October 24-26, 2009 – Day 303-305 – Mcleod ganj, India

Mcleod is a small village in upper Dharamsala that is the seat of the Tibetan government in exile. The Dalai Lama’s permanent home is here as well as the homes of many Tibetans living here in asylum. There are very few Indians (if there are 300 Tibetans, it looks as if there are only about 20 Indians) and everywhere you look there are Tibetan restaurants, Buddhist symbols, and plenty of smiling faces.

Easy life in Mcleod Ganj

Today we went for a hike and found a nice, clear waterfall gushing from the mountains. A lovely spot to sit and enjoy the mountain air and beautiful scenery.

Cool clear water

The next two days were passed very leisurely, though we did take time out of our busy schedule for a stop at the Tibetan Government in exiles new home. While not as grand a Potala palace, the complex has a certain charm. With the monks studying on roof tops and the very beautiful temple in the middle, I can see why the Dala lama has made this his home for the past several decades.

Inside the temple

Monks studying

Prayer wheels

On the 26th we took a dreadful night bus to Jaipur…