After the overwhelming streets of Amritsar and a long day of bus travel, Jeff and I made it to the hill station known as McLeod Gang. An aptly named area for it feels like we are up in the clouds. Dharamsala is known internationally because this is where the Dalai Lama lives in exile from Tibet, as well as thousands of Tibetans, and a place for Tibetan refugees. Our hotel room has a view over the valley as well as a view of the Dalai Lama's residency, called the Tsuglagkhang Complex.
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| The view from our room |
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| Tsuglagkhang Complex |
We wandered around the Tsuglagkhang Complex yesterday and visited the temple there. The Dalai Lama is in his residency now and will be giving a public talk on Thursday. We will try to go, but we aren't sure if we need tickets or if we can just show up. We also happened to be in Dharmsala for Tibetan New Year, which has been fun. Little kids have been setting off fireworks and the Tibetan businesses have been closed for a long weekend. For the Tibetans it is now year 2138.
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| Offerings to Buddha |
It is so beautiful and peaceful up here. It is quite cold at night (low 30s) and in the high 50s during the day. This is a big backpacker destination, so there are plenty of tasty restaurants and more importantly, Tibetan women selling momos on the streets (a momo is a Tibetan dumpling, stuffed with potato, vegetables, sometimes meat).
We may have another McLeod Gang post coming up, once we see a bit more of the area. One more week in India!
wow, i really love the combination of snowy mountains, trees, & important buddhist figures happening here. glad jeff will be bringing the golden 'do rag back ;^) i can't wait to see the upcoming portions of your trip outside of india as well.
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