Marpha Village | Besisahar

Marpha is a traditional village in the Mustang District of Nepal, situated at an altitude of approximately 2,670 meters (8,760 feet) in the Kali Gandaki Valley.

Visual Characteristics

The village is renowned for its uniform white-washed stone houses, flat roofs topped with stacks of firewood, and narrow, paved alleyways. A complex subterranean drainage system runs beneath the stone-flagged streets. The surrounding landscape features steep, arid mountain slopes and extensive apple orchards.

Location & Access Logistics

Address: Marpha 33100, Mustang, Nepal.

Access: * Walking: A 1.5 to 2-hour flat trek south from Jomsom.

Road: Reachable via the Beni-Jomsom-Muktinath road by jeep or local bus.

Permits: Requires the ACAP and TIMS card.

Historical & Ecological Origin

Marpha is the ancestral home of the Thakali people. Its name translates to "Mar" (hardworking) and "pha" (people). It historically served as a critical trade hub on the Salt Route between Tibet and India. The village is strategically tucked into a cliffside to shelter residents from the intense afternoon gale-force winds characteristic of the Kali Gandaki gorge.

Key Highlights & Activities

Apple Capital of Nepal: The village is world-famous for its high-quality apples. Visit the local distilleries to sample Marpha Brandy (apple, apricot, and peach).

Tashi Lhakhang Monastery: A prominent Nyingma Buddhist monastery located on a ridge overlooking the village, offering views of the valley.

Horticultural Farm: Established in 1966, this government-run farm introduced apple farming to the region.

Traditional Thakali Cuisine: Known for serving the highest standard of authentic Thakali Dal Bhat.

Infrastructure & Amenities

Lodging: Excellent guest houses and teahouses that are generally cleaner and better maintained than those in neighboring villages.

Connectivity: Stable 4G (Ncell/NTC) and widespread Wi-Fi in guest houses.

Shops: Numerous small shops sell dried apples, apple juice, and local handicrafts.

Best Time to Visit

Harvest Season (September–October): The best time to experience the apple harvest and clear post-monsoon mountain views.

Spring (March–May): Mild weather and blossoming orchards.

Facts & Legends

A technical feature of Marpha is its "wind-proof" design; the houses are built in a tight, north-south configuration to break the momentum of the valley's daily winds. Legend says that the local deities once protected the village from a massive flood by diverting the Kali Gandaki river with a single stone.

Nearby Landmarks

Jomsom – 6km North

Tukuche – 6km South

Dhumba Lake – 4km North

Nilgiri Peak – Dominates the eastern horizon