Tso Pema 2024

20th October to 2nd November 2024

 McLeod Ganj - Bir - Tso Pema - Shimla

View photos individually at Photo Gallery

Travel through the foothills of the Himalayas visiting monasteries, lakes and caves while taking in the delightful countryside and breathtaking views.

Meet monks, nuns and local people who warmly welcome us into their community and generously share their culture.

Join us on a joyful journey that enriches our senses and heightens our experience of the rich and diverse Tibetan culture.

Our journey is casual and flexible

WHERE  Himachal Pradesh, Northern India

McLeod Ganj, Bir, Tso Pema & Shimla

WHEN    20th Oct - 2nd Nov 2024

PRICE    -  Twin Share     $3680 AUD
              -  Single            $4200 AUD

WE PROVIDE

• All accommodation

• Wide variety of Indian & Tibetan foods

• All local transport in taxis

• Tour Director - Pantha Blazely

• Guide - Nikki Keefe

YOU PROVIDE

• Flights to Kangra

• Flights from Chandigarh

• Personal expenses ie laundry, drinks etc

• Tips for drivers & hotel staff

• Offerings for temples

Small group for your care & comfort

for more info contact

Pantha   PanthaB@westnet.com.au    +61 478 603 929

Itinerary

Days 1 - 3

20th - 22nd October

Dharamsala / McLeod Ganj

After a short flight from Delhi to Kangra airport, we arrive in McLeod Ganj, a hill resort once popular with the British and now, the residence of His Holiness the Dalai Lama and home of the Tibetan Government in Exile.

We will explore the beautiful Norbulingka Institute which supports and teaches traditional Tibetan Arts & Crafts.

Plenty of free time for walks into the surrounding mountains and lots of great shopping.

Days 4 & 5

23rd & 24th October

Bir

Bir is a Tibetan settlement with a wide variety of monasteries including Sherabling & Deer Park . It is also renowned as an international hang gliding centre.

Days 6 to 11

25th to 30th October

Rewalsar / Tso Pema (Lotus Lake)

During our stay in Tso Pema we spend a couple of hours in the mornings meeting and sharing annual sponsorships to an extensive array of monks, nuns, elderly individuals, and children.

In the afternoons we will explore highlights around the village and lake. Seeing the beautiful statues at Zangdokpalri Monastery,  

Guru Rinpoche's cave is situated amidst the hills overlooking the serene lake.  Here we share in the joys of numerous cups of tea and laughter with the nuns who reside in the neighboring caves, truly immersing ourselves in their welcoming community.

Remarkably abundant in its historical significance, Tso Pema serves as a sacred pilgrimage site revered by not only Buddhists, but also Hindus and Sikhs.

Days 12 & 13

31st Oct & 1st November

Shimla

Once the capitol of British India, Shimla is a famous hill station that still retains its old world charm.  A stroll along the bustling mall is fun with lots of interesting shops and spectacular views. 

We will also be giving sponsorship to monks at the beautiful Dorje Drak monastery in nearby Kasumpti.

Day 14

2nd November

Depart. 

A few hours drive to Chandigarh and then a short flight from Chandigarh to Delhi or you could travel by train or bus.

Our Itinerary is always subject to change

 & sometimes does

"Thank you so much for a remarkable journey.  You certainly have the knack for arranging things to perfection & at the same time allowing what each person would like to do.  You are kind, considerate & fun and allow thing to "go with the flow".  I can only look forward to the day when I can come on another tour."    Maggie - Australia

Our Guide Nikki Keefe

Nikki has been an avid traveller in India and SE Asia. She currently spends a lot of time in Bir, Northern India where she oversees the health care of student monks nearby and the participants attending Deer Park Institute.

Nikki is a Registered Nurse, specialising in infectious diseases.