An open online library of knowledge from the roof of the world

Explore the Library

The library has an innovative system to browse and refine search results which can be accessed via the search and tree icons in the upper right; the search filters will also automatically open up with search results.

Collections

Collections group together video, audio, photos, texts, and bibliographies by theme or topic.

Audio-Video

Experience more than 8,000 video and audio recordings of life in Tibet and the Himalayas.

Images

Enjoy images indexed by subject, places, or terms and described by captions.

Subjects

Explore structured topics on life, Land, and culture with rich multimedia associated content.

Places

Discover places past and present through a powerful place dictionary, maps, essays, images, and recordings.

Terms

Investigate Tibetan-language dictionary content with definitions, multimedia, pronunciation, and more.

Modern Texts

Read media-rich texts, including associated images, recordings, tables, and diagrams.

Bibliographies

Consult bibliographic citations on primary texts, reference works, scholarship, and translations concerning Tibet and the Himalayas.

Classical Literature

Delve into the world of Tibetan-language literature with its thousands of classics in philosophical, contemplative, narrative, and other genres.

Library Highlights

  • The Dragon Roars from the South

    Performed to impart auspiciousness for all those gathered, this cheerful folk song is often sung at weddings and other joyous gatherings.

  • Trashi Lhünpo

    Located in Shigatsé (TAR), this expansive complex is one of the four main monasteries of the Geluk tradition and has served as the seat of the Panchen Lama incarnations.

  • Drama

    Resources to understand how Bhutanese performers use body, speech, and song to communicate religion, history, and humor.

  • Painting murals at Pabongkha

    Central Tibetan artists finishing a mural depicting scenes from the life of Tsong Khapa (1357-1419). Photo by Alex Catanese.

  • A nomad cares for her herd

    Domesticated animals provide nourishment to nomadic communities, though their care requires near-constant effort. Photo by Drolmatso.

  • Tibetan Monastic Guidebooks

    These Tibetan-language books offer detailed studies of Tibetan monasteries from across the Tibetan plateau.

  • Samyé Monastery

    Considered to be the first Buddhist monastery in Tibet, Samyé was founded in the 7th century and is now occupied by a modern reconstruction.

  • Games and Sports

    Creative uses of strings, stones, and arrows are among the photos, videos, and texts documenting games and recreation in the Himalayan kingdom of Bhutan.

  • Sera Monastery

    This collection explores Sera Monastery, one of the three great monastic seats of the Geluk School of Tibetan Buddhism, located two miles north of Lhasa.

About THL

The Tibetan and Himalayan Library (THL) publishes texts, photographs, audio-video recordings, studies, and other resources relating to the Tibetan plateau and southern Himalayan regions. All content is open access and built collaboratively by people across the world who share a love for these Lands, peoples, and cultures.