Highest Quality Thangka Art has been our Family Tradition since Generations
About Us
Himalayan Arts Gallery (Himalayan Arts Gallery Pvt.Ltd) is a family-owned business that has been preserving and promoting the arts and culture of Thangka paintings. The skill of painting Thangkas has been passed down from generations and has evolved over time. However, the quality and authenticity of the arts/Thangkas, the most important aspect of Thangka paintings, has been meticulously retained.
Bijay Lama Moktan, the eldest son, manages the gallery, while his parents, both artists, oversee the workshop with more than 20 skilled artists. The gallery is located at 270 Ashok galli, Jyatha-29, Thamel, one of the most popular tourist hubs in Kathmandu. Whenever you visit Thamel, we would be delighted to welcome you with a cup of Nepali tea and share our treasures and savoir-faire :) .
Buddhi Man Tamang, a well-known and dedicated master, has been painting Thangka since 1975. He is popularly known as Kaji among friends and family. His amazing creations can be found on this website. In addition to painting Thangkas, he has taught Thangka painting to numerous students, both national and international. He also conducts free Thangka classes to those who truly admire the art and come from financially deprived communities. For him, Thangka painting is not only an image on the canvas, but a sacred art that carries the glorious pride and history, philosophies of Buddhism, and the connectedness of the Buddhist people and tradition.
Bijay(BJ), an artist and the owner of a 'Himalayan Arts Gallery' located at Ashok Galli, Jyatha-29, Thamel, Kathmandu, has been in this business since 2000. He has collaborated with various national and international artists for workshops in Kathmandu. His art (also a family creation) is not limited to Nepal. He has been promoting locally created art in the global arena through international art and handicraft exhibitions. To achieve this, he has visited Australia, Bhutan, China, France, Germany, India, Indonesia, Italy, Korea, Portugal, Spain, Switzerland, Thailand, the UK, the USA , Vietnam and continues to explore new markets. BJ loves creating unique pieces that blend modern and traditional Thangka painting styles. Together with his father and brother (a profession tattoo artist), he has crafted several original artworks for international buyers.
Nar Bahadur Lama, a well-known and dedicated master (senior artist), started painting in 1991. Although he has not received formal art training, he learned from his father, brothers, and uncles- a family full of Thangka artists- along with his dedication and passion. He has taught Thangka painting to numerous students, both national and international. Nar Bahadur has showcased his talent in various countries including Bhutan, China and India. He continues to paint Thangkas, leading a team of more than 40 Thankga artists under his guidance. He is also supported by his nephew, BJ (an artist and the owner of Himalayan Arts Gallery), in promoting his artworks in international markets.
Chandra (Syangten) Lama is a versatile artist who has been painting Thangka since 1992, starting at the age of 12. He has mastered various forms of art, including the Tibetan style of Thangka painting, Newari (Pauva) painting, wall painting, and fine arts. In addition to creating Thangkas and other artworks, he also teaches. He has instructed both national and international students and has travelled to Bhutan, China, India, Ireland, Malaysia, and the UK to showcase his talent and teach Thangka painting.
Bikram Lama, Director of the Himalayan Arts Gallery, is also a proficient artist. Inspired by his family of artists from a young age, and he grew up surrounded by art. Some of their collaborative work can be found in the custom design section. He has travelled across Australia, Europe, and Asia- including France, India, Italy, Switzerland, and Thailand- to promote Nepalese handicrafts, including Thangka paintings. His curiosity and passion for artistic innovation led him to explore tattoo art, in which he also has mastered his craft. He is associated with one of Nepal's renowned tattoo artists/studios. His magnificent artworks can be found on Instagram and at www.mohanstattooinn.com.