THINI VILLAGEH A P P YLiving tradition on the foothills of Nilgiri
THINI ( ठनी) A Settlement Study of Thini Village, MustangAll Rights Reserved Pokhara Engineering College Department of Architecture, (Pokhara University) All rights reserved. This publication documents the settlement study conducted in Thini Village, Mustang, by the students of the Department of Architecture, Pokhara Engineering College, as part of the academic curriculum of Pokhara University. The purpose of this publication is to share our understanding and documentation of Thini Village through architectural and settlement studies. It brings together the village's physical setting, traditional architecture, culture, landscape, and everyday life, as observed during our field visit. We hope that this magazine is a valuable document of our learning journey and a unique introduction to the Thini Village for students, educators and all who seek to learn about the vernacular architecture of Nepal. All the photographs, drawings, maps, diagrams, and written content included in this publication were produced during the Settlement Study conducted from May (23-28) 2026 by the students of the Department of Architecture, Pokhara Engineering College, Pokhara University. This work is the outcome of the field measurements, interviews, observations, documentation, and academic research conducted during the study. This is the academic documentation of Pokhara Engineering College's Department of Architecture. It reflects the collective efforts of the students and faculty members who participated in the settlement study and aims to contribute to the documentation and appreciation of Nepal's vernacular settlements. We extend our sincere gratitude to the people of Thini Village for their warm hospitality, generous support, and willingness to share their knowledge and experiences with us. We are equally thankful to our faculty members and Pokhara Engineering College for their continuous guidance and encouragement throughout this settlement study. Front Cover: Gharapjhong Fort, Mustang, Nepal 2026. Back Cover: Landscape of Thini Village ,Mustang, Nepal ,2026
CONTENTSDISCOVERING THINI A journey into the village How it all Began 02 Arrival in Mustang 08 The Village Above the Kali Gandaki 12 Why Thini? 18 READING THE LANDSCAPE Understanding the place Geography, Climate & Environment 24 Water, Agriculture & Livelihood 32 Landscape Character 40 LIFE IN THINI The people who shape the village Culture & Traditions 48 Everyday Life 58 Voices of the Community 66 Community Spirit and Social Harmony Food, dress and local identity Festivals and celebrations
CONTENTSTHE BUILT ENVIRONMENT Architecture rooted in place Settlement Pattern & Public Spaces 74 Traditional Houses & Building Typology 86 Materials & Construction Techniques 102 LEARNING FROM THINI Observations and reflections Site Analysis 116 Challenges, Opportunities & Design Lessons 128 Reflections from the Field 142 MOMENTS TO REMEMBER The memories beyond the drawings Sketchbook 152 Team Memories 60 Acknowledgements 170
DISCOVERING THINI01 1.How it all Began 2.Arrival in Mustang 3.The Village Above the Kali Gandaki 4.Why Thini? A JOURNEY INTO THE VILLAGE
HOW IT ALL BEGANEvery settlement study begins long before setting foot in the village. Our journey to Thini Village, Mustang, started at Pokhara Engineering College, where we explored available literature, maps, and other reference materials. At the same time, survey questionnaires were prepared, CAD maps were organized, and houses were numbered to make the fieldwork more systematic. This preparation gave us a clear direction before heading into the field. With the groundwork complete, we travelled to Thini and began exploring the village firsthand. The settlement was divided into different sectors, houses were identified for documentation, and GIS mapping helped us understand the overall layout of the village. Walking through its streets and open spaces allowed us to become familiar with the settlement before beginning detailed documentation. The most interesting aspect of the study was the fieldwork. We measured houses, conducted surveys and interviews, and documented the village through sketches and photographs. Every