I'm slightly underwhelmed by McLeodGanj-Dharamsala-Bhagsu etc. Its a bit confusing because they're three seperate towns that sort of merge into one touristic area. Dharamsala is actually not frequented by many tourists and is the main population centre. McLeodGanj is the Tibetan Capital in Exile and so is the centre of the Tibetan peoples in the region. Bhagsu where I'm staying is a mish mash of yoga retreats and backpacker inns on the hills and concrete benidorm on the flat stretches near McLeod.

I meandered down to McLeod from my hostel right at the top of Upper Bhagsu. The mountains here are breathtaking, quite literally, though we are far from high enough to be troubled by altitude sickness.

McLeodGanj is a bit cluttered with tourist tat. Reminds me a bit of Southeast Asian tourist towns seeing store after store selling take-home Buddhas. That said it is interesting seeing such a mishmash of cultures, Tibetan Monks dressed in fabulous robes wander alongside Hindus in Saris and Muslims in Hiqabs.

The highlight of McLeodGanj is a visit to the Residence of the Dalai Lama. The Tibetan government escaped to Dharamsala and co. in the aftermath of Communist China's invasion and subjugation of Tibet. To be honest, whilst interesting to be at the main monastery of his excellency, it felt a bit... of an intrusion. It's not a particularly stunning building. It's a pretty underwhelming building, what's interesting is it's significance. But going in there as a tourist milling around whilst the monks are having debates felt a bit like you were treading in their space.

I also had some Momos! Tibetan dumplings. A bit, bland to be honest too. I guess on the one hand I'm disappointed by how mellow McLeodGanj is but on the other hand after Delhi it's very welcome. Especially up here in Bhagsu, we're very removed from the chaos of 'normal India'.

Still yet to have any rain! Anyway, a 5 minute nap turned into a 3 hour... I actually have a wee bit of work to do so I'm going to make the most of the relaxed nature of this place to get some of that done.

Alavida!