Marpha-Nepal

Marpha is a beautiful stone village that appeals to hikers and tourists . The village is a regular overnight stop on the Annapurna Circuit, less crowded and touristy than Jomsom to the north.

Marpha is very well represented by the traditional flat mud houses with bundles of firewood neatly stacked on top. Marpha's unique features include traditionally carved cherry wood windows and sharp red lines , long pristine cobblestone streets, beautiful prayer flags and cobbled lanes.

In 1966, a horticultural business was founded in the village, which introduced local families to growing apples. The city is the country's apple capital , with brandy from Marpha and jams made from local fruit. On the southern edge of Marpha, on the opposite bank of the Gandaki River, is a Tibetan refugee camp. Many of the souvenir shops in Marpha are run by residents of the Tibetan refugee camp.

The city is dominated by the Nyingma Monastery , which offers a beautiful view over the city and the valley of the Gandaki River.

Willem Vandenameele