It keeps in the fine tradition of Indian bookshops the country over of stocking a wildly varied selection of books in English, Tibetan, Nepalese and Hindi, and some in other European languages.

The English selection is excellent, with a large number of books on Tibetan religion and other issues, on Himalayan wildlife as well as a really decent fiction section.

Modern classics, proper classics and airport novels all sit happily together. Plus you can get second-hand books too. And they'll buy the books back off you too.

Don't talk politics with the old guy behind the counter - I made an off the cuff remark (something non-offensive and conciliatory towards the position he was outlining) and got a book thrown at me for not agreeing enough.

Smack bang in the centre of town

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You have the opportunity to meet the Big DL when in Dharamasala if he is in residence. You have to apply a good bit in advance, in person to the Tibetan regional government's offices, you'll need your passport.

We did it six months in advance and kept bugging them by email. Bring your passport with you and one camera a group. There are also public meet and greetings, although these are rare. Just turn up and have your passport with you.

As well as this if you go in February or March- check when it's on as it moves - you can attend his month-long teachings in the main temple. If you are serious about your Tibetan Buddhism there are many opportunities to gain one-on-one teaching with monks and masters. Also the university runs introductory courses in Buddhist philosophy, Tibetan language, history and so on.

Main Temple

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