Introduction to Humla and Nyinba Society

Humla : An introduction:

Humla; the land of hidden Himalayas lies in the Far North west corner of Nepal nestled between the sweltering Indian sub continent and the frozen plains of Tibetan Plateau. It is one of the five districts in the Karnali zone in Mid-Western region, and is the second largest district Nepal, with an area of 5655 sq. km. It is situated at an elevation between 1524 m – 7337 m, and with an approximate population of 41000. It is a multi-ethnic community comprised of Hindus (Khasas, Thakuris) and Buddhists. Hence there are wide ranges of cultural and natural treasures, which remain still intact.

It is an area less explored by the outsiders, however in recent years Humla has become popular as "The gateway to Holy Mount Kailash and Lake Manasorovar" in West Tibet.

In terms of development, Humla has not been in the priority of the government for centuries. There is a general lack of basic health services, proper educational facilities, transportation, communication and other infrastructures.

Hence, there is a need to identify, conserve and mobilize the internal resources (natural and cultural) for the development of the area. The support from the government and non-government organization has a major role in bringing up the positive changes in this region.

Nhinba (Nyinba) :

"Nhinba (Nyinba) are one of the five major sub-groups of Buddhist group residing in the east of Simikot. They live in the area called Nhin, 'the sunshine valley of the high elevation'. In Nepali they are called Bara-Thapalya. The Nyinba community consists of four villages- Tangshyod (Buraunse), Barkhang (Baragaon), Todpa (Torpa) and Nyimatang (Limatang)- which is resided at the elevations between 9000-11000 feet and are all around half an hour to two hours walk from each near the famous pilgrimage site, Raling Gompa."

Nhinba ancestors moved from the north, into the Himalayas, from their arctic native place, ‘Zhang Zhung’, in the western Tibet, near Holy Mt. Kailash They moved into Humla, seeking the shelter of the Himalayan gorges, during religious uprisings in Tibet.

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Source: www.nhinba.org.np