Phapa Cengreshi Thangka Painting School, Kathmandu

The Phapa Cengreshi Thangka Painting School in Kathmandu, located on Jayatha Tole, is a unique educational and cultural institution where visitors can observe the intricate process of thangka painting firsthand. Thangka paintings are traditional Tibetan Buddhist art forms that consist of a picture panel, which may be either painted or embroidered. These panels are then meticulously mounted on a textile backing and adorned with a silk cover, making them both durable and portable.

Historically, thangka paintings were developed to meet the needs of traveling monks who required easily transportable religious icons to aid in their meditations and teachings during their journeys. This mobility and the spiritual significance of the thangkas made them an essential part of monastic life.

In contemporary times, while still holding religious and cultural importance, thangkas have also become sought-after handicraft items among tourists. At the Phapa Cengreshi Thangka Painting School, the preservation of this ancient art form is emphasized, alongside the opportunity for visitors to experience this unique cultural heritage in an interactive setting.