A transformative queer festival celebrating diversity, fostering community, and promoting well-being. Inspiring workshops, empowering performances, and a safe space to express your authentic self. Find belonging, build connections, and celebrate the vibrant tapestry of the LGBTQ+ community in the pristine breathtaking Himalayan mountain range of McLeodganj, Dharamshala.
In this unique festival, “Where Pride Peaks”, you’ll discover the transformative power of shared experiences and expert-led workshops designed to foster connection, creativity, and personal growth.
We strive to create a world where the threat of hate and intolerance has been removed, and love and identity is celebrated for their uniqueness. We want to experience the transformative effect of a such a space, and while this is not our lived reality, however a taste of this freedom compels us to ask “what if its was?”and how do we get there .
- Engage in inspiring workshops designed to uplift and empower individuals
Experience performances that celebrate the rich diversity of queer voices- Embrace a safe space to express your most authentic self and connect with like-minded people
Build lasting relationships and discover a true sense of belonging- Revel in the beauty of the Himalayan mountains as the backdrop to this life-changing celebration of identity and pride
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Creators of Change
The Rainbow Mountain Festival brings together a vibrant and diverse group of artists, facilitators, and performers who are leaders in their fields. From spirituality and expressive arts to photography and dance, these talented individuals offer transformative workshops that foster creativity, healing, and community.
From spirituality and expressive arts to photography and dance, these talented individuals offer transformative workshops that foster creativity, healing, and community.
Albela House
Albela House is a welcoming retreat nestled in the heart of McLeodganj, centrally located within walking distance of the main market and the Dalai Lama temple, yet hidden away in a peaceful, quiet lane. The house features cozy rooms with breathtaking mountain views, along with spacious outdoor decks, terraces, and balconies that provide an ideal setting to enjoy the serene Himalayan landscape.
As a queer-friendly haven, Albela House creates a safe, inclusive space where everyone can feel at home. It’s a place to unwind, connect with nature, and find comfort while exploring the beauty of Dharamshala.
What to Expect at RMF
The Rainbow Mountain Festival Season 2 , scheduled from 17h to 20th of April at Albela House, Dharamshala, is a vibrant three-day celebration of the queer community. This inclusive event features informative sessions, mindfulness activities, games, creative workshops, and cultural performances, all designed to foster a sense of belonging and community. The festival aims to educate, empower, and promote well-being, while celebrating the rich diversity and artistic expressions within the queer community.
Testimonials
“It was amazing to see so many different people come together to celebrate queerness and diversity. A special shoutout to the team for creating such a safe and welcoming environment where we can be ourselves without any judgments. It truly felt like we were making history together. A heartfelt thanks and hugs to each and everyone. I’ll carry these memories with me for a long time!”
“Am I the only one who is having Festival sickness like other people have homesickness . I want to thank everyone for bringing your whole selves, sharing, laughing, crying, and being amazing. It’s been so special to get to know you and spend time with you. You’re all such amazing people and I feel lucky to have met you. Hoping that the energy is carried on in various ways ”
“I simply must pause and shower you all with a cascade of heartfelt thanks! Thank you for bringing your dazzling selves to this Festival . Sharing laughter, tears , and all the beautiful in-betweens has woven a set of connection that I will cherish forever. A colossal thank you to the visionary organizers of the Rainbow Mountain Festival. You have gifted us with memories that will shimmer in my heart for years to come”
“These past days danced by in a vivid blur—waking, wandering, connecting, feasting, grooving, and reconnecting in a joyous symphony. Each of you brought a unique light that made this celebration utterly unforgettable. We each carved our own path of exploration”
“It is not an exaggeration when I say that for me, these 4 days were life changing. Not only has it provoked some serious thoughts and explorations of gender, identity and life, but left me with so much joy, confidence and love. Many, many, many thanks to all the hearts I met at RMF too, I'm indebted to you for all the love, friendship and kindness you have offered me and each other. It makes me want to be a better person. ”
“Guess who woke up fresh after many wonderful dreams of the festival all night? This guy. This is longest hangover I have ever had, and the withdrawal symptoms haven't even started.Many many many thanks to all the hands and brains that went behind this festival. It couldn't have been easy, but you guys made it all look so effortless and seamless. I can't even begin to express my gratitude to everyone who made this experience possible”
18th April
18th April
- 6:00-6:30 AM
- Wake up to the mountain sun and birds chirping
- 7:00-09:00 AM - Sound Bath
- Guided walk to the Bhagsu waterfalls
- Pre-Form Session 1
- An exciting and fun theatre workshop to explore the forms and emotions of our bodies. Through a series of interactive exercises and games, you'll tap into your inner world, unleashing a kaleidoscope of emotions, movements, and expressions. No lectures, no notes, just pure, unadulterated PERFORMANCE!
- 9:00-10:30 AM
- Freshen up & breakfast
- 10:30-12:30 AM - Aaja Nach Le – by Paridhi
- Discover the joy of Bollywood dance in a supportive and inclusive environment. This workshop is about enjoying all the latkas and jhatka’s and celebrating our own thumkas. Learn vibrant choreography, build confidence, and dance your heart away with a warm, embracing your very own queer family.
- 10:30-12:30 PM - Identity and Spirituality by Tashi
- Join Tashi aka buddhistandqueer for a transformative workshop exploring the intersection of faith and identity. This session offers a safe space to discuss personal experiences, challenge societal expectations, and find pathways where spirituality and identity coexist harmoniously. Discover how to reconcile your queerness with your spiritual beliefs and foster a deeper sense of belonging.
- 12:30-2:30 PM - Lunch & siesta ;)
- Enjoy delicious lunch and chill.
