Well, visiting Marpha was our new and changed plan. Our original plan was to stay two nights in Muktinath and then trek to Lubra village. When we were in Marpha, we got an opportunity to witness the Dhekep Festival in Marpha village. We didn’t know there would be such a wonderful celebration going on. I know when we reached Jomsom. The hotel owner told me that we should see that.
Dhekep festival is an annual celebration that takes place in the Marpha, Syang, and Tukche villages of Mustang. During this festival, monks perform with masks. People from the nearby villages will join and enjoy the monk dance in traditional costumes. Play with different kinds of equipment, read the lama books. During the Dhekep festival in Marpha, the president of the area has to attend, and the higher-level lamas will be there to join the ceremony.
We were excited to see that the festive there, so at 11 am we climbed the stairs of the Samteling monastery of Marpha. For foreigners, they requested donations, so Rob and Godie donated some amount, and they appreciated putting Khata. Around 11:30 am, the festival started, and we enjoyed ourselves a lot there watching the monks’ performance.
We stayed there for around three hours and then walked back to Jomsom. Because we have to fly back to Pokhara the next day, early in the morning. And need to celebrate our last day of the trek. I felt this festival is similar to the Tiji festival, which is celebrated in Lomanthang, Upper Mustang, every year during May or June.
Here are some photos of the Dekhep Festival in Marpha Village
