Last year we were very happy to share the news that the nine-metre statue of Guru Padmasambhava at Garphu, in Upper Mustang, Nepal, had finally been completed. The statue was created and dedicated to the memory of our beloved Master, Chögyal Namkhai Norbu.
The whole project was only possible thanks to the generosity of many people. Friends and practitioners from all over the world contributed, while a number of artists and friends very generously donated works of art or offered courses to help fund the construction. We remain enormously grateful to everyone who helped make the statue possible.
I recently had the opportunity to travel through Upper Mustang and visit Garphu to see the statue now that it is standing there. The main artist responsible for the statue and the lama of the village came to meet us and very kindly spent time showing us around the site, explaining how the work had been carried out and, importantly, what still remains to be done.
It was quite moving to finally see it there.
Mustang is an extraordinary place. The immense landscape, the colours of the mountains, the old villages and monasteries are incredibly beautiful. The artistic heritage is equally remarkable. Some of the temples preserve extraordinary paintings and sculptures, but travelling through the region you are constantly reminded that this is not simply an artistic heritage belonging to the past. Buddhist practice is still very much alive and remains part of people’s everyday lives.
This is particularly true of the devotion to Guru Padmasambhava, or Guru Rinpoche. Throughout the Himalayan world he is revered as the Second Buddha, and his presence can be felt everywhere: in monasteries and caves, paintings and sculptures, prayers and stories that have been passed down for generations.
For this reason, it was especially wonderful to discover that the statue at Garphu is not simply a monument. People from the village are already coming there to circumambulate, pray and recite the mantra of Guru Rinpoche. It is gradually becoming a place of practice in its own right.
The statue itself is really impressive. Standing above Garphu and looking out across the valley, it is difficult to imagine a more appropriate setting. The craftsmanship is wonderful, and everyone we met seemed very happy and proud of what has been achieved.
You can get a much better idea of the statue and its extraordinary setting in this short video
The statue will require ongoing maintenance. You can contribute to its upkeep by making a donation via the button below or by purchasing one of the artworks displayed here. Your support will benefit both the maintenance of the statue and the activities of Shang Shung UK.
One final stage remains
Although the statue itself has been completed, the work around it has not.
More than half of the slate paving surrounding the statue still needs to be laid. We need to complete the electrical system so that lights can be installed around the perimeter, and we would also very much like to plant trees around the complex and on the surrounding hillside.
In a place as remote as Garphu, even relatively straightforward work becomes complicated and expensive. Materials have to be purchased elsewhere, transported through Mustang and then brought up to the site.
We estimate that approximately US$10,000 will allow us to complete this final stage of the project.
The location of the site is in Garphu, Nepal
Since so many people helped us build the statue in the first place, we would like to make one last appeal to see whether together we can now finish its surroundings as well. It does not need to be a large donation. If many people contribute something, even a relatively small amount, we should be able to reach our goal. It would be wonderful to leave Garphu with a beautiful and properly completed place where local people can circumambulate, practise and recite the mantra of Guru Rinpoche; where pilgrims and travellers can stop and sit for a while; and where this extraordinary statue can remain for generations to come. Most importantly for us, it will continue to be an offering in memory of Chögyal Namkhai Norbu, in a part of the Himalayan world whose culture, teachings and traditions he dedicated so much of his life to preserving and making known.
Help Us Complete The Site
If you would like to help us finish the project, you can make a donation through the button below.
There are also still several artworks generously offered by internationally renowned artists which can be purchased in support of the project. These can be seen further down this page.
And finally, thank you again to everybody who has already helped through donations, artworks, courses, practical support and encouragement. Seeing the statue standing there in Garphu made me realise just how much has been achieved through the generosity of so many people.
We are almost there. Hopefully, with one last effort, we can now finish it completely.
Support Our Statue Project: Purchase Artwork Donated by Artists!
Book of Knowledge by Pascal Cerchi, pure white and melted Honey Gold Alabaster, 950 Euros
Namsal Siedlecki. Viandante. 2025. Copper. 28x6x4 cm. 4000 Euros
Dead is not the End by Michela Martello, Iridescent Watercolor on paper, 11x8 inches, 2024, 700 Euros
Please contact us at info@shangshunguk.org if interested in art pieces.
Thank you for supporting the project!
Shang Shung Institute UK, a non profit institute, connects people for the support of Tibetan and Himalayan culture in person & online.
Shang Shung UK Ltd.
Lekdanling, Unit B
14 Collent Street
London, E9 6SG