A trek through the lower Mustang

Everyone enjoys going to trips with friends. But a 7 day trek to the mountains? Simply irresistible.
One such opportunity was provided to the students, when John Dewey came up with this adventurous plan to take the kids to a one week trip. The students from class 6-8 would be  going to the lower
Mustang areas and Muktinath. This news spread excitement amongst the students like wildfire. It gave us a zest of adventure and thrill. We just couldn't wait to experience living the village life and learning many new things from the mountains!

We first went to Pokhara. It was amazing to be there with friends and friendly teachers. Pokhara is beautiful. The Fewa Tal serene and peaceful. After spending the day in fun activities like boating, cycling etc. and a good night's sleep, we left for Jomsom. On the way to Jomsom we came across a fascinating waterfall. The water was cold and pure -directly from the mountains, and flowing elegantly. I balanced through the slippery rocks and stood beneath the gush of the cool water. It was one my most beautiful experience in my entire life.

On the third day, we packed our bags and tied our shoelaces, ready to push the limits. We were trekking from Marpha to Kagbeni. It was an incredible path, filled with splendid sights and sceneries. The path to Kagbeni was filled with pebbles and dry mountains that reminded us of an ancient painting.  After some refreshments, and visiting a 529 years old monastery, we were on our way uphill to Muktinath.

The way was a little rocky and steep, and very dry. However, we were all eager to face the nature. We climbed the steep mountains and conquered the landforms. As we gained elevation bit by bit, we encountered the strong winds sent by Mt. Annapurna. But these only made the trek a lot more thrilling and exciting! We trekked our way up slowly amid the winds and picturesque sights.  A few of us also got sick along the way, mostly due to the altitude. But we were supported back up by our teachers and friends. We all did the best we could, encouraging, helping, climbing, and finally made it to Muktinath.

Reaching Muktinath felt like the biggest achievement. It was simply amazing to be up there, surrounded by mountains, hills, sceneries. We encountered the snow and beautiful stars spread on the black canvas. As unseen, unknown, charm of the place had began to dwell on us. It was a magical and surreal experience. We spent the night there, surrounded by mountains and snow.

The next day was equally splendid. We visited the legendary Muktinath temple with the taps and never ending fire. Then we trekked our way down, visiting a lake. It was blue and green surrounded by white mountains on the top. The lake was one of the most beautiful things we had witnessed in the entire trip.  We stood on the soft sand in the cool soothing water. After stopping for a bit, we hurried back to the Marpha village famous for its apples. The way back down was fab!

The rides from Jomsom to pokhara and the other places were also fascinating. We drove past the natural greens, hills, mountains and the spectacular scenery. The fresh, natural air gushed through the windows, and we felt truly alive. We didn't even realize how fast the 7 days went by. It seemed like we had just come yesterday. But, we learnt so much. We learnt to have fun, accept the things we have, and be grateful. We also learnt to live in the moment and not worry about the rest. These were some of the things you can't learn while mugging up definitions.

Talking to the local people, eating the traditional food, etc. was a whole new experience. It felt amazing to be away from the Wi-Fi, city and it's distractions. But above all, the affect that the mountains had on us, was mesmerizing. In fact, the spirit that these places have in them is hard to describe through words. You can only feel it within you when you're there, truly in yourself and the nature.

Way to Muktinath