Bir in Kangra district of Himachal Pradesh is a perfect getaway destination for natural beauty, ecotourism, spirituality and adventure. Bir was my first abode in the Himalayas. I was blessed to get a chance to live in one of the most beautiful villages of Himachal after I quit my job and left the city life for a quieter and healthier life.
Bir was a great choice for me as it still retains its calmness and serenity. I explored Bir on foot, at my own pace. It is the first destination for my slow travels.
Bir, Himachal Pradesh – destination for ecotourism, spirituality, adventure and serenity
Monasteries in and around Bir
Bir has a very positive and peaceful vibe in the air, possibly because of the many monasteries in and around this place.
Paplung Sherabling Monastery in Bhattu, near Bir
Paplung Sherabling Monastery is the largest monastery in this area. If you drive from the Palampur side, you would start catching glimpses of this monastery from the road itself. It is in a village called Bhattu, 5kms away from Bir. Situated in the pine forested protected land with the backdrop of the Dhauladhar Himalayan range, it provides a serene ambiance in and around the monastery.
Paplung Sherabling Monastery in Bhattu, near Bir, Himachal Pradesh
Pema Ewam Chögar Gyurme Ling or Chokling Monastery in Bir
Pema Ewam Chögar Gyurme Ling Monastery is also called Chokling Monastery as it was built by the Chokling Rinpoche. Neten Chokling, an incarnate lama of the Nyingma lineage of Tibetan Buddhism migrated to Bir and established a Tibetan settlement. Located in the central part of Tibetan colony, this is the most beautiful monastery in Bir.
Pema Ewam Chögar Gyurme Ling or Chokling Monastery in Bir, Himachal Pradesh
I would visit the monastery often just to sit on the lawns in front of the monastery and observe the monks performing their rituals, the kid monks playing in the lawns and the paragliders flying over the monastery.
Deer Park Institute, Bir, Himachal Pradesh
Palyul Chökhorling Monastery or Nyingma Monastery in Bir
Palyul Chökhorling Monastery also know as Nyingma Monastery is on the main road just across the most famous landmark – Hotel Surya Classic. It is hard to keep your eyes away from the colourful paragliding parachutes whenever you get a clear view of the sky. The landing site is quite close to the Tibetan colony. It is quite a delight to observe the pilots glide over the monasteries.
Palyul Chökhorling Monastery or Nyingma Monastery in Bir, Himachal Pradesh
Tsering Dzong Monastery in Bir
Tsering Dzong monastery is located near the cross road of Bir Colony Road, right behind the tea gardens of Chougan. This monastery looks very vibrant and artistic with bright colours and sculptures.
Tsering Dzong Monastery in Bir, Himachal Pradesh
Dirru Samdup Dechen Choekhor Ling or Sakya Dirru Monastery in Bir
I discovered Dirru Samdup Dechen Choekhor Ling also called Sakya Dirru Monastery during one of my morning walks. I randomly took one of the many trails though the fields and ended up walking towards the Tibetan colony when I spotted the bright blue coloured monastery.
Dirru Samdup Dechen Choekhor Ling or Sakya Dirru Monastery in Bir, Himachal Pradesh
I walked in when the monks were performing their morning prayers. It was a beautiful start to my day.
