Nestled in the majestic Himalayas, the ancient caves are located on the cliff and almost "sacrosanct" used to be the place to live and burial of the people here.
Kingdom of Mustang, bordering the Tibetan Plateau is one of the most remote places of Nepal people in Himalayan. Used to be an independent Buddhist kingdom, Mustang merged into Nepal at the late 18th century, but by 1950, it truly relinquished independence. By located in sensitive border, until 1992, foreigners still have not been to come to the Mustang. Isolation to the outside world helps this place preserves well the ancient culture.
Mustang landscape is unlike anything you've ever contemplate across Nepal. The deep canyons are made up by Kali Gandaki River and the strange carvings on the stones. In particular, there were an estimated 10,000 ancient caves on the steep cliff. Some caves are situated at a height of nearly 50 meters above the valley floor.
Never have an answer for the question who have digged them or how they can burrow on the steep cliffs that nearly impossible to set foot. Even the experienced climbers also have not yet climbing to some caves in devilish locations.
climb-the-mountain.jpg Some guests are climbing to discover the caves
Nowadays, most caves are empty, but there are some caves have signs of living as storage bins and sleeping space. Another one is the burial place of the dead. Dozens of bodies were found in the caves over 2,000 years old. They are placed in bed and wear bronze jewelry or glass beads.
It's also found the skeletons dating from the 3rd century to the 8th century, before the Buddhist appeared in kingdom of Mustang, the period that natural burial was prevailing (burial ceremony in which the cadavers are shredded for vultures eat).
Archaeologists believe that the mysterious caves in Mustang are used through three periods. For the first time in about 3,000 years ago, it was used as a burial place. Then is 1,000 years ago, they became the inhabited places, mainly to help people in the Mustang kingdom escape invaders. Finally, in the 1400s, most people went to the villages in the valleys and the caves became the place to meditate.
Luri Gompa monastery is one of the most popular monasteries Mustang, located on a cliff about 100 meters above the ground, its architecture uses natural stone pillars. Winding path from the valley leads to the space of two interconnected chambers. The outside chamber has shrine, the main treasure of Luri Gompa, is beautifully decorated with paintings depicting Mahasiddhas - an Indian saint. The abbey is determined appeared from about the 14th century or earlier.
This is called dead location in caves, if ready for a trip to explore then this is the place you should visit, not only does it carry the cultural values but it also is the macabre and challenge place for those who prefer trekking to explore
