Monks of India tour - Dharamsala monastery


The Sikh and the Monk

 Unique Monks of India tour


This unique Monks of India tour combines two completely different cultures within just a few days. Your journey starts off with witnessing the Sikhs and Monks of India by a train through a bright green landscape to Amritsar, the most sacred Sikh city in the world. The old city is a maze of narrow streets jammed with steaming street stalls and bazaars packed with odd trinkets. This is India at its most iconic - full of rainbow colours and vivid smells. The Golden Temple is sure to leave you speechless. Glinting in the sunlight, it stands in centre of the serene Pool of Nectar, as thousands of pilgrims filter inside to lay down their offerings. A constant holy chant is broadcast over loudspeakers at the complex, and the spiritual atmosphere will send shivers down your spine. .

This unique Monks of India tour continues into Dharamsala, you’ll find yourself in a totally different world yet again. Known as Little Lhasa, you’ll immerse yourself in Tibetan life, crowded with Buddhist monks and fluttering prayer flags. 

Duration:
4 days, 3 nights
Independent/Offered daily 
Accommodation
Comfortable hotels, comfort level 2/3
(see accommodation)

Price
From $435  per person - based on 2 people sharing 
Includes
- 1night accommodation Amritsar
- 2nights accommodation Dharamsala
- Breakfast daily
- Train from Delhi to Amritsar
- Private driver with a/c vehicle Amritsar-Dharamsala


Transport
Express train and private car
Excludes
- International flights
- Tipping
- All other meals/drinks
- Excursions

Day 1: Delhi - Amritsar

Your Sikh & Monks of India tour starts off early this morning as we arrange your transfer from the hotel to the railway station. From your comfortable express train, you are able to see the lush green countryside speed past the window. After about six hours, you’ll arrive in the city of Amritsar, close to the northwest border between India and Pakistan. We’ll arrange a transfer to your hotel. Amritsar is the single most important city in the Sikhand Monks of India culture, as it is home to the magnificent Golden Temple complex. This incredible building rivals even the Taj Mahal. Your heart will leap into your mouth as you approach the gleaming Gold Temple. In the evenings, the Temple is lit romantically with dozens of tiny lights reflecting in the Pool of Nectar that surrounds the building.

In the narrow streets of the old city, you’ll find various bazaars, each with its own speciality. You can head to Guru Bazaar for gold, or follow your nose to find typical local dishes in the Katra Kathian Bazaar. Your afternoon is free, giving you time to explore the intriguing streets and alleyways. You’ll spend the night is in a good hotel located in a quieter part of the city.
 
Monks of India tour- Golden temple
Monks of India tour - Snow-capped Himalayas

Day 2: Amritsar - Dharamsala

After breakfast you will continue your journey on the Monks of India tour and travel by private car up into the foothills of the Himalayas to Dharamsala (MacLeod Ganj), also known as ‘Little Tibet’. You’ll arrive here in mid afternoon and once you’ve settled in you can begin to explore. Dharamsala is known principally as the home of the exiled Dalai Lama and his banished government. There is a huge community of Tibetan refugees here, and the monks and monasteries define the atmosphere of the town. Dharamsala stands at the foot of the mighty Himalayas, and it is built on the top of a hill overlooking an awe-inspiring valley. On this Monks of India tour we have selected a homely hotel which is just walking distance from the Dalai Lama's main temple, in a peaceful and quiet part of town. The snow capped mountain view is breathtaking and the birdlife is prolific.

Day 3: Dharamsala

As this Sikhs & Monks of India tour is independent on day 3 you have the whole day to do as little or as much as you like. Listen to the monks chanting prayers in the monastery, or watch their lively debates at the temple. Wander up to the beautiful waterfall in the hills above the town, or visit the Norbulingka Institute, an artistic academy for young Tibetans set amongst beautiful gardens. In Dharamsala, you can also follow meditation and yoga courses to help you stock up on good karma.

You’ll spend another night in the same comfortable hotel.
Monks of India tour - Mini-monks
Monks of India tour - Prayer wheels dharamsala

Day 4: Dharamsala

Your Monks of India tour concludes after breakfast this morning. You can travel back to Delhi from here if you wish, which involves a 3-hour car transfer followed by the overnight train. If you are eager for more Tibetan culture amongst snowy-peaks, you can travel further into the Himalayas via Manali to Leh (Ladakh). Take a look at our Tibetan life in India module for more details. We’ll arrange a transfer for you from Dharamsala to Manali, a journey that will take about 8 hours.

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