Dogs of Mustang district, Nepal Feed

Live from Nepal: Dogs of Mustang: Tiri

Tiri was off-limits to tourists without a special pass until about 5 years ago.   Technically in Upper Mustang, and subject to a pricey permit of $50 US per day per person, not including anything else, it was overlooked.   There is a wonderful chef at the Norling Guest House in town named Lokpa and it is well worth a visit.

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This dog, who we have named Double Dorji for his remarkable similarity to another dog on the Annapurna Circuit who IS named Dorje, is often found sleeping near the center of town.   When he does wake up, however, he is as sweet a dog as you could imagine.

Mountaintop view looking from Tiri to Keg Beni and Nilgiri
View from the mani wall looking towards Keg Beni

We hiked high above the village to get a good look at the surrounding mountains...

Tibetan prayer flags fly high in the Annapurna Range.
Prayer flags atop a high ridge.

...and for a glimpse into forbidden Upper Mustang.  Festooned with prayer flags, the Annapurna Range was magnificent.

Nepali dog on a stone fence in Upper Mustang
Double Dorji on a Nepali fence outside Tiri

Later we again met up with Double Dorji and he accompanied us part of our way back home from Tiri to Keg Beni, approximately a half hour walk across the Kali Gandaki riverbed.

Winter bridge from Keg Beni to Tiri across the Kali Gandaki
Winter bridge from Keg Beni to Tiri across the Kali Gandaki

We crossed the river scrambling over rocks and this convenient winter bridge.


Live from Nepal: Dogs of Mustang

The dogs of Mustang in Nepal have a great life.   They are free to roam where they want and sleep in some outrageous places.

Nepali dog in Marpha,Mustang District, Nepal
Thondrup, a Nepali Dog in Marpha

This is Thondrup, a big dog from Marpha.    These photos do not really show the massive size of Thondrup's paws and body.

A Thakali Losar procession in Marpha, Mustang District, Nepal
Thakali Losar parade led by Thondrup.

He is omnipresent and leads the Thakali Losar parade,   Losar (aka Tibetan New Year) is celebrated a couple of weeks later here in Marpha than in Kathmandu.   

Nepali dog watches archery during Thakali Losar celebration
Thondrup and his prime seat at the archery tournament

Part of the Losar celebrations include an archery tournament, and, of course, Thondrup is front and center.

Nepali dog stretches in the sun.
Thondrup gets his moment in the sun.

Thondrup gets a well deserved rest in a sunny spot.   More dogs from Mustang coming soon.   Internet is very spotty here, but I hope to introduce you to many great dogs.   They have a great life here.

 

Just as I finished writing this, I walked out of my Guest House and there was Thondrop.   Wagging his tail and accepting neck scratches and belly rubs.