Why did we choose Dharamsala?

India is respected world over for its culture of tolerance and the hospitality it extends to its guests. Dharamsala is probably one of the best enduring examples of Indian cultural strength of not just offering shelter but embracing a set of people displaced from their land. In Dharamsala, nestled in the Kangra Valley of Himachal, lies the refuge for the Tibetan government in exile and Dharamsala’s suburb, McLeodganj, serves as the abode of the Dalai Lama in India.

What does this journey offer?

Dharamsala is also known as ‘Little Lhasa’. The beautiful abode of Tibetan Buddhism offers students a chance to visit the spiritual centers of Buddhist culture that the Tibetan people have established here. This serene journey also exposes students to the philosophy that guides Buddhism, and provides an introduction to the dynamic Tibetan people – their culture, lifestyle, arts and crafts.

Core Lessons/
Inspiration:

Buddhism
History of Tibetan Migration
Tibetan Art, Craft & Architecture
India’s Natural Beauty – Tourism

THINGS TO DO

Dharamsala: The shelter to Humanity

VISIT

McLeodganj
Tsuglagkhang Complex
Namgyal Monastery
Avalokiteshvara Temple
St. John’s Church
Bhagsu Waterfall

LEARN

Basics of Thangka Painting
Handicraft Making at Nyingtobling
About Tibetan Culture & Buddhism at Norbulingka Institute through Team Activity

ENJOY

Trek to the Bhagsunag Temple
McLeodganj market
Norbulingka Gift Shop
Doll Museum
Tibet Museum

BE INSPIRED

The Philosophy of Buddhism
Life and teachings of The 14th Dalai Lama
Playing Host to a Foreign Government
Helping Out Neighboring Nations

ITINERARY

DAY 1: DELHI – DHARAMSALA (MCLEODGANJ)

Assemble in School
Evening departure from school for Dharamsala(Mcleodganj) by AC Deluxe Coach
Dinner en-route
Overnight bus journey to Dharamsala

DAY 2: DHARAMSALA (MCLEODGANJ)

Morning arrival in Dharamsala bus parking
Transfer to the Hotel by small vehicles/walk down
Check in to hotel, followed by breakfast (early check in subject to availability)
Journey orientation and team division
Lunch in the hotel
Visit the Tsuglagkhang Complex
Visit to St. John’s Church
Dinner and overnight in the hotel

DAY 3: DHARAMSALA (MCLEODGANJ)

Early breakfast in the hotel
Visit Norbulinka Institute
Visit to Doll Museum
Thangka Painting Workshop
Late lunch in the hotel
Rest in the Hotel
Dinner and overnight in the hotel

DAY 4: DHARAMSALA – DELHI

Breakfast in the hotel followed by check out
Shopping time at McLeodganj market
Lunch in the hotel
Closing ceremony – Certificate Distribution
Evening departure from Dharamsala
Dinner en-route
Overnight bus journey to School

DAY 5: DELHI

Morning arrival in School

ALL YOU NEED TO KNOW

Frequently Asked Questions

Q Who can attend this program?

A
Any student of your school in the age group of 7-17years (Class II- XII) is welcome to join this program provided the child faces no serious medical conditions which may be difficult to address satisfactorily during the journey. Also, any adult who is not a member of the school staff or management is not allowed to join the school group.
Q What are the requirements for the accompanying teachers for a student group?

A
As teachers are the legally appointed guardians of the students for the entire course of the journey, it is advisable that the selected teacher/s are experienced and have the capacity to address issues related to student safety, well-being and behavior. Physical fitness and travel experience are added advantage as most programs are fast-paced and hectic.
Q What is the recommended teacher: student ratio?

A
The accepted industry practice is of 1 adult per 10 students (1:10).
Q What about our students’ safety during the journey?

A
Underpinning each EdTerra journey is the concern to address student safety at all levels. Being an ISO 9001: 2008 company, EdTerra complies with globally accepted standards for efficient processes, including rigorous safety standards.
Q How can the parents stay in touch with their children during the journey?

A
The accompanying EdTerra Journey Mentor provides daily updates on the EdTerra Facebook page (like us at edterraindia), along with photographs of the day’s activities for parents to keep a track of the journey progress. Parents are also provided with contact details of the hotels where students will be staying during the journey. The school may permit students to carry their mobiles or share the number of the lead teacher.
Q Can students meet/visit/stay back with their relatives or friends?

A
On account of student safety, EdTerra does not allow any child to meet/visit any relatives during the journey. For every EdTerra journey the rule is simple, you move out of your school/city as a group and you return as a group.
Q What kind of food can we expect during our journey?

A
EdTerra provides wholesome and hygienic food during the journey. An ample variety of local cuisine is provided as a part of the travel experience.
Q What kind of clothing should students carry for the journey?

A
Depending on the location and time/season of travel, EdTerra will provide an exhaustive to-pack list, enabling students to pack appropriately for the journey.
Q Do you undertake overnight travel?

A
Depending upon the program selected, distance from home city and duration of the program, overnight travel may be considered as an option for travel to/ from the destination.
Q What is the minimum group size required to conduct a journey?

A
EdTerra journeys operate on a minimum group size of 30 paying pax, and multiples thereof.