Today, upper Manang is also referred to as the Nyeshang Valley. Research also indicates that there was a place called "shang" in Tibet a long time ago. And "Nye" in linguistic research means "us". More probable, say history books, is that Nyeshang was a tributary area to Se-rib, then a political entity encompassing many villages in the neighboring Kali Gandaki valley south of Lo or Mustang. Yet again, others say, the Nyeshang might have migrated from Tengar in Tibet.

The weather is dry and desert-like. The Annapurna range creates a rain shadow that stops the monsoon clouds from crossing over. This harsh climate ensured that the Manangi people never lost their nomadic roots. Horse-riding and archery were the most popular tools used by these people for gathering food, and these abilities continue to remain important for the community, and are celebrated each year with festivals.The settlers did put down some roots, though, and took up agriculture, cultivating buckwheat, maize, and oats. There were herbs in the jungles, and sheep and yak could give milk and meat, and help transport goods from beyond the valley. The settlements grew more sophisticated, and so did the culture, festivals and architecture. Buddhist, Bonpo, and animistic traditions created traditions unique to Manang, or Nyeshang, as locals like to call it. And yet the people remained simple, hardworking, and generous, even in hardship. Along with the yak and sheep caravans, hard days, and tough journeys, tales of the Nyeshang people aso crossed the Annapurna.

Greatly interested, King Mahendra came to the valley in the late 1950s and, seeing the hard life of the settlers, as well as their strength and determination, declared that the people of Manang need not pay the government duties if they wanted to import and export goods from Nepal. The people of Manang prospered, but as always such prosperity is a double-edged sword, threatening the traditional ways of communities.

However, unlike many cultures of the Himalaya, the Nyeshang people realized the need to preserve their ways, and fiercely protected their traditions. Today, deep within the mountains, in the hidden valley of Manang, survives a unique Himalayan culture fueled by horseriding, archery, yak and sheep caravans, trading, and many other things else that similar worlds have long stopped weaving into their day to day lives.

In upper Manang, elderly people above 60 years of age do not participate much in social gatherings. They are more inclined towards visiting gumbas and offering prayers.There are many Buddhist gumbas in Mang district - Tare gumba in Khangsar, Pocho gumba in Manang, Braga gumba in Braga, Tansilka gumba in Nar-Phu, Tanki gumba in Tanki Manang, Ngawal gumba, Ghyaru gumba, Pisang gumba, Chame gumba, Bagar- chhap gumba, Thoche gumba. The lamas reside in these gumbas. They perform various rituals and ceremonies including death rites. According to tradition, if a person dies at the time of growing crops, the lama cuts the body into pieces and feed them to vultures called through the power of his "mantra". This practice, however, has been gradually replaced by cremations. The practice of burying the dead is not common in this area. However, in case of death due to a fatal disease, the body is buried.

A purification ceremony called "gyawa" is performed within 49 days of the cremation for eternal peace of the departed soul and for a good rebirth. People believe that the departed soul will reach heaven after this ceremony. During "gyawa" 1000 lights have to be lit, and 1000 balls of wheat flour have to be made. On the last day of the rituals, rice is distributed to every house in the village according to the family's size. There is a belief that this act ensures that the departed soul will not have to stay hungry.

"Bon" religion is also prevalent in this district. People still worship nature. They believe that natural calamities can be averted by worshipping big stones, trees, the wind, and storms.

The house is constructed in the traditional style and manner, using demolition materials and traditional furnishings donated by residents all over Manang District. The special feature is the fine collection of costumes and masks worn at Manang's unique festivals.

You will see the cattle stall and farm implements, the kitchen, living and sleeping quarters and the prayer room that is focal to Nyeshang family and community life. Manang Museum is a 'must see' attraction.

Entrance to the Museum is inexpensive and profit goes to community projects.

Entrance fee:
Foreigner : Rs. 100/-
Nepalese: Rs. 10/-