Conserving The
HIGH DESERT
The Namgyal Institute For Research On Ladakhi Art and Culture (NIRLAC) is a dedicated trust committed to the research, development, and preservation of the vibrant culture of Ladakh, India.
A Legacy of
PRESERVATION
Founded in 1985, NIRLAC emerged from a vital need to safeguard the unique cultural identity of Ladakh. Nestled in the Himalayan region of Jammu and Kashmir, Ladakh's heritage is as fragile as it is magnificent.
The Mission
Our primary aim is the comprehensive conservation of this rich heritage through integrated programs that bridge the gap between ancient wisdom and modern preservation techniques.
Rani Parvati Devi (Deskit Wangmo)
Founder of NIRLAC • Cultural Visionary • Public Leader
A pioneering force in the preservation of Ladakh's cultural identity, Rani Parvati Devi (Deskit Wangmo) laid the foundation of NIRLAC in 1985 with a vision to safeguard the region's architectural, artistic, and living heritage.
Her leadership bridged governance, culture, and community, establishing one of the most respected heritage conservation institutions in the trans-Himalayan region.
Our Team
Karma Konchok Namgyal
Guiding NIRLAC through decades of growth, steering conservation outcomes at Basgo, Sumda Chun, and Stakna that earned UNESCO recognition.
karma.namgyal@nirlac.org
Divye Trivedi
Manages institutional partnerships, donor relations, and programme coordination, serving as the primary point of contact for collaborations.
divye.trivedi@nirlac.org
Karan Sharma
Karan Sharma is an architect interested in Himalayan natural and cultural heritage, currently leading built heritage and architectural projects at NIRLAC.
karansharma@nirlac.orgCore Pillars OF FOCUS
Documentation Centre
Establishing a comprehensive database on architecture, performing arts, crafts, and folk traditions.
Cultural Dynamics
Studying settlements at a micro-level to improve the quality of life for local communities through heritage.
Active Conservation
Undertaking hands-on physical restoration projects for the region's most at-risk monuments.
Knowledge & Awareness
A robust publication program to highlight critical areas of concern and celebrate Ladakhi identity.
Scholarly Support
Providing resources and logistical assistance to researchers exploring Himalayan history and art.
Eco-Tourism
Promoting sustainable travel that respects the local environment and supports the community.
Research & Specialist Network
Conservation Specialists
Hands-on Restoration
Field Researchers
Ethnographic Documentation
Structural Engineers
Seismic Retrofitting
Oral History Experts
Folk Tradition Archive
Excellence in
CONSERVATION
UNESCO Asia Pacific Heritage Award (2007)
Award of Excellence
For the Maitreya Temples, Basgo. (Jointly received with Basgo Welfare Committee).
UNESCO Asia Pacific Heritage Award
Conservation Recognition
For cultural heritage conservation at Shey Dorjey Chenmo.
Travel and Leisure Global Vision Award (2012)
Conservation Leader
Recognized for the preservation and restoration of the Sumda Chun Gompa.
Institutional Credentials
NIRLAC is an officially registered non-profit organization (Trust) listed on the **NGO Darpan** portal by NITI Aayog, Government of India. We are fully compliant with **CSR Registration** and hold **12A & 80G** tax-exempt certifications (Form 10AB).
DL/2025/0674737
CSR00108378
Approved (Form 10AB)
Active