November 1, 2015
Discovering the Mustang
This is a post from earlier in the week that, unfortunately, due to a slow internet connection didn't get posted. So, if you're interested in what went on with the ATTA Adventure Week Tour in Nepal a few days ago, read on friend.
Boarding the Yeti airlines flight to Pokhara, I couldn't help but remember some of the other remote places I've flown over the years. From a small Emperor penguin colony on the edge of the Weddell Sea to both the North and South Poles and countless places in between. The smaller the plane, the more remote location it services, and at least for me, the more enjoyable the experience. Even an hour or so weather delay couldn't dampen my spirits.
Earlier, we had spent the morning in Kathmandu in an area called Bhaktapur which means 'City of Devotees'. Durban Square, Nyatapole temple and Pottery Square were stunning not only in form of architecture but also impressive in that their existence dates back to medieval times.
I spent the short flight to Pokhara with my face glued to the window once again awed by the vast expanse of snow capped peaks. The Himalayas, for those of you who have never been here, are stunning.
Our weather delay in Kathmandu affected our plan in Pokhara and we ended up on a shortened mountain bike ride (all uphill) to Peace Stupa where we were able to sneak glimpses of the full moon rising over the distant hills. I am here as part of the Adventure Travel and Trade Association's Adventure Week Rebuild Nepal and am participating in an organized 'tour'. While the activities have been incredible, I'd be lying if I didn't say that there were more than a few times that I wanted to break away from the group and just 'keep going'. I am comfortable on my own and the call of untouched wilderness is strong here. Of course, not having to haul a 70 pound pack at 16,000 feet is nice as well.
Today, we boarded another flight. This time to Jomsom where we were greeted by a brightly clad group of older women who smiled and laughed as they placed khatas over each of us. The women called AamaDamuha was a self titled 'mothers group' who worked on a variety of community initiatives one of which was operating the local Read Library. It was quite an honor to be served breakfast by them.
Jomsom is in the Mustang region of Nepal and is surprisingly different in climate, culture and geology than the Rolwaling and Khumbu valleys. The valley is fairly arid and combined with the more utilitarian building style seems more Tibetan. Vegetation on the surrounding landscape is sparse with the exception of well manicured apple groves, the primary agricultural product here.
For some reason I feel drawn to this place only though it's my first visit and we will barely stay here for 24 hours. I think it's that the valley is so stark and the effort to be here takes an extra thoughtfulness similar to the poles. Unfortunately, we are leaving early again tomorrow but the Mustang Has left an impression and I will definitely be back.
Boarding the Yeti airlines flight to Pokhara, I couldn't help but remember some of the other remote places I've flown over the years. From a small Emperor penguin colony on the edge of the Weddell Sea to both the North and South Poles and countless places in between. The smaller the plane, the more remote location it services, and at least for me, the more enjoyable the experience. Even an hour or so weather delay couldn't dampen my spirits.
Earlier, we had spent the morning in Kathmandu in an area called Bhaktapur which means 'City of Devotees'. Durban Square, Nyatapole temple and Pottery Square were stunning not only in form of architecture but also impressive in that their existence dates back to medieval times.
I spent the short flight to Pokhara with my face glued to the window once again awed by the vast expanse of snow capped peaks. The Himalayas, for those of you who have never been here, are stunning.
Our weather delay in Kathmandu affected our plan in Pokhara and we ended up on a shortened mountain bike ride (all uphill) to Peace Stupa where we were able to sneak glimpses of the full moon rising over the distant hills. I am here as part of the Adventure Travel and Trade Association's Adventure Week Rebuild Nepal and am participating in an organized 'tour'. While the activities have been incredible, I'd be lying if I didn't say that there were more than a few times that I wanted to break away from the group and just 'keep going'. I am comfortable on my own and the call of untouched wilderness is strong here. Of course, not having to haul a 70 pound pack at 16,000 feet is nice as well.
Today, we boarded another flight. This time to Jomsom where we were greeted by a brightly clad group of older women who smiled and laughed as they placed khatas over each of us. The women called AamaDamuha was a self titled 'mothers group' who worked on a variety of community initiatives one of which was operating the local Read Library. It was quite an honor to be served breakfast by them.
Jomsom is in the Mustang region of Nepal and is surprisingly different in climate, culture and geology than the Rolwaling and Khumbu valleys. The valley is fairly arid and combined with the more utilitarian building style seems more Tibetan. Vegetation on the surrounding landscape is sparse with the exception of well manicured apple groves, the primary agricultural product here.
For some reason I feel drawn to this place only though it's my first visit and we will barely stay here for 24 hours. I think it's that the valley is so stark and the effort to be here takes an extra thoughtfulness similar to the poles. Unfortunately, we are leaving early again tomorrow but the Mustang Has left an impression and I will definitely be back.