What We Do

Upper Mustang

Windswept, isolated, and once a forbidden kingdom, Upper Mustang has long preserved its rich Tibetan heritage. When AHF first visited over three decades ago, the king asked for help restoring the heart of his ancient kingdom—its gompas and monastic schools. That early work laid the foundation for a broader partnership that continues today.

Life in this high-altitude desert is challenging. The climate is harsh, resources are limited, and young people often leave in search of opportunities elsewhere. Daily life for the Loba people is shaped by environmental strain, economic uncertainty, and the pressures of modernization.

From education and healthcare to village infrastructure and environmental conservation, we work to ensure that even the most remote communities have access to essential services and a reliable path forward. Together, these efforts help the people of Upper Mustang adapt to changing realities while sustaining the heritage and identity that make this region unlike any other.

$80

a year of Tibetan language and culture classes for a young Loba

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More about Upper Mustang

Preserving an imperiled culture

Season by season, using the same patience and skill as the original 15th-century artisans who first breathed life into Mustang's gompas, AHF's team of carpenters and wall painting conservators set to work bringing these treasures back from the brink.
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Preparing for the future in Mustang

Isolation had left the villages of Upper Mustang impoverished and time-honored traditions fading. We realized that education, including Tibetan language instruction, was essential for these communities to survive.
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Improving the fabric of life

Life is challenging for the Lobas who live on the high plateau of Upper Mustang. We help youth groups to renovate community halls and construct bridges and irrigation systems. And support for clinics means that healthcare is never too far away.
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