Discover Nepal

discover
MUSTANG, NEPAL
R U LDiscover
I E NMustang
ARIFIN 1
discover
MUSTANG, NEPAL
The traveler is always leaving town
He never has the tim e to turn around
And if the road he’s taken isn’t leading any where
He seem s to be com pletely unaware
The traveler is always leaving hom e

The only kind of life he’s ever known
When ever y m om ent seem s to be
A race against the tim e
There’s always one m ore m ountain left to c lim b
The traveler awaits the m orning tide

He doesn’t know what ’s on the other side
But som ething deep inside of him
Keeps telling him to go
He hasn’t found a reason to say no
The traveler is only passing through

He cannot understand your point of view
Abandoning reality, unsure of what he’ll find
The traveler in m e is c lose behind
A Ph otograph y Journey
Ph o t o : R ul i e N Ar i fi n
T e k s : T r i p p l e P G ur ung
2 Discover Mustang Discover Mustang 3

Prolog u e
There are few places left in the world where mystery still exists, where the Each year thousands of visitors come to Mustang to experience this culture
long arms of ‘civilization’ and globalization have not reached. On the northern and the multitude of peaks. Perhaps the greatest asset to the Land of Mustang
border of Nepal in the heart of the Himalayas and adjacent to the land of Tibet however is the endlessly hospitable and friendly people
lies such a place. This is a place where natural beauty, wildlife, history and culture
co-exist. This is the land of Mustang.

THE K IN G D O M O F M U S T A N G
Mustang District a part of Dhaulagiri Zone, is one of the seventy-five

districts of Nepal, a landlocked country of South Asia. The district, with
Jomsom as its headquarters, covers an area of 3,573 km² and has a population
(2001) of 14,981.
The district straddles the Himalayas and extends northward onto the
Tibetan plateau. Upper Mustang, the former Lo Kingdom comprises the
northern two-thirds of the district. This kingdom was a dependency of the
Kingdom of Nepal but was abolished by the republican Government of Nepal
on October 7, 2008.
In addition to trekking routes through the Lo Kingdom (“Upper Mustang”)

and along the Annapurna Circuit in lower Mustang, the district is famous for
the springs and village of Muktinath (a popular Hindu and Buddhist pilgrimage
site), apples, and Marpha brandy. Mustang was a lost kingdom of Tibet where
traditions may r emain more Tibetan than in T ibet proper following its
annexation by China.
The terrain is striking, a semi-arid desert with deep ravines and rock
shelves, flanked by snowy peaks. A highlight is the visit to Lo Manthang where
the King of Mustang reigns over his tiny kingdom and surveys a world still
culturally closer to the heartland of Tibet than to the markets and temples of
Kathmandu.
The Kingdom of Mustang preserves some of the last vestiges of

traditional Tibetan Buddhist culture. Situated on the b order of Nepal and
Tibet, it is open to only a few select trekking groups each season. The
trek follows established trails through substantial villages that once served
a thriving trade route between Nepal and Tibet. These whitewashed
settlements, set amid fields of barley and home to impressive chortens and
simple monasteries, reflect the abiding Buddhist culture.
Mustang district is known as the desert of Nepal, however, it is one of

the most beautiful districts. There are impressive mountains and there are lots
of trees and plants which make parts of the district green, and there are rivers,
small ponds and lakes. Animals found there include snow leopard, kasturi deer,
ghoral, wild boar etc., and birds like danphe, munal, kalij etc. There are lots of
colourful flowers found growing in this district. Many people are attracted to
visit by its natural beauty.
Not only nature makes this district attractive but also the many
interesting monasteries (gumba), clay-walled houses, its Tibetan culture.

