Welcome to Norzi Home

Norzi Home was born with the aim to be a bridge between Menshod community and the world. From the homestay in Karsa Village to the exploration of Dorphu Valley, guests find a door to a true local Tibetan experience. In the homestay our guests become part of our family, while the activities offer a way to know the semi-nomadic life of our community. 

My full name is Dhondup Drolma (དོན་འགྲུབ་སྒྲོལ་མ།),  and I was born in Karsa Village, Menshod Town. I spent my entire childhood here, living a semi-nomadic life amidst the beauty of nature and the warmth of a strong community.

After leaving home to study abroad, I earned a degree in English literature. During my time in college, I had the opportunity to explore folklore and literature, which sparked an idea: to research stories of people from my community and traditions. This soon became one of the driving forces to be back home.

For several years, I worked in big cities, all the while dreaming of returning to my roots. Despite the comforts of city life, nothing compares to being in the place where I grew up. Here, I can feel the stones beneath my feet, walk the familiar soil, see the mountains, listen to the sounds of the river streams, drink yak milk, eat tsampa, and stay truly connected to my community and my heritage.

My parents taught me to be kind and persistent. Following these teachings, I worked hard to make my dream a reality. In 2025, Norzi Home was born, allowing me to serve as a bridge between my Tibetan community and the world. With me, visitors have the chance to experience both farming life and nomadic life: a way of living where humans are deeply intertwined with animals and nature. Nothing is isolated; everything is interconnected. We live in close relationship with the land and the animals, sharing responsibility and care for all that surrounds us. 

The homestay in Karsa Village is the heart of the Norzi Home project. Recently established, it combines the warmth of Tibetan hospitality with an open, international spirit: we are local yet welcoming to the world.

Designed with sustainability in mind, the homestay is built using natural materials like wood and stone, honoring traditional Tibetan architecture. The structure showcases the beauty of these materials, with minimal treatment to preserve their natural integrity. We’ve prioritized the health and well-being of our guests, mostly using non-toxic materials, including locally sourced wood for the floors.

Our mission is not only to create a welcoming space but also to integrate with the local community: Menshod carpenters were the experts who built the guesthouse, while the materials were directly collected by more than 20 families from the village, many of whom came to help freely with their labor. The way this guesthouse was made truly represents our community spirit since the building of a house is a collective shared endeavor.

The homestay features five rooms, each with a private en-suite bathroom, and includes breakfast. Guests can enjoy a shared living space, designed to host cultural activities and welcome people’s creativity. The homestay kitchen also offers lunch and dinner on demand, with a menu that features Tibetan local cuisine, Chinese dishes, and international options. Our menu is ever-evolving: be ready for our culinary experiments!

In the warmer months, in the homestay’s yard, we’re excited to introduce a Black Yak tent café (currently under construction), adding a unique experience for guests to enjoy outdoor seating, and the natural surroundings.

We hope the homestay will not only serve as a place to stay but also as a space for guests to connect with the community and immerse themselves in a truly authentic Tibetan experience.

The community is at the heart of everything we do, and our mission is to share its unique culture with the world.

Here we view each other as part of a large family. Our interconnectedness is what makes us a strong, healthy, and harmonious community. There is an old Tibetan saying: མི་མང་ལག་ནི་གསེར། མི་མང་ཁ་ནི་ཐན། (mi mang lag ni gser), “The unity of hands is gold, while a group of mouths is evil”. It means that when people complain or gossip, it weakens the bonds of the community. But when we share each other’s burdens, we strengthen our collective success. This is the human background of Norzi Home.

Our place is located in the Valley of Tibetan Arts & Crafts, an area home to over 30 artisan centers where tradition and innovation blend seamlessly. This hub is a center for Tibetan culture, where ancient practices meet innovation and the energy of young and inspired minds.

Moreover, everyone here is deeply connected to the Dzongsar Monastery, one of the most significant places in Tibetan Buddhism. The monastery is the spiritual heart of the community, offering guidance to all. It teaches the philosophy of self-sacrifice for the happiness of others, which is central to our daily lives. 

Norzi Home is located at the foothills of the stunning Dorphu Valley, at an elevation of 3,600 meters. Set along the Medchuk River, which flows through the village, our place is surrounded by barley fields, conifer and juniper forests, and hills. 

The snow-capped peak of Dorgyal Munam towering above the valley is the gem of our landscape. This mountain holds deep spiritual significance for the local community. Guests at Norzi Home can immerse themselves in this environment, where nature and culture are intricately woven together.

We also plan to offer treks and activities in the beautiful Dorphu Valley, allowing guests to explore the surrounding wilderness, and experience the rhythm of local nomad life.