Center for traditional Tibetan Medicine in Jharkot

Many people in the Himalayas still believe in traditional Tibetan healing methods. Jharkot is a small village at 3600 m elevation, located on the trekking route around the Annapurna massif, not far from the religious centre of Muktinath. The monastery in Jharkot houses a small centre for Tibetan medicine where traditional methods are preserved and passed on to about 30 students by an Amchi (teacher) and two assistants.

The students get a basic education and are taught in the Tibetan, English and Nepali languages. Later, they have courses in Buddhist philosophy and a seven-year training in Tibetan medicine and herbology.

For some years, the medical centre was supported by the University of Agricultural Research in Vienna. From 2001 to 2006, Eco Himal and the Austrian Development Cooperation maintained the school. An annual budget of approx. € 20,000 covered operation of the school, boarding, food and clothes for the students and the furnishings.

Starting in 2007, Eco Himal will support the Centre for three years by financing scholarships to students of traditional Tibetan medicine and providing organisational assistance to the local community.

In this "Co-financing project", Eco Himal raises 20% of overall costs through donations, membership fees as well as proceeds from lectures and sales of books and CDs while the Austrian Development Cooperation pays for 80% of total project costs.

If you want to support scholarships for students of Tibetan medicine, click here: