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The Tsering Jong Monastery is a quiet retreat in the calm landscapes surrounding Bir, the beautiful village of Himachal Pradesh. This comparatively lesser-known monastery in the Kangra district offers a peaceful atmosphere to soothe and reflect spiritually. Tsering Jong Monastery is an example of the style of buildings using the traditional Tibetan Buddhist architectural approach: very elaborative constructions with major details, usually completed with bright prayer flags that give life to the surrounding environment. The monastery is more than a place for prayer; it contains an order of Tibetan teaching and transmission.
Tsering Jong Monastery Location
Photo: JarrahTree / Wikimedia Commons
Tsering Jong Monastery rests at the quiet village of Bir, approximately 70 km from Dharamshala in the Kangra Valley of Himachal Pradesh. It is set amid thick pine forests, with an altitude of 2755 m. The drive to Tsering Jong Monastery is picturesque, with views of the Dhauladhar Range and the green valley below.
How To Reach Tsering Jong Monastery
Photo: Ashish Gupta / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
By Rail: The central railway station near the Tsering Jong Monastery is the Ahju railway station. Tourists can hire taxis from there or use local transportation services like buses to reach the place and proceed to the monastery.
By road: One can easily access the monastery through famous road links from Dharamshala, Baijnath, and Palampur. One can rent a car or hire a taxi to reach the place.
By Air: The nearest airport to the monastery is Kangra Airport, about 67km away. One can hire a taxi from Kangra to reach Bir and continue to the monastery.
Places To Visit Around Tsering Jong Monastery
Tourists can enjoy many additions to their trip to Tsering Jong Monastery, making their journey full of new ventures:
1. Aghanjar Mahadev Temple
Photo: Ms Sarah Welch / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
Aghanjar Mahadev Temple is one of the Hindu holy shrines dedicated to Lord Shiva. The temple is located in Khaniyara village, some 30 km from Bir. The old temple stands amidst picturesque landscapes with a serene river that flows nearby, adding to the tranquil environment for the worshippers. It is said that this temple possesses divine powers and is visited by many to spend time praying. The temple’s lush green surroundings set the perfect scene for meditation and self-introspection.
Timings: 5 AM – 9 PM
Entry Fee: Free entry
2. Rahala Waterfalls
Photo: Okorok / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
Rahala Waterfalls is a lovely natural attraction about 5 km from Bir to Manali. The waterfalls, formed due to the melting glaciers of the Himalayas, fall from an elevation of about 8,500 feet and are unforgettable amidst dense deodar and silver birch forests. Visitors usually enjoy picnics, nature walks, and photography at the surrounding Rahala Waterfalls, famous for their pristine beauty and serene atmosphere.
Timings: 24*7
Entry Fee: Free
3. Bir Billing
Photo: PanWoyteczek / Wikimedia Commons
Only 14 km from Tsering Jong Monastery, Bir Billing is rated as one of the best paragliding destinations in the world. Bir, the land of adventure seekers, is known as the take-off site, while Billing, at a higher altitude, is the landing site. Paragliding in Bir Billing is simply a thrill with vistas of the Himalayan landscape, snow-capped peaks, green vale basins, and sprawling tea gardens. Besides paragliding, Bir is equally famous for its rich Tibetan culture, reflected in its many monasteries and meditation centers across the area.
Timings: 6 AM – 7 PM
Entry Fee: Free
4. Dhauladhar Range
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The Dhauladhar Range is the neighbouring mountain range visible from Bir, consisting of steep slopes, swift rivers, snow-clad mountains, and beautiful terrains. Most of the range’s trek routes attract those interested in trekking adventures, varying from easy trekking trails for first-timers to the most complex ones for experienced mountaineers. With beautiful villages, ancient temples, and serene lakes dotting the Dhauladhar ranges, the route has become the hot favourite of trekkers and nature lovers. It is one of the most famous places near Tsering Jong Monastery.
Timings: 24*7
Entry Fee: Free
5. Andretta Artists’ Village
Photo: Timothy Gonsalves / WIkimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
The distance from the monastery through the highway to Andretta Artists’ Village is 12 kilometres. Andretta is a lovely village with a population of people from different backgrounds. Since its establishment in 1920 by the Irish dramatist Norah Richards as an artists’ colony, artists from across the globe have trotted to the town. Other visitor attractions include the Norah Richards’ House, Sobha Singh Art Gallery, Andretta Pottery and Craft Society, and the Village in which the gallery is located.
Timings: 9 AM – 5 PM
Entry Fee: Free
Where To Stay
Photo: Timothy A. Gonsalves / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
Travellers can consider staying in hotels near Tsering Jong Monastery. Here are a few places near the Tsering Jong Monastery: Garuda Retreat, The Trippy Tribe, and The Olive Hut. Visitors can choose amongst luxurious and backpacking-style stays at these accommodation facilities.
Where To Eat
Photo: Santosh Shingare / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
Travellers can choose from the varied options of Garden Cafe, Vairagi Cafe, and Avva’s Cafe. These places offer a unique and satisfying dining experience. Visitors can enjoy wholesome meals and memorable experiences here. Tourists often try out the local Himachali food when they visit.
Best Time To Visit Tsering Jong Monastery
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May To June is the best time to visit Tsering Jong Monastery. The calm surroundings are at their best, and the climate is moderate. The blue sky above the snow-covered Himalayas is breathtaking, and the hills are ablaze with flowers. The valley’s natural beauty and tranquility are best enjoyed during these months when engaging in outdoor activities and touring.
Other Things To Consider
Photo: Timothy A. Gonsalves / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
A trip to the Tsering Jong Monastery is quite economical since there is no entry fee or ticket price for the Tsering Jong Monastery. However, tourists may need to check their transportation and accommodation budgets; nearby places are reasonably priced.
Tips For The Travellers
- Maintain decorum and silence.
- Dress modestly.
- Be careful and sensitive to the beliefs and local customs of the people in the monastery.
- Adhere to the guidelines given by the authorities while clicking photos of the Tsering Jong Monastery, and be respectful.
- Do not leave children unsupervised.
Visitors can find a spiritual break from the strains of modern times at the Tsering Jong Monastery. This is a great location to learn about Buddhism’s origins and traditions. An insightful and contemplative journey would be ideal at the stunning monastery. What are you waiting for then? Plan your visit to the Sherabling Monastery with TripXL to enjoy its qualities,.
Cover Photo: Deepak Bhargava / Wikimedia Commons
