Mustang. Mustang Eco Museum is in operation near Puthang Airport at Gharpajhong Rural Municipality-3. The museum was established here in 1997 with the joint cost sharing of Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) and The Annapurna Conservation Area Project (ACAP), the National Nature Conservation Fund.

In the initial phase, JICA handed over the ownership of the museum to ACAP Jomsom. ACAP had entrusted the operation to the team of Puthang Maa Multipurpose Co-operative Society. The museum, which was operating in a two-storey building, was damaged by the great earthquake of 2072 BS. After that, the museum was closed for seven years. ACAP handed over the ownership to Gharpajhong Rural Municipality in 2076 BS. The rural municipality had rebuilt the physical infrastructure.

After this, the rural municipality has given the responsibility of paying rs 50,000 annually to Puthang Maa Multipurpose Co-operative Society. Narayani Gurung, who works there, said that the museum is currently operating with two employees. According to him, the museum has started disappearing after 28 years of its establishment due to lack of proper management.

Many people complain that due to lack of management and necessary publicity, tourists could not be brought as expected. Gurung said that the number of people coming here in the months of April, May, September and November has increased slightly every year.

“There has been no effort, but a brochure depicting the specialty of the museum has been prepared and distributed to the tourism entrepreneurs. Materials that can be used for various search researchers have been arranged. The museum has materials depicting the historical, religious, cultural and geographical features of Mustang district Gurung said,… Along with agriculture, tourism, biodiversity, natural herbs, minerals and plants, shalgram rock, library, costumes and photo gallery have been kept here. Now it needs wide publicity. ‘

Similarly, photographs and records of Unit Kawaguchi have been archived here reflecting the ancient religious culture of Mustang. According to locals, the eco-museum here will be beneficial for tourists visiting Mustang as the content of the entire Mustang district can be known under one umbrella.

If necessary publicity is done, tourists visiting Muktinath and visiting Upper Mustang will come to see the Eco Museum.

Recently, the rural municipality has constructed staircases, roads and welcome gates with railings to reach this eco museum located in 16 ropanis of cliff in the south/west near Puthang Airport. Apple, apple and incense plants have been planted in the museum premises. It is possible to reach Puthang Airport on foot in 10 minutes.