Yoga tour of dharamsala and mcelodganj

Yoga tour of dharamsala and mcelodganj
Dharamsala and  Mcleodganj area is a great destination to spend a few days in peaceful and green surroundings close to nature and connecting with oneself. It’s a place for meditation and introspection and a large number of travelers come here to learn about Yoga, Tibetan Buddhism and meditation. The tourists can choose to learn different types of yoga techniques according to their own preferences, starting from simple and easier sehaj yoga to tougher hat yoga and a few other types depending upon availability of instructors.  Sightseeing part of the tour is kept limited to nearby places instead of driving further to keep the focus intact. But can be changed if desired. The duration and activities in each tour may vary according to types of yoga or meditation chosen. Below is a sample itinerary which can be modified according to needs of the guests.

DAY 1: Arrival at Mcleodganj

We’ll begin from Delhi, Chandigarh or Amritsar and arrive in Mcleodganj. After check in at hotel/guest house or yoga ashram, it’s time for shower, rest and a hot meal. Rest of day can be spent resting or exploring Mcleodganj.

DAY 2: Introduction to Yoga

This day will begin with an early morning Yoga class which will explain the basic principles, requirements and benefits of Yoga. There will be a small training session in which the guests will learn a few basics and beginner asanas (Yoga positions) from a trained instructor. After a bit of rest, it’ll be time for light lunch and rest of the day can be spend exploring Mcleodganj and Dharamsala. Most tourists prefer to visit Tsuglagkhang monastery. It contains three major idols of Sakyamuni Buddha, Avalokitesvara and Padmasambhava which are made of gilded bronze. This place is spiritually very important for Tibetan Buddhists and people from all over the world come here to pray and meditate. You can see monks from diverse backgrounds meditating or debating in their colourful manner. Then we’ll visit Norbulingka (meaning Jewel Garden) Institute, which is an important place of Tibetan studies and culture and arts. It’s a great place to look at and buy Tibetan art, books etc. Last stop for the day will be Dip Thekchen Choeling Monastery with it’s museum and golden roof.

DAY 3:  Beginning Yoga Asanas

Day 3 will begin with early morning Yoga lessons in the ashram or park close to nature. Yoga classes of this day will cover a bit advanced Yoga asanas compared to previous day. You will learn Yoga asanas which not only stretch your body but also help in healing old injuries and cure some sickness. It’ll go on till lunch after which we’ll take a walk to Bhagsu Nag temple and Bhagsu waterfall nearby. You can swim in the pool near temple to relax your body. If there is enough daylight left, we can also visit St. John’s Church in the Wilderness.

DAY 4: Yoga for soul

Yoga classes of this day will cover the meditation and spiritual aspects as you’ll learn to control your mind and body during various meditation exercises. The Yoga classes of this day will help you control and relax your mind, getting your attention focused away from worries and tensions of daily life. After lunch, you’ll get a relaxing massage and a hot shower (depending upon recommendation of masseuse ) to completely relax your mind, body and soul. If there is time, we can go for sightseeing and an pleasant walk in Dharmkot area.

DAY 5: Living like a Yogi

This day, you’ll put all that you’ve learnt about yoga and meditation to use and test as you will practice all the asanas, breathing exercises and meditation tips to full use one by one. The instructor will keep an eye on you and guide you in case you need any help. This session is meant as a way of utilising all the knowledge that you have gained about Yoga and meditation to full use.  After lunch, it’s time to relax and do some sightseeing. We’ll visit picturesque Dal lake and take a walk till Naddi for the sunset point to enjoy seeing the play of setting sun among clouds and Dhauladhar mountain ranges.

DAY 6: Yogi for life

The morning will be spent meditating upon the knowledge gained over the last 4 days and fine tuning the yoga asanas learnt. You’ll also learn a few comparatively difficult yoga asanas depending upon your preferences. The instructor will point out scope for any possible improvements and the way to make the yoga and mediation exercises more fun and beneficial. You can exchange notes with your instructor and fellow travellers if needed. Rest of the day will be free for your own sightseeing and exploration.

DAY 7: Back Home

Your last day at Mcleodganj will begin with an early morning breakfast and a short yoga and meditation session depending upon the time available. You’ll then ride a bus or car back to Delhi, Chandigarh or any destination of your choice.

Services Provided

• TRANSPORT : In bus, private or shared car with driver.
• ACCOMMODATION: Hotels, guest houses, home stays.
• ENDURANCE LEVEL: Anyone to Expert. Depends upon destinations and activities chosen.
• ACTIVITIES: Meditation, Yoga,  Volunteer activities,  Bird watching,  Cultural activities, Hiking 
• DURATION: 7 Days
• MEALS: By choice
• COST: From INR 25000 ( US $ 416) onwards ( 1 US $ = INR 60)