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Mustang is the ancient Himalayan Kingdom which lies in the northern central part of Nepal and at the top of the Kaligandaki River. Upper Mustang consists of two distinct regions: the southern part and the northern, where the languages, culture, and traditions are similar to those of the Tibetan people. This area is considered one of the most interesting and picturesque places in Nepal. The entire area has an isolated and mystical feel to it, enchanting and inspiring visitors to this region.
Upper Mustang Trekking (Lo- Manthang) is through high-altitude desert country climbing in and out of the huge-sided valley of the Kali Gandaki. In places, the gorge, which the Kali Gandaki River runs through is the deepest in the world. This region is full of some of Nepal's oldest Buddhist Monasteries, and ancient and isolated villages with quaint whitewashed houses.
During the Trekking in Upper Mustang, we can see and visit Luri Gompa and Yara/Ghara village lies East South of Lo-Manthang, Luri Gompa (Cave monastery) sits high above the crumbling landscape like an eagle's nest. It is one of the last cave monasteries in Lo and Tibet. No written record exists for the construction of Luri Gompa. Luri Gompa and some other monasteries are affiliated with the Kagyu sect (one of the sects of Buddhism). The style of the paintings suggests they were done by Nepalese (Newari) artists working for Tibetan patrons. The cave temple dates from the 13th - 14th century. The central chamber of the Gompa is carved out of the rock creating a domed ceiling on which are painted a series of Mahasiddha, Sakyamuni Buddha, and Chenrezig figures, etc, which are the true masterpieces. Lining the walls are a series of 14th-century paintings, which depict Indian Mahasiddahs. Some are real individuals and others mythical.
