This is the travel blog of the journey of Mustang via Roadways. Mustang is an ancient forbidden kingdom, bordered by the Tibetan Plateau and sheltered by some of the world’s tallest peaks, including 8000-meter tall Annapurna and Dhaulagiri. It is famous for its natural beauty and cultural heritage. It holds the world’s deepest gorge, Andhra Galchi was also known as Kali Gandaki gorge. The 14th-century ancient monasteries also situated in this region. The temple in the highest altitude of the world, Muktinath, is also in Mustang which is the common Pilgrimage for Hindus and Buddhists. The fossils found in Kali Gandaki River, The hot spring water, the salt lake, panoramic views of Nilgiri, Dhaulagiri, Annapurna, ancient monasteries, cliff-hanging monasteries, colorful fields are some of the attraction in the place.
The tour to Mustang was decided to organize. There were some briefing about the journey, itinerary, sightseeing places, meal plan, etc which were on the package of 04 nights and 05 days. One day before the tour starts, all the arrangements for the tour had been done and ready for the trip of 4 nights and 5 days of Mustang with the backpacking. There were 2 Ghoda Ghodi Deluxe Buses that were reserved for our tour.
Day 01 / 23rd June’2019 (Sunday)
Early morning I woke up at 4 am and get ready to reach the meeting point, i.e NATHM College (Where I am studying) on time. And we started our trip at 7 o’clock after the presence of friends, teachers and senior brothers. When we were leaving the meeting point, it was raining and the surroundings were covered with fogs, even we can’t see the surrounding of 15 m ahead too. When we go downhill from the western exit point of Kathmandu Valley, Naagdhunga, we were excited about Green Nature.
When we reach Naubise, the weather gets change and begin sunshine. The sky with some clouds looked like the painting on the ceiling. At that time the surrounding was really like the painting room as Blue sky with thin cloud as the ceiling, green hills as the walls of the room.
To about 4 hours we reached Malekhu and stopped for Lunch on Blue Heaven Restaurant and Bar. The food was so tasty and fresh. The compound of the restaurant was too good. Surrounded by the green garden with a large area to sit with the view of the Trishuli river made the area so attractive. We found this place also a rafting-end destination. As, this restaurant served tasty food, not only Nepalese, but foreigners also stopped there for lunch.
After an hour lunch break, we continued our journey via Prithvi Highway towards Pokhara. The road to go Pokhara and Chitwan is separated from Mugling. To go to Pokhara, we followed the right lane from Mugling. After crossing the bridge, we followed the way with the corridor of the Marsyangdi River. With the pleasant view and cool environment, the music on the bus also made us happy while traveling.
After 7 hours, we reached Pokhara, the paradise city to tourists. As our destination for the first day was Beni, so we continued our journey from Pokhara. The Pokhara is another big city in Nepal. Through the mid-way of Pokhara city, we followed the road towards the northern side of Pokhara, i.e. the corridor of Seti River. This road is also famous to reach the starting point of Trekking to Annapurna Region, Phedi, Kande, Naundanda, Nayapul, etc.
As the weather was clear, we were lucky to see the Pokhara City and Phewa Lake from Naundanda in between the green hills. With some refreshment break on the way and seeing the nature from the bus, we reach Beni, Myagdi after 11 hours from Kathmandu following the corridor of Trishuli River, Marsyangdi River, Seti River, Modi River, Kaligandaki River and many small rivulets.
After check-in at Hotel Hill View Thakali Bhanchha Ghar in Beni, we, 4 friends of my group, made a plan to go the viewpoint and also visit The Heritage of Mallaj of Tanahu district which is about 30 min from the Beni Bazar. (The trail is upward to the hill and with amazing construction. We can see the view of Beni Bazar from the viewpoint). We can visit the heritage on the day time. With the delicious dinner at the hotel, we decided to sleep earlier for the next day to depart earlier to Jomsom.
Day 02 / 24th June’2019 (Monday)
Early morning, we got the wake-up call to be ready and start our journey towards Jomsom at 6 O’clock. While getting out of the hotel, we saw a tourist information board with the distance as per the destination. As we got the information that the road will be closed from 7 to 11 am and 2 to 6:30 pm due to road construction, we have to pass the blocked point before 7 am, so we started our journey by 6 O’clock.
Our journey continued through the bankside of Kaligandaki River. The narrow offroad on the side of the fast-flowing river on the side increased our heartbeat. After 4 hours, we reached Hotel Mountain View and Highway Restaurant and stopped there for lunch.After an hour lunch break, we moved ahead to about 5 minutes and stopped for sightseeing of Rupse Waterfall which has a height of 300m. This place is also the sightseeing point of the deepest gorge of the world, Kaligandaki Gorge.
And we started our journey towards Marpha Village. After 2 hours we reached Marpha Village and started walking through the Marpha village and explore the Jerry Gully, Monastery. And had a conversation with the local people. We felt amazing seeing the tradition to collect woods and keep on the roof of the house.
