Pokhara’s Jampaling Tibetan Settlement

A Day Trip From Pokhara

With Tibet locked up tightly behind the borders of China, it is difficult for foreign travelers to get a taste of culture north of the Himalayas. Tours cost at minimum a thousand dollars, and even if you decide to splurge on joining a tour group, there is no guarantee that you could experience an authentic side of Tibet. For most adventurous travelers the only place where you could get a candid look at Tibet culture without paying out the nose would be to visit one of the Tibetan refugee camps in Nepal.

Although there are several Tibetan communities, the most off the beaten path place in Pokhara is located an hour outside of the city in a town called Dulegauda. From the Old Bus Station in Prithvi Chowk you can grab a bus to Dulegauda for 70 NPR (0.60 USD). After getting off on the highway, you will find the Jampaling Tibetan Refugee Settlement located on the other side of the Seti Khola River, nestled into the jungle.

What to read more about what to do in Dulegauda? Check out my complete guide here!

Jampaling Tibetan Refugee Camp

The Jampaling Tibetan Settlement was founded in 1975, nearly 25 years after the Peoples Republic of China gained control over Tibet. What makes this community different from the other refugee camps located around Pokhara is that it is inhabited primarily of Lodrik, Tibetan guerrilla fighters who engaged in military operations from Mustang into Tibet. Since the creation of the camp the population has dwindled down to around 750 people. But despite younger generations finding opportunities elsewhere, you will still find a lot to explore in the Jampaling Settlement.

Spread out across the valley you will find humble yet homey houses built close together in rows lining stone streets. Tibetan prayer flags and colorful stones welcome you as you walk into the village. Although it may seem like the Jampaling Refugee Camp is quite small, it is actually spread out into several different areas. You will find a  small market and restaurant off of the main road coming from Dulegauda, but the town is actually tucked into two different parts of either side of the street.

Jampaling is not the only refugee camp in Pokhara. You can check out Tashi Palkhel here!

Exploring the Settlement

Especially if it is raining, you will find hardly a soul in Jampaling Settlement. The rows and rows of houses seem to be boarded up shut, either due to families moving elsewhere in the country or to stay sheltered from the weather. One can not imagine that the village would be all that more lively, even if the sun decided to peak itself out from behind the dark storm clouds.

Even though you won’t have a lot of people to interact with and ask questions to about the village, you will have free reign of all of the stupas and temples scattered amongst the houses. Wandering through the neighborhoods is an adventure in itself because you will never know what Tibetan carvings, shrines, or statues lay hidden away behind the rows of colorful homes. The only two places where you could see a bit more of life in the Jampaling Tibetan Refugee Camp is at the one restaurant by the road and the elderly home tucked away in the heart of the village.

Can’t get enough of Tibetan culture? Check out Tashiling Tibetan Community in Pokhara!

Taklung Kagyu Buddhist Monastery

You will find that in the heart of practically every Tibetan Settlement in the world is a Buddhist monastery. Signifying the deep connection that Tibetan people have with their religion, these temples serve as not only a place of worship but also a community center, hosting many of the important events and festivals that take place throughout the year.

In the Jampaling Tibetan Community Taklung Kagyu Monastery is situated on the edge of the village surrounded by jungles and fields. There are several smaller temples sprinkled around the community but have been largely abandoned to feed into the newer monastery on the hill. While the rest of the settlement may seem a little dead, you will often see monks and their teachers wandering back and forth between the classrooms and the living quarters. Although Taklung Kagyu Monastery is not as ornate as some of the other Buddhist temples around Pokhara, it is still worth exploring while in Dulegauda.

Want to experience Buddhism in Pokhara? Check out my guide to all the best temples in Pokhara here!

Exploring the Jampaling Settlement

There are several villages throughout Pokhara where you can experience Buddhism and traditional Tibetan culture. While the ones throughout the city are beautiful in their own way, traveling to Jampaling Refugee Camp is an adventure in every sense of the word. Situated roughly 20km outside of Pokhara you will be leaving behind all of the commercialism and tourism of the city and experiencing a village and community largely untouched by the outside world.

Some ways to see Jampaling truly come alive with their traditions and culture is to visit during one of their festivals. The largest out of all of the holidays is Tibetan Lhosar, which lasts over a week and consists of prayers, dancing, and food. Even if you plan to make the trek to Dulegauda during any of the other times throughout the year, you are still sure to have a unique experience exploring this Tibetan village.