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Gue: The Abode Of The Lama Mummy

Read on further to know more about Gue, which is home to the only mummy found in India.

By Pranav

Tucked deep in the Himalayan cold desert of Spiti Valley in Himachal Pradesh, is the tiny hamlet of Gue, a place which still remains away from a traveller's circuit. The village of Gue is located at an altitude of about 10,499 ft above sea level and lies at a close proximity to the Indo-China border. The place is home to India's only known naturally preserved mummy.

the lama mummy of gue

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The village of Gue has signboards which directs the travellers towards the resting place of the mummy. The mummy was unearthed during an army excavation and placed in a tomb in the year 1975. As per carbon dating, the mummy is believed to be 500 to 600 years old.

The History Of The Mummy...

According to the local beliefs, the mummy is believed to be that of a Lama named Sangha Tenzin, who decided to give up his life for the well-being of his village.

It is said that the Lama took upon himself to save the village from a plague of scorpions. The villagers believe that when the Lama passed away, a rainbow appeared and since then the place is free of scorpions.

the lama mummy of gue

The mummy is considered as the living god by the villagers, who offer him prayers and mark their respects. The mummy is in a squatting position and is dressed in silk robes. His teeth and hair are still well-preserved and is kept in a glass enclosure in a small room located close to the gompa.

To prevent robbery, the mummy is now closed for viewing, although one can have a glance of him through the a window. The room is opened only during important events and festivals which is celebrated in the village.

Gue - A Place Untouched By Modernisation

Gue is a peaceful and beautiful village with a few houses and about 100 odd people who have made their homes in small huts amidst the majestic Himalayas. The place is untouched by the evils of modernisation and the residents here travel by foot, to far-off places to meet their everyday needs.

the lama mummy of gue

The hamlet of Gue is located at a distance of 80 km from the town of Kaza, which happens to be sub district headquarters of Spiti valley and is approximately around 430 km from Shimla and 250 km from Manali via the Kunzum pass.

Gue is placed deep in the valley and one of the best ways to reach is by private transport as there is no guarantee about the frequency of public transport. Accommodation is limited to homestays, who would provide you nothing more than the facilities of a basic room to stay.

The people here are very shy and reserved but are excellent tour guides. The homestays havecommon washrooms and the guests are provided three meals only at an extra cost.

Best Time To Visit

the lama mummy of gue

The best time to visit this place is from June to the month of September when the weather conditions are pleasant along with clear roads, and the nights aren't very cold as opposed to other months.

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