conversation and observation deepened our understanding of Thini's architecture, culture, and everyday life. After returning to the college, the field records were transformed into architectural drawings, maps, reports, and presentation materials. This magazine is the final outcome of that journey, bringing together our drawings, photographs, maps, and experiences while celebrating the unique architectural and cultural heritage of Thini Village.1.Settlement Selection2. Village Visit3.Data Collection4.Documen- tation5. Magazine PublishingPreliminary StudyQuestionnairre PreparationCad Map and House DivisionSurvey PlanningHouse IdentificationGIS MappingSurveyInterviewMeasurementsDetail drawings and mappingReportModel Making
ARRIVAL IN MUSTANGWe began our trip from Pokhara early in the morning by bus. The road followed the Kali Gandaki corridor, passing places like Galeshwor, Tatopani, Rupse Jharana, Lete, Kalopani, Kobang, Larjung and Marpha before reaching Jomsom. From Jomsom, it was a short uphill drive to Thini Village. During the journey, we saw the landscape gradually change from green hills to the dry terrain of Mustang. The trip took almost a full day, but it gave us a good first impression of the region before arriving at the settlement.GANDAKI PROVINCEMUSTANG DISTRICT
The lakeside city and gateway to the Annapurna region. A sacred Hindu shrine dedicated to Lord Shiva, believed to fulfill wishes and bring blessings. Natural hot springs where you can relax and rejuvenate yourself. A beautiful waterfall cascading down the rocky cliffs. A scenic settlement surrounded by lush hills and rivers with clear views of the high mountains. En route settlement with stone houses, fields and many old trees. One of the most organised settlements famous for apple orchards and traditional Thakali culture, The main town of Mustang district and a gateway to Upper Mustang. Our site of study with breathtaking views of the Nilgiri and Dhaulagiri ranges. POKHARA GALESHWOR TEMPLE TATOPANI RUPSE JHARANA LETE KOBANG MARPHA JOMSOM THINI
THE VILLAGE ABOVE KALI GANDAKIOne of the most fascinating parts of our settlement study was discovering that Thini is much more than the quiet village we see today. As we explored its streets, spoke with the local people, and learned about its past, we found the story of an ancient kingdom that once ruled the valley from the hilltop fortress of Gharapjhong. Over the centuries, the settlement gradually moved to its present location, shaped by changing needs, trade, farming, and the surrounding landscape. Today, every stone lane, traditional house, and courtyard carries a small piece of that journey, reminding us that it is not only preserved in books but also in the village itself.
WHY THINI?Every settlement has a story, but Thini stood out because it offered much more than beautiful mountain views. As one of the oldest villages in Lower Mustang, it carries a rich history, a unique cultural identity, and a well-preserved traditional settlement that continues to reflect the lifestyle of its people. Its stone houses, narrow lanes, open courtyards, and connection to the landscape made it an ideal place to study how architecture, culture, and everyday life have grown together over time. For us, Thini was not just a site to document but a place to experience and learn from.
UNDERSTANDING THE PLACE READING THE LANDSCAPE02 1.Geography, Climate & Environment 2.Water, Agriculture & Livelihood 3.Landscape Character
Administrative Location Gharopjhong Rural Municipality-5, Mustang District Proximity 2 km south of Jomsom Coordinates 28°40'0" N Latitude 83°43'0" E Longitude Elevations Approx 2800 -3000 m Thini is a traditional village in the lower Mustang region of Nepal, lying in the shadow of the Nilgiri Himal. It sits on a gentle rise to the south of Jomsom Bazaar and is one of the closest rural settlements to the district headquarter. QUICK FACTS High altitude cold desert Trans-Himalayan region Traditional settlement pattern Close to trade route (Jomsom-Lo Manthang)GEOGRAPHY
