|
|
Set in a beautiful cedar and deodar forest with the outer Himalayan peaks as a backdrop, Dharamsala, India, is the seat of exile for His Holiness the Fourteenth Dalai Lama and is a unique meeting place for two ancient cultures. Upper Dharamsala at 5,600 feet elevation contains the tranquil suburbs of the Tibetan settlement Mcleodganj, home to 10,000 Tibetan refuges, the Tibetan government in exile, and the Dali Lama’s home. Also occupying this peaceful area is Forsythganj, which retains flavors of the British colonial lifestyle. 1,200 feet down, Lower Dharamsala is a busy commercial center.
The Dharamsala program includes the Taj Mahal and Golden Temple, but more importantly it includes an exploration of Dharamsala, working with released Tibetan political prisoners on an English immersion program sponsored by the GuChuSum organization and a homestay with the nuns of Dolma Ling. We will live in beautiful Tibetan guesthouses or simple nunnery accommodations. The food will be simple but nourishing and will reflect the way of life of the Tibetan and Indian people. This is an excellent opportunity to immerse yourself in their way of life.
We have four full days to explore Dharamsala with its echoes of the British Raj. Of particular interest is our private tour of the Tibetan Government in Exile offices and invitation to meet the government ministers. We will also visit the Norbulingka Institute, which keeps the flame of Tibetan Culture still burning and where we can examine the extraordinary work of the master thangka painters and metalworkers who have each served a six-year apprenticeship.
From Dharamsala, we travel to the Dolma Ling Nunnery and spend the three days learning from our hosts and living in their guesthouse. Topping off the program are three days filled with explorations of Amritsar and its Golden Temple, hidden Delhi and an optional visit to Agra and the spectacular Taj Mahal.
Return to India |
|
India: Dharamsala
Program length: 17 days
Dates:
18 Oct to 03 Nov, 2008
Grade: Easy
Price: $2,890 plus airfare
 |
|
for India! |
|
Highlights!
Tibetan Government in Exile
Norbulingka Institute
Nunnery Homestay
Thangka paintings
Golden Temple
Delhi
Taj Mahal |
