various interesting facts about Tibetan Buddhism, culture, architecture, people, Tibet history, etc.

Meeting your Guide at Entrance of Norbulingka Institute.Your Guide will leads you throughout the Norbulingka Institute, Gyuto Monastery, Dolma Ling Nunnery and many nearby places.Norbulingka Institute is an educational and training institute situated at Dharamshala in Kangra district of Himachal Pradesh.it was founded in 1988 for preserving Tibetan culture, literature and art and established by the Dalai Lama and is named after Norbulingka, the summer residence of the Dalai Lamas in Lhasa, Tibet.

Norbulingka Institute is set out to walk to Dolma Ling - a Tibetan nunnery.Dolma Ling Nunnery and Institute is a non-sectarian nunnery located in the Kangra valley near Dharamsala, northern India. The large campus is home to about 240 nuns.Officially inaugurated by His Holiness the Dalai Lama on December 8, 2005, the nunnery is fully funded by the Tibetan Nuns Project and was the first institute dedicated specifically to higher Buddhist education for Tibetan Buddhist nuns from all traditions and teaches and houses 240 nuns in the Buddhist tradition.

Finally, Visit The Guyto Monastery was founded in Tibet in 1474 and known for its study of Tantric meditation, Tantric ritual arts, and Buddhist philosophy. The great tantric institute called GyutoTantric Monastery(GyutoDratsang) was established for the preservation and promotion of the tradition of tantric teachings of the great Teacher Tsongkhapa. Your guide will assist you to Explore all these places .Listen to heartwarming stories of the famous temples and grab all the knowledge. After having deep knowledge about Tibetan culture and Architecture, Your tour will end at same point.

What's not included

Food and drinks

Gratuities

Hotel Pick up and Drop off

Norbulingka Institute fees for foreigners

Available languages

Guide guide

Reviews breakdown

Tripadvisor 5.0

5 reviews

5★

4★

3★

2★

1★

Important information

Service animals allowed

Suitable for all physical fitness levels

Dress code is smart casual

The duration of transfers are approximate, the exact duration will depend on the time of day and traffic conditions

Important notes

• Dress code is smart casual
• Comfortable walking shoes are recommended
• If you will not be arriving at your destination within the specified reconfirmation period, please reconfirm with the local service provider prior to travel, or upon arrival at your destination. Please note that departure times and locations may vary slightly.
• Not recommended for pregnant women
• The duration of transfers are approximate, the exact duration will depend on the time of day and traffic conditions

Times are subject to change due to local traffic conditions.

About Dharamsala

Dharamsala is a serene hill station in Himachal Pradesh, known as the home of the Dalai Lama and the Tibetan government-in-exile. It's a spiritual haven nestled in the Himalayas, offering a blend of Tibetan culture, Buddhist teachings, and breathtaking natural beauty.

Top Attractions

McLeod Ganj

McLeod Ganj is the upper part of Dharamsala and the home of the Dalai Lama. It's a vibrant hub of Tibetan culture, with monasteries, shops, and restaurants.

Cultural Half day to full day Free to explore, entry fees for some attractions

Bhagsu Nag

Bhagsu Nag is a picturesque village near McLeod Ganj, known for its waterfall, temples, and cafes. It's a popular spot for backpackers and nature lovers.

Cultural Half day Free to explore, entry fees for some attractions

Dalai Lama Temple (Tsuglagkhang Complex)

The Tsuglagkhang Complex is the heart of Tibetan Buddhism in Dharamsala. It houses the Dalai Lama's residence, the Dalai Lama Temple, and the Tibetan Museum.

Religious 1-2 hours Free entry to the temple, ₹100 for the museum

Triund Trek

The Triund Trek is a popular and relatively easy trek starting from McLeod Ganj. It offers stunning views of the Dhauladhar range and the Kangra Valley.

