About Tibet House
Tibet House is India's foremost institution for the preservation and promotion of Tibetan Buddhist culture — founded in 1965 in New Delhi by His Holiness the Dalai Lama with the specific mission of keeping the living heritage of Tibet alive in the world. Situated in a five-floor building on Lodi Road, Tibet House combines a museum, a library of over 5,000 volumes, academic programs, cultural events, and the celebrated Nalanda Institute — all in the heart of the Indian capital.
The museum houses one of Delhi's finest collections of Tibetan sacred art — thangkas, ritual objects, textiles, sculpture, and historical documents. The library is among the most comprehensive collections of Tibetan Buddhist texts and scholarship in India, drawing students and researchers from around the world. Together they function as a living archive of a civilization that, in its homeland, has faced existential threat.
The Nalanda Institute — named after the great ancient Buddhist university — is Tibet House's academic arm, offering structured courses in Tibetan Buddhist philosophy, language, and culture accessible to beginners through doctoral-level scholars. The institute is named in conscious homage to the ideal of Nalanda: the integration of wisdom, compassion, and learning as inseparable.
Nalanda Institute — Study Programs
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Introductory Course
A 7-week foundational program in Tibetan Buddhist philosophy and culture — covering the Four Noble Truths, karma, dependent origination, and the Bodhisattva path. Open to complete beginners. No prior knowledge required.
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Certificate Program
A one-year structured program in Buddhist philosophy and Tibetan language — building on the introductory course. Covers Madhyamaka, Pramana (logic), Abhidharma, and classical text reading.
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Diploma Program
A two-year advanced program — covering the full span of classical Tibetan Buddhist curriculum including Vinaya, Prajnaparamita, and Tantra. Includes practicum and Tibetan language at reading level.
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Masters Program
A comprehensive 5-year Masters in Buddhist Studies — the most rigorous academic Buddhist education available in Delhi. Accredited and recognized for serious scholars seeking deep training in the Nalanda tradition.
Tibet House also offers an ongoing Tibetan Language Course (currently in its 31st batch) — covering reading, writing, and conversational Tibetan, open to students of all levels.
Museum & Library
✓Museum of Tibetan sacred art and artefacts
✓Library — over 5,000 volumes of Tibetan Buddhist texts
✓Rare thangka paintings and ritual objects
✓Tibetan historical documents and manuscripts
✓Research archive for scholars and students
✓Cultural events and exhibitions year-round
✓Guest lectures by visiting teachers and scholars
✓Public meditation and Buddhist philosophy programs
Reviews
I enrolled in the Nalanda Institute's Certificate Program and it is genuinely transformative — the quality of teaching is extraordinary, and the library gives access to texts you cannot find anywhere else in Delhi. Geshe Dorji Damdul and the other faculty teach with both scholarly depth and genuine warmth. For anyone in Delhi who wants serious Buddhist study, Tibet House is unmissable.
✓ Nalanda Institute Certificate Program, 2025
The Tibetan Language Course at Tibet House is superb — structured, patient, and taught by excellent native-speaker teachers. I am now in my second year and can read classical texts with some guidance. The museum is also worth multiple visits — each time I notice something new. Tibet House is a real treasure in the heart of Delhi.
✓ Tibetan Language Course, 2025-2026
The 7-week introductory course was the most intellectually satisfying thing I have done in Delhi. I came knowing almost nothing about Buddhism; I left with a solid grounding in philosophy that has changed how I think about everything. The teachers take questions seriously and give generous, considered answers. Highly recommend to anyone curious about the Dharma.
✓ Introductory Course, Oct–Nov 2025
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need prior knowledge to join the Introductory Course?+
No — the 7-week introductory program is designed for complete beginners. No prior Buddhist study or Tibetan language knowledge is required. The course covers fundamental Buddhist philosophy in clear, accessible language and is the recommended entry point for all new students at Tibet House.
Can I visit just the museum without enrolling in courses?+
Yes — Tibet House's museum and library are open to the public during regular office hours (Monday–Saturday, 9:30am–5:30pm). A modest entry fee applies for the museum. The library is accessible to students enrolled in programs, and to accredited researchers by arrangement.
Is the 5-year Masters program accredited?+
The Nalanda Institute Masters program is the most comprehensive Buddhist Studies program available in Delhi and is recognized within the Tibetan Buddhist scholarly world. Check tibethouse.in for current accreditation status and whether credits are transferable to partner academic institutions.
Does Tibet House offer residential accommodation?+
Tibet House does not offer residential accommodation on-site. Delhi has abundant accommodation options near Lodi Road — from budget guesthouses to international hotels. The India International Centre nearby has accommodation for cultural travelers. Contact Tibet House for recommended nearby options.
