6 Best Places to Visit in Himachal Buddha Circuit Tour

Himachal Pradesh, also known as the ‘Land of Gods’, is a northern state full of tranquillity and charm. One can feel the glaring relations to Buddhism in Himachal Pradesh, as various temples and monasteries are accommodated in the lap of the Himalayas and lush green valleys. One can easily understand why people are drawn to this beautiful place by exploring the deep connection between Himachal Pradesh and its Buddhist temples.

When exploring the spiritual heart of Himachal Pradesh, a journey starts with the majestic Himalayas, breathtaking landscapes, and tranquillity, which is an absolute heaven for spiritual seekers. Himachal Pradesh is a state of various Buddhist temples that offer spiritual peace and comfort and let you connect to eternal comfort. The Buddhist temples here not only serve as a place to worship and connect with spirituality but also as a place of home sharing of culture, learnings, and much more. A trip to the Buddhist circuit in Himachal Pradesh is a conception of breathtaking views, lively cultural customs, and historic buildings.

During the region of Ashoka, the Great (268–232 BCE), Buddhism introduction can be seen across the Indian subcontinent, including the northern region. Ashoka was a devoted Buddhist who put his efforts into establishing various stupas and monasteries to lay the foundation of Buddhism in Himachal Pradesh. The architecture and arts of the monasteries and temples of Himachal Pradesh reflect the rich heritage of Buddhism.

Here are the 7 best Buddhist places that you must visit once in Himachal Pradesh:

Macleodganj, Dharamshala
Billing Tibetan Colony, Bir
Rewalsar, Mandi
Lahaul Valley
Tabo
Kalpa
Nako

Macleodganj, Dharamshala

Also known as ‘Little Lhasa’ because of its Tibetan natives and cultural influence, Macleodganj is such a lovable place. Macleodganj is a beautiful place that is immensely famous for its spiritual learning along with the sacred place for worship. Situated on the commanding Dhauladhar Range, overlooking the vast Kangra Valley, Dharamshala, at the base of the hill and McLeodganj, is famous throughout the world as the home of His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama.

Famous monasteries in Himachal Pradesh like Tsuglagkhang Complex and Namgyal Monastery offer the people to get into their authentic rituals, meditation process, and much more. Visitors can also get to see the teachings and daily rituals of Buddhism, including learning from reverse monks.

The Tsuglagkhang Complex is considered to be the primary attraction in Macleodganj, which includes the Dalai Lama’s Temple. It is also an educational and cultural hub of Macleodganj, where the teaching is led by monks, as they also provide visitors with an enormous involvement in the practices of Tibetan Buddhism.

Namgyal Monastery was founded to maintain and nurture the teachings of Tibetan Buddhism. This monastery is diligently involved in spiritual practices, traditional rituals, prayers, and meditation sessions.

Best Time to Visit: March to June

Timings: 6: AM to 12: PM

Billing Tibetan Colony, Bir

Chokling Monastery Bir, Himachal Pradesh

Established in the early 1960s, Billing Tibetan Colony is known for its calm environment and cultural richness. This place offers a special whisk of the lush green beauty and spiritual connection. Countless schools, meditation centers, and monasteries can be found inside the colony. The Tibetan colony is filled with a serene and spiritual atmosphere.

Chokling Monastery, one of Bir’s most famous monasteries in Himachal Pradesh, acts as a center of religious ceremonies and meditation exercises. This monastery is also known as Pema Ewan Chokgyur Gyurme Ling. Teachings and workshops on Buddhist philosophy and practice can also be seen in the Chokling Monastery.

Established in the early 1970s, Sherab Ling Monastery is another and most important place, just a short drive from the Tibetan colony. It is said that this monastery was founded by the 12th Tai Situ Rinpoche. This was established as the center of the Karma Kagyu branch of Tibet. This place is filled with calm surroundings that let visitors know much more about deep spirituality.

Best Time to Visit: September to November

Rewalsar, Mandi

A spiritually significant location, Rewalsar, also called Tso Pema, is one of the greatest Buddhist destinations in India. Rawalsor associates with the renowned Guru Padmasambhava, who brought Buddhism to Tibet in the eighth century. Guru Padmasambhava left a spiritual legacy in Rewalsar as it became the site of miraculous deeds carried out by him. Visitors can participate in their festivals, interact with the local community, and attend prayer sessions to understand the rich traditions of Tibetan Buddhism.

