Founder’s Journey: From Monastery to Marketplace
👶 Origins in the Himalayas
Born in 1977 in the serene village of Stakmo, Ladakh, my journey began amidst the majestic landscapes and rich cultural heritage of the Himalayas. These early years instilled in me a deep sense of community, spirituality, and purpose.
🧘♂️ Monastic Education & Philosophical Training
• 1986–1989: Joined Thiksey Monastery as a monk, embracing a life of discipline and spiritual learning.
• 1989–1996: Attended Sera Jey Secondary School, Karnataka—a center of excellence in Buddhist education.
• 1996–2010: Engaged in the Debate Class at Sera Jey Monastic University, refining skills in logic, philosophy, and dialectics through rigorous training.
🛠️ Acts of Service & Global Volunteering
• 2011–2012: Contributed to the renovation of the Sera Jey Monastery Guest House in Delhi, blending spiritual service with practical action.
• 2013–2018: Volunteered across Switzerland 🇨🇭, supporting cooperatives and social initiatives such as Werkhof Basel, fostering intercultural collaboration and sustainable development.
🍲 Cultural Entrepreneurship in Europe
• 2019–Present: Founded Ladakh Momo & More in Basel, Switzerland 🇨🇭, a culinary and cultural bridge between Ladakh and Europe. The venture celebrates Himalayan flavors while promoting community engagement and cultural storytelling.
🏞️ Vision for the Future: Ladakh Himalayan Bazaar
• 2025: Acquired 10 Kanal of land in Ladakh to establish the Ladakh Himalayan Bazaar—a visionary hub for artisans, farmers, and cultural ambassadors. This project aims to empower local communities, preserve Himalayan traditions, and create sustainable livelihoods.
💡 My Mission
To weave together the threads of spiritual wisdom, social service, and entrepreneurial innovation—creating spaces where culture thrives, communities connect, and traditions evolve.
Overview of Ladakh Himalayan Bazaar & Ladakh Momo
What it is
- Ladakh Himalayan Bazaar is a visionary cultural and entrepreneurial hub founded by a Ladakhi monk-turned-social innovator.
- It brings together Himalayan heritage, sustainable enterprise, and global community engagement.
- Ladakh Momo & More is a food and culture initiative based in Basel, Switzerland 🇨🇭, offering authentic Ladakhi cuisine and storytelling.
- Bazaar Location (2025): 10 Kanal land in Ladakh, India — dedicated to crafts, food, and cultural exchange.
Facilities & features
Ladakh Momo & More (Basel):
- Serves traditional Ladakhi dishes like momos, thukpa, and butter tea.
- Offers cultural pop-ups, storytelling evenings, and community meals.
- Ladakh Himalayan Bazaar (Ladakh):
- Planned facilities include artisan stalls, food courts, event spaces, and eco-tourism info points.
- Will host seasonal markets, workshops, and cultural exhibitions.
- Designed to support local farmers, craftspeople, and youth entrepreneurs.
Use-cases
- As a food & culture hub (Basel): Enjoy Himalayan flavors, learn about Ladakhi traditions, and connect with a global community.
- As a marketplace (Ladakh): Shop for handmade goods, organic produce, and regional specialties.
- As a cultural venue: Attend workshops, festivals, and collaborative events that celebrate Himalayan wisdom and innovation.
Tips & things to note
- Basel location is easily accessible and popular among locals and tourists seeking authentic Asian cuisine.
- Ladakh Bazaar will be a year-round destination with seasonal highlights — ideal for travelers, researchers, and cultural enthusiasts.
- Founder’s background includes monastic education, international volunteering, and grassroots social service — ensuring deep values and global vision.
- Community-driven: Both projects prioritize sustainability, inclusion, and empowerment.
Work Experience or Professional Journey
• Stiftung Blumenrain – Baslerstrasse 10, 4106 Therwil
• Denkstallsårl – Dornacherstrasse 192, CH-4053 Basel
• Tibetan Community in Switzerland & Liechtenstein (Basel Section) – Basel-Organise spiritual ascription for 3 years
• K5 Olla Común – Gundeldingerstrasse 161, CH-4053 Basel
• Basel hilft mit (BaHM) – Höhenweg 65, 4053 Basel
• ZurBleibe – Müllheimerstr. 157, 4057 Basel
• Kirchgemeinde Oberwil Therwil Ettingen – Therwil
• Wōrking Schaffe, aber anderscht – Zeitarbeit & Community, Basel
• Verein Soup & Chill – Solothurnerstrasse 8, 4053 Basel
• Gassenküche Basel – Lindenberg 21, 4058 Basel