Day 9 - Played a perfect tourist role in Mcleodganj

Day 9

McLeod Ganj

Today we got up very late. Day by day temperature was going down. Today early morning temperature was 5degrees. I told Sumeet and kids not to disturb me before 10 am. I had peaceful sleep and given a chance I would not have got up from bed at all. This was our last day in Naddi so we decided to roam around and play perfect tourist role i.e. eat, shop, sight seeing and repeat.

By the time we got ready it was time for lunch. We stright away went to Kalimpong for lunch. A must visit place if you are in Mcleodganj. They serve Tibetan food and very simple menu which makes you less confused. This place is run by non Tibetan family but undoubtedly serves best Tibetan food.

After sumptuous lunch , we did some shopping. Baught some souvenirs, prayer flags. Most of the things we baught from this shop.

Photo of Day 9 - Played a perfect tourist role in Mcleodganj by Hemalee

One good thing about Mcleodganj Market is you can't do much bargain and you don't get nagged by shopkeepers. Some of the must buy things are :-

1. Tibetan prayer flags

2. Hand made woolen caps, socks etc. You can see those lovely ladies knitting these woolen things.

3. Winter wear (you'd get 1st copy of some renowned brands).

4. Meditation bowl

Eat and shop part was done so next was sight seeing. Unfortunately monestry where Dalai Lama stays is closed due to pandemic so we had 2 options either to goto Bagsu falls or visit Norbulingka institute of Tibetan art. Obviously I'd have preferred to visit waterfall but our guide from Triund Trek insisted us to visit Norbulingka and I'm glad we did that. It's a Tibetan art center spread which provides learn and earn opportunities to people. This place on in between Dharamshala and McLeod Ganj

Campus is beautifully designed and has different art sections, monastery, souvenir shop and café inside. I was curious about the name and I was told that "Norbulingka" mean Jewel Park and it's summer palace name of Dalai Lama. They do sell Thangka paintings , you'll get mesmerized with work which is done using gold and silk threads and natural colours. Their price starts from 40k and goes. In lacs.

Another worth mentioning part about this place is they serve best and variety of tarts, we did try lemon tart and walnut tart, both were good. Kids had great time playing there.

Our next stop was Dharamshala cricket ground. Unfortunately by the time we reached there it got closed but one day I would love watch a match from that stadium for that lovely view of Dhauladhar Ranges.

As the sun was setting temperature was going down, on our way back to McLeod Ganj we went to Dal lake, nothing much to do there but it was a pleasant evening.

We decided to have our dinner at Jimmy Italian Kitchen at McLeod Ganj. It's worth visiting place as it gives you good view and food was good too.