When I managed to visit Norbulingka Institute in 2011 I was unhappy that I had missed visiting this center of Tibetan culture in 1973. I found out later that Norbulingka Institute was founded in 1988. I didn’t feel so bad then. (What sort of lesson is that?)

This is worth the trip from McLeod Ganj. Norbulingka Institute is a quiet refuge where Tibetan art and culture are preserved and where it is possible to see people at work producing traditional crafts.

Details on Norbulingka Institute are readily available on the internet. I’ll let these pictures describe some of the highlights for me. The only anecdote I will share from my visit is the fact that this is the only place I have seen where the spinning direction of prayer wheels is noted. This way,  those unfamiliar with the practice do not inadvertently subtract prayers with their spinning.

Tibetan colors

Traditional crafts

Thangka painting

Tibet in miniature 1

Tibet in miniature 2

Water driven prayer wheel

Seat of Happiness Temple

Seat of Happiness Temple and mountains