In Mustang, religion permeates every part of the people’s lives. Their meals, ceremonies, day
10 Discover Mustang to day activities are all directed by their beliefs
DiscoverasMustang
are their views of life, sickness and death. 11
Suspension Bridge
(Tripple : information about why there is so many suspension bridge found at

Mustang. )

This river, called the Thak Kola in lower Mustang and the Tsang-po in Upper
Kali Gandhaki Mustang, is considered the most holy river in Nepal. It flows from the Tibetan
Plateau, cutting through the Himalaya and ends up flowing into the Ganges River of
Northern India.
The fact that it cuts through the mountains shows that it existed long before
the mountains and created the river valley as the mountains grew up around it. As
it flows between the Annapurna (8,091m) and Dhauligiri (8,167m) massifs the Kali
Gandeki forms the deepest river valley in the world.

T HE VIL L AG E I N M U S T A N G Four main cities/Village in Lower Mustang
Jomsom Kagbeni
Marpha Muktinath

JOMS O M The Windy Valley
As the district headquarters, it is primarily an administrative and commer-
Jomsom, also known as Dzongsam or New Fort, is a town located at an al- cial center with government officials and merchants rubbing shoulders with the
titude of 2800m in Mustang District, Nepal. It extends over both the banks of the local residents of the region, known as Thakalis. A company of the Nepalese Army
Kali Gandaki River. Along the banks of Kali Gandaki river there are rocks holy to the is stationed here. Nearby is Jomsom Airport from where there are regular flights.
Hindus. The soaring peaks of Dhaulagiri and Nilgiri form a backdrop.

JOMS OM Jomsom city view
J omsom, situated at an altitude of 2710m, lies in the Trans -Himalayan rain

shadow zone which causes a rather dry climate forming a desert - like landscape. It
falls in the popular Annapurna Circuit Trek route. The name Jomsom is originated
from the Tibetan word Dzong Sampa, which translates as “New Fort”.

The three-eyed king Thang Mig Chen of Thini village established the fort in
order to monitor movement of north-south trade. The fort and the town which
grew up around it, were both called Dzong Sampa. Jomsom has been district head-
quarters of Mustang since early 1970s and all government offices are located here.
This is a major town of Kali Gandaki valley (kind of extension of the lost im-
portance) during times of ancient Tibet - India salt trade which led through this
area. The inhabitants are mostly Thakali with Tibetan origins. The major economical
factors are agriculture, livestock, tourism and labor in foreign countries.

Jomsom Airport, a gate to
Mustang District
Jomsom has been district headquarters of Mustang since early 1970s and
all government offices are located here. This is a major town of Kali Gandaki val-
ley (kind of extension of the lost importance) during times of ancient Tibet - India
salt trade which led through this area. The inhabitants are mostly Thakali with
Tibetan origins. The major economical factors are agriculture, livestock, tourism
and labor in foreign countries.
Take a walk in this area just to see traditional village life of Jomsom or in
fields surrounding it. Furthermore, there is Jomsom Bon Monastery at north -
east part of the village. Bon is believed to be existed in Tibet prior to Buddhism.
Tulku Tempa established monastery around 1938 and is affiliated to Lubra Gom-
pa. Idols of Bon deities such as Walsa and Trakpo are placed in Bon tradition.
Similarly wall paintings are also painted in Bon tradition.

Attraction around Jomsom
Jomsom provides breath-taking views of Mt. Nilgiri (7060m), Mt. Dhaulagiri
(8167m), Tilicho Peak (7139m), Yak Kawa (6482m), Mesokanto La (pass to reach
Tilicho Lake, the highest lake in the world). This valley hosts a festival every year
called Toren Lha (falls in February/March), which is celebrated for a week. Ar-
chery, worshiping of ancestors, and singing dancing take place during the festival.

Side trips nearby Jomsom
Thini Village
It takes 30 minutes walk from Jomsom. The name of this village originates
from Tibetan word Thin (lit. base or root). It is the oldest village in Panch Gaun (lit.
five villages) region. Historically, Thini was an important village in the valley where
famous king Thang Mig Chen used to rule over. As such every village had to pay
tribute to Thini (either produce or labour).
Thini Bhadra festival falling in August/September lasts for three days. The
festival is celebrated with religious plays and is supposed to bring happiness to
the village. Bhomo Ama is major festival of Thini and falls in April in every 12 years
time for about 15 days. The next festival will take place in 2017.

