A Bumpy Start to the Adventure

Our journey began early in the morning at 4:00 AM. A bus ride from Biratnagar to Pokhara was our first leg, and the road was nothing short of challenging. The path was bumpy, under construction in many places, and the air was thick with dust. But despite the discomforts, there was an air of excitement among us. We knew that this trip was going to be unlike any other.

By 7:00 PM, after a long and exhausting journey, we finally reached Pokhara. The travel agency had arranged for a taxi to pick us up, and we were soon at our hotel, ready to relax. But the night was young, and we couldn’t resist the allure of Pokhara’s vibrant nightlife. We strolled around Phewa Lake, taking in the tranquil beauty of the surroundings before retreating to our hotel to rest. Tomorrow promised a whole new adventure.

The Road to Upper Mustang

The following morning, we were up early, excited to begin our journey into Upper Mustang. We hopped into a jeep with our guide and driver, who were both kind-hearted and full of local knowledge. Our destination for the day was the village of Marpha, a place known for its apple orchards and traditional culture.

The road to Marpha was a mix of off-road and paved paths, with incredible views at every turn. We made stops along the way to capture the moments with our cameras and to simply breathe in the fresh mountain air. The landscapes were jaw-dropping—snow-capped peaks, deep valleys, and ancient villages nestled in the hills.

When we finally reached Marpha, we were welcomed by the cold mountain climate. After settling into our accommodations, we enjoyed a warm and delicious meal. The food was simple but satisfying, and after a long day of travel and adventure, it was exactly what we needed. To cap off the evening, we sipped on locally made wine—a perfect way to end a day full of exploration.

Exploring Lomanthang

The next day, we set out for Lomanthang, the capital of Upper Mustang. The road to Lomanthang was mostly gravel, but the stunning views of the mountains, the clear blue skies, and the scattered villages along the way made every bump in the road feel worth it.

Lomanthang itself was a surreal place—a village where time seemed to stand still. Despite Nepal being a democratic country, Lomanthang is still home to a king, and we visited the king’s palace during our stay. The village was well-organized, and the people were incredibly welcoming. The cold mist that surrounded the area added to its mystique, and the temperature dropped to -11°C as we roamed around. The local residents, with their warm hearts, made us feel at home in this remote part of the world.

That night, we bundled up in all our warm clothes and piled on a few extra blankets to sleep, knowing that the altitude and the cold would make the night a little less comfortable.

The Kora La Pass and Beyond

The next day, we embarked on one of the most exhilarating parts of the trip: the journey to the Kora La Pass, the highest border crossing between Nepal and China. Standing at an altitude of 15,300 feet, the pass offered spectacular views of the surrounding snow-covered mountains. We spent some time there, taking photos and soaking in the vast, untouched landscape.

After leaving the pass, we continued our journey to Jomsom, a town known for its better facilities compared to other parts of Upper Mustang. Jomsom was a welcome respite from the extreme cold, with well-maintained rooms and hot meals. It felt like a luxury after our rugged travels.

A Spiritual Experience at Muktinath Temple

On the final leg of our journey, we visited one of Nepal’s most sacred sites: the Muktinath Temple, dedicated to Lord Shiva. The temple is situated at an altitude so high that even climbing the 100 stairs felt like a challenge. The cold was intense, but our spirits were high. The 108 water sources, known as the 108 Dhara, are believed to purify sins, and we ran barefoot through the freezing water to cleanse ourselves. The cold was biting, and my legs nearly went numb, but it was an experience I would never forget.

After completing the spiritual rituals, we descended from the temple and boarded our jeep to return to Pokhara. The journey had taken us through some of Nepal’s most remote and beautiful places, and the memories of those sacred moments and majestic landscapes stayed with us as we headed back.

The Last Night in Pokhara

Upon returning to Pokhara, we were exhausted but content. We had experienced the adventure of a lifetime—one that mixed physical challenges, breathtaking natural beauty, and deep spiritual moments. But we weren’t done yet. We still had one more night in Pokhara, and we made the most of it.

We dressed up and headed to a local club, where we enjoyed some drinks, food, and good music. The vibrant nightlife of Pokhara was the perfect way to close the trip. We spent the evening laughing, reminiscing about the journey, and celebrating the friendships we had strengthened along the way.