As is typical of a Buddhist area, Upper Mustang is full of stupas—monuments that contain Buddhist relics and religious items, or just the remains of individuals (whether of note or not).

Some are very simple, while others are more ornate.

More detail from the one on the right:

Generally, there is no information to tell passers-by who is buried in the stupas or what is stored there.

A set of funerary stupas: the red color symbolizes blood, the white symbolizes bone, and the dirt symbolizes ash.

We came across another group of stupas outside the village of Dhakmar. The stupas are located at the foot of hills that are, according to legend, stained red with the blood of demons that Guru Rinpoche had to slay in order to build a monastery.

A different type of stupa: these stupas likely store valuables and religious items rather than human remains. They were restored with U.S. funding from the Ambassador’s Fund for Cultural Preservation. Nepal is one of the largest recipients of AFCP funding in the world.

Finally—we came across an unassuming stupa, except for the design which included an opening. I decided to poke my head inside, and was very glad I did. We were able to see the type of painting that usually is only found inside monastery sanctuaries, where photography is not permitted.

Next: monasteries