Druk White Lotus School

Druk White Lotus School

The Druk White Lotus School, was started at the request of the people of Ladakh who wanted a school, based on the principles of Tibetan Buddhism that would equip their children for the 21st century while maintaining their rich cultural traditions.

View from the external parking lot

It was founded by the 12th Gyalwang Drukpa, the spiritual leader of Ladakh. The Druk Pema Karpo Educational Society manages the school with international financial support.

Central Courtyard

The masterplan and school buildings, designed by Arup and Ove Arup & Partners, combine local building techniques & materials with leading edge environmental designs to make them effective in the extreme Ladakhi climate.

Play area

The earthquake resistant buildings rely on principles of natural ventilation and appropriate orientation.

Class rooms

The Bollywood blockbuster “3 Idiots” has put this school on the domestic tourist map. Some parts of the movie were shot at this school (Rancho’s school in the movie).

Chatur Wall – this is where the kids gave a mild shock treatment to ‘Chatur’

Gompa

View from the Gompa backyard

Residential blocks have been provided to accommodate children from Ladakh’s remote areas. The school with the help of foreign aid ensures that the poor are not excluded from attending this unique school.

Shoes outside the residential blocks

The rooms have specially designed ventilators and trombe walls to minimize heating requirements.

Hostel Room