Introduction to Buddhism & Meditation Retreats
at Tushita Meditation Centre, McLeod Ganj

About This Retreat

Tushita Meditation Centre is one of the most respected Tibetan Buddhist retreat centers in the world — set in the forested hills above McLeod Ganj, Dharamshala, the seat in exile of His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama. Founded in the tradition of Lama Thubten Yeshe and Lama Zopa Rinpoche, Tushita is part of the Foundation for the Preservation of the Mahayana Tradition (FPMT), a global network of over 160 dharma centers.

The center has earned an international reputation for its 10-day Introduction to Buddhism courses — residential, silent retreat programs that are equally appropriate for complete beginners and those returning to deepen their practice. Topics covered include the mind and emotions, karma, rebirth, love and compassion, and the nature of reality — all taught by experienced, qualified teachers from a distinctly modern perspective.

Beyond the introductory courses, Tushita offers intermediate and advanced programs with world-class teachers including Geshe Kelsang Wangmo — the first woman in history to be awarded the Geshe title in Tibetan Buddhism — as well as drop-in guided meditations, Dharma movie days, pujas, and a well-stocked library. All teachings are given in English.

What's Included

What's Not Included

The Retreat Experience

The 10-day Introduction to Buddhism course begins at 1pm on Day 1 and ends at 1pm on Day 10. Days are structured from a 6am wake-up gong through to a final session at approximately 9pm — with teaching and meditation sessions throughout, three meals, a daily discussion group, and optional stretching sessions. Days 9 and 10 shift into an intensive meditation focus to allow students to consolidate everything learned.

2026 Schedule

Registration for all courses is via Tushita's online form at tushita.info. A non-refundable deposit is required to confirm your place.

Food & Accommodation

Tushita serves three simple vegetarian meals daily, prepared fresh on site. All standard dietary needs are covered — note that they cannot cater for vegan, lactose-free, or wheat-free diets. Accommodation is mostly dormitory-style: simple, clean, and comfortable. Single rooms are very limited and cannot be booked in advance; priority is given to those over 50 or with physical conditions.

Your Teachers

Venerable Tenzin Thegchog

Resident Teacher · Introduction to Buddhism

Born in Germany, Venerable Tenzin Thegchog studied literature, psychology and philosophy in Berlin before working in geriatric care and as a high school teacher. He encountered Buddhism in 1993 and practiced Vietnamese and Japanese Zen for a decade, also translating books by Thich Nhat Hanh and H.H. the Dalai Lama. In 2015, he began the FPMT Masters Program at Instituto Lama Tsongkhapa in Italy, was ordained as a novice monk the same year, and later received full ordination by His Holiness the Dalai Lama. After five years at Nalanda Monastery in France, he joined Tushita as Resident Teacher in June 2025. His background in both Western philosophy and rigorous dharma study gives his teaching an unusual clarity.

Geshe Kelsang Wangmo

Advanced Course Teacher · Annual June Intensive

Geshe Kelsang Wangmo holds a distinction that is historic: she was the first woman in the history of Tibetan Buddhism to be awarded a Geshe title — announced personally by His Holiness the Dalai Lama in Hamburg in 2014. Born in Germany, she took ordination as a nun in 1991 and enrolled in the 17-year curriculum of the Institute of Buddhist Dialectics (IBD) in Dharamsala, receiving her Geshe title in 2011. Since 2004 she has been teaching Buddhist philosophy in English in Dharamsala. Tushita is honoured to have her lead an annual two-week advanced residential course each June — one of the rarest opportunities for serious students of dharma.

Glen Svensson

Regular Visiting Teacher · Introduction & Advanced Courses

Glen Svensson from Australia has been a student and practitioner of Buddhism since 1995 — his journey beginning with Tushita's own Introduction to Buddhism course. After completing an IT degree, he spent eight years working and travelling the world before encountering dharma. He then dedicated seven years to intensive Buddhist study and nine months of meditation retreat in the FPMT Master's Program at Lama Tzong Khapa Institute in Italy, completing it in 2005. Since then he has taught extensively around the world. He is known for his emphasis on clarity, simplicity, and the practice of shamatha. He is one of Tushita's most regular and beloved teachers.

Location & Getting There

Tushita is set in the pine-forested hills above McLeod Ganj, Dharamshala — a 20-minute uphill walk or short taxi ride from McLeod Ganj's main square. It is open Monday to Saturday (9:30–11:30am, 12:30–4pm) for visitors and drop-in sessions. Sundays are closed. The centre operates from February to November each year.

What Practitioners Say

Frequently Asked Questions