For those who relish getting away from it all, the Himalayan mountain town of Dharamshala in Himachal Pradesh, India is an ideal choice, combining an unmatched natural environment with a range of spiritual and indigenous healing therapies, many of which are unique to the area.Of the thousands of Tibetans who fled to India in 1910, His Holiness the Dalai Lama is by far the most renowned, establishing the area of Tibet as a major Buddhist enclave due to his year-round teachings at the Namgyal Temple.Dharamshala first gained international prominence when well-known personalities came to this Himalayan mountain hideaway seeking refuge and the teachings of the Dharma.Given its natural mineral springs, outdoor exercise, meditation centers, Tibetan and Ayurvedic medical arts and therapies at the Himalayan Health and Wellness Retreat the area is now emerging as a health and wellness destination.With views of jagged peaks amidst ancient cedar and rhododendron forests, this treasure of the Himalayas is blessed by some of the most majestic scenery, pure mountain air, bubbling streams, fragrant lush woodlands and wild flowers all under clear blue skies.There is a feeling of wonder and awe evoked by such a stupendous landscape.
Arriving on horseback, you reach at Hotel Eagle's Nest a sophisticated resort, set amidst 2 sq. kilometers of forest landscape in the Himalayan Mountains. It is a mere half hour walk from upper Dharamshala.The resort has eight deluxe guest rooms all with attached marble bath and verandas, which are decorated to showcase local cultures, according to the Hotels Eagles Nest website. All rooms are surrounded by an open dining room with a library and adjoining den that are each warmed with a fireplace.Interestingly, in this mountain wilderness abundant with fauna, pine martins, porcupines, mongoose and barking deer, langur monkeys are often found congregating on the lawn or suspended from a treetop. One might even catch a glimpse of a jungle leopard, wildcat or Himalayan black bear.The wide range of wildlife also includes 463 species of birds such as the lammergeier, which has the largest wingspan in the world, eagles, the paradise flycatcher and hundreds of other beautifully colored specimens. There is for the health and wildlife enthusiast, an endless adventure to be had.Hotel Eagle's Nest is both a tranquil hideaway overlooking the abode of HH the Dalai Lama and is the perfect center for fine dining, yoga, massage, trekking, nature walks, mountaineering, badminton, horse riding and more.
In an effort to provide spiritual healing and teach guests, the resort provides different classes and courses so that the individual can connect to their surroundings and achieve overall balance in their lives.One of the techniques taught are Vipassana, which means to see things as they really are. Taught in India for more than 2,500 years, it is one of India's most ancient techniques of meditation, according to www.sikhara.dhamma.org. Guests can visit the Gyuto Monastery where individual teachings and blessings are bestowed.As part of meditation training, guests are included in the teaching schedule of HH the Dalai Lama and have such resources as the Tushita, a famous Tibetan Buddhist Dharma meditation center and library.A special feature of the resort is the Thangka painting studio, which creates religious 22-carat gold leaf painting using ancient methods. As tradition dictates, each painting commissioned is adapted to the individual. There is a waiting list of over a year.
Tibetan medicine, first codified in the 8th century is based on the medical arts as practiced in China, India and Persia. Compassionate Healing is a treatment that is done through the application of hot poultices, moxibustion, acupuncture and massage, as well as the consumption of herbal medicines that are dispensed as small, brown chewable balls.To experience Tibetan medicine first hand, the Men-Tse-Khan Medical College and Astrological Institute, which is under direct sponsorship of HH the Dalai Lama, can evaluate guests and provide an in-depth astrological chart, an integral part of Tibetan medicine. The personal physician to the Dalai Lama (1960-1980), Dr. Yeshi Dhonden, is one of the featured physicians from the medical college. He is a renowned traditional Tibetan medical doctor and one of the world's foremost living authorities on Tibetan medicine.In terms of therapies, the hotel offers yoga and other group classes
As part of the Himalayan and wellness retreat, guests are encouraged to explore and get active.The lure of the Himalayas is irresistible for mountaineers, as this is one of the greatest mountain ranges on earth. Their beauty, vastness and mystery will always have an everlasting appeal for those who venture to this region.The Triund Mountain, at an altitude of 2,782 meters, provides breathtaking views of the snow above and the valley below. With the snowline starting at just 5 km, it is a famous trek route for locals and tourists alike.Another feature when visiting the Himalayas are tours of the Tea Gardens and the Naddi Village, which introduces guests to local mountain people.Haunting Landscapes and Rugged Adventures In Himachal Pradesh Lahaul and Spiti combine to make this trans-Himalayan district of Himachal Pradesh. Spiti means the "middle country", a name given as a result of its ties with both India and Tibet.With specks of green over a dry, weather-beaten face, Spiti is a cold desert where the monsoon rain never comes. Stark beauty, narrow valleys and high mountains characterize it.According to www.himachalworld.com, Kaza is the headquarters of the Spiti valley. It is situated at the foot of the steep ridges on the left back of the Spiti river. Kunzum Pass provides chief access to Lahaul valley by the great Kunzum range. The lofty Bara Shigri glacier can be seen in all its grandeur. The crest of the pass has been marked by stones erected ages ago. Low scrubland paths through paddy fields, give way to trails strewn with pine needles. Then come woods of oak and flowering rhododendron. On most trails, small pastoral hamlets dot the way. Hidden between the high mountains are passes that were once known only to migrant shepherds and traders.By Jeep, along one of the world's highest highways, one can cross the Rohtang pass and move through arid Lahaul to high altitude destinations like Leh and Ladakh. Through picturesque Kinnaur, you drive through the haunting landscapes of Spiti and over the Kunzum Pass.
Key elements in a Himalayan retreat are the monasteries that are a huge part of the region's history. These monasteries are not accessible by road during the winter months.The Ki Monastery is the largest and oldest monastery of Spiti. About 300 aspiring lamas are receiving their religious training in its monastery, as noted by www.himachalworld.com. Ki is the repository of rare Thangka religious paintings and several ancient musical instruments, such as trumpets, cymbals and drums.The village of Tabo is the location of one of the most famous Buddhist monasteries, the Tabo Monastery. The 10th century monastery houses more than 60 lamas, large numbers of scriptures and religious wall paintings. UNESCO has declared Tabo a World Heritage site.Kungri Gompa is a monastery that was built around the year 1300 A.D. The Kungari provides unmistakable evidence of the impact of the tantric cults of Buddhism.In addition, the Kardang Gompa monastery is located at 15,000 feet high in the Rangch peak in Lahaul. It was erected around 900 AD and was in ruins until 1912. With colorful frescoes and murals, it has an enormous prayer drum containing strips of paper upon which the sacred mantra "Om Mani Padme Hum" is inscribed a million times.Tayul Gompa is another monastery that was built in the 17th century and its library houses 101 volumes of 'Kangyur' and 'Tankhas' that depict the life of Lord Buddha. This ancient monastery houses a Mani wheel, which is reputed to be self-turning on auspicious occasions.
Whether you visit the Himalayan region for rest and relaxation or to align your mind and soul, this region has plenty of history and nature to entice visitors. For thrill seekers, the mountainous region of the Himalayas can provide lots of adventure for mountain climbers and bikers.Regardless of the reason why you visit this mountainous region, the lure of blue skies, fresh air and a chance to escape into an ancient world await you
