Dignity in Himalayas: Brining Menstrual Health Education to Upper Mustang

Between April and June 2026, Drokpo team traveled to some of the most remote villages of Lomanthang Rural Municipality in Upper Mustang. Partnering with Conscious Connection Nepal, we wanted to encourage people to talk openly about menstrual health and provide practical and sustainable solutions. Together, we reached 251 women, girls and nuns across eight village and a nunnery. 

Living in the high Himalayas comes with unique challenges. Due to harsh weather, rough road and limited health services, sanitary products are both rare and expensive, forcing many women to rely on old clothes. On top of that, deep-rooted cultural stigmas often make menstruation a taboo topic. We wanted to change that by creating judgment free spaces where participants could openly discuss reproductive health, family planning, menopause, and body care. The response was amazing, with women and young girls openly sharing their stories, challenging old traditions and asking questions they had held onto for years.

One of the highlights was our hands-on reusable pad making training. Participants learned to sew their own pads using simple, local materials, giving them a sustainable, self reliant way to manage their periods. To support their new skills, everyone also received a hygiene kit with reusable pads, underwear and shop.

During this trip, our team also went door to door in Lo-Gekar Damodarkunda RM to follow up on the sane training we did last year. We conducted a Pad effectiveness survey and found out that most of the women are still using the reusable pads. They told us the pads have had positive effect on their daily lives and they are incredibly happy with them. The participants were so grateful that they requested to continue this kind of support in the future.

This journey wasn't just about handing out supplies, it was about dignity, confidence, and reclaiming health. Lasting change begins when people feel comfortable talking about topics that have Long been surrounded by silence. We are incredibly grateful for Conscious Connection Nepal, Lomanthang Rural Municipality, Local Health Volunteers, mothers' groups and community leaders for welcoming us into their communities. At Drokpo Nepal, we believe everyone deserves access to menstrual education no matter how remote their home, and we look forward to supporting more Himalayan Communities in the years ahead.