Dhu mba Lake

It takes about an hour walk from Jomsom or Syang to reach Dhumba Lake.
This lake has historical and religious attachments with Kuchup Terenga Gompa and
as such fish from the lake are not eaten but raised for religious purposes. The holy
water of lake is used for initial offering for the monastery before starting any ritual.
Syangba Rimpoche II has buried a bottle containing grains and valuable metals in-
side lake with spiritual worshipping.

K uchup Terenga Gompa

The monastery is located above Dhumba lake and is one and half hours
walk from Jomsom or Syang. It is a Nyingma-Pa sect monastery founded by Lama
Lhungjing Urgen Palsang during 17th century in order to extend Buddhism and
maintain peace and harmony in the Dhumba village. The monastery holds highly
sacred and religious position among other monasteries of Mustang.

Visitor might encounter Dhekep, a masked dance performed by monks in October/
Nobember. The monastery also provides bird’s eye view of Marpha, Syang, Thini
and Jomsom villages.Oluspio, nonscies eterdicis facciam temque pris hocte depo

People Activities in Jomsom

MA RPH A The Village of Apple Orchards
It lies in the Trans - Himalayan rain shadow zone and therefore stays more
or less untouched by raging monsoon of lower belts. The village is mostly inhab-
itated by the Mawatan Thakalis representing four distinct clans: Lalchan (Ruby),
Hirachan (Diamond), Jwarchan (Jewel) and Pannachan (Emerald). Its economy is
strongly dependent upon agriculture, livestock, tourism and labor in foreign coun-
tries.
The village is characterized by the

traditional flat mud roofed hous-
es with piles of firewood neatly
stacked upon it. Wooden carved
windows, long main spotless flag-
stones, and paved alleys are some
of the unique features of Marpha.
It is worth visiting the small library
at the center of the village or hor-
ticulture farm on the southern end
of it.

People Activities in Marpha

Side trips nearby Marpha
Tashi Lha Khang Gompa A little Monk with tourist

This is a monastery of Karma-Pa sect located at the centre of the village.
The monastery was built more than 200 years ago. Being an offshoot of Karma-Pa
Kagyut-Pa sect foundation of Samteling of Mustang, it is known as Samteling Gom-
pa of Marpha.
The monastery depicts images of Amitabha (Red Buddha), Chenresig

(Avalokiteswora), Channa Dhorje (Vajrapani) and Guru Rimpoche (Padmasambha-
va) along with other deities and beautiful frescoes. Visitors might encounter Dhek-
ep, a masked dance performed by the monks in October/November.

Rhingin Komba
Rhingin Komba is a big, triangular - shaped white stone seen on north of the
village, on the hill about 50 meters higher. “Rhingin” means “long life” and “Kom-
ba” means “holy place”. Usually, worshipping takes place during change of “Mukh-
iya” (village leader). The place offers an excellent view of the Marpha village

Thasang Village
Thasang Vllage is located along the Annapurna trekking route, one of the
most famous and scenic destinations of Nepal.
In the valleys of the Kaligandaki River live the ethnic group called Thakalis. The
area, also called Thak Khola region, has a rich history in trade with Tibet, enriching
the cultural and historic signifi cance of the Thakali clan. Lodge Thasang Village
portrays this culture in all its uniqueness, both in terms of the place and the expe-
rience.

Titi Village
The monastery is located above Dhumba lake and is one and half hours
walk from Jomsom or Syang. It is a Nyingma-Pa sect monastery founded by Lama
Lhungjing Urgen Palsang during 17th century in order to extend Buddhism and
maintain peace and harmony in the Dhumba village. The monastery holds highly
sacred and religious position among other monasteries of Mustang.

