Norbulingka Institute
Norbulingka Institute
4.5
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This institute is dedicated to the preservation of Tibetan culture.
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43 within 6 miles
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Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information.
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4.5
1,199 reviews
Excellent
800
Very good
332
Average
52
Poor
10
Terrible
5
TMBom
Mumbai, India700 contributions
Mar 2023 • Family
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 take that tour to really understand the place. You may have to wait for 10-15 min but it’s worth it. We had a young man who explained it very well to us. Can’t recollect his name. Maybe Probhu or Thengru. Maybe I’m wrong. But he showed us the entire place with so much interest. The temple part has 11 ft tall Buddha and even a Thanka which is beautiful. There are 1173 small Buddhas painted on the walls and looks fascinating. He explained the different forms of Buddha. You must visit the Doll museum , the carpentry area and the place where Thankas are painted. It was extremely impressive. It took us more than an hour to enjoy this beautiful institute. As a contribution to the institution, we decided to buy from the store. Everything was extremely expensive. We saw an embroidery art which was for Rs 4200:- ( art of yaks) but we decided to buy it. There were 2 copies of the same art. When we tried to buy it we were told by the lady that it’s not in stock so not for sale. We found it very odd as they had an extra piece of the same . Anyways it was their loss and was disappointing to know that the sale didn’t matter much to them
Written March 9, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
lotusdiamond
Chandigarh, India1,258 contributions
Jan 2023 • Family
One of the best place to visit in Dharamsala. Located not far from the city. Parking and clean washroom available. You need to buy tickets ₹20/- each. You can see working on wood carvings, painting, tailoring, metal art, sculptures making etc. awesome landscaping. You can buy these items at a shop near Temple inside. On the last steps you visit Beautifully maintained Buddhist temple. Must visit place and good for photography. Dolls museum is big attraction. One restaurant and one cafe also available inside, rates reasonable. Norbling house hotel situated inside have 7 rooms, rate approx ₹3000/- plus with all facilities a good option for stay and relax. You need 2-3 hours to appreciate everything inside and must visit for all age groups. This is centre to preserve and promote Tibetan culture and arts .
Written January 8, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
labal
Chennai (Madras), India321 contributions
Feb 2023
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.
Written February 13, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Ila I
Mumbai239 contributions
May 2022 • Couples
It’s aesthetically very pleasing to see the garden, landscaping and architecture even as you see the local arts and crafts being taught.
The cafeteria here has a varied menu and everything we ate was excellent.
The butter tea was the best.
It’s worth spending a few hours here and feeling good that being Indians we have done our bit to encourage the Buddhist culture and take care of the Tibetan refugees.
The cafeteria here has a varied menu and everything we ate was excellent.
The butter tea was the best.
It’s worth spending a few hours here and feeling good that being Indians we have done our bit to encourage the Buddhist culture and take care of the Tibetan refugees.
Written May 22, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Christopher A
Portland56 contributions
Oct 2022
Amazing place to visit. We went twice in one week. So peaceful to walk around the grounds. Excellent food. Watching the Tibetan artisans make Thangka's, wood carvings, and really amazing skills. Rare to get a glimpse in to the Tibetan historic culture in this way. The cafes and restaurants were excellent.
Written December 14, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Sujata752
New Delhi, Delhi, India142 contributions
Jul 2021 • Family
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. The place closes for lunch 1-2 pm. Overall, the vibe of this place is very positive and refreshing, with water fountains flowing around.
Written July 19, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Akshay Sharma
New Delhi, India10,039 contributions
May 2022
This is a monastery of Tibetians located in Dharamshala. It has beautiful statues of Lord Buddha, a well maintained natural garden with a running stream, a doll museum and a cafe. The place is very serene and a must-visit on the list.
Written May 5, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
ron0266
Cabarita Beach, Australia234 contributions
Oct 2022
definitely worth a visit if you are in the area, it showcases everything Tibetan. And young people are learning the skills to carry on the traditions. Surrounded by very pretty gardens, good cafes and the temple is a nice spot to sit and reflect
Written November 3, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Shrinidhi Hande
Chennai (Madras), India931 contributions
Jan 2020
Worth a visit to understand Tibetan culture. Entry fee applicable, stay options also available upon request. Visitors can see woodwork, painting, metal shop and other forms of creativity and design activities. A temple, shop and a cafeteria are available. Approx time to spend 1- 2 hours. Well designed campus that makes use of naturally flowing water
Written January 27, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Explore with Sehajpal
Friuli Venezia Giulia, Italy89 contributions
Aug 2019 • Family
Norbulingka Institute is amazing place for hardicraft lovers. This institute offers students to learn Tibetan artistic traditions . Paintings, Buddism paintings , handicraft wood , on clothes and many other . There is also a Buddha temple. Well organised with tour guide for whole institute. Beautiful place also for photography. Must go there to have a look on Tibetian Culture.
