History of Tibetans in Nepal
Nepal and Tibet have shared strong cultural, diplomatic, and economic ties for centuries.
Ancient Connections Between Nepal and Tibet
In the 7th century, Tibet’s King Songtsen Gampo strengthened relations by marrying Princess Bhrikuti of Nepal. She, along with Princess Wencheng of China, played a key role in bringing Buddhism to Tibet.
- Princess Bhrikuti brought an image of Aksobhya Buddha and built Ramoche Temple, where the statue was placed. Tibetans honor her as “Belsa” (Nepalese wife) or “Tritsun” (Royal Lady).
- Princess Wencheng carried an image of Sakyamuni Buddha as a young prince, which was placed in Trulnang Temple (now known as Jokhang Temple). Tibetans refer to her as “Gyalsa” (Chinese wife).
Tibetan Refugees in Nepal
Because of Nepal and Tibet’s historical friendship, the Government of Nepal granted political refugee status to Tibetans who fled their homeland under difficult circumstances.
Despite its small size and limited resources, Nepal has supported Tibetan refugees for over 50 years. The Tibetan people remain deeply grateful to the Nepalese government and its people for their hospitality and kindness during this difficult time.
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Tibetan Refugee Settlements in Nepal
Providing Aid to Tibetan Refugees
In May 1960, Nepal sought help from the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) and other humanitarian organizations to support Tibetan refugees fleeing into the country.
Emergency Relief and Support
The ICRC launched emergency relief programs, with most of the funding coming from the United States Agency for International Development (USAID). To manage the growing refugee crisis, the Tibetan government-in-exile established the Kathmandu Tibetan Welfare Office, a branch of the Tibetan Ministry of Home Affairs.
This office served as a liaison between Tibetan refugees, international aid organizations, and the Nepalese government. Today, it is still active and is also known as the Office of Tibet.
Formation of Tibetan Settlements in Nepal
In the early 1960s, the Government of Nepal allocated land for Tibetan refugees. Four “temporary” settlements were created:
- Chialsa – Located in the Solu Khumbu mountain region, east of Kathmandu.
- Tashi Palkhiel – Situated near Pokhara.
- Dhorpatan – Established in western Nepal.
- Jawalakhel – Positioned on the southern edge of Kathmandu.
The Nepal Red Cross (NRC), founded in 1963, purchased the land for these settlements with funding from the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR).
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Today, more than a dozen settlements of Tibetan Refugees in Nepal still remain including:
- Jawalakhel, Boudha, Swayambunath, and Jorpati in the vicinity of Kathmandu;
- Tashi Palkhiel, Tashi-Ling, Paljorling & Jampaling in the Pokhara region; and
- Dhorpatan, Chialsa, Chairok, Shabrus and Lumbini in the northern regions of Nepal.
The majority of these were established either in the early to mid-1960s or in 1974 when the Nepalese government terminated the Mustang guerilla operation.
These camps have evolved into well-built settlements, each with a gompa (Buddhist monastery), chorten (stupa), school and health clinic and Tibetan have become a visible minority in the city.
Tibetan Refugee Settlements in Nepal
Tashi Palkhel (Established 1962)
Tashi Palkhel is located in the northern suburbs of Pokhara. This settlement is home to around 250 to 300 Tibetans.
The main source of income for residents comes from selling souvenirs and running restaurants. The community has:
* Schools
* A modern dispensary
* A branch of the Tibetan Traditional Medical Center
* A Buddhist monastery
Tashi-Ling (Established 1964)
Tashi-Ling is located on the southern side of Pokhara. It was originally set up by the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) as a temporary camp.
At its peak in 1964, 1,000 Tibetans lived here. Today, the number has declined to approximately 200 to 250 as many have migrated to Europe, Canada, and the United States.
The community earns a living through:
* Souvenir businesses and restaurants
* A carpet showroom, providing jobs and income
Facilities in Tashi-Ling include:
* Schools
* A modern dispensary
* A Tibetan Traditional Medical Center
* A small monastery
Paljorling (Established 1972)
Paljorling was originally built to rehabilitate Tibetan refugees from the Mustang guerrilla force. Today, it is home to Tibetans from various backgrounds.
Located in the heart of Pokhara, it is the smallest settlement in terms of land area. Around 150 Tibetans live here.
Jampaling (Established 1975)
Jampaling is one of the two main settlements created for Tibetans from the Mustang guerrilla force. It is located an hour east of Pokhara, along the road to Kathmandu.
Facilities in Jampaling include:
* A monastery
* A school
* A dispensary
* An elderly care home
The current population is about 250 Tibetans.
Tibetan Refugees in Nepal
The total number of Tibetan refugees in Nepal has changed over time. In 1959, around 20,000 Tibetans arrived during the initial conflict. More came in later years, but many later emigrated to other countries.
According to a 2009 demographic survey conducted by the Central Tibetan Administration (Dharamsala), the Tibetan refugee population in Nepal is estimated at 13,500.
Discover the Story of Tibetan Refugees in Nepal
Are you curious about the history and culture of Tibetan refugees in Nepal?
At Tibetan Encounter Day Tours, we offer a unique and immersive experience where you can learn about Tibetan life—both in the past and today.
Why Choose Our Tibetan Cultural Tour?
✅ Small group tours – Enjoy a personalized experience
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✅ Expert local guide – Thupten shares deep knowledge and real stories
✅ Authentic insights – Learn how Tibetans have preserved their culture in exile
Join us for a meaningful and unforgettable journey into the heart of Tibetan culture in Nepal.
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