Frequently asked questions

Since the program has been conceived in a certain order where the earlier subjects prepare you for the later ones, it is best if you can attend all four years. 

However, if you cannot attend for the entire program, we will try to accommodate individual circumstances. 

Registration preference is given to those who have completed the previous module of the program.

Citizens of most countries outside of India will need to obtain a tourist visa before coming to India. 

With most long-term Indian Tourist Visas, you can stay in India for a maximum of 90 days at a time and up to 180 days total within a calendar year.

Please check the latest rules for visas for people from your country and plan accordingly so that you will be able to stay for the entirety of the program. 

https://indianvisaonline.gov.in/

Under government regulations, all foreigners need a Protected Area Permit (P.A.P.) to stay in Bir Tibetan Colony, within which Deer Park is located.

All foreigners are requested to apply online for P.A.P. at least one month prior to their arrival to India. 

You can apply online for a PAP valid for up to 12 months (or the duration of your visa) via the Ministry of Home Affairs.  You will need to provide scanned copies of passport, visa and a passport photo.

Apply online: https://papvt.mha.gov.in/

Please note that any applications found incomplete shall be summarily rejected and no correspondence/reply shall be given by the Ministry.

If the program is starting in less than a month from the time that you are making your application for a P.A.P., you will need to apply in-person in Dharamsala. However these last minute P.A.P.s are only valid for one month, so you will need to return to Dharamsala each month to apply again. 

A PAP valid for one month can be obtained at the District Commissioner’s (DC) Office in Lower Dharamsala, a two-hour taxi ride from Bir. Bring photocopies of your passport ID page and visa, plus two passport photos. You can fill in the application form at the office, which is located in room 808 on the third floor of the new building.

The DC Office opening hours are 10am–1pm and 2–5pm Monday to Friday, plus the first and third Saturday of every month. It is closed Sundays, public holidays and every second Saturday. Permits are usually issued within one hour, although sometimes you may be asked to come back later if there is a high volume of applications or if the officer concerned is out of office.

If you need to stay longer than one month, you can return to Dharamsala to get another PAP after the first one expires. Generally the DC Office will renew permits up to two times, making a total of 3 months; however the policy on this is somewhat changeable.

Please note that NATIONALS OF CHINA, PAKISTAN, BANGLADESH and AFGHANISTAN cannot get the PAP at the Dharamsala office, but must apply directly to the Ministry of Home Affairs (see below).

The fall schedule has not yet been posted. His Holiness the Dalai Lama does often does teach in Dharamsala just before or during this time period though. Please see https://www.dalailama.com/schedule for the latest schedule updates.

Yes, you are welcome to go out during your free time. Deer Park is within walking distance of several small shops, restaurants and cafes. 

The Deer Park kitchen offers simple wholesome vegetarian food. They are not able to accommodate other dietary requirements, nor can individual cooking facilities be provided. The weekly menu is shared in advance, and participants may choose which meals to take at Deer Park and which to have outside.

There are both chairs and cushions available. You're free to choose which you prefer.

We recommend bringing comfortable, modest clothing suitable for the setting of a dharma centre in Northern India. The temperatures will be cold during the winter.  Be sure to pack lots of warm layers such as a shawl, winter coat, sweaters, thick socks, and a beanie to stay comfortable. 

Please also bring a torch or headlight in cases of power outages, a water bottle or thermos (drinkable filtered water is provided), alarm clock, sandals for the shower, as well as soaps, shampoos, a towel, and sneakers.