Written July 11, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Hi, I want to send my son who is abusing substances and alcohol. How much does it cost. I am from Johannesburg South Africa
Many many thanks in advance, Cheryl
Devender S
Noida, India20 contributions
Sorry to know that. The environment and ambience of over all that area is very calming and it does leave an impact if one spend some considerable time there - there are many monasteries there that can help but you need to talk to them directly and they may have some more queries to consult you better.
Mima G
El Segundo, CA9 contributions
How do we stay there in the rooms? No one has answered my two email inquiries.
Devender S
Noida, India20 contributions
Divine Hima is very good hotel near norbulingka- by walk you reach in 5-10 mins. I stayed there and it was very good experience- for any future visits @dharamshala - it will be my first choice.
Tejender Y
Faridabad, India52 contributions
is this free or paid visit..??
Bhawesh D
Dubai, United Arab Emirates16 contributions
It’s a paid visit, if I remember right it’s around Rs.40. Per person. It includes a free guide to take you through all the sections, wood craft, painting, metal craft, doll museum, the temple, cloth patch work, etc. where you can see artisans at work.
RitaSmith1
Beaconsfield, UK13 contributions
planning to trek to Triund Hills from Mcleod Gunj - are there any stops on the way and any alternative place to stay if not a tent at the summit?
Dr Mohan Kumar H
Chandigarh, India254 contributions
people provide tents for rent at the summit
makali2015
Kolkata (Calcutta), India1 contribution
What are other places to visit within the surroundings
Sagira J
Germany75 contributions
Hi,
Mc Leod Gunj is the area where you need to be if you want to see places. Norbulingka Institute where the Norling House is in Dharashala which is 20 - 30 minutes car-ride to Mc Leod Gunj and far removed from the buzz. Its quiet and nothing to see apart from the institute. After having been there, i would recommend you to plan your stay at Mc Leod Gunj instead of Dharamshala. You can consider staying in Dharamshala if you plan to do a Tibetan craft workshop at Norbulingka. However, the amenities at Norling House leaves a lot to be desired. Hence, not recommended.
VenkatNomad
Mumbai76 contributions
what day is is shut?
timings?
Sagira J
Germany75 contributions
HI Venkat,
The Norbulingka Institute is open from 9am to 6pm. The tour will take you about 30 - 40 minutes and totally worth your time if you'd like to appreciate Tibetan art and culture. They have a free tour guide of the institute. The free tour is not available on Sunday however, the campus is open for tourists on Sunday as well.
Norbulingka Institute (Dharamsala) - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go
Frequently Asked Questions about Norbulingka Institute
- We recommend booking Norbulingka Institute tours ahead of time to secure your spot. If you book with Tripadvisor, you can cancel up to 24 hours before your tour starts for a full refund. See all 7 Norbulingka Institute tours on Tripadvisor
- According to Tripadvisor travelers, these are the best ways to experience Norbulingka Institute:
- Dharamshala half day city tour (From $85.34)
- Mountains & Mystics of India (From $1,561.47)
- Private 6 hrs Mcleodganj & Dharamshala City Tour (From $39.00)
- Guided Buddhist Culture Tour at Dharamshala (From $19.00)
- Day Tour of Dharamshala, home to the Dalai Lama (From $170.00)
- Hotels near Norbulingka Institute:
- (0.02 mi) Serene Suites
- (0.02 mi) OYO 14420 Hotel Green Woods
- (0.02 mi) Highland Village Resort
- (0.11 mi) The Divine Hima
- (0.10 mi) Hotel 360 Country Club
- Restaurants near Norbulingka Institute:
- (0.02 mi) Taste of Tibet
- (0.10 mi) The Divine Hima
- (0.09 mi) Norling Hummingbird Cafe
- (0.12 mi) Joyful Cafe
- (0.16 mi) Buddha Cafe & Restaurant
- Attractions near Norbulingka Institute:
- (0.20 mi) Thosamling Nunnery
- (0.98 mi) Gyuto Monastery
- (0.45 mi) The Fat Teapot
- (2.45 mi) MadTrek Adventures
- (2.78 mi) Himachal Bylocals