In1959, when Tibet was invaded by China, many Tibetans fled to neighboring countries like India, Bhutan, Sikkim and Nepal. A sizeable number, about 20,000 took refuge in various parts of Nepal, from Ilam and Taplejung in the east to jumla and Humla in the far west. Many settled down in Kathmandu and Lalitpur. They brought with them a unique culture and diverse skills such as as carpet weaving, which went on to become one of Nepal’s top exports. Tibetan carpets were much sought after all over the world. The wool used was from sheep coming from different parts of Tibet. Tibetan wool is known to get better with age. The designs were exotic and most are symbolic in nature, with strong contrasting colors like red, yellow, blue, and gold, making them arresting to the eye.
Besides these fine carpets, the refugees also brought into the country their mystic culture, one that many are trying today to preserve and propagate more strongly than ever. Much of their efforts are based within the dozen or so refugee settlement around the country, which at present have around 13,500 residents. Four such settlements are located in and around Pokhara, including Tashi-Palkhle, Tashiling, Paljorling, and Jampaling which have all evolved into well developed communities with their own schools, Tibetan style houses, doctor’s clinic, pharmacies, traditional Tibetan medicine dispensaries, and of course, gompas (monasteries) and chortens (stupas).
