Dharamkot, McLeod Ganj (Dharamshala), Himachal Pradesh

Dhamma Sikhara Vipassana Centre

Ten silent days of Vipassana in deodar forest

Retreat centreMeditationSilent retreatSpiritualMountainsForest

Details checked on the official site, October 2026 · We never take bookings or commissions

Dhamma Sikhara is Himachal's centre for S.N. Goenka-style Vipassana, set in three acres of deodar forest beside Dharamkot village above McLeod Ganj. It runs the standard 10-day silent residential course, with no charge for teaching, food or lodging.

Three acres of deodar forest at about 2,000 m
Free courses funded only by donations
Short walk above McLeod Ganj

Free

donation-based

Stay
Meals
Meditation

10-day course free incl. food and lodging; donations accepted only from past students

Courses here are free or by donation. Never pay an agent or another website to book.

Indicative. Checked on the official site, October 2026.

Before you book

Arrival
Fixed course dates only
Couples
Couples stay separately
Phones
Phones handed in
Food
Vegetarian food
Booking
Apply on their site
Taxes
Not stated: ask the retreat

Great for

deep practice
spiritual seekers
budget travellers

Maybe not for

Short breaks: the minimum is 11 nights
Anyone who needs to stay reachable by phone

Good to know before you go

Noble silence for the whole course, with no phones, reading or writing
Long days of seated meditation starting before dawn
Apply online well ahead; courses fill quickly

Programs & stays

10-day Vipassana course (S.N. Goenka tradition)11 nights

Teen and children's coursesSee schedule

Rooms: Simple residential rooms; men and women housed in separate areas

Program names and lengths change. Check the retreat's calendar for current dates.

When to go

Best Mar–Jun, Sep–Nov. About 2,000 m in deodar forest; spring and autumn are best, Jul–Sep heavy monsoon, winters cold

Summer · Mar–May
Post-monsoon · Oct–Nov

Getting there

Nearest airportDharamshala/Kangra (DHM, Gaggal), ~1 hr drive

By trainPathankot, ~3 hr drive (90 km)

From major cities (approx.)

~560 km from Delhi NCR, best to fly
~2,030 km from Mumbai, best to fly
~2,160 km from Kolkata, best to fly
~2,250 km from Hyderabad, best to fly

Researched from the retreat's official website and public sources. Details change, so confirm prices, dates and policies with Dhamma Sikhara Vipassana Centre before booking.

Run Dhamma Sikhara Vipassana Centre? Claim this listing to correct details and answer questions as the official team.