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Dharamsala popularly known as the Scotland of
India, is one of the 80 hill stations established by the British between 1815
and 1847 and has one of the most spectacular settings for a hill station is
closest to the perennial snowline and is built along a spur of the Dhaula Dhar
range. The town varies in height from 1250 meters at the bazaar to 1768 metres
at McLeodganj. Dharamsala is surrounded by deodar forests and provides a
superb view of the great granite mountains that almost over chang the town
About 10 kms. away from Dharamsala is McLeodganj which has a strong
Tibetan influence. Monks in deep red are a common sight in this town and it is
the headquarters of the Dalai Lama. The Dalai Lama settled here after his
flight across the Himalayas following the Chinese invasion of Tibet in oct.
1959 The Tibetan |
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community
has tended to take over the hospitality business
and provide cheap and clean hotels and small
friendly restaurants, The following words might
help you in having an exchange in Tibetan
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Tasgu
dekej (hello,good luck)
Thukje-chey (Thank you)
Thukhe-sik a (please)
Gong-thag(sorry)
Ssoo-den (Good - bye)
Jaa (Go)
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The Namgyal Monastery with the Centre of Tibetan Studies, is known
as little Lhasa and is a major attraction in McLeodganj This cathedral
opposite the DakauLama's residence, resembles the center of the one in Lhasa
and is a 5minute walk from the main bazaar. It contains large gilded bronzes
of Buddha, Avalokitesvara and Padmasam-bhava.Dalai Lamas often leads the
prayers when he is in residence and if you sign up at the secutity office an
audience with him is possible. The othert major attraction is the Church of
St. John in -the wilderness which has attractive stained glass windows.
Lord Elgin, one of the few viceroys of British occupied India, to die in
office, is buried |
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here,
according to his last wish, as it reminded him of
his beloved native Scotland. The Nechung Mmonastery in Lgangchen Kyishobn
has Tibetan libnrary lwith a good rang of books, magazines & photo-copying
facilities and a museum.The central Tibetan Administration Offices are located
here and you can also attend lectures & classes on Tibetan culture and
Buddhism.
Walks : From McLeodganj there are a number of
interesting walks like the 2 km stroll to Bhagsunag which has a spring
and a temple or to Dharamkot, 3 kms., has very fine views. If you feel
energetic enough, you can continue on towards the snow line. 10 kms. From the
McLeodganj bus stand is Dal Lake, the site of an annual fair held in
September. It is a pleasant walk to the lake. At the foot of the dhaula Dhar
is Triund which is an 8 km trek. A further 5 kms. is the snowline where
a Forest Rest House is situated. At an altiude of 1983 metres is Kareri, a
picturesque spot where a rest house is located in the cool depths of a pine
grove. The beautiful Kareri Lake., further away from this spot is set amidst
green meadows and forests of tall oak and pine . |
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