The Norbulingka Institute is a Tibetan cultural center situated in a tranquil environment surrounded by bamboo, trees, and flowing water. Its purpose since 1988 has been to safeguard and teach traditional Tibetan art forms. The institute features several restaurants, workshops where artisans work on woodcarving, metal statuemaking, thangka painting, and embroidery. On Sundays there's no access to the site's facilities besides that it also has a shop offering traditional crafts.
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.♥️
Kamboj Kartik — Google review
A place to see the real and cultural heritage of Buddhism. The place is very beautifully built and located in a great location. This place preserves all the heritage and cultural values of Buddhism and had protected from a very long decade. This place is easy to reach via any means like own transport or taxi. The place is having an inside restaurant, a bakery and a small guest room too with beautiful rooms and amazing Tibetan food. I highly recommend a stay in the guest rooms of the institute which can be booked on spot by reaching or on their website.
Apurav Joshi — Google review
Norbulingka is dedicated to handing down tradition and restoring standards by providing training, education and employment for Tibetans. It supports an environment in which Tibetan community and family values can flourish. It reconciles the traditional creatively and respectfully with the modern, and seeks to create an international awareness of Tibetan values and their expression in art and literature. Norbulingka produces high quality, traditionally crafted art objects, as well as clothing and home furnishings. Free guided tours of the institute are available to visitors every day except Sunday. Workshop are also offered for those wishing to study Tibetan arts. The institute also runs two guesthouses
VR Sujith Nair — Google review
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.
Mini Rag — Google review
a serene experience complimented with the best possible desserts and beverages. the monastery sits in nature's lap with a distant sound of running water. i personally found myself intrigued by the various forms of art taught in the institute. the refreshing and calming atmosphere made it absolutely worth revisiting the place.
Anmol Koushal — Google review
This place is so beautiful and peaceful. The institute is all about serenity and calmness. This is one of best institute of Tibetan Studies. This was my send visit and I was in awe again. This place imparts knowledge on Tibetan culture and art. There are many workshops that are conducted in this place.
Shalini Majumdar — Google review
Must visit place. You will get to see the authentic artistic work done on woods, fiber, and hand painting works here. This institution carry lots of different hand crafted item on sale. Clothes, house decor, furniture... Has own cafe, temple, furniture factory, handloom item etc. Has doll measum. Need to pay entry fee on arrival at gate.
Enjoy their shop and enjoy the beautiful garden, it's so peaceful place to visit..
phuntsok_ D — Google review
Situated in Dharamshala, the Norbulingka Institute reveals itself as a serene monastery, offering a captivating refuge for those in search of tranquility amid Tibetan artistry. This enchanting destination exudes a peaceful aura, surrounded by soothing green landscapes, providing visitors with an instant sense of ease and calmness.
The institute is impeccably maintained, offering a well-curated experience for those exploring its premises. A charming cafe within the grounds provides a perfect spot to unwind and absorb the peaceful ambiance. The presence of a doll museum adds an extra layer of cultural richness, allowing visitors to delve deeper into Tibetan artistry.
The best time to experience the magic of Norbulingka is in the evening when the soft light complements the serene surroundings, creating a truly enchanting atmosphere. The institute plays a vital role in preserving and promoting Tibetan culture by imparting various art skills, such as woodwork, drawing, painting, and stitching, to eager students.
The unique aspect of Norbulingka lies in its dedication to preserving the rich tapestry of Tibetan art, making it a must-visit for anyone interested in immersing themselves in the cultural heritage of the region. Overall, Norbulingka Institute stands as a testament to the enduring beauty and artistry of Tibetan culture, offering a peaceful retreat for all who venture through its gates.
Vishal Kapoor — Google review
Norbulingka Institute is an ancient monastery dedicated to the Tibetan culture. You'll hear soft meditating Buddha hymns as soon as you enter this place. There is a huge statute of Buddha established in the heart of the institute. You can sit there and meditate for long hours.