Visitor might encounter Dhekep, a masked dance performed by monks in Octo-
ber/Nobember. The monastery also provides bird’s eye view of Marpha, Syang,
Thini and Jomsom villages.

Tukuche
Tukuche , sometimes spelt Tukche, is a village development committee in
Mustang District in the Dhawalagiri Zone of northern Nepal. At the time of the 1991
Nepal census it had a population of 652 people living in 166 individual households.
The village is located in the Kali Gandaki Gorge. It is a centre of the Thakali people.

K A GBEN I The Medieval Small Town
Situated at an altitude of 2,800m, Kagbeni is a unique famous village of Baar-

ah Gaun (lit. twelve villages) region in Mustang district. It lies in the popular An-
napurna Circuit Trekroute and is a gateway to Upper Mustang. It is a fascinating
medieval village with closely packed mud brick houses, dark alleys and imposing
Chhortens. The village stands in a little green oasis dominated by its red monastery.
The “Kag” of “Kagbeni” used to be “Ghag” meaning centre and hence, is a

centre of nearby villages of Jomsom to south and Muktinath to the east. “Beni” in
Nepali means confluence of two rivers, and indeed Kagbeni lies on the banks of the
confluence of Kali Gandaki and Jhong Rivers.
Before heading to Muktinath, Hindu pilgrims offer Pinda and perform Shrad-
dha (death ritual)to their deceased ancestors at this confluence believing that it
brings salvation to the departed soul. According to the Hindu epic Adhyatma Ra-
mayana, Kagbhusundi meditated here on suggestion of Saptarishis, hence place
was named Kagbeni. The village maintains characteristic appearance of a fortress
town and is culturally very rich.
The town played a very significant role during “Salt Trade” era that flourished
between Tibet and Nepal. However, with formation of Mustang in 15th century,
Kagbeni’s importance diminished. The main ethnic group in village is Bhotias (pos-
ses last name Gurung and Thakuri).

Before heading to Muktinath, Hindu pilgrims offer Pinda and perform Shrad-
dha (death ritual)to their deceased ancestors at this confluence believing that it
brings salvation to the departed soul. According to the Hindu epic Adhyatma Ra-
mayana, Kagbhusundi meditated here on suggestion of Saptarishis, hence place
was named Kagbeni.

MU K T I N AT H A Symbiotic Religious Site of the Hindus & the Buddhists
Muktinath is situated at an altitude of 3710m. at the base of Kathang Kang The valley has seven famous historic villages: Putak, Jhong, Chhyonkhar,
(Thorung Peak), in Baarah Gaun (lit. twelve villages) region in Mustang district. It is Purang, Jharkot, and Khinga. Ranipauwa (lit. queen’s pilgrim hostel, named after
a gateway to Mustang from Manang on the famous Annapurna Circuit Trek route. Queen Subarna Prabha Devi) is a new settlement founded by the people of Purang.
Named after the highly revered Muktinath shrine, the valley is one of the religious Most of the hotels are located here. The main ethnic group of the valley is Bhotias
place in Nepal for both Hindu and Buddhist. (posses last name Thakuri and Gurung) of Tibetan origin.

Side trips nearby Muktinath
Muktinath Temple
The Pagoda style Muktinath temple is the symbol of religious symbiosis be-
tween Hindu and Buddhist. Hindu believes that lord Bishnu got salvation from the
curse of Brinda here. Therefore he is worshipped as Muktinath (lit. the lord of sal-
vation). Hindu devotees take bath under chilled water of 108 waterspouts located
behind the temple. It is also believed that the deity was originated from Jumla, far
Western Nepal. On the other hand, Buddhist worship Bishnu as Avalokiteshvara
(Chingresig). The temple depicts the metal statues of lord Bishnu, goddess Laxmi,
Saraswati& Janaki, Garuda, Lava-Kusha and Sapta Rishis.

