To read the previous blog on Day 02: Baijnath, click here.
Day 03: Bir
The day started with a slow morning in Trippy Tribe Extended, Bir. The property offers both dormitories and private rooms—we chose a private room with a balcony. Right from the moment I arrived, the hospitality stood out. The hosts went above and beyond to make me feel welcomed and at ease. Our stay at Trippy Tribe Extended Hostel in Bir, Himachal Pradesh was truly one of the best hostel experiences I’ve had. The tariff is quite low as compared to the facilities that they provide.
The location is perfect for anyone looking for a peaceful retreat surrounded by nature. The food is delicious, with a variety of multi-cuisine options. One of the highlights was the outdoor seating in the lawn area—it offers a stunning view of the entire property, the surrounding hills, and colorful paragliders gliding through the sky. After breakfast, we checked out and visited the Monasteries in the Tibetian market which was very close to Trippy Tribe Extended, Bir.
Chokling Monastery
Chokling Monastery, also known as Neten Chokling Gompa, is a picturesque Tibetan Buddhist monastery nestled in the tranquil village of Bir, Himachal Pradesh. It is part of the Nyingma tradition, the oldest of the four main schools of Tibetan Buddhism. Designed in classic Tibetan style, the monastery serves as a serene spiritual sanctuary and holds deep cultural and religious significance for both monks and visitors.
Set against a backdrop of snow-capped mountains, fluttering prayer flags, and lush greenery, it offers a peaceful space for meditation and Buddhist learning, while also attracting travelers, photographers, and those in search of spiritual calm.
Chokling Monastery was founded in the 1960s by the 3rd Neten Chokling Rinpoche, a revered lama of the Nyingma tradition, after he fled Tibet following the Chinese invasion in 1959. He resettled in Bir, Himachal Pradesh, where the Indian government had provided land to Tibetan refugees. The monastery was established to revive and uphold the teachings, rituals, and lifestyle of the Nyingma lineage.
Following his passing, his reincarnation—the 4th Neten Chokling Rinpoche—was born in Bhutan in 1973, later recognized and enthroned. In addition to being a spiritual leader, he is also a filmmaker, best known for directing The Milarepa, a film based on Tibetan spirituality. He continues to lead the monastery while fulfilling his spiritual duties in both India and Bhutan.
Today, Chokling Monastery stands as a significant center for Buddhist education and the preservation of Tibetan culture.
Nyingma Buddhist Charitable Institute, Bir.
The Nyingma Buddhist Charitable Institute in Bir is a serene and beautiful monastery nestled within the Tibetan colony of Bir village. Peacefully tucked away, it offers a quiet retreat from the usual tourist spots. The monastery also houses a hostel and a learning center where young monks are trained in Buddhist teachings and practices. Visitors are welcome during specific hours—between 9:00 AM to 12:00 PM and 1:00 PM to 7:00 PM. There were a couple of small breed pet dogs in the premises of this institute.
After visiting all the monasteries in the market, we went to have lunch at AVVAs : Café | Diner | Coffee Bar – Speciality South Indian. It is pet friendly. This café is an absolute treat for food enthusiasts and a must-visit for anyone who appreciates soulful, comforting meals. From the moment you walk in, you’re enveloped in a sense of warmth that mirrors the homely comfort of the food served here.
Image Credit: Bir United
Your experience begins with a pleasant surprise—a small portion of kala chana and rasam—bursting with flavor and setting the tone for the delightful meal ahead. The menu features a diverse selection of traditional South Indian dishes, all prepared with genuine care and authenticity. Highlights include the Chettinad appe, sabudana khichdi, masala idli, and their famed filter coffee, which is robust, aromatic, and deeply satisfying.
The vadai and idlis stand out for their perfect texture—soft, fluffy, and delicious. The chutneys are another star of the meal: fresh, flavorful, and impossible to resist. What enhances the dining experience even further is the charming ambiance. The café offers multiple seating options—from cozy indoor nooks and rain-friendly glass enclosures to a tranquil garden area and a breezy upper level with scenic views.
After lunch, we started the journey to Mcleodganj and reached in the evening.
To read the next blog on Day 03 & 04: Mcleodganj, click here.
Where did we eat ?
Trippy Tribe Extended, Bir.
AVVAs : Café | Diner | Coffee Bar – Speciality South Indian
