Pathankot Cantonment station at Punjab is where you alight. You then take a cab or minibus to reach Bir which is in Himachal Pradesh.
On the way, you will find streams, which will leave you spellbound.
Bir, located in Kangra District of Himachal Pradesh is a beautiful town renowned for meditation studies and ecotourism. One can wade through tea gardens into the forests and mountains in the north. The inhabitants are friendly, relaxed Indians and Tibetan (Khampa) community. Bir Tibetan Colony came into existence around 1960, following the exile of Dalai Lama and other refugees. There are many Tibetan monasteries, center of handicrafts, Children’s Village school, Medical clinic and Deer Park Institute.
Deer Park Institute Monastery
Dzongsar Khyentse Rinpoche founded Deer Park Institute which is a centre for the study of classical Indian wisdom traditions. Rinpoche is a term used to honour or shows respect to the ‘precious one’-older, respected, spiritual teacher.
Breath-taking view of the surroundings.
Inside the premises of Deer Park institute, Bir
Within the monastery or Buddha Hall, in the presence of Buddha, it is peaceful for meditation. Meditation in the broader sense will include techniques for relaxation, building up internal energy and empathy, love, patience, generosity and forgiveness. Meditation has been practiced since ages in religious traditions and beliefs. It has health benefits too, easing blood pressure, depression and anxiety. It can be done in many ways, from sitting in the way Buddhist monks sit, to chanting mantras with prayer beads and closed eyes. It has a calming effect which creates inward awareness.
Roses in Deer Park Institute
A panoramic view of Deer Park Institute and monastery
Inside Deer Park institute, you can see an Indian classical performance which stays true to what the centre’s aim is the study of classical Indian wisdom traditions. Not very far from this place is Billing.
The path leading to Billing, a Paraglider’s paradise.
An international Paragliding competition held by Paragliding World Cup Association from 24-30 October.
Billing from where the paraglider’s would take-off. The launch point is approximately 2400 meters in the meadow on the top of a ridge at Billing and the landing area is in the fields near the tea garden of the Tibetan Colony in Chowgan.
A paraglider, flying over the valley. It is among the top ten flying sites in the world. It is best to fly in good weather with strong thermals and no rain. You need to keep a watch on the clouds while flying. While nearing landing, need to watch out for power lines as it becomes difficult to see from a distance.
Lama’s- Although, the term ‘Lama’, is used for a spiritual leader in Tibetan Buddhism but is now extended to respected monk or priest.
Chauntra monastery– Dzongasar Khyentse Rinpoche institute at Chauntra is a renowned educational institution. The institution is situated in Chauntra Town of Mandi district in Himachal Pradesh, India.
The first view as you enter this monastery.
Beautiful paintings at the monastery- They are colourful and different.
Buddhist monks in training at the Chauntra monastery – The student body comprises of more than 500 monks from various locales and monasteries. The students have a complete theoretical education in Buddhist philosophy. The institute produces highly qualified professionals with primary language being Tibetan. This institute also runs an exhaustive English language program for level 10 students who can then travel and teach across physical and cultural boundaries.
Truly, it has been an inspiring and rejuvenating experience with the environment, climate, people and their place of worship, giving peace and tranquillity.
Continued….. Part -2
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August 25, 2015
This is beautiful Kashpal, I loved the paragliding part, it looks like a treat to the eyes 🙂
August 25, 2015
Glad you liked it, Vinay. Did you ever try paragliding? 🙂
August 26, 2015
I did parasailing once in Goa. I wanted to do the hot air balloon ride but couldnt cos of bad weather. But I love the idea of it 🙂
August 26, 2015
Glad to know you went parasailing. Even I am yet to take a hot air balloon ride which is on my bucket list. It will surely be a thrilling experience.:)
August 25, 2015
Paragliding in India? Temples, monasteries, even roses, yes, but the paras are a surprise, also the miles of open space, We westerners forget most of India is not Mumbai.
August 26, 2015
Yes, there are many locations in India where you can go paragliding. I have covered here just one of them. Himachal Pradesh has many beautiful locations to explore. For me, visiting this location in Himachal Pradesh was a dream come true.:)
August 26, 2015
Awesome
August 26, 2015
Thank you. 🙂
August 27, 2015
Paintings at the monastery are so vibrant..and paragliding picture looks awesome. Lovely post 🙂
August 28, 2015
Glad you liked it. I have shared some videos about this place in my next post- http://bestplacesofinterest.com/blog/2015/08/27/an-inspiring-and-rejuvenating-experience-2/
August 28, 2015
Thanks will check out.
August 28, 2015
Beautiful pictures and a wonderful post indeed 🙂
August 29, 2015
I have heard of the Bir Institute but never been there. Great to see through your pics these amazing views. Thank you.
Btw, it is not far from my hometown – Ambala.
August 30, 2015
Hmm…Ambala City Cantonment station, I remember the train stopped at Ambala City Cantonment station and then we alighted at Panthankhot Station. From Panthankhot station, we took a cab to Bir in Himachal Pradesh. The journey is picturesque as you cross the border of Punjab to Himachal Pradesh. I have posted some videos in my next post ‘Inspiring and rejuvenating experience 2‘. You may want to take a look at it and I shall wait for your comments on them too.
August 30, 2015
I am from Ambala city…not far from Cantt area. My wife is from a place near Anandpur Sahib in Himachal.
Will check your post soon. Thanks
August 30, 2015
Oh! that is wonderful to know.:)
August 29, 2015
Quite a lot of places to see there.
I like the para gliding pics very much
August 30, 2015
Yes, there are many places to visit. You could also visit Dharamshala from Bir. Have you ever tried para gliding?
August 30, 2015
Beautiful pictures I have been around these lovely places. Thanks.
August 30, 2015
Glad to know you have visited these sites. 🙂
August 30, 2015
Amazing pictures! Love HP. 🙂
August 31, 2015
Thank you for stopping by. Do keep visiting. 🙂
September 4, 2015
I spent just a few hours on a very rainy day but I will like to go back. Loved looking at the place through your lens! If possible post your pictures on 600X400 resolution.
September 5, 2015
Updated, do check them out and let me know. 🙂