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Daharamshala is a spiritual retreat in the North Indian state of Himachal Pradesh. It is currently the residence of the 14th Dalai Lama, His Holiness, who, along with many Tibetan refugees, have been given safety by the Indian Government, after their exile from Tibet. Today, it has also become a very popular tourist place and boasts of a mixed culture. Dharamshala can be accessed from Mcleodganj, which has rapidly gained popularity in the last decade. Tourists come here not only to visit the splendid beauty of the Himalayas, but also to listen to His Holiness first hand. There are a number of hotels, cafes and guesthouse here so you will find no dearth of option during the peak season. Outstation travelers, or those who have been introduced to Tibetan philosophy come here and stay for months for their study and research. Here are some of the things you can do when you are in Dharamshala to make the most of your time.
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One of the most spiritually enlightening things that you can do here is to learn about life and listen to the philosophies from His Holiness the Dalai Lama, who is the leader of the Tibetan people. He was forced into exile when China took over Tibet and the Indian Government had provided him asylum. He had been residing in India ever since 1959.
In 1960, after a discussion with the Indian Government, about the future of the Tibetan refugees, he had headed to Dharamshala where he decided to set up his home and temple. However, the Dalai Lama travels frequently especially because his teachings are preached all over the world, across various communities. So it is best to check his official website before you visit him, just to make sure.
The temple complex in Dharamshala where the Dalai Lama resides is open to visitors and it is a wonderful way to experience how the Buddhist monks lead their lives. There is also a great museum in the complex where the history of the Tibetan people and their plight in the hands of the Tibetan people are depicted. There are numerous scrolls, documents, manuscripts, paintings and books pertaining to Tibetan philosophy as are various other sculptures and artifacts. There are some beautiful Buddhist temples inside the complex. Do not forget to see the prayer wheels in motion. One of the things that the visitors should keep in mind is that the temple complex is completely silent and so you need to keep quiet. The other monks study, meditate and reflect on life at this very holy place. Photography in the interiors of the main temple is also strictly prohibited.
The museum inside records incidents of the temples being destroyed in Tibet, how the people were imprisoned and punished for hanging the photo of their spiritual and religious leader, the Dalai Lama in their homes, and how they were prohibited from teaching and practicing their own language. Over the years, hundreds of people had made their way to India for chance at a better life, and to offer their children a safe future, often risking their lives. Tibetan refugees are successfully running their own businesses today, away from danger.
Once you have explored the temple, you can take a walk along winding ways to the little region of Bhagsunag. It is about 2 km away from Mcleodganj and is quite a hidden treasure of the Himalayas. The beautiful falls is fed from the melting snow of the mountains. Before you get to the falls, you have to pass a roadway that is lined with endless gift stalls on all sides and when you reach the falls, there is only beauty all around. Those who are not much of climbers can admire the falls from the bottom. Those however, are a bit of an adventure enthusiast, can climb the steep hill for a wonderful panoramic view from the top. It is also possible to swim here in the natural waters, but it is advisable to do so only if you are visiting during the summers. During monsoons, the waterfall is extremely speedy and mists arise from the gushing water. In fact, it is best to use waterproofing for the electronics because even if you don’t get in the water, the spray from the falls could get to you.
A town nestled in the Himalayas, Dharamkot is almost like an extension of Dharamshala. If you are visiting in the winters, you will get splendid views of the snow capped mountains from here. While this was once a sleepy town, today it is filled with cafes, guesthouses and shops and is a popular haunt for the backpackers. In fact, the backpackers would tell you that the food is more expensive than Dharamshala and Mcleodganj! But, those who come here, do so to enjoy the views. This is a great destination for backpacking and camping and youngsters are seen here in huge numbers. The Moonlight Café and Om Café and popular joints here for food and drink.
Since Dharamshala is now the official refuge of the Tibetans in India, it is only natural that there are a number of eateries here that sell authentic thukpas and momos, the most popular Tibetan dishes. The thukpa is a kind of soup, mostly available with meat and some homemade noodles, from where the dish gets its name. Thukpa without meat, and only with an assortment of vegetables are also available. A hot bowl of Thukpa in the cold evenings is just what your body and soul would crave. And momos are now a universal favorite. They are dumplings stuffed with meat or vegetable and they are very filling. Winter and monsoon evenings would require nothing more. Moreover, both momos and thukpas contain almost no oil or spices and so you will find they are some of the most nutritious dishes you have ever tasted. They are steamed and contain the full nutrition of the meat and vegetables. The stalls by the above mentioned Bhagsu Falls sell some of the best momos.
Everyone knows about how delicious the apples from Himachal Pradesh are and in Dharamshala, you will come across the freshest and juiciest ones. The apple orchards here are very renowned, with the produce being sent not only to various parts of India but also abroad. Apart from munching on the apples themselves, which are often part of the breakfast menus in all restaurants and hotels, you can also feast on fresh apple juice, apple beer, apple cider and apple wine. The apple pies here are very famous and something you will not find anywhere else. While famed eateries like German Bakery sell them, you will also find many locals selling homemade ones. They are mostly made during the Christmas.
As mentioned earlier, Dharamshala is a spiritual retreat and many people come here to practice and learn about yoga and meditation. It is one of the best places to be introduced to Buddhism. You can go to a yoga class here or be a part of a silent, 10 day meditation retreat. Silence is considered to be an integral part of retrospection and is much needed for spiritual healing. Tourists who come here with this purpose tend to stay for a fortnight or a month and they mostly rent apartments here which are fairly inexpensive, for about INR 500 to 600 a night. They come with beds, wardrobes, a small kitchen, hot water and even Wifi. For those planning on an extended stay in Dharamshala, this would be the best way of accommodation. When it is very cold outside, this is one of the things to do in Dharamshala in winters.
There are a number of trails in and around Dharamshala and so it would be a great place to get some exercise. There are mountain villages strewn here and there, to which you can make day walking trips and interact with the locals and then return by evening. You can also have a little off beat picnic, nestled in the foothills of the Himalayas with the mountains looking down at you. However, this is not advisable during the monsoons at all. Even in the winters, you should be careful as the paths are slick with snow. It is one the things to do in Dharamshala in summers.
Since Dharamshala is such an important center for Tibetan culture, it is only natural that a number of items pertaining to Tibet are to be found here and they do make for excellent souvenirs. The idols of Buddha, made from various metals like copper and brass are the top picks. Then there are Tibetan shawls, rugs and carpets and you will be floored with the authentic Tibetan jewelry sold here. The items here are also quite inexpensive and most of them are handmade by the Tibetans. There are items encrusted with semi- precious stones and gemstones and they would make for some very precious buys. One thing is for sure- you just might as well be on the verge of going broke in Dharamshala when you are on your shopping spree. The craftsmanship is so detailed and nuanced that all the items are sort of art work in themselves.
So when you are planning your next vacation to the mountains, do make it a point to visit Dharamshala. A whole new world of culture will open up to you, with the majestic beauty of the Himalayas for company.
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April 15, 2024 
