Lhamo's journey across the Himalayas by night, to a new life in Australia

Lhamo was heavily pregnant with her daughter Tenzin Nagi when she escaped across the Himalayas, moving only at night with her husband and other refugees. 28 years later they live in regional Victoria, with Tenzin grown up and working as a nurse. She helps her mother share their journey in this episode of New Home.

Tibetan Refugees Lhamo and Tenzin Nagi Source: Tenzin Nagi

Since the late 1950s many thousands of Tibetan people have fled their homeland to escape violence and increasing Chinese control, and to join their spiritual leader, His Holiness the Dalai Lama.

Almost 30 years ago, Lhamo and her husband undertook the dangerous night-time journey across the Himalayas to Nepal, and then on to India. 

Now happily settled in Australia, Lhamo and her daughter Tenzin Nagi retell their dramatic story and reflect on some of the difficult choices they had to make along the way.

LISTEN TO

Lhamo's journey across the Himalayas by night, to a new life in Australia

SBS Audio

27:05English

On the SBS podcast New Home, hear from migrant and refugee women who are quietly building new lives in regional Australia, making friends, and finding community.

Follow New Home in the SBS Radio app, Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, or wherever else you get your podcasts.

New Home is produced by Alison Hanly and Ginny Tan.

Presented by Alison Hanly.