The Tashi Jong Monastery, also known as Tashi Jong Khampagar Monastery, is a beautiful Buddhist monastery located in Tashi Jong village, Kangra district, Himachal Pradesh, India. It's about 15 kilometers away from the town of Palampur and 30 kilometers from Bir Billing, a place popular for paragliding.
Founded in 1970 by the 12th Kenting Tai Situpa, Pema Donyo Nyingche Wangpo, the monastery is a part of the Drukpa Kagyu tradition of Tibetan Buddhism. The entire building is adorned with intricate woodcarvings, paintings, and gilding, reflecting Tibetan art and architectural influences.
The monastery complex consists of several buildings including:
- The main temple
- The stupa of Khamtrul Rinpoche
- The Yamantak Retreat Center (restricted to the general public)
- Kunga Raua temple
- Khamagar Institute
- A carpet factory
Visitors can explore the temples, admire the artwork, and experience the serenity of the place. Here are some travel tips for visiting Tashi Jong Monastery:
- The best time to visit the monastery is from March to June and September to December. These months offer pleasant weather conditions.
- The monastery is open from sunrise to sunset.
- Proper dress code is recommended, covering shoulders and knees.
- Photography is allowed within the complex, but it's advised to avoid taking pictures of monks without their permission.
- Shoes must be taken off before entering the prayer halls.
While you're in the area, you can also visit other attractions in Bir Billing, such as:
- Chokling Monastery
- Deer Park Institute
- Paragliding sites in Bir Billing (if you're adventurous!)