Nubri in Nepal

Introduction / History

Nubri people in Nepal live on the tallest mountain in the world. They live in a very remote and difficult to access location. Their lives have not changed for centuries. They are also known as the Larke people.

What Are Their Lives Like?

Despite their high altitude, the Nubri people grow corn, wheat and other grains. This is because of monsoonal rains that provided needed fresh water. Farming is difficult for those who live in higher elevations because of the cold, harsh climate. They also shepherd yaks, goats and sheep. These animals give them meat, skins and milk. They trade many crafted items for other needs. Their one-room homes are built of stones and wood. They use sturdy stone slates as roofing to protect them from the elements.

They use rugs to cover the dirt floors. The female head of the household sits to the left of the fire and her male counterpart sits to the right of it. Women might have several husbands; she is often married to several brothers. This way the male’s family estate is not divided to a point where they cannot grow enough food. Children often do not survive past age five. Despite their hardships, they are a warm and friendly people.

What Are Their Beliefs?

Buddhism allows people to mix Buddhist teachings with traditional religion. Nubri people are Tibetan Buddhist and animistic in their beliefs. They believe that plants and animals have spirits which they both revere and fear. They believe that evil spirits must be appeased through prayers, sacrifices and rituals. Otherwise, they are in danger of sickness. The spirits can also provide good harvests if they are appeased. The Tibetan form of Buddhism incorporates aspects of the shamanistic bon religion. They use Tibetan death rituals.

What Are Their Needs?

The primary need of Nubri people in Nepal is to know and understand that Almighty God has provided the full payment of the penalty of their sins through Lord Jesus Christ. Who will tell them? No Bible resources exist in the Nubri language. They have many medical, environmental and educational needs. Any servant of Christ who is willing to brave the hardships of Nubri life can reach them.

Prayer Points

Pray that they can be reached through the visual advantage of the JESUS Film and gospel recordings. Pray for a movement of God's Holy Spirit to move through the entire Nubri people group that will bring many to a saving knowledge of Jesus Christ. Pray for the spiritual growth of many disciples who will make many more disciples to reach within their community.

Text Source:   Joshua Project