A spiritual and cultural landmark, Nyingmapa Monestry is a centre of peace and charm, considered to be one of the best Buddhist places to visit in Himachal Pradesh. Nyingmapa Monestry was found in the memory of Guru Padmasambhava. Tso-Pema Ogym - Heru-Kai Nyingmapa Gompa is another famous name of this monastery. Visitors who are looking to examine the legacy of the spirituality of this area must visit this fascinating place for once.

Another significant monastery is the Drikung Monastery in Rewalsar, which is a well-known Buddhist monastery in Himachal Pradesh. This monastery is part of the Drikung Kagyu lineage, which is one of the eight Kagyu schools of Tibetan Buddhism. This is a must-visit place for one who is looking for substantial learning, enriching experience, and knowing the rich history of Tibetan Buddhism.

Tabo

A well-known Buddhist named Lotsawa Richen Zangpo founded this Tabo monastery in 1996 AD. This monastery is one of the most historic Buddhist places in India. Well known for its cultural and historical significance, Tabo Monastery is the Ajanta of the Himalayas. Visitors are drawn to this place because of its impressive architecture, peaceful surroundings, and breathtaking views.

This place provides a calm and composed environment connected with nature for meditation practice. Make sure to keep Tabo on your checklist when you hop on to explore the Buddhist trail of Himachal Pradesh. Visitors can also take a guide on their meditation session, including attending the seminars provided by the monks on the concept of Buddhism.

Overall, this place is a fusion of breathtaking murals, historic temples, spiritual connectivity, and much more. Spiritual seekers and learners are most welcome to this place with open arms. One can get a life-changing experience, including unforgettable memories, through this place.

Best Time to Visit: May to June & July to September

Kalpa

Well known for its glorious view of the Kinnar Kailash range, Kalpa is quite rich in mythology and historical journey. It is believed that Lord Shiva once meditated at this place. Kalpa is one of the best Buddhist destinations in Himachal Pradesh, which is famous for its gorgeous scenery, tranquil gateway, and picturesque place.

Situated in the lovely village of Kalpa in the Kinnaur district, Hu-Bu-Lan-Kar Monastery is a prominent centre of the spirituality of Buddhists. A great translator, Rinchen Zangpo, who also played a pivotal role in the back of the 10th century, founded this monastery. Hu-Bu-Lan-Kar is one of the oldest monasteries in Kalpa and also an essential centre for learning and practising Tibetan Buddhism.

A unique fusion of the elements of Hindu and Buddhist culture may be found in the Narayan-Nagini Temple. This beautiful holy place is located in the peaceful village of Kalpa, situated in the Kinnaur district of Himachal Pradesh. This temple is surrounded by the magnificent Kinner Kailash mountain. It represents the deeply ingrained religious and cultural traditions of the area and extends back several centuries; hence, it’s a must-visit site in Himachal Pradesh.

Nako

A hidden treasure of Spiti Valley, Nako is known for its peaceful lake, majestic views, and historic monasteries. Nako provides an amazing visit experience to its visitors through its gorgeous surroundings and existing Buddha history. Nako is the popular Buddhist pilgrimage place in Himachal Pradesh.

Nako, in one of the oldest Spiti Valley communities, has been an important hub for Buddhism. The festivals, architecture, and religious rituals reflect the fusion of Indian and Tibetan traditions. Nako is such a pleasant village, which is the best Buddhist place to visit in Himachal Pradesh. Visitors who are keen to know about the development of Buddhism in the Himalayas, Nako is the best place to get all your answers with its rich historical jumbles.

To preserve the legacy of Buddhism in the area, Nako Monastery was established centuries ago. Fusion of rich cultural heritage and epitome of Buddhist significance, Nako Temple is one of the best beautiful temples to visit. One can get to see the statues of Buddhas, old murals, other deities, and thangkas to get a great insight into the spiritual as well as artistic tradition of Tibetan Buddhism.

Best Time to Visit: May to October, September to November & November to April