McLeod Ganj - India
Driving down those so-called "roads" in the fog was quite frightening. Today's sightseeing called for the Namgayal Monastery in the Tsuglagkhang Complex and looking at the outside of the Dalai Lama's residence. He was off traveling somewhere in the world...nobody could tell us where. .... but it had been his birthday and signs were up around town...View image...
It was an interesting little town but there was nothing here to compare with Tibet with its temples and Barkor. If there were other Americans in this area, we certainly din't run across them. Many, many young people backpacking through India and quite a few Europeans and Israelis. (Read the Lonely Planet Guide on India, free shipping for orders over $40 to make your arrangements.)
The Monastery was filled with devotees, prostrating themselves every few feet ...
...and a sign warning "watch your shoes or they will be stolen"! ...View image... I have never seen that before - especially in a Monastery.
Dharma was not a "shop 'til you drop" experience... everything was extremely limited. Tibetan handicrafts...almost all new, but not much else. I found the corn seller, selling his roasted and unroasted corn, and the man selling his peacock feathers to be more interesting.
We tried several Lonely Planet recommendations for dinner. Nick's Italian Kitchen was one - take a pass. The other was Hotel Tibet where the food was not great, but good with nice service. Dinners usually ran $10.00 for two or less. You can't beat the prices of food or places to stay in India which is why there are so many backpackers.
Going to leave McLeod Ganj/Dharamsala a day earlier than planned because we feel this area is a "miss"....just our opinion. Moving on to Palampur...
