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Fairs and Festivals : |
Buddhist festivals are celebrated with a certain restraint in McLeod Ganj. You are unlikely to come across the flamboyant street theatre you might find in Bhutan or Nepal, but you will have a chance to see the more religious aspects of the holidays.
Major celebrations include The Himalayan Festival in December; Losar, the Tibetan New Year, held in February, and the Dalai |
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Lama’s birthday on July 6, which usually offers a more festive spectacle. In between these two events, smaller holidays and events of a religious nature are celebrated in the monasteries and temples.
For exact dates of events according to the Buddhist calendar, see http://tibet.com/dasaguide.html
Shopping :
The Tibetan Government-sponsored shops located along the main roads and at certain attractions offer high-quality merchandise--clothing, books, silver and rugs--at reasonable prices and the money goes to support community projects. The Stitches of Tibet shop will custom make a chuba for you from your own fabric.
Kashmiri carpet shops offer rugs and textiles and other Kashmiri crafts. Be wary, however, of the high prices (always bargain) and the quality of "silk rugs." Don’t fall for the "it’s an investment" line.
The best shopping is found along the roads of McLeod Ganj, which are filled daily with local vendors selling everything from silver jewelry (most of it made in Nepal or Bali–make sure you buy "925" silver or above) priced by weight to prayer beads and wheels, warm woolen shawls, antique coins and handmade paper and journals. Prices are more reasonable than in other parts of the country and many of the goods are of very high quality. There are also many English-language bookstores in town, so you stock up on the latest novel, travel guide, Tibetan history or Buddhist philosophy books.
Eating Out and Restaurants :
You’ll never go hungry in McLeod Ganj. A large number of small restaurants around the village offer cheap and filling Tibetan meals, including Momos (stuffed, steamed or fried dumplings) and Thukpa (a thick Tibetan noodle soup) and a Tibetan Lo Mein.
Local favorites are the Gayki, the Snow Lion and the Bakhto. Israeli cuisine is popular at the Ashoka and there’s always a line for the few tables at the Shambala. The best place for Western food and a cold beer is the McLlo Restaurant above the bus stand. Noisy and crowded, it’s also popular meeting spot and party-place for the folks who’ve had just about enough quiet meditation.
Another favorite travelers’ hangout is the Green Hotel Restaurant. Ample portions of freshly made Tibetan food for breakfast, lunch and dinner, along with a relaxed atmosphere and friendly Nepali staff, make it a good place to meet and eat. Restaurants in Bhagsu and Dharamkot are awesome as well.
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