Dholanji: Tibetan Settlement, located in Sirmaur district of Himachal Pradesh, is the first and only settlement in India established exclusively for Tibetan Bonpos—followers of the indigenous religion of Tibet. The idea of creating a settlement for this minority community was initiated by the spiritual heads of various Bonpo sects living in exile in India. With initial funding from the Catholic Relief Service and the tireless efforts of His Excellency Lopon Tenzin Namdak—supported by an American friend—the land for the settlement was purchased and later registered under the Tibetan Bonpo Foundation Society.

Established in the late 1960s with approximately 93 households, the settlement today continues to uphold the Bonpo cultural and spiritual legacy. Its centerpiece is the re-established Menri Monastery, originally founded in Tibet in 1405 AD by first Menri abbot, Nyamed Sherab Gyaltsen. Recognized as the fourth oldest continuously running monastery in the world, Menri was re-founded in Dholanji in 1967 by the Bon spiritual leaders under the leadership of the 33rd Menri Trizin, Lungtok Tenpai Nyima.

Over the years, Dholanji has developed into a vibrant and culturally rich community. While the older generation pioneered the sweater-selling trade among Tibetan refugees in India, the younger generation—now largely educated—has branched into various professions or migrated to urban centers and abroad. Agriculture remains an important occupation for residents who continue to live in the settlement.

The settlement has more than 720 Bighas, is nestled in the hilly terrain of Himachal Pradesh, approximately 20 kilometers from Solan city, at an altitude of around 1,500 meters above sea level. The settlement enjoys a pleasant climate for most of the year, with winter temperatures dipping slightly below 0°C and summer highs reaching up to 38°C. The region receives an average annual rainfall of around 45 inches.

• Nearest Town/City: Solan – 15 km
• Road Access: Well-connected by road with regular bus and taxi services from Solan and nearby areas

Traditionally, most residents engaged in the seasonal sweater-selling business, a trade pioneered by this very community. Presently, agriculture is a key livelihood source. Families cultivate crops such as tomatoes, onions, potatoes, garlic, peas, lettuce, and zucchini. Common fruits include pomegranate and pear, with smaller quantities of plum, apple, and peach also grown.

With improved education, many of the younger generation have pursued careers in urban centers or abroad, while a portion of the community still depends on farming and local trade.

Dholanji Settlement hosts various institutions that serve its spiritual, educational, healthcare, and social needs:

1. Tibetan Bonpo Settlement Office, Bonshi
2. Local Tibetan Assembly Hall
3. Community Hall
4. Primary Health Care Centre
5. BRDL office
6. Yungdrung Bon Monastic Center
7. Menri Monastery
8. Bon Tantric Monastery
9. Bon Dialectic School
10. Bon Library and Archive
11. Sorig Bomshi Tibetan Medical College
12. Redna Menriling Nunnery
13. Stupa Temple
14. Guest House for Visitors and Pilgrims
15. Bon Children welfare Center
16. Sambhota Tibetan School, Dholanji (UKG to Class XII with boarding for Himalayan students)
17. Staff Quarter
18. Bon Children Home

The settlement is administered by the Tibetan Bonpo Foundation Society, under the guidance of the Tibetan Bonpo Settlement Office. The office ensures community governance, welfare, and coordination with local authorities, in alignment with the broader aims of the Central Tibetan Administration (CTA) to preserve and promote Tibetan heritage.