SEASONAL AGRICULTURAL CHARACTER Season Main Agricultural Production ❄ WINTER (Push–Falgun) Apple plantation, potato, winter crop sowing. 4 SPRING (Chait–Jeth) Vegetable cultivation. - MONSOON (Asar–Bhadau) Wheat, buckwheat, potato harvesting. D AUTUMN (Asoj–Mangsir) Apple harvesting, buckwheat harvest, sowing wheat, barley etc.Apple Cultivation Potato Cultivation Buckwheat Cultivation Barley Cultivation Beans/ Peas Cultivation Livestock rearing (Cattle, sheep… Kitchen Gardening 0 10 20 30 40 50 60 Agricultural Activities No. of Households 52 48 36 30 28 45 22 Primary livelihood: Agriculture Major economic activity: Farming Main crops: Apples, Potatoes, Buckwheat & Barley Farming type: High-altitude mountain agricultureLANDSCAPE
Cold desert climate High altitude: (2,800–3,000 m) Trans-Himalayan region Warmest Month: July Daytime 15–27°C Night 7°C Coldest month: January Daytime: 0–5°C Night: –10°C to –15°C CLIMATE Daytime winds are very strong, often 15–20 m/s Average annual wind speed 6.99 m/s Night winds: less than 5 m/s) WIND Changing rainfall patterns Reduced snowfall Short winter less accumulation PRECIPITATIONCLIMATE AND ENVIRONMENT
The people who shape the village LIFE IN THINI03 1.Culture & Traditions 2.Everyday Life 3.Voices of the Community
Thini is more than just a Himalayan village—it is a place where culture is part of everyday life. Home to the Thakali community, the village has preserved its traditions, language, and customs for generations. Buddhism and the ancient Bon tradition continue to influence daily life, while monasteries, chortens, and sacred shrines bring people together for both spiritual and community activities. Even as modern influences reach the village, Thini's rich cultural heritage remains at the heart of its identity. CULTURE AND TRADITIONS
Life in Thini begins early, with villagers working in apple orchards, potato fields, and caring for livestock. Farming remains the heart of daily life, while tourism, education, and small businesses are gradually becoming part of the local economy. Families share strong community bonds, with women actively managing homes and farms, while elders preserve traditions and pass on local knowledge. Evenings are spent with family, neighbours, and at religious spaces, making life in Thini a simple yet meaningful blend of hard work, togetherness, and cultural heritage. EVERYDAY LIFE
B The true spirit of Thini is reflected in its people and their strong sense of community. VOICES OF THE COMMUNITY Rooted in Land and Heritage Farmers care for apple orchards, while elders keep local stories alive. Festivals that bring us together Festivals bring families and relatives back to the village each year. Women leading the way Women help organize cultural events and keep the village clean. Never too far from home Even if they move away for work or study, they come back to celebrate festivals with family and the village. “People stay connected, respect traditions, and help each other, making Thini special.”
COMMUNITY SPIRIT AND SOCIAL HARMONY What makes Thini special is how everyone comes together. People and local organizations work side by side to make the village a better place. Working together for a stronger Thini Aama Samuha Youth Club Farmers' Groups Homestay Committees School Management Committees From lively festivals to greener public spaces, these groups work together to support farming, tourism, and village life. Dalit families are an active part of village life, taking part in education, community decisions, and local activities. Different communities work side by side to make Thini a better place for everyone. It's the spirit of working together and caring for one another that keeps Thini united. Inclusion that strengthens Thini
Food and clothing in Thini reflect its rich Thakali culture and mountain lifestyle. Local meals are made with buckwheat, barley, potatoes, beans, and fresh vegetables, with the famous Thakali Khana Set being a local favourite. During festivals, families enjoy special foods like sel roti, puri, and homemade drinks. Traditional dress also remains an important part of the culture, with women wearing colourful Bhaku dresses and men wearing Daura Suruwal and traditional caps on special occasions. FOOD, DRESS AND LOCAL IDENTITY The people of Thini still value simple, home-cooked meals and traditional clothing, keeping their customs alive from one generation to the next. These everyday traditions make the village unique and culturally rich. Thakali Dress Gurung Dress Thakali khana set Thakali khaja set