Jharkot Village
It is an impressive fortress like village with its picturesque Kani (huge Ch-
horten) and large Shakya-Pa sect monastery. The monastery is situated close to
the ruins ofthe forts in Jharkot. The Tibetan name of the monastery is Ngorp. It
is believed that this monastery was founded during regime of King Chopse. Four
monks regularly stay there and perform various worshipping during different
times of year. It is a main monastery of Jharkot, Purang and Khinga people.


PEOPLE OF NEPA L
People in Nepal commonly welcome you Namaste as a traditional salute
(means I salute the divine in you) which is wisely used in the most part of country.
About 23 million Nepalese are made of 69 different cultural and linguistic group
also known as ethnic groups living in different, regions of the country. Mostly each
ethnic group has their own unique costumes, speak their own languages or dia-
lects, and follow their own religious practices.
They live under different diverse geographic and environmental orientations,

from the low plains near the Indian border, northward through the middle hills of
Mahabharat range and valleys, and up to the high plain valleys of the Himalayan
zone.

A C T I VI T IES I N M U STANG
Tripple dhai to explain everything about what tourist doing in Mustang

HOS PI T ALIT Y
TAccomodation at Mustang (such as hotel, transportation, etc)

140 Discover Mustang

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What are some of the notable places mentioned in the document?

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What ethnic groups inhabit Nepal?

What ethnic groups inhabit Nepal?

discover

The traveler is always leaving hom e

The traveler awaits the m orning tide

The traveler is only passing through

2 Discover Mustang Discover Mustang 3

4 Discover Mustang Discover Mustang 5

Mustang District a part of Dhaulagiri Zone, is one of the seventy-five

In addition to trekking routes through the Lo Kingdom (“Upper Mustang”)

The Kingdom of Mustang preserves some of the last vestiges of

Mustang district is known as the desert of Nepal, however, it is one of

8 Discover Mustang Discover Mustang 9

(Tripple : information about why there is so many suspension bridge found at

14 Discover Mustang Discover Mustang 15

18 Discover Mustang Discover Mustang 19

24 Discover Mustang Discover Mustang 25

26 Discover Mustang Discover Mustang 27

J omsom, situated at an altitude of 2710m, lies in the Trans -Himalayan rain

28 Discover Mustang Discover Mustang 29

30 Discover Mustang Discover Mustang 31

42 Discover Mustang Discover Mustang 43

48 Discover Mustang Discover Mustang 49

Dhu mba Lake

54 Discover Mustang Discover Mustang 55

K uchup Terenga Gompa

58 Discover Mustang Discover Mustang 59

62 Discover Mustang Discover Mustang 63

The village is characterized by the

66 Discover Mustang Discover Mustang 67

72 Discover Mustang Discover Mustang 73

Tashi Lha Khang Gompa A little Monk with tourist

The monastery depicts images of Amitabha (Red Buddha), Chenresig

74 Discover Mustang Discover Mustang 75

78 Discover Mustang Discover Mustang 79

80 Discover Mustang Discover Mustang 81

84 Discover Mustang Discover Mustang 85

88 Discover Mustang Discover Mustang 89

Situated at an altitude of 2,800m, Kagbeni is a unique famous village of Baar-

The “Kag” of “Kagbeni” used to be “Ghag” meaning centre and hence, is a

92 Discover Mustang Discover Mustang 93

96 Discover Mustang Discover Mustang 97

104 Discover Mustang Discover Mustang 105

112 Discover Mustang Discover Mustang 113

120 Discover Mustang Discover Mustang 121

124 Discover Mustang Discover Mustang 125

They live under different diverse geographic and environmental orientations,

126 Discover Mustang Discover Mustang 127

Tripple dhai to explain everything about what tourist doing in Mustang

134 Discover Mustang Discover Mustang 135

138 Discover Mustang Discover Mustang 139

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