When we walked through the Marpha Village, we saw a notice board showing the direction of Dhaulagiri Base Camp (4,200m). After 1 hour, we started driving towards Jomsom and get off from the bus at Syang. And we started hiking to about 40 minutes and reached the Dumba Lake and explore the lake for half an hour.
Then we continued our hiking towards Thini Village. We found the village with an amazing lifestyle. The windy moment of Jomsom also influenced to us on hiking. It is said that the dead body of Guru Rimpoche has been kept in the monastery of Thini Village.
Hiking through the Thini village, we reached Jomsom Bazar. We found the Jomsom Airport was under construction. We reached the Hotel Marcopolo for an overnight stay near to the Jomsom Airport Gate. Mt. Nilgiri with snow facing towards the Jomsom Bazar gave the magnificent and breathtaking view in the evening time from the Hotel too. And the second day was ended with the taste of Marphak at Hotel Marcopolo in Jomsom.
Day 03 / 25th June’2019 (Tuesday)
Early morning, before breakfast we started our journey towards Muktinath Temple through the Kagbeni and Jharkot village. On the way to Muktinath, we stopped for taking rest because the altitude was increasing.
Seeing the landscape and Mountain, we reached Bus stand and started hiking towards Muktinath Temple. Muktinath (3,710m) is the popular Vishnu temple located at the highest altitude in the world is a sacred place for both Hindus and Buddhists. After having a bath on the 108 holy taps and 2 ponds, we worshiped on the main temple.
What makes us surprised that we found a local nun was managing the prayer rituals inside the temple whereas Buddhist monks conducted the worship. There was a big statue of Lord Buddha too.
Nearby it, there was a monastery and inside of it, there was a natural burning flame. The Tibetan Buddhist tradition stated that Guru Rimpoche, founder of Tibetan Buddhism, had meditated at Muktinath on his way to Tibet. After a few hours, we descend to the Bus stand and have breakfast. And started our journey to Chhusang Village, the gateway to Upper Mustang.
One hour drive from Kagbeni along the bankside of Kaligandaki river took us to Chhusang Village where we took lunch. And we proceeded for the hiking through the village. And continued hiking the gateway bridge of Upper Mustang. The Landscape of the Chhusang was so mind-blowing. The natural cliff was like man-made. Roaming around 1 hour on the bank of Kaligandaki river, some of us were busy searching Saligram, holy stone to worship Vishnu, whereas some were clicking the photos.
And we returned to Lete. On the way, we stopped at Jomsom Bazar to buy some local products. And started our journey towards Lete for the overnight stay. At 7 pm, we reached our destination, See You Lodge at Lete. It was good with services and facilities.
Day 04 / 26th June’2019 (Wednesday)
Early morning, when we looked from the window of our room 101, we were speechless because of the breathtaking snow-capped mountain view near to us. We went to the rooftop and took several pictures. The mesmerizing view of Mt. Dhaulagiri (8,167m), the world’s seventh highest peak and other peaks attract us and we spent more than an hour to adore with the photograph of the beautiful landscapes.
After breakfast, we started our journey towards Pokhara. After 2 hours drive, we stopped at Tatopani to have a bath on the Natural Hot Spring. As we got the information that the road will open at 11 am, we were ready by 11 am and started the journey immediately. As the rain started, the weather was so cold.
Driving along the bank of Kaligandaki River, we reach Galeshwor and stopped for lunch. Utilizing some free time after lunch, I took my friend Kabiraj to visit Galeshwor Mandir. We found the temple with the amazing established in the ancient time.
After some rest, we started our journey towards Pokhara. Due to rain and some construction work on the road, we had to stock in the traffic jam. After 2 hours, we reached Naundanda and stopped for tea break. And continue our journey to Pokhara by enjoying the duet folk song in Bus. At 8 pm, we reached Pokhara and check into Kuti Resort & Spa, Pokhara for the overnight stay. After dinner, we walked in the street of Lakeside to observe the nightlife of Pokhara. And returned to the hotel for rest.
Day 05 / 27th June’2019 (Thursday)
Early morning, we woke up and visit Phewa Lake and walked on the bank of Lake. And returned to the hotel for breakfast. After breakfast, we got ready to come back to Kathmandu and check out from the hotel by 11 am. And our journey of Pokhara – Kathmandu started. Having lunch break and some refreshment break, we finally come back to Kathmandu at 9 pm.
Trip Ends………
It was our pleasure and great moments to travel with the friends of the college and have some memorable days with them. I think every one of the trips feels the same as I feel. Those days will be a memorable part for us. Such a wonderful trip changes us from a traveler to a storyteller. Finally, I realize it and have experience with this wonderful saying.
“Travelling, it makes you speechless and then turns into a storyteller.”
– IBN BATTUTA
I just recommend you to travel those places with families, friends, relatives in your next vacation for the first-hand experience.
Have a great time!!