About us

The Namgyal Institute For Research On Ladakhi Art and Culture (NIRLAC) is a trust established in 1985 to develop research and preserve the culture of Ladakh, India. Ladakh is located in the Himalayan region of the Jammu and Kashmir state of India.  The primary aim of NIRLAC is the conservation of Ladakh’s rich cultural heritage through various programmes to be undertaken by the Institute.

Our core areas of focus

  • Establishment of documents centre to provide a comprehensive data base on different facets of Ladakhi culture including architecture. Art, performing arts, crafts, folk traditions etc.
  • Understanding the cultural dynamics of settlements at micro level through detailed studies to enable us to work with local community in conserving their heritage by primarily improving their quality of life by undertaking specific projects for the purpose.
  • Undertaking specific projects for conservation of the regions cultural heritage
  • Establish a strong and viable publication and awareness programmes to highlight the rich cultural heritage of the region as well as identify critical areas of concern.
  • Providing assistance to serious scholars interested in researching the history,art and culture of the region.
Awards
  • UNESCO Asia Pacific Heritage Awards for cultural Heritage Conservation for our work in Shey Dorjey Chenmo in Ladakh   Award of Merit
  • UNESCO Asia Pacific Heritage Award for Cultural Heritage conservation for our work in Maitriya Temples Basgo Ladakh for which NIRLAC and Basgo Welfare Commitee recieved jointly the Award of Excellence which is the highest Award in this category for theyear  2007.
  • Travel and Leisure - Global Vision Award for Preservation 2012.  For work on the preservation and restoration of Sumda Chun Gompa.
Services
  • Nirlac supports eco tourism.
  • For any kind of donations in Ladakh region and requirements of any kind of logistic support kindly contact at info@nirlac.org.
  • Kindly contact for any home stay requirements.
Site photography by Erik Koto