Festivals are a special part of life in Thini, bringing families and the community together to celebrate their culture and traditions. Major festivals like Tyungla (Thakali New Year), the Phala Festival, and the rare La Phewa festival are celebrated with prayers, traditional dances, feasts, and joyful gatherings. These events not only strengthen community bonds but also help keep Thini's unique heritage and customs alive for future generations. FESTIVALS AND CELEBRATIONS Tyungla Festival Thakali New Year Phala Festival Celebrating Harvest and Prosperity Yartung Festival Horse Racing and Celebration La fewa Festival Sacred 12 Year Festival
ARCHITECTURE ROOTED IN PLACE THE BUILT ENVIRONMENT04 1.Settlement Pattern & Public Spaces 2.Traditional Houses & Building Typology 3.Materials & Construction Techniques
Thini Village has a compact settlement pattern, with houses closely clustered together and connected by narrow lanes that follow the natural slope of the land. Surrounded by agricultural fields and dramatic mountain landscapes, the village reflects a strong relationship between people, place, and nature. Its dense layout not only responds to the harsh climate but also encourages everyday social interaction. Public spaces are woven into village life through temple courtyards, community spaces, open grounds, and informal gathering spots along the streets. Facilities such as the school, ward office, museum, and volleyball court serve as important social hubs, making these shared spaces central to both cultural traditions and daily activities. SETTLEMENT PATTERN & PUBLIC SPACES
Map of Thini indicating the building typology MASTERPLAN OF THINI VILLAGE
RESIDENCE DURBAR STORAGE POULTRY SWAYAM SEVIKA HOMESTAY VOLLEYBALL COURT SHOP TEMPLE GOTH COW HUSBANDRY LEGENDS OPEN SPACE PRIMARY ACCCESS MAIN ROAD ABANDONED FURNITURE SECONDARY ROAD SCHOOL COMMUNITY HALL WARD OFFICE MUSEUM MASTERPLAN OF THINI VILLAGE RAMMED EARTH STRUCTURE SECTION
Map of Thini indicating the Public Infrastructure
Map of Thini indicating the Open space LEGENDS WATER TAP CANAL CHAMBER PUBLIC BUILDING ELECTRIC POLE CANAL GATE VALVE WATER FEEDING MASTERPLAN OF THINI VILLAGE MASTERPLAN OF THINI VILLAGE RAMMED EARTH STRUCTURE RAMMED EARTH STRUCTURE
Map of Thini indicating the Open space
Map of Thini indicating the building typology
STONE MASONRY AND RAMMED EARTH STONE MASONRY ON MUD MORTAR/PLASTER RCC FRAMED WITH STONE MASONRY STONE MASONRY ON CEMENT PLASTER RAMMED EARTH STRUCTURE RCC FRAMED, STONE MASONRY AND RAMMED EARTH STRUCTURE LEGENDS OF BUILDING WITH TYPOLOGY STONE MASONRY AND RAMMED EARTH RCC FRAMED WITH STONE MASONRY STONE MASONRY ON MUD MORTAR RAMMED EARTH STRUCTURE
Map of Thini indicating the profession of the house owner
AGRICULTURE & TOURISM LEGENDS OF BUILDING WITH TYPOLOGY AGRICULTURE & ANIMAL HUSBANDRY AGRICULTURE & BUSINESS AGRICULTURE REMITTANCE AGRICULTURE & REMITTANCEAGRICULTURE & GOVERNMENT JOB NOT-SPECIFIED GOVERNMENT JOB BUSINESS AGRICULTURE, ANIMAL HUSBANDRY & REMITTANCE AGRICULTURE, ANIMAL HUSBANDRY & GOVERNMENT JOB ANIMAL HUSBANDRY BUSINESS AGRICULTURE TOURISM
BUILDING ELEMENTS OF VERNACULAR DESIGN Walking through Thini Village, thick stone masonry walls are seen in almost every house. Built with locally available stone, these walls give the settlement a strong and timeless character while providing excellent protection against the cold climate and strong mountain winds. THICK STONE MASONRY WALLS Whitewashed exterior walls are a defining feature of Thini Village. Traditional stone houses are coated with mud plaster and finished with white lime or clay, creating a distinctive and unified village character. Beyond their aesthetic appeal, the whitewashed surfaces reflect sunlight, protect the walls, and preserve the village's vernacular identity. WHITEWASHED EXTERIOR WALLS TIMBER STRUCTURAL FRAME Timber beams, columns, and lintels form the structural framework of traditional houses, supporting the heavy earthen roof and stone walls. This construction system adds flexibility, strength, and warmth to the architecture.
