High in the Himalayas, nestled in Nepal's Mustang District, lies a treasure trove of ancient mysteries: the Mustang Caves. Also known as 'Sky Caves', these approximately 10,000 enigmatic dwellings cling precariously to rock walls, some of which rise 50 meters above the valley floor. Their inaccessibility has long kept their secrets shrouded in shadows, accessible only to professional climbers and intrepid explorers.
A recent social media post by user @hiteshbindas reignited curiosity about these archaeological wonders, raising questions about their origins, purpose and the possible revelations they hold.
As reported by CNNReaching Nepal's Mustang region is often compared to discovering the mythical valley of Shangri-La for many travelers. Located on the edge of the Tibetan Plateau, Mustang has been part of Nepal since the 18th century. Despite integration, the region has retained its traditional Tibetan culture in isolation. Formerly known as the independent kingdom of Lo, Mustang or Upper Mustang, it is characterized by its high-altitude desert with vibrant red and ocher landscapes, deep gorges and vast blue skies. In 1991, limited access to the region was granted to travelers.
The news portal further stated that traveling ascetics from the oldest school of Tibetan Buddhism have wandered the valleys of Mustang for centuries, using the caves to practice advanced tantric yoga. The deep gorges of Mustang are the perfect setting for those who want to practice tummo, a form of Tibetan breathing that allows one to generate heat or address negative emotions at high altitude.
Visitors can walk along narrow cliffs, climb into a cave and take in the silence and mesmerizing views of the sky and mountains. Most of the caves are empty, but some have frescoes and statues in them. Some cave entrances are locked and must be opened by a caretaker from a nearby village. Formerly a vibrant center of Buddhist scholarship and art, the temples of Mustang also contain amazing Tibetan art.