The Himalayan Nomads: Crossing the Last Forbidden Kingdom
Descriptive Summary
This documentary explores the ancient kingdom of Mustang in the Himalayas, focusing on the integral role of horses in the lives of its inhabitants. Traditionally, horses are revered and essential for survival, particularly for transport and agriculture in the challenging high-altitude terrain. The film highlights the annual Yatung festival, a three-day celebration dedicated to horses, marking the end of summer. It delves into the unique practices of traditional horse doctors and physicians who utilize ancient methods and local plants for healing. As winter approaches, a significant migration occurs, where horses and many villagers descend to warmer southern territories to escape the harsh conditions. The journey is arduous, navigating treacherous passes and unpredictable weather. The documentary also touches upon the changing landscape of Mustang, with the advent of roads and modern transportation, and the potential impact on the traditional way of life, while emphasizing the enduring cultural significance of horses.
Vocabulary Table
| Term | Definition | Used in sentence |
|---|---|---|
| Himalayas | A mountain range in Asia, separating the plains of the Indian subcontinent from the Tibetan Plateau. | “In the very depths of the Himalayas lies an ancient kingdom…” |
| Mustang | An ancient kingdom situated in the north of Nepal, known for its unique culture and challenging terrain. | “Mustang, an ancient kingdom situated in the north of Nepal, was for many years thought of as forbidden territory…” |
| Yatung festival | A three-day festival dedicated to horses, celebrating the end of summer in Mustang. | “The whole province is preparing for the Yatung, a three-day festival to celebrate the end of the summer…” |
| Revered | Regarded with deep respect and admiration. | “Although they are worked hard, they’re revered as gods.” |
| Bloodletting | The surgical removal of some of a patient’s blood, a historical medical practice. | “Taku uses very ancient tools mainly for bloodletting.” |
| Amshi | A traditional physician, often recognized for their knowledge of medicinal plants. | “Guatsubista is an amshi, a traditional physician recognized over a large area of the Himalayas.” |
| Katak | A traditional ceremonial scarf in Tibetan Buddhism, symbolizing good luck. | “There are many prayers and offerings and kataks. These colored scarves symbolize good luck wishes for their owners.” |
| Troglodite habitations | Dwellings in caves or rock shelters. | “Up against the imposing cliffs of Dhakmar, one can see in the rock face the remains of troglodite habitations…” |
| Monsoon | A seasonal prevailing wind in the region of South and Southeast Asia, blowing from the southwest in summer and from the northeast in winter. | “During the summer in monsoon season, crossing the river would have been impossible.” |
| Promontories | A point of high land that juts out into a large body of water or a low-lying landmass. | “The villages in these valleys are often perched on promontories.” |
Embedded YouTube Video
Fill in the Blanks Exercise
1. In the depths of the __________, an ancient kingdom thrives where horses are essential for survival.
