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The main monastery of the Bon tradition, Tibet’s native spiritual tradition, is Menri Monastery, established in 1405 by Nyamme Sherab Gyaltsen. Also known as Dolanji Bon Monastery, it was rebuilt in Dolanji in 1967 due to China’s conquest of Tibet and is an important hub for maintaining Bon’s teachings, customs, and cultural legacy. It is well known for its dedication to education, with the Menri Dialectic School serving as a vital training ground for upcoming Bon scholars. The monastery strongly emphasises humanitarian endeavours, helping the neighbourhood through healthcare and education.
The Menri Monastery Location
Photo: Soap Boy 1 / Wikimedia Commons
The Menri Monastery is located in Dolanji in the district of Solan amidst the beautiful landscapes of Himachal Pradesh. This monastery is near the Rajgarh and Ochghat and is easily accessible by road. The Menri Monastery address is Dolanji, Ganyar, Himachal Pradesh, 173223.
How To Reach The Menri Monastery
Photo: Navalgazta / Wikimedia Commons
The monastery can be conveniently reached by air, rail, and road, making it a popular choice for travellers arriving in Himachal Pradesh:
By Air: The nearest airport to the monastery is Delhi’s Indira Gandhi International Airport. From there, you can travel to the monastery by bus or taxi.
By Bus: Local buses offer a budget-friendly, comfortable, and time-efficient way to travel from Solan to Dolanji and then to the monastery.
By Rail: Kalka Railway Station is the nearest railway station to the monastery. From here, tourists can hire a cab or board a bus to Dolanji.
Places To Visit Around The Menri Monastery
Menri Monastery and its surroundings offer a variety of attractions beyond its landscapes. Here’s a list of places to visit around Dolanji Bon Monastery:
1. Shoolini Mata Temple
Photo: Navalgazta / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
Shoolini Mata Temple is a sacred temple dedicated to Goddess Shoolini, an incarnation of Goddess Durga, and is located in the quiet village of Solan in Himachal Pradesh. It is among the great pilgrimage centres that attract devotees from different parts of the world, especially in June when the Shoolini Fair is conducted in memory of the sacred goddess with much fanfare and pomp. This temple, located against the gorgeous Shivalik hills, offers a spiritual retreat to tourists with its serene atmosphere.
Timings: 5:30 AM – 8:30 PM
2. Chail
Photo: Shubhankar Sakalkale / Wikimedia Commons
Chail is a tranquil hill station in Himachal Pradesh, famous for its natural beauty, regal deodar trees, and expansive vistas of the Himalayan ranges. Chail was created as a summer resort in 1893 by Maharaja Bhupinder Singh of Patiala. It has the world’s highest cricket stadium and the old Chail Palace, both reminiscent of medieval opulence. The town makes for a great, calm getaway from the buzz of everyday life. Tourists can enjoy trekking and wildlife spotting in the Chail Wildlife Sanctuary and explore locations like Kali Ka Tibba.
Timings: 24*7
3. Solan Brewery
Photo: Amanda Klamrowski / Pexels / Image For Representation Only
Solan Brewery, located in the Himalayas’ foothills, is one of India’s oldest breweries in Solan. It was started in 1855 by Englishman Edward Dyer and turned out to be an ideal location for brewing. The brewery rose to fame by initially producing beer for British troops stationed in India. This is a defunct railway station now, yet it displays the most prominent historical landmark, reflecting in itself the region’s colonial legacy and early industrial heritage.
Timings: 9 AM – 5 PM
4. Nalagarh Palace
Photo: Bhanu Sharma Solan / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
On a hill in the Shivalik range of Himachal Pradesh lies Nalagarh Palace, the magnificent heritage hotel where once a royal residence of the chiefs of Nalagarh used to be located. This palace, built in 1421, is a fine example of both Mughal and Indian architectural styles. The place has been refurbished to offer modern comforts without losing an inch of old-world charm. Guests can ramble through its sprawling gardens, ancient courtyards, and historic interiors, making the palace a perfect retreat.
Timings: 24*7
5. Kuthar Fort
Photo: Harvinder Chandigarh / Wikimedia Commons
Kuthar Fort is located in the Solan district of Himachal Pradesh and dates back 800 years. The fort, surrounded by lush greenery and crowned with the stunning panorama of the surrounding hills, depicts both the architectural traditions of the Rajputs and the Mughals. The old royal residence of the Kuthar rulers is famous for its intricate carvings, expansive courtyards, and ancient water springs. It takes one down a journey through its many majestic halls, with an exquisite serenity of nature outside.
Timings: 24*7
Entry Fee: ₹5 – ₹10
Where To Stay
Photo: Garconlevis / Wikimedia Commons
Solan has many accommodations near the monastery, which suit different budgets and tastes. Some recommended places to stay here are House of Lights Solan, Winsum Hill, and Hotel Golden Benchers.
Where To Eat
Photo: Amanbedi1 / Wikimedia Commons
Some popular places to eat include New Chanakya Restaurant, The Storyhouse and Haveli Solan. Visitors can taste local Himachali flavours by indulging in regional specialities.
Tips For Travellers
Photo: Oziel Gómez / Pexels / Image For Representation Only
Menri Monastery Himachal Pradesh is a popular destination for travellers seeking ideal weather from February to July.
- Take care as a responsible traveller, and do not litter in the temple complex.
- Dress modestly, covering your shoulders and knees since you will be entering places of worship.
- Show due respect to the local customs and traditions.
The Menri Monastery is renowned for its serene atmosphere and stunning views and is a perfect getaway for people seeking spirituality. While basking in the serene views, people participate in the ancient rites and immerse themselves in the traditional culture around them. Book your next trip to Himachal Pradesh with TripXL and get a chance to seek peace at this beautiful location.
Cover Photo: Unpurrceivable / Wikimedia Commons
