Interestingly, the paintings were created in an Indian style, which is very unusual to have been discovered near Chinese border in Mustang.

These distinct and old paintings in difficult landscape reflect the medieval art, Neolithic art, culture, religion and civilization influenced by Indian lifestyle, Prakash Darnal, senior archeologist at the ministry of tourism and culture remarked.

It was really marvellous and exciting to learn that the murals depicting the life of Lord Buddha in the cave situated in Chhoser area of Mustang district bordering Tibet are similar to those found in the Ajanta and Ellora caves of India, he said.

It would be a great asset for Nepal to promote tourism in the area if we can preserve and carry out further exploration of these caves, he said.

The paintings dated back to the 12-13th century, which is really exciting to know, he said adding, earlier we had discovered paintings of 15th century in nearby Lomanthang area, the famous tourist spot situated at an altitude of 13,000 feet, 350 km north-west of Kathmandu.