These plans started to come to fruition when the Dalai Lama opened the main temple of New Ramoche Monastery in Sidbhari near Dharamsala in 1996. Work began in earnest in late 1999/early 2000 to build and complete three accommodation blocks around the main monastery.

In February 2004, Gyuto Tantric University moved to the New Ramoche Temple at Sidbhari in the beautiful Kangra Valley just 20 minutes from His Holiness the Dalai Lama at McLeod Ganj near Dharamsala. They left a small group of 25 monks behind to meet the needs of the local Tibetan community and to manage the farming and carpet co-operatives established by the monastery over the years and crucial to the economic survival of the community. Many tears were shed by the locals but it was time to go.

In 3 major moves, each time involving days of travelling and whole railway carriages, the monks transported themselves and their precious monastic possessions across the country. The drums, long horns, costumes, thangkas, carpets and statues all arrived safely. Each monk was allotted only 75 kgs personal baggage which adds new meaning to not being attached to possessions!

We can only hope that the Gyuto Monks will maintain their Tenzin Gang base in some shape or form as it is an area of great beauty and peace – perfect for retreat and contemplation.

See images from the newly completed monastery here.

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