Other than that you'll find a little shop selling all kind of Tibet clothes, souvenirs, and incense products. All the items are made in-house by local artisans.
The 'museum' in the monastery was the most fascinating part for me. The museum precisely explains the Tibet culture and several Tibet mythologies. You can read the boards around to get detailed description of every element included in the museum.
Overall, it was a knowledgeable, serene, and beautiful experience visiting Norbulingka Institute.
Lastly, don't forget to rotate the giant prayer wheels in the monastery for some good vibes.
Khushi Khare — Google review
I stayed in Dharamshala for three days, and every day for some reason I found myself drawn to this beautiful Monastery/Institute. The peace and serenity is out of this world. Among all the monasteries in Dharamshala or McLeodganj, I liked this one the most. You can sit in front of the Buddha, in a huge room and just pray, or just be quiet and try and find the inner peace. Please do visit. They also have a lovely cafe (the mud pie slice cake is to die for!). You'll also meet several dogs here who have also taken refuge under the Tibetan kindness.
Jay Ghosh — Google review
Really great and peaceful place. They provide a guide free of cost which will help you to understand the place in a better way.
The guide started from the entrance where there were 4-5 gods about whom the guide explained well.
After that we went to see the wooden workshop where the skilled artists were creating there artwork. Don't try to touch and feel the artwork. The guide will give you a properly finished piece of art to touch and feel it.
After that we went to see Thanga painting workshops where first we went to the newbie section where the rookies were practicing the Thangka Painting then we went to the Senior section where we had to remove our shoes after that we went to another arts section where they cut different cloth pieces and sew them together to make the artwork.
After that we went to the museum where different themes and stories of Tibetan culture was represented.
After that we went to the main monastery which was very peaceful and calm. On the first floor you can see various Tibetan literature and Statues.
After that we went to the shop centre where you can buy the finished artworks from the artists.
The sound of water flowing everywhere was very soothing. A must visit place.
There are also places to eat and stay here which you can try as per your need. Washrooms were available and were clean.
Nilesh Kumar — Google review
The best place to introduce Tibetan culture and crafts. Full of soul, built with love and attention to details. People are amazing there. You can sneak and explore everything you want, attend numerous workshops and buy fine handmade goods. Temple is very calm and peaceful with astonishing masterpieces inside. Entrance fee is 110 only with guide.
Артем Дробышевский — Google review
A serene and beautiful place for learning about the Tibetan arts and crafts. The place has a guest house, coffee shop, a restaurant, many workshops, a traditional doll museum, an impressive and awe inspiring temple, and a posh retail outlet which showcases the work of the artists. This must be on the visit list for all Dharamshala bound Tibetan enthusiasts to get a feel for the vibrant art and culture of Tibet, being so painstakingly preserved in this institute.
Shamit Biswas — Google review
It is a must visit place.
Very beautiful and calm.
There is also a cafe to sit, relax and eat,
And an art gallery/shop with beautiful items and artworks.
Tickets - 50 INR/person
Himanshu Bansal — Google review
This spot can be avoided.Though lots of space is given to this institute,from a tourist point of view,the only monastery is there.Rest are classes for art,painting,and weaving clothes. You hardly get proper information.
Ticket=50 rs time till 7 pm.
Route map to explore is given in photos
A P — Google review
Most beautiful monastery I've ever seen. Beautifully preserved Tibetan culture. The art workshops are totally worth it. There's an entry fee but you'll love this place. Surrounded by lush green trees and plants, beautiful flowers, good and positive vibes. There are shops and a doll museum about Tibetan culture. I just can't get enough of this place. Must visit!
Namita — Google review
Visiting Norbulingka Institute in Dharamshala was an absolute delight! This unique institute is a beacon of Tibetan arts and culture preservation, and I can't recommend it enough. Allocate 3 to 4 hours for your visit to truly immerse yourself in all it has to offer.
