Manang, Nepal, May 24, 2025 - The traditional earthen-roofed houses of Manang, a hallmark of the region’s cultural and architectural heritage, are vanishing under the dual pressures of climate change and modernization. These homes, once a testament to indigenous knowledge and craftsmanship, are being replaced by modern concrete structures, leading to the erosion of a rich cultural identity.
Climate Change: A Direct Threat
Manang, a Himalayan district, is witnessing unseasonal heavy rainfall and prolonged downpours, which have accelerated the deterioration of earthen roofs. Villages such as Nar and Phu in Narpa Bhumi Rural Municipality are at the forefront of this crisis. According to Konjo Tenzing Lama, Chairperson of the municipality, many traditional homes in these areas are leaking and deteriorating. Reduced snowfall, rising temperatures, and erratic rainfall patterns have disrupted the region’s ecosystem, impacting not only homes but also livelihoods and cultural practices.
Modernization vs. Tradition
The district headquarters of Chame has already transitioned to modern reinforced cement concrete (RCC) housing, a trend spreading to other areas like Nasong and Chame Rural Municipalities. However, in Manang Ngisyang and Narpa Bhumi Rural Municipalities, traditional earthen homes and cultural landmarks such as monasteries, chhortens, and ancestral monuments still stand, albeit precariously.
These ancient structures are more than mere homes; they are repositories of knowledge, designed to withstand the extreme Himalayan climate. Thick earthen walls provide insulation, keeping interiors warm in winter and cool in summer—a feature modern RCC houses fail to replicate. Experts highlight that these homes offer not only climate resilience but also health benefits, preventing cold-related illnesses in winter.
Cultural Erosion
Manang has long been a hub for global tourists, not just for its breathtaking landscapes and Tilicho Lake but also for its unique Himalayan lifestyle. Traditional practices like consulting auspicious timings before leaving villages and circling a chhorten upon entering remain integral to local identity. However, as earthen houses deteriorate and modern structures proliferate, these practices risk being forgotten.
“We must protect our heritage,” said Chairperson Lama. “Preserving earthen houses, monasteries, and chhortens is critical for maintaining the cultural identity of the Manangi people.”
A Call for Action
The loss of these traditional homes signifies not only the erosion of physical structures but also the loss of indigenous knowledge, skills, and identity. Preservation efforts must address both the immediate physical threats posed by climate change and the socio-economic forces driving modernization.
Policymakers, conservationists, and local communities must collaborate to restore and maintain traditional homes. Investment in sustainable tourism could further incentivize preservation, as visitors increasingly seek authentic cultural experiences.
The story of Manang’s disappearing earthen houses is a microcosm of a global issue—climate change and modernization eroding cultural heritage. It is a stark reminder that development and preservation must go hand in hand to safeguard both the past and the future.
