If anyone tells you they are travelling to Dharamsala to see the Dalai Lama, they will be heading up to McLeod Ganj, (via a very steep and winding road!) Home to thousands of Tibetan refugees who have escaped the Chinese occupancy, it is the centre of the Tibetan exile world in India. The town’s colourful culture and long-standing passion for peace welcomes tourists with open arms, inviting them to embrace the kind and compass...

Triund is the crown jewel of Dharamsala. Set at 9325 ft (2,842 metres) above sea level, Triund offers breathtaking views of Kangra Valley on one side and the Dhauladhar Mountains on the other. It’s not the easiest attraction to reach, as the 9km trek from McLeod Ganj to Triund is a steep ascent of over 1,100 metres and typically takes 4 ½ hours. But it is well worth the effort.

I unfortunately missed out on last week’s group hi...

Hidden in the Himachal Pradesh district of the Himalayas is the hippie village of Dharamkot, approximately 2km outside of McLeodGanj. Whilst the Dalai Lama’s hometown has its wealth of shops and attractions (blog post to follow), it can get quite hectic with the constant car horns and tourist parties. In complete contrast, Dharamkot is a traffic free zone, renowned for its laid-back, carefree vibe.

After a busy week of teaching...

Sorry I haven’t blogged much in the last couple of days but unfortunately I’ve been quite unwell. I thought I might have strengthened my  ‘Asian immunity’ after numerous trips to the continent, but India is a totally different ball game not to be underestimated! My intention isn’t to scare you away from this beautiful country but to help reduce your chances of getting sick! In hindsight I realise I should have been more carefu...

I've finally arrived at Chandra Yoga, following 26 hours of door-to-door travelling. After surviving on a cocktail of Gatorade and coffee, my tired traveller's body isn't feeling like a model 'temple'. Failing to commemorate the last mouthful of caffeine and chewing on the final ‘Fruitella’, I am surprised at my willingness to go cold turkey on these everyday addictions…I must be tired!! Yet in all honesty, I am really looking...