Discover Tashiling: Pokhara's Vibrant Tibetan Refugee Settlement - Nepal Purple Travel Guide

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Established in the early 1960s following the Chinese annexation of Tibet, Tashiling became home to hundreds of Tibetan refugees who fled across the Himalayas seeking safety, religious freedom, and the chance to preserve their heritage.

Origin of the name Tashiling

The name Tashiling comes from Tibetan, with ‘Tashi’ meaning ‘auspicious’ and ‘Ling’ meaning ‘place’ or ‘land’. Together, the name reflects the settlers' hopes of building a prosperous and harmonious life in exile, an ‘auspicious place’ where their traditions could thrive despite being far from their homeland.

Tashiling Today

Today, Tashiling is more than just a residential area, it is a living cultural center. Visitors to the settlement can explore a traditional Tibetan Buddhist monastery, observe daily life in the community, and browse lots of handmade crafts, including vibrant carpets, jewelry, and souvenirs made by the residents. The settlement also features a small museum and community-run shops that help support the local economy while preserving traditional Tibetan skills.

What to visit at Tashiling Tibetan Settlement

We strongly recommend visiting the small museum. Admission is free, and everything is housed in one room. The museum provides lots of background information about the annexation of Tibet and the people in this settlement. Even though the museum reflects the views of the Tibetan refugees, it is absolutely worthwhile visiting and reading the posters – they are all in English.

There is no admission to explore the Tashiling Tibetan Settlement.
Plan anywhere from 20-45min for a visit – or more if you want to buy some of the beautiful carpets and visit the museum.

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Author: Rudy at Backpack and Snorkel

Bio: Owner of Backpack and Snorkel Travel Guides. We create in-depth guides to help you plan unforgettable vacations around the world.

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