- 2:30 PM-4:30 PM
- Afternoon workshops
- 4:30-5:30 PM
- Evening Chai and gupshup
- 6:30-8:30 PM
- Open Mic
- 8:30 Onwards
- Dinner and Social Mixer
19th April
19th April
- 6:00-6:30 AM
- Wake up to the mountain sun and birds chirping
- 7:00-08:30 AM - Guided walk of the Tibetan circle
- the kora walk circumambulating the Dalai Lama temple and a visit to Kalachakra temple
- Breathwork workshop - Pre-Form Session 2
- An exciting and fun theatre workshop to explore the forms and emotions of our bodies. Through a series of interactive exercises and games, you'll tap into your inner world, unleashing a kaleidoscope of emotions, movements, and expressions. No lectures, no notes, just pure, unadulterated PERFORMANCE!
- 9:00-10:30 AM
- Freshen up & enjoy a scrumptious breakfast.
- 10:30-12:30 PM - Sonic Spectrum by Amal: A Queer Celebration of Sound, Identity, and Self-Expression
- In this interactive workshop, participants will embark on a journey of self-discovery and empowerment through sound, music, and vibration. We'll explore the intersection of queer identity, sound, and self-expression, creating a safe and inclusive space for individuals to tap into their unique sonic spectrum.
- 10:30-12:30 PM - Make them groove!- AJ from HAMT – meet at the deck to leave for HAMT- cabs will be arranged
- Don’t we all wish that we could make the world dance to our tunes (winky face). Well now you have the chance. AJ from HAMT will share his experience and skill in the interactive DJing workshop showcasing essential tips and methods to help you in your DJing journey.
- 12:30-2:30 PM
- Enjoy delicious lunch and chill.
- 2:30-4:30 PM - Title: Poetic License to Chill by Kalansh
- An empowering workshop to find the goofiness of puns, metaphors and all-those-fancy-literary-words. Frame the words to share your story and your mind’s mysterious magic or, perhaps, reflect and heal through the rhymes of your lifetime. If you’ve “never really been good at writing” this workshop is for you.
- 2:30-4:30 PM - Queering yoga beyond brave spaces & preferred pronouns by Nikol
- Together we will share experiences regarding our gender exploration, expression and our journey getting out of the binary boxes colonization has set up for us through gendered stereotypes of the qualities within the two hemispheres of our brain.
- 4:30-5:30 PM
- Evening Chai and gupshup.
- 7:00 PM-Onwards
- Drag by Wacker Cracker and other performance ….followed by dinner and social mixer
20th April
20th April
- 6:00-6:30 AM
- Wake up to the mountain sun and birds chirping
- 7:00-09:00 AM - Guided walk to Dharmkot mediation point
- 7:00-9:00 AM - Guided meditation - Pre-Form Session 3
- An exciting and fun theatre workshop to explore the forms and emotions of our bodies. Through a series of interactive exercises and games, you'll tap into your inner world, unleashing a kaleidoscope of emotions, movements, and expressions. No lectures, no notes, just pure, unadulterated PERFORMANCE!
- 9:00-10:30 AM
- Freshen up & enjoy a scrumptious breakfast
- 10:30AM-12:30 PM -The Body Unbound: See, Sense & Celebrate by Kartik
- How do gender, body image, sexuality, and sensuality shape our sense of self? In this interactive workshop 'Embody, Express, Exist', we’ll use hands-on activities, deep reflection, and open conversations to challenge restrictive societal narratives and explore how we inhabit our bodies, experience desire, and express identity beyond imposed labels. This is your invitation to break free from outdated scripts, embrace every part of yourself, and step into a life of confidence, connection, and unapologetic joy.
- 10:30AM-12:30 PM - Developing the sight- Photography by Nitin - meet at courtyard at 10:15 am for the walk
- There is beauty in everything and everything can be beautiful; to develop the sight is to spot this potential and they capture it as images and then create a story that’s larger than the images themselves. Nitin is a an ace photographer, a chef, a café owner and a dog lover. He will take us on a nature walk and help us develop this sight and create our own story – all you need is a phone and a willingness to be surprised!
- 12:30-2:30 PM
- Enjoy delicious lunch and chill.
- 2:30-3:40 PM - Ardhnarishwar by Nikol
- With an Ardhanarishwar inspired sadhana, we will practice: traditional hatha to discover where we are unbalanced, swara yoga to balance sun and moon energies within our container bodies, learn about the circular journey through our chakras, and explore practices to clear and heal past pain.
- 4:30-5:30 PM
- Evening Chai and gupshup.
- 6:30PM-Onwards
- Opening Act (Per-formance) , Party and Dinner
Join us for an unforgettable journey at Rainbow Mountain Festival, where pride, creativity, and connection come together in the heart of the Himalayas. From electrifying performances by queer artists to cozy, queer-friendly accommodations, this festival is designed to uplift, inspire, and celebrate you. Whether you're here to explore, connect, or simply be, every moment is crafted to make you feel at home. Don't wait—secure your spot now and be part of something truly transformative.
Rainbow Mountain Festival
Starting₹13,000/pax
- A festival for queers by the queers
- Queer Managed Hotel on Twin / Quad Sharing
- All meals inclusive
- Access to 18+ Workshops
- Evening Performances
- Local transport - in between workshop locations
Or, just scan the QR Code
Our Community Collaborators
This festival wouldn’t be possible without the dedication and creativity of our incredible collaborators. Together, we’re creating a space where everyone can thrive, express themselves, and celebrate the vibrant spirit of the LGBTQIA+ community. A heartfelt thank you to those who are helping us bring this transformative experience to life!
Albela House
Queer Travelogue