Dharamsala | McLeod Ganj | Dolanji

Dharamsala- The first stop. Staying close to the market. Monastery is a walk up the mountain. Their office opens at 10am and its 9am now. While deciding to wait or return later, I am having chai and talking to a few monks – at a cafe, opposite the monastery. Soon at art professor is introducing me to a few monk kids at his class. During tea beak, some monk kids are asking their curious questions about my life & Mumbai.  Occasionally acquainting me with their monastery and monastic life.

McLeod Ganj- Before visiting Tibetan Children’s Village: I am walking around McLeod Ganj, visiting the temple and watching monk kids debate! At Tibetan Children’s Village, the lunch break began about 15 minutes ago. The kids have already finished their lunch and are playing. They seem to be in their own world. The break is over and the kids have returned to their classrooms.

I am going to walk around McLeod Ganj. Instead I am walking to Dharamsala. Through a short cut (a secret path known only to  locals). And passing a small group of people praying in the middle of mountains!

Dolanji-My days in Dharamsala and McLeod Ganj are over. By Bus, I am on my way to Dolanji. From Dharamsala to Chandigarh to Solan. Solan to Dolanji, by cab. Heavy rains are welcoming me and continue for three days. I am confined to the guesthouse. The camera is still inside my bag.

Late afternoon, on fourth day, my last day- the rains stop. Ground is dry. Sky is clearer. Monk kids are playing!

While the sun is setting, the monk kids are returning to their living quarters. The clouds are back. Its raining again. Hiding my camera I am running to the guesthouse. Tomorrow, I will be in Mumbai.

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Tags: Dharamsala, Dolanji, India, McLeod Ganj