“A Phone Call Took Me to Meet the Dalai Lama”

Reading Time: 5 minutes

An unexpected call on a winter morning put me in a deep thought.

My father lives in Russia. He called with a simple question — “There’s a Russian group planning to meet the Dalai Lama in McLeodGanj. There’s a seat vacant. Would you like to join and also show them around, if you have a day or two?”

I wasn’t expecting that call. And I definitely wasn’t planning on meeting the Dalai Lama in McLeodGanj — especially not on my third visit.

I thought about it for a few days.

All the voices in my head said the same thing — you’ve already been there twice, why go again? My mind already had the visuals. The streets, the monastery, the mountain air. I’d lived it. I didn’t feel to go again.

Then one thought quietly changed everything.

I’ll be meeting new people. I’ll be seeing a place differently with my evolved perspective. And meeting the Dalai Lama — that’s not something that happens every time you visit McLeodGanj.

That thought stayed. And I said yes.

The Overnight Bus to McLeodGanj

I left Delhi on an overnight bus. I never sleep well on buses — the seat is never right, the road never lets you fully rest. But morning always comes anyway.

The person sitting next to me started talking. He was from McLeodGanj — it was his hometown — and he listed out places to visit with a lot of enthusiasm. I didn’t tell him I’d been twice before. He was sharing with so much warmth that I just listened, like a first-timer. I’m glad I did that.

Around 9 AM, the bus reached its last stop. I took a taxi — ₹500 — and it dropped me right in front of my hotel. I deliberately took a hotel – Lord Krishna Boutique Stay which was closer to the Dalai Lama temple and the market.

The check-in was at 1 PM, so I went straight to a rooftop café. Two paranthas later, I was sorted.

Meeting the Russian Group

After a walk through the lanes of McLeodGanj — partly to relive old memories, partly to just wander — I headed to the Russian group’s hotel. The group leader was already waiting.

She welcomed me warmly. I welcomed her to India, and to McLeodGanj specifically. First thing she needed was an Indian SIM card, which we sorted at a nearby shop. Then we headed to a café where the rest of the group had gathered after exploring the area.

Introductions happened. Laughter happened. Conversations across two languages happened. Within an hour, we weren’t strangers anymore.

How to Meet the Dalai Lama in McLeodGanj

Before I get to the day itself, this part is important — especially if you’re planning to do this yourself.

Meeting His Holiness isn’t something you walk into and meet. It takes planning, and the earlier you start, the better.

When His Holiness is in Dharamsala, public blessing lines are held on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday mornings.These are outdoor sessions where people get a brief opportunity to greet His Holiness and receive his blessings.

How to Apply

Send an email to ohhdl@dalailama.com with a brief background about yourself and the exact dates of your visit to Dharamsala. The office will try its best to accommodate your request, but short-notice requests are very hard to schedule. All official information is available on the Dalai Lama’s official website.

Before You Go

• No mobile phones or electronic items are allowed inside — leave everything at your hotel
• Dress modestly and respectfully
• Arrive on time — punctuality is taken seriously
• In December, it gets cold — dress in layers

The Morning We Went

The group leader had told everyone to be at the Dalai Lama Temple by 8 AM. The evening before, we had walked the Kora Circuit — the path that goes around the temple complex. That walk helped me understand the layout, and I also learned that no electronics are allowed inside.

At the Temple Gates

I reached the temple on time. The group arrived shortly after. We stood in a queue, and officials checked our names against a register. Security was thorough — they inspected every gift the group had brought for blessings before sending them ahead to His Holiness.

My check cleared first. An official asked me to keep moving.

Inside the Guest House

I walked inside to find hundreds of people from different countries — all sitting quietly, all waiting. The energy in that room was hard to put into words. Not loud. Not restless. Just still.

An official guided me to sit in the room where His Holiness would be seated. The group joined me shortly after, everyone taking their place according to allotted numbers. Staff cleaned the floor carefully, wiping his chair and the surrounding area with full attention. Everything moved slowly and deliberately.

It was around 10 AM. We had been inside since 8:40.

The Moment He Walked In

Then I heard a distant voice — getting closer, getting louder.

Everyone turned toward the entrance.

A group of people surrounding and hand-holding His Holiness the Dalai Lama walked in. Everyone stood. He came and sat on his chair — calm, present, unhurried. The queue formed by allotted numbers.

Receiving the Blessings

I watched the people ahead of me. Some had heavy hearts. Some were already emotional before they even reached him. The women in our group especially — I could see what this moment meant to them.

Then our turn came.

You bow your head, hands folded in front. His Holiness extends his hand and gives his blessings, gently touching the heads of the people before him. My turn came. I did the same.

There are photographers assigned inside who capture this moment. Later in the day, a drive link is sent to your email with all the images — a quiet, thoughtful touch.

We stepped outside one by one. Hugs were exchanged. Nobody was in a rush to say anything.

At the exit, each of us was handed an envelope. Inside — a portrait of His Holiness.

We stood outside for a while and didn’t say much. Some things take time to settle. I had wanted to take some interviews right after — to capture what people felt in that raw moment. But it felt wrong to ask. The moment was still too fresh.

Youtube Video on my Journey

What I Took Back

This was my third visit to McLeodGanj. I thought I knew what to expect. I was wrong.

The first two times I came as a traveller passing through. This time I came as part of something — a group of strangers from the other side of the world, connected by one shared intention. That changed everything about how I experienced the place.

Go deeper — walk the Kora Circuit, sit inside the temple. And if the chance ever comes to be in that room, with hundreds of people from different corners of the world sitting in silence, waiting — take it.

FAQ

Can anyone meet the Dalai Lama in McLeodGanj? Yes. Public audiences are open to everyone when His Holiness is in Dharamsala. Email ohhdl@dalailama.com with your details and travel dates well in advance.

How far in advance should I apply? As early as possible. Aim for at least 4–6 weeks before your visit. Short-notice requests are very difficult to accommodate.

Can I bring my phone inside? No. Leave all electronics at your hotel before heading to the temple.

Is McLeodGanj worth visiting? Absolutely it’s worth visiting. After three visits, still I feel there’s something left to see and witness.