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Trip Planner:   Asia  /  India  /  Himachal Pradesh  /  Kangra District  /  Dharamsala  /  Norbulingka Institute

Norbulingka Institute, Dharamsala

4.6
#2 of 76 in Things to do in Dharamsala
Must see · Educational Site · Tourist Spot
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Discover Tibetan literature and art at Norbulingka Institute, dedicated to preserving Tibetan culture. Take a tour of the facility to see traditional Tibetan and modern techniques combined in the creation of statues, thangka paintings (Tibetan Buddhist paintings using cotton or silk applique), wood carving, papermaking, and metal craft. Exhibits introduce you to Tibetan history, traditions, and beliefs, offering a window into a proud culture and preserving it for future generations. The center produces artworks for sale to support this self-sustaining community, and also offers workshops where you can try your hand at a range of artistic techniques and styles. Put Norbulingka Institute into our Dharamsala trip planner to see other points of interest to visit during your vacation in Dharamsala.
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Norbulingka Institute reviews

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TripAdvisor traveler rating 4.5
1,198 reviews
Google
4.6
TripAdvisor
  • Norbulingka institute exceeded our expectations. It was such a fantastic feeling to see all the things the Tibetans are making. It’s now a self sustaining unit. There is a free guided tour. You must.....  more
    Norbulingka institute exceeded our expectations. It was such a fantastic feeling to see all the things the Tibetans are making. It’s now a self sustaining unit. There is a free guided tour. You must.....  more »
  • The institute offers an insight into the way of life of Tibetans. Can see them at work sculpting, cutting, doing carpentry, etc. entry fee of 50 rupees to be paid. Can purchase items as souvenirs. 
    The institute offers an insight into the way of life of Tibetans. Can see them at work sculpting, cutting, doing carpentry, etc. entry fee of 50 rupees to be paid. Can purchase items as souvenirs.  more »
Google
  • A lovely place! The institute was very well maintained, had a nice doll museum and a beautiful temple. Its a great place with a peaceful temple. One can see various craft workshops in progress like wood carving, wood painting, metal sculpture, thanka painting etc. Normally they would take in students for training but not now, due to the pandemic. They have a shop also, though overpriced. I loved the temple here and the vibes. One can sit here quietly and meditate. It also has a cafe, which was quite decent. Overall, the vibe of this place is very positive and refreshing, with water fountains flowing around.♥️
  • Norbulingka works to preserve Tibetan art and culture. The location is beautiful and well maintained, with little touches, like a dragon spewing water, all over. You can take a guided tour to see first hand artists at work keeping ancient methods alive. The raised thread stitching (with threads wrapped around horse hair!) is something to see. The temple at the top is absolutely lovely, do sit there with your eyes closed and let the peace envelope you. There is a small restaurant to the right as you enter, we enjoyed the butter tea, sticky rice, and cheese momos. Please do visit the institute shop to buy art made by the folks who work at the institute - what better way to support them.

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