It is called Little Lhasa for good reason. The population is predominantly made up of Tibetans-in-Exile and many of them are practicing monks and nuns. Tibetans are nothing if resourceful, and many other lay-persons run handicraft stalls, restaurants, hotels, shops, bakeries and increasingly travel agencies.
It has been said that there is friction and resentment between the Tibetan and local population, but I have only heard vague grumbles a couple of times from Indians, and it is certainly isn´t openly visible on the streets. By and large it is a much more symbiotic relationship. The travellist is attracted by the Tibetan population and HH Dalai Lama, and the local Indian businesses reap the benefits of the tourist dollar.
Travelling around India, the international travellist is likely to be outrageously over-charged at several points on their trip whether from dishonest taxi or rickshaw drivers, craft shops and most notoriously from travel agents. Despite being popular with travellists, McLeod Ganj is remarkably hassle-free of this. I´m not sure why this is the case, but it´s great! I have had shop-keepers chase me down the road to return my change.
Another common gripe of visitors to India is the hassles of the constant barrage of wide-ranging offers from drugs, handicrafts, tours and hotels. Again, this doesn´t really happen here in the village.
It has been like living in India, without all the accompanying hassles. Perfect!
I´ve selected a few of my favourite portraits taken from my Facebook album entitled “Village People” taken over the last 18 months - I hope you enjoy them.
a passing Sadhu
beggar woman by the temple
handsome chap on the Bhagsu Road
shoe-shine boy on Temple Road
beggar woman on the temple kora
monk at the Dalai Lama teachings
monks at the Dalai Lama temple
resident from Jambaling Home for Elders
young anti Beijing Olympic games protester
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