Nestled along the banks of the Kali Gandaki River, Syang Village in Mustang is a picturesque haven that boasts lush apple orchards, traditional mud-roofed houses, and serene landscapes. The village, part of Gharpajhong Rural Municipality-3, offers a unique blend of culture and nature, making it an ideal yet underexplored tourist destination.
Syang Village is located near Jomsom, a popular transit point for tourists traveling to Mustang and Muktinath. Despite being close to these famous spots, the village has remained relatively unnoticed by visitors. According to Bir Prasad Thakali, a ward member of Gharpajhong-3, “Many tourists head straight to Muktinath without exploring Syang, which has so much to offer.”
The village is home to around 112 households, predominantly inhabited by the Thakali community, who are known for their hospitality and culinary skills. Syang is particularly famous for its Thakali cuisine, which tourists can savor at the local homestays. Currently, there are eight homestays operating in the village, where guests can enjoy a family-like environment and authentic Thakali food. Devendra Thakali, a homestay operator, emphasized the importance of this traditional cuisine, which has gained popularity both in Nepal and abroad.
In the heart of the village stands a Buddhist monastery, surrounded by apple orchards that grow the Red and Golden Delicious varieties. The village also features a beautifully landscaped garden known as the “Man Shanti Park,” where statues of apples, the Naur (a local wild goat), and Buddhist guru Rinpoche stand against the backdrop of the Nilgiri Himal. From this park, visitors can take in panoramic views of Jomsom, Thinigaon, Dhumba, Marpha, and other nearby settlements.
Despite its natural beauty and cultural richness, Syang Village has suffered from a lack of promotion. Local residents have now taken the initiative to boost tourism by organizing events like the annual Khila Mela, a traditional festival aimed at preserving their culture while attracting visitors.
Gharpajhong Rural Municipality has also started improving infrastructure to connect Syang with nearby Jomsom. A newly constructed 120-meter suspension bridge in Kichithang now connects the village to Jomsom via a pedestrian trail, offering tourists a scenic route to extend their stay. Falendra Prasad Thakali, the ward chairman, believes this new trail will encourage tourists to spend more time enjoying the natural beauty of the area.
One of the village’s hidden treasures is the Kaihyolong Cave, located along the Syangkhola River. The cave, believed to have been a meditation site for Buddhist monks in ancient times, consists of three chambers used for cooking, meditation, and storage. According to former ward secretary Kiran Sapkota, the cave holds historical significance and could become an important site for researchers studying early human civilization.
Although Syang Village is close to Jomsom, the lack of promotion has left it largely unexplored. With efforts now underway to improve infrastructure and highlight the village’s cultural and natural attractions, locals hope Syang will soon become a must-visit destination for tourists traveling through Mustang.
