A centuries-old monastery nestled inside a cave carved into a red cliff in Chhusang, Baragung Muktichhetra Rural Municipality–3, has drawn attention for its historical and archaeological significance.
Located along the Jomsom–Kagbeni–Korala road section, the cave monastery, locally known as Minchi Lhwang Monastery, is believed to be over 1,200 years old based on historical analysis of the statues preserved inside.
The monastery is situated on a steep hillside and is maintained collectively by six families in Chhusang village, who take turns performing daily evening prayers and lighting lamps.
Resident Shyam Gurung said the cave, carved by ancestors, remains in a precarious location. While its exact age is not precisely known to the current generation, local belief suggests that their forebears migrated from Manang, bringing their deities with them. Since then, the six families have taken responsibility for preserving the site.
Gurung warned that the monastery, perched on a nearly 100-metre-high earthen cliff, faces risks from erosion and landslides, urging authorities to take steps to protect the heritage site. Despite these challenges, the structure has remained largely intact.
The upper section of the cave houses the monastery, which features clay Buddha statues estimated to be over 800 years old. A stone statue of Green Tara, preserved within a frame, is believed to date back around 1,200 years. The monastery contains approximately a dozen statues depicting various forms of the Buddha.
“A donation box has been placed for visitors, and the collected funds are used for maintenance and clearing snow from the cave roof,” Gurung said.
The cave walls and ceilings are adorned with ancient paintings created using earth-toned pigments that blend with the surrounding natural landscape. The second level includes additional Buddha statues and a circumambulation path.
According to Gurung, international researchers have visited the site, with some providing technical and financial support for minor restoration works. However, he stressed the need for greater government intervention as the structures continue to age.
Access to the upper levels is facilitated by wooden ladders, adding to both the uniqueness and the challenge of the site. Gurung believes that with proper conservation and promotion, the monastery could significantly boost local tourism and income, serving as both a sacred ancestral site and a distinctive tourist destination.
Currently, the site remains largely unknown despite being located just a five-minute walk from the main road. Locals believe it holds strong potential to become an important historical landmark if preserved and promoted effectively.
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