Gurusangwo Cave, located in Thasang Municipality-2 of Mustang, has emerged as a new religious and tourist destination. Known for its unique shapes and structures, the cave is historically recognized as a site for meditation by Buddhist spiritual leaders.
Following infrastructure development by the Thasang Municipality, such as the construction of a trail leading to the cave, public toilets, and shelters, the cave has seen an increase in visitors and pilgrims. Gautam Sherchan, the ward chairperson of Thasang-2, emphasized that the growing influx of tourists and devotees has led to infrastructure development aimed at promoting tourism in the region.
“The construction of a trail leading to the cave, located in a steep area, has significantly increased the flow of pilgrims and tourists,” Sherchan said. “We have focused on infrastructure development to make Gurusangwo Cave a new destination for visitors, encouraging longer stays for tourists coming to Mustang.”
In collaboration with the Ministry of Culture, Tourism, and Civil Aviation and the local municipality, a 286-meter railing and staircase trail, along with a 191-meter retaining wall and two-room permanent toilet facilities, have been constructed. Last fiscal year, the municipality allocated NPR 500,000 for the construction of a 125-meter stone stairway, as informed by the chairperson of the consumer committee, Sakendra Gauchhan. According to Sherchan, for the current fiscal year, the Gandaki Provincial Government has allocated NPR 2 million, and the municipality has committed NPR 1 million for further infrastructure development at the site.
Visitors can reach the cave by vehicle from Larjung and Boksi Khola along the Beni-Jomsom road to Naurikot, followed by a 45-minute walk. The cave is located on the slopes of Manapathi Himal, approximately 50 meters long. Inside the cave, visitors can observe natural formations such as a cow’s horn, buffalo’s horn, elephant’s trunk, sculptures of various deities, mountains, and rivers. A waterfall is also present at the base of the cave.
The cave holds significant religious importance as it was used by Buddhist spiritual leader Rimpoche for meditation, as noted by former Mustang parliamentarian Prem Prasad Tulachan. He further shared that a survey has recently been conducted for the construction of a long suspension bridge to connect Naurikot village to the cave.
Additionally, the cave complex has shelters for the local community, and a Buddhist monk from Sikkim has personally invested in constructing a stupa approximately 500 meters below the cave.
This development positions Gurusangwo Cave as a growing hub for religious tourism, drawing both spiritual seekers and adventure tourists to the scenic beauty and historical significance of the region.