Chungsi Cave, located in Lo-Ghekar Damodarkund Municipality-3, Mustang, is an emerging destination that remains relatively undiscovered due to limited promotional efforts. Situated near Sangbochhe along the Kali Gandaki Corridor connecting China and India via the Beni-Jomsom-Korla road, the cave’s significance and unique features have yet to gain widespread attention.
Jhyang Tenzing Gurung, the ward chairman of Ward 3 in Lo-Ghekar Damodarkund, highlighted ongoing efforts to attract tourists to Chungsi Cave. “The road and footpath leading to the cave have been developed,” Gurung said. “We are focusing on promoting Chungsi Cave to extend the stay of tourists visiting Upper Mustang.”
The cave is accessible after a 2-kilometer rough road and a 1-kilometer trek from Sangbochhe. Visitors will reach Chungsi Cave after a 10-minute uphill walk from the banks of the Bhenakhola River. The cave comprises two large chambers nestled in the heart of the mountains.
Inside the Lower Chungsi Cave, visitors can observe various idols of deities and natural animal shapes. A notable feature is a stone resembling a meditating ascetic. The cave also houses a monastery where lamas reside, enhancing its religious significance. Buddhists conduct worship in the monastery, which contains an idol of Lord Buddha, while the lamas perform meditation and penance.
A further 5-minute uphill walk from the Lower Chungsi Cave leads to the Upper Chungsi Cave. This cave measures approximately 50 meters in length and 20 meters in width, with similar features of deity idols and animal shapes. A small cave at the base of the Upper and Lower Chungsi Caves has a spring where visitors collect water as a sacred offering.
The term “Chungsi” means “natural” in the local dialect of Upper Mustang. Suren Gurung from Magdi, who visited the cave, described its tranquil environment and extraordinary natural beauty as captivating. “If the road connecting Sangbochhe to Chungsi Cave is improved and its significance is promoted, we will see a surge in tourists,” he said. “I’ve never seen such a unique cave elsewhere.”
Surrounding the cave are tall mountains and secluded valleys. Currently, about 8-10 tourists visit Chungsi Cave daily. The Lo-Ghekar Damodarkund Municipality has constructed a stone stairway with railings along the uphill path from the Bhenakhola banks, and central electricity has been extended to the area. Additionally, a riverbank protection system has been implemented to preserve the footpath.
A total investment of NPR 3 million has been made for the footpath development, with NPR 1.5 million allocated for road improvements in the current fiscal year. The traditional footpath connecting Chungsi Cave to Sangbochhe has also been upgraded to accommodate tourists preferring to walk rather than travel by vehicle.
