Cultural Revival

Windswept, isolated, and once at the crossroads of a great trade route, Upper Mustang gradually became lost in time, a forbidden kingdom only recently opened to the world. When AHF first visited this enclave of Tibetan culture within Nepal, the king asked for help restoring the soul of his ancient kingdom—starting with its gompas and monastic schools.

Their restoration sparked a cultural renaissance: long abandoned festivals have been revived, magnificent wall paintings are again fit for worship, and monasteries and nunneries are flourishing. We and our partners have also worked to bring healthcare, education, and infrastructure to villages across Mustang, and today the spirit of the Lobas, the people of Mustang, is evident everywhere.