Text and photographs by Juliana Foo

Tourism is one of McLeod Ganj’s major industries but it has in no way tainted the area’s rich Tibetan culture.

Also known as ‘Little Lhasa’, this tranquil suburb sits amidst the clouds - 10 kilometres above Dharamsala, the Kangra district of Himachal Pradesh, India.

Travel agencies exist alongside shops selling handicrafts and food along the narrow streets; saffron-robed monks and nuns are a common sight, as are tourists.

Many journey here to meditate, visit the headquarters of the Dalai Lama’s residence and government, and to savour a taste of how Tibetans live in India, away from their homeland.

Here I witnessed firsthand the respect and love the Tibetans have for their spiritual leader, and their heartfelt yearning to return home.

Read the full travelogue here.