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McLeodganj
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McLeodganj is located close to the famous Dharmshala in Himachal Pradesh. McLeodganj is the headquarters of the Tibetan government in exile, and home of the 14th Dalai Lama, Tenzin Gyatso. A large Tibetan community and the presence of traditional architectural designs drawn from Tibet have enhanced the charm of the area. A host of Tibetan handicrafts and garments are available.
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Tsuglagkhang Complex (5-8pm)
This complex has the photang (official residence) of the Dalai Lama, the Namgyal Gompa and the Tibet Museum. It is equivalent to the Jokhang Temple in Lhasa. The 3m-high gilded statue of the Sakyamuni Buddha, flanked by Avalokitesvara and Padmasambhava can be seen here. Kalachakra Temple, built in 1992, which contains mesmerising murals of the Kalachakra (Wheel of Time).
In kalchakra temple photography is not allowed. during teachings, cameras, mobile phones, cigarettes and lighters are not permitted in the temple. enjoy cakes and vegetarian food at Namgyal Cafe. Most Tibetan pilgrims make a kora (ritual circuit) of the Tsuglagkhang Complex, which must be carried out in a clockwise direction. Take the downhill road to the left at the entrance to the temple and follow the winding path leading off to the right. It passes through forest strewn with prayer fl ags before emerging back on Temple Rd.
Himachal Pradesh is one of the few places in the world to have such geographical diversity. Low hills just a few hundred metres abve the sea level climb on to touch the core of the Himalaya mountains. Here are peaks which never loose its perinnial snow. Rivers in deep gorges and placid mountains lakes, thick forests and scres of scree, mountain sides draped in snow and green alpine pastures make it truly a beautiful place.
Himachal is the home to a variety of fairs and festivals and ofcourse celebrations. There are some 200 deities worshipped in Himachal and numerous fairs and festivals held in their honour. Lets have a look at month by month festivals of Himachal.
Through pine trees to the north and east of McLeodganj lie the villages of Dharamkot and Bhagsu, which can both be visited on a pleasant half-day hike, or as an alternative accommodation base. Bhagsu (Bhagsunag) in particular is developing into a travellers’ hot spot. The village has a cold spring with baths, a small Shiva temple built by the Raja of Kangra in the 16th century and the chief attraction the waterfall. Since the water from the falls is due to the rain and melting of snow in the nearby rivers, the water tends to be very clear. The water is too cold to brave a dip still one can enjoy the place. Continuing through Bhagsu, you can walk on to Dharamkot and back to McLeod, or climb up to Triund alongside a gushing waterfall.
Amchi (traditional Tibetan medicine) is a centuries-old holistic healing practice and a popular treatment for all kinds of minor and persistent ailments. There are several clinics around town in Mcleodganj. The most popular practitioner in town is the former physician to the Dalai Lama, Dr Yeshi Dhonden in the Jogibara Rd. The locals believe his treatments. For an insight into amchi, visit the Tibetan Medical & Astrological Institute
Best time to visit McLeodganj
The best time to visit Himachal Pradesh is January to June and September to December.
The temperature in summer is around 38 degrees and in winter falls to 0 degrees. The rainfall ranges from 300 to 350 cms. Heavy woollens are required in winters and light woollens in winters.
All teachings in India are free and open to the public. For teachings in Dharamsala, you will need to register in person at the Tibetan Branch Security Office in McLeod Ganj (near Hotel Tibet). There is no advance registration service. Registration begins approximately three days before the actual start of the teaching and ends the day before the first day of the teaching. For registration, you will need to bring 2 passport size photos along with your passport. Since up to several thousand people can attend the teachings, we recommend that you plan to arrive at least two or three days before the teachings begin and ensure that your accommodations are arranged well in advance.
for schedule visit - www.dalailama.com
How to reach
Air: The nearest airport at Gaggal is 14 km away after which it is accessible by road.
Rail: Pathankot is the nearest broad gauge railway terminal to Dharamshala. From Pathankot there is a narrow gauge railway line up to Kangra (94 km) and from here Dharamshala is 17 km by road and further 9 kms to Mcleodganj.
Road: Direct and regular bus service from Delhi (520 km), Chandigarh (250 km), Jammu (210 km), Shimla (238 km), Chamba (185 km) and Manali (240 km).
pic www.dalailamafilm.com
This popular 6-7-day route crosses over the Indrahar La (4300m) to the ancient village of Bharmour in the Chamba Valley. The pass is open from September to early November and you can start this trek, and make all arrangements, in McLeod Ganj or Bharmour. From McLeod, take an autorickshaw along the Dharamkot road, then walk on through pine and rhododendron forests to Triund, where there’s a simple rest house. The next stage climbs to the glacier at Laka Got (3350m) and continues to the rocky shelter known as Lahes Cave. With an early start the next day, you can cross the Indrahar La – and be rewarded with astounding views – before descending to the meadow campground at Chata Parao.
The stages on to Bharmour can be tricky without a local guide. From Chata Parao, the path moves back into the forest, descending over three days to Kuarsi, Garola and fi nally to Bharmour, where you can catch buses on to Chamba. Alternatively, you can bail out and catch a bus at several places along the route.
There are various other small and long treks from Mcleodganj. Lets have a look at a few :-
- Trek from Mcleodganj to snow covered mountains 3 days
- Trek to Inderahara Pass 4 days
- Dhauladhar round trek 8 days
- Trek to Bharmour over Indrahaar pass 8 days