The flat earthen roof, constructed with timber beams and compacted soil, serves as a multifunctional outdoor space. It is traditionally used for drying crops, storing firewood, and carrying out daily household activities while responding effectively to Mustang's dry climate. FLAT EARTHEN ROOF Small wooden-framed windows minimize heat loss and shield interiors from the strong Himalayan winds. Their deep recesses also enhance the thermal efficiency of the thick stone walls. SMALL DEEP-SET WINDOWS Solid timber doors with handcrafted details mark the entrance to each home. They provide security while showcasing the traditional woodworking skills of the Thakali community. WOODEN ENTRANCE DOOR
ROOF-EDGE FIREWOOD STORAGE Stacks of firewood stored on rooftops ensure an adequate fuel supply for the long winter months. This practical feature also contributes to the characteristic skyline of Thini Village.COURTYARDSTOREDININGFIG: SECTIONAL SKETCH SHOWING COURTYARD OF HOUSE NO. 107 INTERNAL COURTYARD (CHHYANGRA) The central courtyard acts as the heart of the house, providing space for family gatherings, food preparation, and everyday activities. It also improves natural lighting and ventilation throughout the dwelling.
PRAYER ELEMENTS The goth is a traditional livestock shelter that supports the agro-pastoral lifestyle of the Thakali community. Constructed from locally available stone with timber roof members, these shelters are designed to protect animals from the harsh winds and cold temperatures of Mustang. GOTH (ANIMAL SHELTER) Prayer flags, shrines, and Buddhist symbols integrated into homes and public spaces reflect the spiritual beliefs of the community. These elements reinforce the cultural identity of the settlement.GOTHFIG: GOTH ATTACHED WITH HOUSE FLOOR PLAN OF HOUSE NO. 89GOTHGOTHCOURTYARD
BEDROOMKITCHENGOTHSTORE ROOMGOTHBEDROOMBEDROOMCOURTYARDUPUPGROUND FLOOR PLANHousing No. 33 in Thini Village is a historic residential building, approximately 200 years old, exemplifying traditional vernacular architecture. Constructed with local stone masonry and timber, it features a double-storey load-bearing structure adapted to the region's climate and lifestyle. The ground floor includes essential spaces like the kitchen, living area, and bedrooms, while the first floor contains a shrine room and storage. A courtyard adjacent to the house serves multifunctional purposes, supporting daily activities and social interaction. The design utilizes local materials to ensure comfort in Mustang's cold and dry climate, preserving the cultural identity and architectural heritage of the area. HOUSE NO 33 - TRADITIONAL HOUSE TYPOLOGYFRONT ELEVATION LIVING TRADITIONS: HOUSE TYPOLOGIES OF THINI NCOURTYARD
Main entrance to the livestock goth in a well-preserved 200-year-old Thini house. Traditional stone façade with timber roof overhang.Traditional kitchen with timber ceiling.
More than a house, this traditional single-storey Thini dwelling is a self-sustaining living environment shaped by the demands of Himalayan life. The compact layout integrates living spaces with an attached livestock goth, storage, a courtyard, and a productive kitchen garden, creating a seamless relationship between domestic life and agriculture. A hand-carved single-log timber staircase provides access to the roof, reflecting generations of local craftsmanship and indigenous building knowledge. Together, these elements illustrate how vernacular architecture in Thini balances functionality, resilience, and cultural identity through simple yet enduring design. HOUSE NO 89- TYPICAL SINGLE STOREY HOUSE TYPOLOGY Panoramic view of traditional single-storey Thini dwelling reflecting the simplicity and resilience of Himalayan vernacular architecture.
