Yatra Mokshya Dhara: A Spiritual Journey to Mustang

October 22, 2025

This journey began with a simple phone call from my MPhil/PhD classmate and respected friend, Durga Prasad Bastola Sir.

He called and said, “Upadesh ji, we’re planning to go to Mustang. Please plan the tour. The budget is only NPR 10,000 per person, and there will be around 12 students and 2–3 teachers.” I started thinking - how can we make a good Mustang tour in that budget? After some calls and calculations, I prepared an itinerary and shared it with him. Later, on October 13, 2025, Kedar Sir and I went to his school to finalize details. The number of participants had grown to over 20 people, which was great news!

By October 15, we signed the agreement between Ambassador Himalaya Treks & Expedition and Swarnadeep School, confirming a 4-day educational and spiritual journey to Mustang.

Day 1: Kathmandu to Pokhara

Our journey started early morning on October 16. I called my bus driver, Bishnu Dai, and we left Balaju Chowk at 6 AM for the school. There, I met my friend Ganesh Prasad Sapkota, who also joined the trip, and my colleague Sujan Dhakal.

After everyone arrived, we took a group photo and officially started our journey to Pokhara.

We had lunch at Chandana Hotel near the Manakamana Cable Car station and continued toward Pokhara.

The road from Mugling to Pokhara was about 80% good, with some sections still under construction. During the ride, Ganesh Sir and I discussed our research, heritage studies, and his thesis on Shakta art and Nuwakot Durbar Square — a really meaningful conversation.

By 4 PM, we checked into our hotel in Pokhara and had some snacks before heading to Pumdikot and the Peace Stupa. The sunset view was beautiful, though we reached a bit late and the stupa was already closed. Sujan led the students uphill while we teachers stayed nearby.

In the evening, we took the students for a walk around Lakeside Pokhara - a lively and relaxing moment. After dinner, we ended our first day.

Day 2: Pokhara to Muktinath

We had breakfast at 6:30 AM and left Pokhara by 7 AM toward Mustang.

Along the way, I shared information about Pokhara’s Himalaya ranges, lakes, and trekking routes. The scenery was breathtaking. We passed Kusma, Baglung, and stopped at Baglung Kalika Temple for worship. Then, we had lunch at Beni’s Hotel Taj Mahal and visited the Galeshwar Shiva Temple nearby.

Following the Kali Gandaki River, we saw beautiful villages like Dana, Kalopani, Lete, Ghasa, Gharapjhong, and Thasang. Finally, we reached the charming Marpha Village, famous for its apples and stone alleys.

We gave students two hours to explore the village and its local culture. Durga Sir, Ganesh Sir, Sujan, and I visited the apple orchards, met Gobinda Dai, a local farmer, and even picked apples directly from the tree - something I’ll never forget 🍎.

Later, I even tasted fresh apple juice from a local factory - simple but amazing!

By evening, around 7 PM, we continued to Muktinath, arriving late at night. We checked into our hotel and had dinner. Ganesh Sir and I decided to take a night walk to Muktinath Temple. We reached the gate by 10 PM, but it was closed. The next morning, it would open at 6 AM, so we returned to the hotel and rested.

Day 3: Exploring Muktinath Temple

We woke up early, and by 6 AM, everyone was heading uphill to the sacred Muktinath Temple.

For me, this was my first time there - a long-awaited spiritual moment.

I joined Durga Sir, Ganesh Sir, and Sujan, and we bathed under the 108 holy water taps and two sacred ponds. Though the water was freezing cold, it felt like inner purification.

The morning puja and aarti were mesmerizing - performed by both Hindu and Buddhist priests (Jhuma), showing Nepal’s beautiful spiritual harmony.

Inside the pagoda-style temple, we worshipped Lord Vishnu and then visited Jwala Mai Temple, where a natural flame burns eternally.

We also noticed how tourism has uplifted the local lifestyle - many domestic and international tourists visiting, small lodges and handicraft shops thriving.

At 10 AM, we left Muktinath, stopped at Kagbeni for photos, and again at Marpha to buy apples.

We had lunch at Dana, where Sujan and I helped the restaurant staff serve food to our team - it was actually fun!

We reached Pokhara by 7:30 PM and celebrated with a BBQ dinner for the students.

Later, I took a quiet walk along Lakeside with Durga Sir and Ganesh Sir - a calm and reflective night.

Day 4: Return to Kathmandu

Our final day started early. I woke up at 4 AM, took a shower, and by 6 AM, we went for a boating trip on Fewa Lake and visited Tal Barahi Temple in the middle of the lake.

After breakfast, we explored Gupteshwor Cave and Patale Chhango (Devi’s Fall) before driving back to Kathmandu. We arrived around 7 PM, tired but full of unforgettable memories.

Driver Bishnu Dai kindly dropped me home after the long journey.

Final Thoughts

This trip was more than just a tour it was a journey of learning, culture, spirituality, and friendship.

From sacred temples to cold waterfalls, from apple orchards to conversations with friends - every moment felt alive. A heartfelt thank you to all the students, teachers, and Swarnadeep School for making this Mustang Yatra so memorable.

– Upadesh Kunwar

Ambassador Himalaya Treks & Expedition

Yatra Mokshya Dhara, 2025