Adventure Full day (4-5 hours trek) Free

Kangra Valley

The Kangra Valley is a scenic valley in the Himalayas, known for its tea gardens, temples, and historic sites. It's a great place for nature lovers and history buffs.

Nature Full day Free to explore, entry fees for some attractions

Must-Try Local Dishes

Thukpa

A hearty Tibetan noodle soup with vegetables, meat, or eggs. It's a popular dish in Dharamsala, especially during the cold months.

Main Course Vegetarian and non-vegetarian options available

Momos

Steamed or fried Tibetan dumplings filled with vegetables, meat, or cheese. They are a popular street food in Dharamsala.

Snack Vegetarian and non-vegetarian options available

Dal Baati Churma

A classic Rajasthani dish consisting of lentils (dal), baked wheat balls (baati), and a sweet crumbled dessert (churma). It's a must-try in Dharamsala.

Main Course Vegetarian

Chang

A traditional Tibetan beer made from barley. It's a popular drink in Dharamsala and is often served in local restaurants and cafes.

Drink Alcoholic

Popular Activities

Trekking Paragliding Mountain biking Rafting Yoga and meditation Tea tasting Spa and wellness treatments Nature walks

Best Time to Visit

March to June, September to November

This is the best time to visit Dharamsala due to pleasant weather and clear skies. It's ideal for sightseeing, trekking, and exploring the outdoors.

15°C to 30°C 59°F to 86°F

Practical Information

Language

Official: Hindi, English
Widely spoken: Pahari (local dialect), Tibetan
English: Moderately spoken

Currency

Indian Rupee (INR)

Time Zone

GMT+5:30

Electricity

230VV, 50HzHz

Safety Information

Overall Safety Rating: Generally safe

Dharamsala is generally safe for travelers, but it's always important to stay alert and take precautions, especially in crowded areas and at night. Petty crime, such as pickpocketing and scams, can occur, so it's essential to be vigilant and protect your belongings.

Important Precautions:

• Be cautious of strangers offering unsolicited help or services.
• Use reputable tour operators and guides.
• Keep your valuables secure and be aware of your surroundings.

Getting there

By air

Gaggal Airport (Kangra Airport) • 15 km (9.3 miles) from Dharamsala

By train

Pathankot Railway Station, Chakki Bank Railway Station

By bus

Dharamsala Bus Stand, McLeod Ganj Bus Stand

Getting around

Public transport

Local buses are the most common and affordable way to get around Dharamsala. They connect major areas like Dharamsala, McLeod Ganj, and Bhagsu Nag.

Taxis

Available • Apps: Ola

Rentals

Car, Bike, Scooter

Neighborhoods

McLeod Ganj Bhagsu Nag Dharamsala Town

Day trips

Palampur

35 km (22 miles) from Dharamsala • Half day to full day

Palampur is a picturesque town known for its tea gardens, temples, and historic sites. It's a great place for nature lovers and history buffs.

Bir and Billing

70 km (43 miles) from Dharamsala • Full day to overnight

Bir and Billing are twin towns known for their paragliding opportunities, monasteries, and natural beauty. Bir is a small town with a Tibetan colony, while Billing is a higher altitude town with stunning views.

Kangra Fort

20 km (12.4 miles) from Dharamsala • Half day

Kangra Fort is one of the oldest and largest forts in India, with a rich history and stunning architecture. It's a great place for history buffs and those interested in ancient Indian culture.

Festivals

Losar (Tibetan New Year) • February or March (varies by lunar calendar) Saka Dawa • May or June (full moon day of the fourth lunar month) Dharamsala International Film Festival (DIFF) • November

Pro tips

Visit the Tsuglagkhang Complex early in the morning for a peaceful and spiritual experience.
Try Tibetan butter tea at a local café for a unique and authentic taste of Tibetan culture.
Hire a local guide for trekking and cultural experiences to gain insights and support the local community.
Carry cash, as ATMs may not be available in remote areas, and card acceptance is limited.
Dress in layers, as temperatures can vary significantly throughout the day and night.