The ambiance here is serene and captivating, providing an unparalleled opportunity to explore and understand Tibetan culture. The presence of the monastery adds a spiritual touch, enhancing the overall experience.
One of the highlights for me was the Doll Museum, a true treasure trove of meticulously crafted Tibetan dolls. Each doll tells a story, adorned in traditional costumes that beautifully reflect the rich heritage and customs of the region. The attention to detail is simply astounding.
Moreover, witnessing local artisans in action was a memorable experience. Their craftsmanship is awe-inspiring, and it's fascinating to see them at work. The institute also boasts a classy shopping center where you can find a wide array of cultural artifacts. While the artisanal products are exquisite, it's worth noting that they can be on the pricier side.
To top it all off, the cool cafe within the institute is a perfect spot to relax and soak in the ambiance. Whether you're enjoying a cup of tea or savoring a snack, it complements the overall atmosphere wonderfully.
With an entry fee of just 50 INR, Norbulingka Institute offers incredible value for the enriching experience it provides. I highly recommend adding it to your itinerary while in Dharamshala. You won't be disappointed!
Ruchira Bafana — Google review
This is a beautiful place. Very soothing. Very nice restaurant and cafe inside. Ticket cost is Rs 50. Very green and nice place. You can see all their art work and collection - from metal and woodwork to painting and basically all forms of art & craft that one might be interested in. There's a shop on the inside too. Also, this place has rooms if you wish to stay here. Would be quite a peaceful stay indeed.
Arjun Dhingra — Google review
The place is a must visit if you appreciate art and culture. The institute teaches various art skills like wood working, drawing painting stitching to students. This art is typical of the Tibetan culture and exquisite in style. The place is quite beautiful and it’s a zen experience being here. There is a temple with huge Budha statue and a doll museum. They also have a restaurant and cafe serving you clean good foot. Their shop sells all the art products.
Kamal Thadani — Google review
I must say this is a true place to retreat. However some costly, but it is necessary to pay for. It contains the big statue of lord Buddha, very energising very auspicious very spiritual. There is so much of peace that u can hear the blow of wind, bird chirps. No words to express. Namo Buddhay
Braham Prakash — Google review
Nice place to visit. Quiet place to sit for sometime and get your thoughts together. Interesting to see the hard work goes behind the different Tibetian arts and you can see all the artist preparing lots of stuff although all are very very costly. It also has nice cafe and restaurant. Recommended place to visit.
Triund is a mountain peak that provides breathtaking views and campsites for trekking enthusiasts. Accessible by trekking from Bhagsunag waterfall for approximately 5-6 hours, the route boasts of chai spots along the way. Local food options are available at Bhagsunag, but none at Triund where prices for basic items like water bottles can be high (Rs. 80). Visitors planning to stay overnight at the top should consider taking a package deal.
Nice place to visit very adventure trip ... ideal for people with absolutely no trekking experience, as this trek will provide them a very basic taste of trekking, whereas for trekkers, it's just a walk in the wild. It's very good experience walking up to Triund through the forest. On the way, you see amazing views of McLeodganj, Bhagsu, & Dharamkot.
vikas maurya — Google review
We started trekking from Bhagsu at around 9am and reached the top by afternoon. We camped there for the night and returned next day after breakfast.
It was a wonderful experience as there were snow along the trekking trail at some places. The view after reaching the top was amazing and was worth all the effort.
Chandni — Google review
It is a short and beginner-friendly trek, with amazing views of the Dhauladhar ranges, After some hours you can spot the mountains. This is a trek where you climb the mountain attaining a height of 2800 m with a short distance of 6km.
Sparsh Yadav — Google review
The Truind Trek offers a captivating journey through the serene landscapes of Himachal Pradesh, India. Starting from the quaint village of McLeod Ganj, the trail gradually ascends through lush green forests, revealing stunning vistas of the Dhauladhar range. As trekkers ascend, they encounter charming streams and cascading waterfalls, adding to the scenic allure of the route.
