Located just a few kilometres southeast of Leh, the quiet town of Choglamsar might seem like a typical Ladakhi settlement at first glance. But step into one of its modest workshops, and you’ll discover a world where ancient stories come alive—not on canvas, but on intricately painted wooden tables. These aren’t just pieces of furniture; they Junare testaments to a centuries-old tradition passed down through generations of artisans.
Choglamsar is more than a suburb of Leh—it is a cultural heartbeat, a confluence of Tibetan and Ladakhi traditions. It is home to one of the largest Tibetan refugee settlements in the region, and this has greatly influenced its artistic identity. Here, in sunlit courtyards and small ateliers, artisans specialise in Tibetan-style wood painting, often adorning tables, boxes, chests, and cabinets with sacred motifs, dragons, lotuses, and auspicious symbols.