Bylakuppe- A Little Tibet in Karnataka
Finding Tibet in India
Two monks in maroon walk past you, laughing in a language you don’t understand. As you stroll past them, the majestic spires of a monastery loom in front. The air is serene, despite the dark clouds.Tibetan prayer flags gently wave in the breeze. You could be in India, but you realize you are far away from it in Bylakuppe. As you spend your day here, don’t just see the Golden Temple in Namdroling and run away. Spend some time in what is one of the world’s largest settlement of Tibetans, and get to know local artists. As a responsible traveler, learn how tourism can benefit and sustain livelihoods.
Trippin Traveller takes you on a magical journey to Bylakuppe. Stay close by or at a monastery, listen to monks at prayer, watch Thangka artists at work, and visit local handicrafts or Tibetan incense makers.
Let’s start the day with a visit to the monasteries. Sera Jey Monastery is one of the more famous ones, but there are a number of other charming ones that we can visit. Each of these monasteries are unique. We don’t believe in rigid and fixed itineraries, but more an understanding that we are here to learn and understand a life different from our own.
- Visit the Sakya Monastery
- Have a peek at the Padma Sang-Ngag Choekhorling and Tashi Lhunpo monasteries
- Watch the monks at prayer at the spectacular Golden Temple in Namdroling
- Interact with a Thangka artist at work
- Stroll past prayer flags and Tibetan houses
- Observe the makings of the wonderfully aromatic Tibetan incense
- Weave a story with the charming women who laboriously and painstakingly make local carpets
- Understand how eco-consciousness is a way of life at the Kagyudpa Nalanda Institute, which has a charming view of Bylakuppe.
The above is just a sample itinerary and customizations are possible for large groups.
Come, be part of offbeat tourism. We really do not want to promote a fixed itinerary. Rather, let’s understand the place we are in. The people we are with. After all, that’s what travel really is. A broadening of your understanding. A slow learning into the intricacies and varied hues of the world we live in.
*This tour is a non-alcoholic tour.
*Accommodation would be fairly spartan
*Please dress sensibly
*Refrain from asking the monks inflammatory questions about China
*This tour requires special permits for foreigners
*Tour operates only on groups of 4 at least
INCLUSIONS:
- Transport – private non-AC Tempo Traveler or private bus and autorickshaws within Bylakuppe
- All meals (vegetarian only)*
- Clean yet basic accommodation on twin/multiple sharing basis.
- All activities.
- Guidance and assistance of a Trippin Traveller
EXCLUSIONS:
- Tips, beverages,including coffee and tea, as well as all expenses of a personal nature
- Any additional activities not mentioned in the itinerary.
