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Article by- Newjewel Shrestha
Traveling to Mustang has always been on my bucket list, and finally, the dream came true. Early in the morning, we boarded a bus to begin our adventure. The journey was longer than expected, as the roads were in terrible condition due to the floods a few months ago. After a 12-hour ride, with breaks in between, we reached Beni and decided to rest for the night. Exhausted yet excited, we eagerly awaited the next day's journey to Mustang.
The following morning, at 5 a.m., we resumed our trip from Beni to Marpha. From Marpha, we took a ride to Jomsom, where we stopped for breakfast at the beautiful Jomsom Bazaar. Surrounded by snow-capped mountains, Jomsom was a sight to behold. This place is a popular starting or ending point for treks along the Kali Gandaki River valley and the Annapurna Trekking Circuit. Despite the chilly weather, the warm hospitality of the locals made us feel at home. After clicking a few pictures, we continued our journey toward Muktinath Temple.
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Muktinath Temple, located in the Mustang region, is one of Nepal’s most revered pilgrimage sites. This ancient Vishnu temple is sacred to both Hindus and Buddhists, with Hindus worshipping Vishnu and Buddhists revering Avalokiteśvara. The temple is known as the “Lord of Liberation” and is a symbol of religious harmony, as both communities have historically worshiped together at this site.
To reach the temple, we took a horse ride, which was both an exciting and traditional way to travel in the area. After the ride, we had to climb a few steps to reach the temple. Alternatively, visitors can hike to the temple if they prefer.
The temple was bustling with devotees, both Hindu and Buddhist, despite the cold weather. Many visitors were taking part in a sacred ritual by bathing under the 108 taps of cold water and dipping into two holy ponds. It is believed that taking a dip in the holy waters can cleanse one’s sins and bring them closer to salvation. The spiritual energy at Muktinath was truly awe-inspiring, and we spent some time in prayer before making our way back down.
After visiting Muktinath, we returned to Marpha for the night. Marpha is a charming village known for its whitewashed buildings, narrow alleys, and traditional teahouses. It’s often referred to as the “apple capital of Nepal” due to its abundance of apple orchards. Marpha is famous for its apple brandy, apple cider, and jams, making it a perfect place to sample and buy local products.
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We couldn’t resist purchasing apples and brandy to bring home as gifts. The village also offers a glimpse into traditional Thakali culture, and we enjoyed wearing traditional Tibetan attire as we explored the area.
Our stay in Marpha was warm and welcoming, filled with delicious food and heartfelt hospitality. The journey to Mustang was long and tiring, but the breathtaking views and rich experiences made every moment worthwhile. This adventure will forever hold a special place in my heart.
Picture Credit: Newjewel Shrestha, Chunumunu, Onfokus
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