Spiritual · Bir and Billing, Himachal
Monastery walk in Bir's Tibetan colony
A gentle walk through Bir's Tibetan colony at Chowgan, visiting monasteries, prayer wheels and stupas, then out through the tea gardens. Combine with a taxi to the large Sherab Ling monastery near Bhattu.
Photo: Gannu03 · CC BY-SA 4.0 · CommonsBir's Tibetan colony was set up in the 1960s for refugees who followed the Dalai Lama into India. Today it is a small town of its own around Chowgan, with several monasteries of different Tibetan Buddhist traditions within walking distance, a Tibetan school and handicraft workshops. Start at the main road and walk downhill through the colony in the morning, when monks are heading to prayers and the smell of incense and juniper smoke drifts out of the temples.
Visitors are usually welcome in the assembly halls outside prayer times. Walk clockwise around stupas and prayer wheels, remove shoes before entering, and ask before photographing monks or the interiors. Many monasteries have painted murals and large statues of the Buddha and of Guru Rinpoche. A small donation in the offering box is appreciated.
From the colony, follow the lanes into the tea gardens, which are especially green in April and October. If you have a taxi, add Sherab Ling, a large monastery set in forest near Bhattu about 10 km away, known for its traditional architecture and quiet grounds. Finish with momos or thukpa in one of the colony cafés. Several centres in Bir run meditation and Buddhist study courses that you can join.
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Questions
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Can tourists enter the monasteries in Bir?
Yes, usually, outside prayer and ritual times. Remove shoes, dress modestly, speak quietly and walk clockwise. Some halls do not allow photography inside. If a door is closed or a ceremony is under way, wait outside or come back later.
How far is Sherab Ling from Bir?
About 10 km, roughly 25–30 minutes by taxi via Bhattu. It is set in pine forest above the road and is one of the larger monasteries in the area. Taxis from Bir charge around ₹1,000–1,500 for the return trip with waiting time.
Are there meditation courses in Bir?
Yes. Several Buddhist centres in and around Bir offer meditation, philosophy and Tibetan language courses, from a few days to several weeks. Schedules and registration rules vary, so check their official websites before you travel.