The highlight of the trek is reaching Truind, a picturesque meadow adorned with colorful wildflowers during the spring and summer months. Trekkers can relax and soak in the panoramic views of the surrounding snow-capped peaks, including the majestic Triund Peak. Camping overnight amidst this natural splendor offers a surreal experience, especially when the starlit sky casts its magical glow over the landscape.
While the trek is moderately challenging, it is accessible to both beginners and experienced trekkers alike, making it a popular choice for adventure enthusiasts seeking a rejuvenating escape into the Himalayas. However, due to its popularity, weekends and peak seasons can get crowded, so opting for weekdays or off-peak times is advisable for a more peaceful experience. Overall, the Truind Trek promises a memorable expedition immersed in the breathtaking beauty of the Himalayan wilderness.
Matthew Selfe — Google review
Awesome place for weekend trip.
You can go there by reaching Bhagsunag waterfall from McLeodganj/ Dharamshala.
from Bhagsunag trekking is there for approx 5-6 hours.
Local food items and resturants are availabe at Bhagsunag, but at Triund no such resturants are there. Cost of foods is also very high (water bottle for Rs. 80)
It would be beneficial to take package prior to going if planning to stay at night at top. Views are scenic at top at day as well as at night.
Round trip can also be planned but trek is to be started early in morning in that case.
Snowfall can be seen at some days. It would be good to enquire about it prior to going.
daksh karwal — Google review
A definite yes. Beautiful and not so difficult trek. If you are lucky you ll find some snow as well from December last week to Feb.
Gagan Makker — Google review
Almost 4 hour Trek for one side . the views on top was scenic beauty. Staying for overnight in the room/tents was awesome experience
Dinesh Lawat — Google review
As we all know whenever we visit Himachal pradesh hill stations they give you contrasting experience everytime,here I’m sharing my point of view on triund trekking which i had visited in the last week in December 2022 with my college buddies and it is full of fun this trek takes Round 4 hours to complete but luckily we completed it in 3 hours with minimal short breaks .one thing you should bring your water and snacks with you from your home or buy them from mcleod ganj or rather Dharamshala whereas price of food goes double in shops coming in the trek route. You must visit this place it gives you bliss experiences here .
Himanshu Rai — Google review
Short trek, amazing trail, peaceful and rejuvenating experience. Breathtaking views amongst clouds, refreshing experience and a feel of nature that we cherish.
Try visiting in off season to get the feeling of solitude.
Vishal Kumar — Google review
Triund is a small hill station situated in the foothills of Dhauladhar Ranges in the Kangra district of Himachal. It lies near Dharamshala and is located at an altitude of around 2850 m. This trek provides majestic views of the hills all around. One gets mesmerised by its heights and the sceneries it provides.
Weather at Triund is pleasant in the summer months. You can feel the cool breeze of the hills as you climb up the hills. The temperature at Triund drops after the month of October and snowfall can be seen in the months of January- March.
The total distance covered in the trek is 7 km. The difficulty level of Triund trek can be considered as easy to moderate. Even the beginners can go for Triund trek. You must be healthy and have good stamina. After 7 km of trekking, you reach the mesmerising site of Triund where the camping is done. Camping under the stars at such a height surrounded by majestic mountains is an experience of a lifetime!
Arjun Negi — Google review
Place is Amazing but There are Important Points To take Care.
1. Its a 4-5 Hours Trek for People from Non Pahadi Cities. And 3-4 when you comming back dependig upon snow.
2.If you are not staying at triund trek camp then start your treking before 9am i.e start your journey at 7.30am from your hotel. Take taxi and reach gallu temple then start treking.
