The Trans-Himalayan Herbal Garden, maintained by the National Institute of Sowa Rigpa (NISR) in Leh, sits at an elevation of ~3,524 m (11,562 ft) and spans roughly 210 kanals (~10 ha) near Igoo Phey

• In-situ conservation of endangered high-altitude medicinal species
• Developing agro-techniques for mass propagation under extreme conditions
• Knowledge transfer, via farmer/entrepreneur training programs to sustain heritage

• Hosts ~110 species of medicinal, aromatic shrubs and trees native to Ladakh’s cold desert belt
Key species include:
• Podophyllum hexandrum, Saussurea lappa, Inula racemosa
• Hippophae rhamnoides, Aconitum heterophyllum, Dactylorhiza hatagirea, Ephedra gerardiana, Arnebia euchroma, Rhodiola spp., Lycium spp., etc.

• Single-layer greenhouses (polycarbonate) for seedlings/cuttings
• Triple-layer greenhouses (better insulation & ventilation).
• Underground trench greenhouses -such units offer temperature control year-round

Research & Publications

A core set of publications from NISR documents rare and endangered high-altitude medicinal species:

• Ethno-botanical Studies and Survey of Rare and Endangered Medicinal Plants of Chang La and Taglang La Region (17,600 ft) of UT Ladakh. Published in Asian Journal of Agricultural and Horticultural Research, this paper by Sonam Dawa et al. details field surveys at mountain passes, highlighting plant diversity, usage, and conservation status
• Survey and Ethnobotanical Study of Medicinal Plants of Singay Lalok Region of Leh (UT Ladakh).Featured in Asian Journal of Research in Botany by Sonam Dawa et al., this work explores traditional medicinal uses of plants in Leh villages, serving as a documentation resource
• Medicinal Plants Biodiversity of Some Selected Villages of Zanskar Valley (Ladakh Region).Published in International Journal of Current Microbiology and Applied Sciences, this paper by Tsering Lamo et al. records regional biodiversity and Sowa Rigpa usage

Focused on propagation of high-altitude species under controlled conditions:

• Agro technique of Critically Endangered and Commercially Viable Medicinal Plant Inula racemosa Hook.f. in Cold Desert Region of Ladakh, India. In Journal of Medicinal Plants Studies (2019), Tsewang Rinchen et al. describe greenhouse and trench cultivation methods to propagate Inula racemosa.
• Cultivation Studies of Verbascum thapsus L., the Great Mullein in Trans-Himalayan Ladakh.Appearing in International Journal of Current Microbiology and Applied Sciences, this study (Phuntsog Dolkar et al.) covers methodologies for successful mullein cultivation

• Studies on Pollen Performance in Some Endangered Medicinal and Aromatic Plants of Cold Desert Ladakh. Published in Environment Conservation Journal (2024), authored by Kunzang Lamo, Padma Gurmet, and Tsewang Rinchen, this research measured pollen viability (82–91%) across seven medicinal species. Findings show strong reproductive potential for species like Inula racemosa and Ephedra gerardiana, supporting conservation and hybridization efforts at NISR’s herbal garden

• Polystichum lachenense from Leh, Union Territory of Ladakh, India. 40(2), 176–181. Published in Indian Fern Journal, (2023), authored by Tsewng Rinchen et al., this research found that fern was found growing in association with Cystopteris dickieana R. Simand other high-altitude angiosperms at an altitude of 4855 meter above mean sea level (m amsl). The finding contributes to the growing floristic knowledge of Ladakh and emphasizes the ecological significance of conserving fragile alpine fern habitats.

• ‘Ethnomedicinal plants of Sapi valley of Ladakh and its uses in Traditional Sowa-Rigpa System of medicine’ — a three-year survey in Kargil’s Sapi valley was completed, with draft prepared, reviewed, and sent for publication in IJTK (under review).
• Propagation techniques of Lycium ruthenicum, a sustainable and economically viable medicinal plant in Ladakh — three-year germination trials, fruit analysis, and hygrometer data processed in SPSS, followed by manuscript preparation.
• Exploration of cultivation and significance of Lycium ruthenicum and Lycium barbarum in cold arid Ladakh, Trans-Himalayan region — quantitative data gathered and draft prepared.
• Cultivation of endangered keystone desert-tolerant species Populus euphartica (desert poplar) via cuttings in cold desert Ladakh — data collection ongoing.
• Effect of seed priming treatments on germination, growth, and yield of Carum carvi — data under process.
• Cultivation methods of Salvia rosamarinus using cuttings propagation in Ladakh — work in progress.
• Seed germination trials to assess viability of medicinal plants under different conditions at the herbal garden (Achillea millifolium, Rheum spp, Inula racemosa, Dolomea costus, etc.).
• Evaluation of organic inputs in Rhodiola species — under study.
• Evaluation of propagation techniques in Juniper species of Ladakh — under process.
• Studies on ethnobotany of Juniper from the trans-Himalayan Ladakh region.
• Evaluation of propagation techniques in Meconopsis aculeata, the state flower of UT Ladakh — ongoing studies.
• Studies on status and conservation of medicinal plants from trans-Himalayan Ladakh region — in progress.
• Gene banking, germplasm collection, and ex-situ conservation through pictorial plant guides, quality germplasm production, and agro-technique development — continuing efforts.

• Rural livelihoods and regional economy: Medicinal plant cultivation is emerging as a core strategy for income.

• Launched by NISR under the Ministry of AYUSH; supported by NMPB and UT Ladakh administration.
• Workshops and policy dialogues with stakeholders including State Medicinal Plant Board, DIHAR, SKUAST, and CAZRI — highlighting cultivation practices and market dynamics.
• Community drives: Earth Day plantation of native species such as Lycium ruthenicum and Salix sp, “Swachh Bharat” campaigns with senior AYUSH officials, and “Ek Ped Ma Ke Nam” initiative.

• Standardizing propagation, ensuring genetic fidelity, and maintaining elite seed supply.
• Balancing commercial cultivation with biodiversity conservation and fair benefit-sharing.
• Scaling up through institutional linkages with forestry, CSIR IIIM, SKUAST, Himalayan institutes, and establishing Ladakh’s own medicinal plant board/AYUSH framework.
• Market demand forecasts for wellness, cosmetics, pharmaceuticals, and aromatherapy products.

• A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with CSIR IIIM Jammu enhances joint R&D on cultivating Trans Himalayan plants, isolating bioactive compounds, and standardizing medicinal formulations for Sowa Rigpa.

The Trans Himalayan Herbal Garden in Ladakh stands as a pioneering living repository for alpine medicinal species, combining conservation, agro innovation, community knowledge transfer, and research. It aligns with global goals around biocultural diversity, climate resilience, and sustainable rural development. Continued support is essential to expand its reach, deepen scientific understanding, and integrate traditional wisdom into a vibrant bioeconomy.