Tsuglagkhang Complex Dalai Lama Temple

If you are finding it hard to pronounce the name, don’t worry – thankfully, you don’t have to learn to pronounce the word correctly to get inside Tsuglagkhang complex. The Tsuglagkhang complex is located at Mcleodganj, above Dharamshala town and is an official residence of the 14th Dalai Lama.
The complex house of the Tsuglagkhang consists of Photang which means Dalai Lama’s residence, Tibet Museum, Tsuglagkhang Temple, and Namgyal Gompa.

The place is an attraction for most of the pilgrims, as well as the travelers from around the globe – not just because it is a pilgrimage and you get to see the Dalai Lama himself, but also because the place is absolutely beautiful.

VISITING TSUGLAGKHANG

The Tsuglagkhang complex is located at the south-west corner of Mcleodganj. You can just take a walk up the hill – all the way to the temple road and you can see the sign that says – “Entrance to Temple”. This is when you know that you have reached Tsuglagkhang complex. Always remember that the place isn’t merely a complex but a functioning residence and a temple and you should be following certain rules and regulations. You can pass through a quick security screening and you need to remember that you cannot carry any sort of tobacco, cigarettes, non-vegetarian items or alcohol surpassing the security gate. Although you can take pictures of the complex and the monks there, taking pictures inside the temple isn’t allowed.

Always remember to show you respect by keeping your voice low and making no sort of noise. You can visit the Tsuglagkhang complex from 5 am to 8 pm.

WHAT CAN YOU FIND INSIDE AND AROUND THE COMPLEX

There are plenty of things that you can find inside and around the Tsuglagkhang complex. Take a close look at the dramatic sign depicting photos of Tibetans, mostly in their 20s or younger, who self-immolated — set themselves on fire — to protest the Chinese occupation. You can also see a Tsuglagkhang bookshop where you can find excellent books by the Dalai Lama and a few other general texts on Buddhism. These are quite interesting to read.
There is a small café inside the Tsuglagkhang complex which serves cakes and vegetarian foods. And then again there is a beautiful souvenir shop that sells beautiful flags and bracelets.

All of Temple Road above Tsuglagkhang is lined with street stalls selling everything from antiques to fake Western-brand clothes. The various cafes with outdoor seating along Temple Road are a great place to sit and watch the monks stroll to and from town.

TIPS TO VISIT THE TSUGLAGKHANG COMPLEX

There are a few tips from our end to help you visit the Tsuglagkhang complex –

• If you decide to give them a try, prayer wheels should always be turned in a clockwise direction as you walk around the temple in a clockwise direction. Don’t stop prayer wheels that are already turning!
• No shoes allowed inside the temple area.
• Do not click any pictures inside the temple. It is completely prohibited.

You can also visit the Tibetan Museum, watch the monk debate, have a glimpse of Dalai Lama, do a Kora and get yourself a seat in the public teaching.
The place is an absolute bliss. Never miss out on this place.