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BIT ASCOL’s-2077 Upper Mustang Tour 2082: 7-Day Journey of Culture, Adventure & Discovery
In 2082 B.S., a group of students from BIT ASCOL embarked on an unforgettable 7-day educational tour to Upper Mustang — one of Nepal’s most remote and culturally rich regions. This blog captures the essence of that remarkable journey, retracing our steps from the bustling city of Kathmandu to the sacred temples of Muktinath, the walled kingdom of Lo Manthang, and the serene beauty of Ghandruk.
Along the way, we crossed deep river gorges, visited ancient monasteries, experienced the warmth of Mustang’s hospitality, and witnessed the breathtaking contrast of barren Himalayan landscapes and vibrant cultural heritage. From the prayer flags fluttering in Chhusang to the sunrise over Annapurna from Ghandruk, every moment of this trip was a blend of adventure, learning, and reflection.
More than just a tour, this was a journey of self-discovery and shared experience — a memory forever etched in the hearts of all who participated. Join us as we revisit those days through words and images, and relive the story of BIT ASCOL’s incredible Mustang tour.
TOUR HIGHLIGHTS/ SIGHTSEEING PLACES
- Myagdi: Tatopani (Hot spring), Rupse Fall and viewpoints on the way.
- Kushma Bridge, Baglung Kalika Mandir
- Lower Mustang: Jomsom, Muktinath, Marpha; Marpha apple farm, Jerry Galli, Kagbeni
- Upper Mustang: Chusang Valley, Lomanthang & Korala Border
- Pokhara: Pokhara University, Taal barahi, Pumdiko Mahadev statue, World peace
- pagoda, Devis falls & Gupteshwor Mahadev
- Ghandruk village sightseeing
As the first light of day touched the hills of Kathmandu, we gathered, excited and ready for what lay ahead. Our journey began with a drive along the Prithvi Highway, winding through the gorge of the Trishuli River.
We passed through bustling towns like Naubise and Kurintar, crossed historic bridges, and soon found ourselves heading westward, watching the terrain transform before our eyes.
By afternoon, we arrived in Pokhara — a brief stop before pushing forward to Beni via Kushma. A full day of winding roads, riverside scenery, and travel stories brought us to Beni, where we rested for the night.
We passed through bustling towns like Naubise and Kurintar, crossed historic bridges, and soon found ourselves heading westward, watching the terrain transform before our eyes.
By afternoon, we arrived in Pokhara — a brief stop before pushing forward to Beni via Kushma. A full day of winding roads, riverside scenery, and travel stories brought us to Beni, where we rested for the night.
After an early breakfast, our convoy of jeeps rolled forward, entering the dramatic Kali Gandaki gorge. We passed through Tatopani, Lete, Ghasa, and the apple-blessed village of Marpha.
By midday, we reached the sacred temple of Muktinath — a pilgrimage site for Hindus and Buddhists alike. We purified ourselves in the 108 holy taps, seeking blessings and peace.
Continuing the journey, we descended into the rocky terrain of Chhusang — our home for the night, nestled in the shadow of Mustang’s red cliffs.
By midday, we reached the sacred temple of Muktinath — a pilgrimage site for Hindus and Buddhists alike. We purified ourselves in the 108 holy taps, seeking blessings and peace.
Continuing the journey, we descended into the rocky terrain of Chhusang — our home for the night, nestled in the shadow of Mustang’s red cliffs.
Day three was a dreamscape.
We ventured deeper into the restricted zone of Upper Mustang, eventually reaching Lo Manthang — the ancient walled capital of the former Mustang Kingdom.
With dusty winds on our faces and excitement in our hearts, we continued further north to the Korala border, where Nepal meets China. There, beside the fluttering prayer flags and endless mountains, time seemed to stand still.
After exploring Gharhu Lake and the dry yet captivating plateau, we returned to Chhusang, heads full of stories and hearts full of wonder.
We ventured deeper into the restricted zone of Upper Mustang, eventually reaching Lo Manthang — the ancient walled capital of the former Mustang Kingdom.
With dusty winds on our faces and excitement in our hearts, we continued further north to the Korala border, where Nepal meets China. There, beside the fluttering prayer flags and endless mountains, time seemed to stand still.
After exploring Gharhu Lake and the dry yet captivating plateau, we returned to Chhusang, heads full of stories and hearts full of wonder.
This day took us through the heart of Mustang.
We explored the bustling Jomsom Bazaar, gazed at the serene Dhumba Lake, and finally reached the charming village of Marpha — known for its whitewashed houses, narrow alleyways, and delicious apple products.
In Marpha, we roamed freely — connecting with locals, tasting apple brandy, and witnessing the harmony between nature and culture.
We explored the bustling Jomsom Bazaar, gazed at the serene Dhumba Lake, and finally reached the charming village of Marpha — known for its whitewashed houses, narrow alleyways, and delicious apple products.
In Marpha, we roamed freely — connecting with locals, tasting apple brandy, and witnessing the harmony between nature and culture.
The next leg of our journey led us back south, but not without adventure. Along the way, we paid homage at Baglung Kalika Temple, offered prayers at Galeshwor Dham, and marveled at the iconic Kushma Suspension Bridge — one of the longest in the world.
By evening, we reached the scenic village of Ghandruk, home to the Gurung community. Surrounded by traditional houses and a backdrop of snow-capped peaks, we felt truly at home in the Himalayas.
By evening, we reached the scenic village of Ghandruk, home to the Gurung community. Surrounded by traditional houses and a backdrop of snow-capped peaks, we felt truly at home in the Himalayas.
The sunrise over Annapurna and Machhapuchhre was simply magical.
We spent the morning exploring Ghandruk, learning about the Gurung way of life, and soaking in the mountain serenity.
By midday, we descended to Pokhara. There, we visited Pumdikot Mahadev and the World Peace Pagoda, witnessing Pokhara’s beauty from above.
Evening by Lakeside was the perfect closure — with music, food, and memories shared under starlit skies.
We spent the morning exploring Ghandruk, learning about the Gurung way of life, and soaking in the mountain serenity.
By midday, we descended to Pokhara. There, we visited Pumdikot Mahadev and the World Peace Pagoda, witnessing Pokhara’s beauty from above.
Evening by Lakeside was the perfect closure — with music, food, and memories shared under starlit skies.
Our final day began with a spiritual visit to Taal Barahi Temple by boat. Later, we toured Pokhara University, connecting the journey with our academic curiosity.
Optional visits to Devi's Falls and Gupteshwor Mahadev Cave added layers of nature and spirituality.
With our minds enriched and hearts full, we boarded our vehicles one last time — heading back to Kathmandu via Muglin and Naubise, each turn of the road echoing the laughter, learning, and adventure of the past week.
Optional visits to Devi's Falls and Gupteshwor Mahadev Cave added layers of nature and spirituality.
With our minds enriched and hearts full, we boarded our vehicles one last time — heading back to Kathmandu via Muglin and Naubise, each turn of the road echoing the laughter, learning, and adventure of the past week.
Sagam Ghale |
25-Jul-2025