3. This trek is not Children friend. Please avoid to go with clidrens below 14 years.
4. Plese take bamboo and wooden stick from nearby gallu's temple dhabas. It just cost you rs 50 rent and 100 security.
5. Trek is full of sharp stones and narrow paths so be careful.
View is very Amazing spend some time at top have food tea at top, take pics.
6. Try to come back before 5.30 pm
Deepak Gupta — Google review
Top view was scenic and breathtaking but i would recommend actual mountain lovers to go on weekdays. During holidays there are a lot of party people with their loud bluetooth speakers destroying the peaceful mountain atmosphere. At top you can enjoy beautiful sunsets, moon rise and sky full of stars. Be sure to carry warm clothes as temperature drops real quick. Don’t rely on just sleeping bags. Have a great journey
jayesh uppal — Google review
Trekked during the month of Jan. And it was completely covered by snow. We didn't expect the level of snow it would have. But it was such a splendid view. We enjoyed to the core. I would definitely visit again and camp there. Two lovely dogs which i fed with half of the biscuits at a tea stall in base accompanied me to the top of the hill. They stayed with me untill i got back. I gave like 2/3rd share of my bread pack to them 😁
Vishnu Ram — Google review
Truind Trek was an absolute adventure! The trail is well-marked and offers stunning panoramic views throughout. Here's a quick guide to the trek:
1. Start Early: Begin your trek early to catch the sunrise over the majestic mountains.
2. Moderate Difficulty: The trek is moderately challenging with a mix of steep ascents and descents. Suitable for beginners with reasonable fitness levels.
3. Scenic Beauty: Be prepared to be mesmerized by the lush green meadows, vibrant red flowers, and breathtaking vistas.
Don't miss out on this incredible experience!
Santoshi Tiwari — Google review
Embarking on this trek offers a moderate level of difficulty with numerous breathtaking views along the way. It's essential to wear sturdy shoes and uphold a commitment to avoid littering.
Even if you're a beginner, fear not – with a little precaution and motivation, the trek is manageable. The stunning views encountered during the journey make the entire experience worthwhile.
Beyond the physical challenge, treks like these prompt internal reflections. Amidst the mountains, one realizes their smallness in the vast world, gaining perspective on life's battles. Embrace the journey, capture the beauty, and remember that, in the grand scheme, challenges are temporary.
M — Google review
Trek was AWESOME but the rates there are sky high of everything and also the wc facilities weren't there
Diwaker Gupta — Google review
Truind Trek offers a diverse experience suitable for both novice trekkers and seasoned adventurers. The trek provides breathtaking views of the Dhauladhar range and McLeodganj, Bhagsu, & Dharamkot along the way. It's moderately difficult yet manageable in 4-6 hours, with the option to camp overnight for a mesmerizing starlit experience. However, be prepared for weather changes, as mist may obstruct views at the top. Carry essentials like a torch, and consider staying at the forest guest house or camping. Don't forget to bring raw chicken and drinks for a hearty meal, and capture the journey with an SLR camera. Truind Trek promises unforgettable moments amidst nature's beauty.
Arpit Kurel — Google review
We started our trek from shiva cafe ( dharmshala) and it took approximately 6 hours to complete the trek and it was an amazing experience. Trek wasn’t very easy neither was it very tough. The view after completing the trek was all worth it. Triund is surrounded by Dhauladhar Mountain range and the view was breathtaking. We witnessed a beautiful sunset after reaching the top and then a mesmerising sunrise in the morning. Temperature went below zero degrees at night coz of dhauladhar range. Overall if you like trekking and love amazing views then Triund is a must visit place for you.
Pratyush Singh — Google review
Its a really Nice place to visit. Serine environment with attractive mountain views. The most affectionate thing of this place is Sunset and Sunrise . You can stay here in tents . During the night you can see the stars very clearly.
Prince Sharma — Google review
It was an amazing experience, short and adventurous trek with breathtaking views and soothing vibes.. my soul melts in the arms of nature.. must recommended place to go if you love trekking..