In the early 1960s, Nepal welcomed a community of Tibetans who arrived seeking safety and new opportunities. International organizations, including the Red Cross and other aid agencies, helped establish emergency support programs. These programs were supported in part by international development agencies. To assist with coordination, the Tibetan administration set up the Kathmandu Tibetan Welfare Office, which acted as a liaison between the communities, aid organizations, and the Nepalese government. Today, the office continues to support Tibetan communities in Nepal.
Several Tibetan settlements were established in Nepal during this period, including four near Pokhara: Jampaling, Paljorling, Tashi Palkhel, and Tashiling. These settlements were developed with support from international organizations and local authorities. Over the decades, they have grown into vibrant communities, each with its own school, clinic, monastery, and unique cultural architecture. Tibetans have become a visible and integral part of Pokhara’s cultural landscape.
Jampaling: Established in 1975, this settlement is located about an hour east of Pokhara. Residents cultivate small plots of land with crops such as maize, rice, and vegetables. Many families also engage in traditional wool spinning. The settlement has a school, a dispensary, and a population of approximately 750.
Paljorling: Opened in 1972 in the heart of Pokhara, Paljorling is the smallest of the four settlements by land area. Residents run a small carpet factory and a noodle factory. About 600–700 people live here, representing a mix of different Tibetan communities.
Tashiling: Originally established as a temporary settlement in the 1960s, Tashiling is located on the south side of Pokhara. The community operates a co-operative for souvenirs and a carpet factory. The settlement has schools, a modern dispensary, a small monastery, and around 523 residents. Visitors are welcome to attend daily prayers in the monastery.
Tashi Palkhel: Established in 1962 in the northern suburbs of Pokhara, this settlement has approximately 976 residents. The community generates income through wool spinning, carpet production, and souvenir sales. Facilities include schools, a modern dispensary, a traditional medical center, and a large monastery where visitors can attend afternoon prayers.
According to surveys conducted by the Central Tibetan Administration in 2009, the Tibetan community in Nepal is estimated to number around 13,500. These settlements remain important cultural and social hubs for Tibetan heritage in the country.