norbulingka institute

jamestM6335DA

Make sure you ask for the free tour otherwise you won't get the most out of this place! Our guide was nice and very informative answering all our questions, I expected to tip at the end bit he said goodbye very quickly so didn't have time to give him one. He didn't seem to expect one either as he explain to us that he was on a salary. The shop is nice and have very beautiful things inside made by the people at the institute. They make money per piece that they sell in the shop but unfortunately we are budget backpacker's traveling around for two months so it wasn't feesable for is to purchase anything. Although we really could have liked the hand carved wooden tables

kikkotta

From all points of view the place is very beautiful.I was there during a talk given by the 17th Karmapa...great experience!!

TrueBrit_10

This a haven of tranquillity where you can visit workshops where skilled Tibetan men and women are working on their traditional crafts.

travellerhimanshu

We went in thinking it to be another Buddha temple. The road leading to the place and immediate surroundings suggested this to be an ordinary place. But once inside, we never wanted to come out. The kids were elated to see so many handicraft activities. The layout of the place was more like opening chapters in a mystery book- you move in one direction and see one activity. Go up and something else waiting for you.

Ushaviji

Brillant!!!worth the visit..The scenic place around the institue is so serene. Buddha idol is awesome

PremKamath

It's very well laid out and has a variety of activities to see. The dolls museum is truly amazing and the staff very helpful.

Philly_opinion

The garden was designed by a Japanese person, and you can tell by it's simplicity and beauty. The temple is just like Tibetan temples, with paintings, carvings, thangkas. It is a treat to see people working on these crafts. The gift shop is extremely expensive when you are used to bargaining in street stalls, but it has real, quality crafts you won't find elsewhere likely. The café has decent food. Absolutely worth a trip.

NeerajSaxenaDel

Very nicely made and peaceful place. You can see Tibetan handicraft here. a nice monastery is also there.

匿名

Got to experience the authentic Tibetian culture! Great place! Calm and peaceful . Wonderful well maintained gardens. Truly a joy to visit.

VIPIN_GOEL_TRUEPOWER

Norbulingka Institute is dedicated to handing down tradition and restoring standards by providing training, education and employment for Tibetans. Norbulingka produces high quality, traditionally crafted art objects, as well as clothing and home furnishings. All these are displayed in gift shop for sale. But the price of these goods is very high. We bought a T-shirt as a souvenir. It is appreciable such crafts are made by hands. Many workshops are there inside. Free guided tours of the institute are available to visitors every day except Sundays and national holidays. The Institute remains closed on Sundays. We were not able to see the workshops due to Republic Day holiday. Inside is very beautiful, lots of plants, flower plants, trees, water flowing in small canals, flags etc., all are well placed. Paintings on the walls and Buddhist architecture are eye catching. The Temple inside has very big idol of God Buddha. Must visit place in Dharamsala.

1bobbys

Loved the monastery - so calm and serene. Also loved the gift shop - had some amazing pieces of art and furniture. Came across it totally unexpectedly but its now one of my favourite places in Dharmsala.

pchu

The setting is serene. We enjoyed the free guided tour conducted by a young refugee. He took us to visit each craft workshop, the main temple and the doll museum and explained Tibetan culture, art and religion in detail. From him we found out how a thangka artist is trained and what makes an authentic thangka. We also learnt a lot from him about this beautiful place (such as the name of this place represents the traditional summer residence of Dalai Lamas, how the site plan of this place based on the porportions of Avalokiteshvara). We also learnt from him the struggle of Tibetan refugees in India. We wished to buy something in the craft shop as a gesture of support but unfortunately most items are very pricey even by western standard.We tooked an auto from McLeodganji to this place but when we arrived we found out that the Institute organise bus transport 3 times a day to and from McLeodganji at 50 rupees per person only. So check this out before you go.

evt147

Situated in beautiful surroundings. Stunning Tibetan artwork. Unfortunately, totally geared towards wealthy western tourists. Prices are crazy. From the entry fee right throughout I got the impression is all about making money, lots of it. Sad really. The garden restaurant, although in tranquil surroundings, is just as overpriced and the service was terrible. Our waiter hardly spoke any English and had filthy finger nails. I won't be back.

sashdash

The place is amazingly quiet and tranquil. its full of trees inside and feels like it is cut off from the rest of the world. a great escape for people especially from cities. the rooms have Tibetan art (wardrobes etc). you can see the artists working on Tibetan artwork (Thangka) which sell for tens of thousands and lacs of rupees...the view from the top of the temple of the surrounding town and mountains is breathtaking. the temple is again peaceful and on the first/second floor museums and reading rooms you can sit and enjoy your time reading, appreciating Tibetan artwork or simply doing nothing. a must visit if you are visiting Dharamshala/Mcleodganj area. There's also a shop inside from where you can buy Thangkas or other Tibetan works of art.

abuawake

a very beautiful place , it has a very awe inspiring garden and the workshops there are a must visit where various artists work on their respective crafts !!!