FRONT ELEVATIONSECTION AT X-X’GOTHBEDROOM 3COURTYARDGROUND FLOOR PLANGOTHGOTHSTOREBEDROOM 1BEDROOM 2BEDROOM 3BEDROOM 4NGOTHCOURTYARDCOURTYARD
A house designed to embrace the mountain climate. The double-storey Thini dwelling places the kitchen, storage, and traditional brew room on the ground floor, while the upper level is dedicated to private living spaces, including four bedrooms, a sunroom, and toilet facilities. Flooded with winter sunlight, the sunroom becomes the heart of the homeoffering warmth, comfort, and a gathering space during the cold season. This intelligent vertical organization reflects how generations of local builders transformed climate challenges into architectural opportunities.BEDROOMGROUND FLOOR PLANFIRST FLOOR PLANBEDROOM HOUSENO 38- TYPICAL DOUBLE STOREY TYPOLOGYBREW ROOMSTORE ROOMW/CBATHKITCHENSTORE ROOMSTOREDININGKITCHENSHOP/ BEDROOMPUJA ROOMLIVING HALLCOURTYARD
SECTIONEast ElevationSouth ElevationBREW ROOMBEDROOMCOURTYARD
HOME STAYHOME STAYMONK ROOMGOTHGOTHTERRACETERRACETERRACETERRACEShaped by the slope, the section illustrates how traditional buildings in Thini are carefully embedded into the natural hillside, creating a stepped settlement that follows the mountain terrain. Each structure occupies successive terraces, allowing floor levels to respond naturally to changes in elevation while minimizing excavation. Lower levels are typically used for livestock goths, kitchens, storage, and other service spaces, reflecting the functional needs of everyday mountain life. HOUSE NO 4: MULTI-STOREY HOUSE TYPOLOGYSECTION Upper floors accommodate family living areas, bedrooms, and, in some cases, homestays or monastic rooms. Narrow pathways and interconnected stairways link the terraced buildings, reinforcing the village's compact, pedestrian- oriented character. Constructed from rammed earth, stone masonry, timber, and mud roofs, the section demonstrates how Thini's vernacular architecture harmoniously integrates topography, climate, and daily life into a resilient and sustainable Himalayan settlement.
The house tells two stories. Its exterior remains rooted in Thini's vernacular heritage, preserving the stone façade, modest street frontage, and traditional village character. Beyond the entrance, however, the interior reveals a contemporary transformation, with reinforced concrete construction, open circulation, skylit spaces, and modern finishes that respond to present-day lifestyles. Rather than replacing tradition, the renovation respects the historic streetscape while embracing modern comfortillustrating how Thini's architecture continues to evolve without losing its cultural identity.
MONASTERY The monastery complex in Thini Village includes Yangdung (Bonpo) Gumba and Lakhim Karpo Gumba, reflecting the region's rich Buddhist and Bon cultural heritage. The prayer hall features a traditional timber post-and-beam structure, painted wooden columns, exposed beams, colorful murals, and a central altar. Natural light from the skylight enhances the sacred atmosphere, while the use of local materials, traditional craftsmanship, and symbolic colors showcases the vernacular architecture and spiritual identity of Mustang. Interior view of traditional monastery of Thini dwelling reflecting the colorful murals, religious paintings, and sacred artifacts of Himalayan vernacular architecture.
The infrastructure of Thini Village is designed to suit the harsh Trans-Himalayan environment while preserving its cultural heritage. Traditional systems, communal facilities, and public spaces support everyday life and promote sustainability, resilience, and strong community interaction. INFRASTRUCTURE AND SERVICES Thini's drinking water is supplied from natural springs and glacial melt of the Nilgiri Himal through a traditional gravity-fed piped system that operates without pumps. Water is distributed through community taps (dharas), which also serve as important social gathering spaces. Although the system is sustainable and energy- efficient, it faces challenges from limited sanitation infrastructure and the impacts of climate change on glacial water availability. Traditional community dhara supplied by a gravity-fed water system in Thini Village, Mustang, Nepal.
The communal spaces of Thini Village are centered around the monastery forecourts, village square, and open gathering areas, which serve as the social and cultural heart of the settlement. These spaces are used for religious ceremonies, festivals, community meetings, traditional dances, and daily social interaction. The volleyball ground also functions as an important recreational and community gathering space, especially for youth and village events. Together, these open spaces strengthen social cohesion, preserve cultural traditions, and provide shared areas for both spiritual and communal activities. Community gathering in the central open space of Thini Village, reflecting strong social interaction and traditional village life.
INFRASTRUCTURE AND SERVICES
OBSERVATIONS AND REFLECTIONS LEARNING FROM THINI04 1.Settlement Pattern & Public Spaces 2.Traditional Houses & Building Typology 3.Materials & Construction Techniques