Spectabulous Jomsom and breathtaking Muktinath Part-II

Muktinath - one of the Hindu holy shrine - a soul revival

... journey to Muktinath would have been a daunting task for us if we would have decided for trek. Since we had only a day left for the trip, we had choice to go by Jeep or Bike. Refusal to go to Muktinath from our Chinese companions made us easily go for Bike over Jeep as both of us would love to ride bike till Muktinath.

Had to wait till 9AM for the bike to arrive and to our amaze it was Pulsar 150cc. Wow! Sujit jumped on it right away and took the "driving seat", which he regret later after ....

Calm and warm weather lured us in the beginning right from Jomsom, though we were readily well attired with thick clothings, gloves and sun glasses, since we were warned by the person with whom we hired the bike that this gonna be a hell of a ride and wind will blow really strong in the afternoon - so be careful.

Spectabulous Jomsom and breathtaking Muktinath Part-I

Jomsom - as they say a gateway to forbidden kingdom of Mustang where we encounter the ancient traditions that are yet to be unfolded.

This was my first ever visit to Mustang region and was very excited about it. Although the trip was arranged from office, we had to participate on your own. After much difficulty we gathered 6 persons ready for the trip. Sujit and me along with 4 Chinese colleagues got ready for the experience.

We took a package trip for round about Kathmandu-Jomsom-Kathmandu and started our journey by reserved Micro-bus till Pokhara. Although, I had planned long ago for a trekking trip to Mustang which could not be materialized for zillions of reason, and left me with no option but to agree to fly Jomsom.
Breadth-taking views from the window overwhelmed us and made us eager to land as quickly as possible. Soft slap of chilled breeze on chicks felt as a welcome gratitude. We just couldn't hold screaming to see the majestic view of Mount Nilgiri postered in front of us right after we got off the plane. Since we had only 2 days to complete this trip, without loosing time we headed for renouned hike of Thini Village to Dhumba Lake and then to Marpha village.

Thini being the oldest village in this valley region ruled once by the King, and is the gateway to famous Tilicho Lake. Monasteries and artilleries of those age were still preserved here. Dhumba Lake is another attraction of this region with historical and religious attachments - where the guide told us that fish from this lake are not eaten but raised for religious purpose. An hour hike to this gorgeous lake was worth all the breath and gasps being taken by each of us and we forgot our exhaustion touching the icy-cold water of the lake.

Next destination we enjoyed there after is Marpha Village also well-known as The Village of Apple Orchards. Though, three of our Chinese com padres were tired and decided to head back to Jomsom; Sujit and myself didn't want to waste this oppertunity to visit the Apple capital of Nepal, as we were told by our guide it is only an hour away. The traditional flat mud roofed houses with piles of firewood neatly stacked upon it gives us the feeling of a well crafted sketch with precise strokes. Neat and wide alleys of Marpha impressed us right from the entrance, and a taste of Apple pie with coffee refilled us to walk back till Jomsom.

Big triangular shaped white stone on the hill about 50 meters higher is another astonishing view to watch. We came to know that it is Rhisum Gompa "a holy place worshiped for long life". I laughed a little thinking how can one have long life if he falls 50 meters while worshiping. Although, the one hour return journey from Marpha to Jomsom was tiresome, it was all worthed.

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