Marpha

We visited the hindu temple first thing in the morning, where Subin and Deebee received a blessing from the priest and washed in the 108 taps. We also saw a buddhist temple where there is an eternal flame coming out of the ground.

Jerry, Subin & Deebee, Mustang valley behind

We then began the descent to Kagbeni which is the gateway to the Mustang valley leading into Tibet (sadly off limits to us as a permit to trek there costs $700). We had to satisfy ourselves with views of distant Tibet which we still miss. We were surprised how tibetan the people and buildings were in this part of Nepal. We visited a small buddhist temple famous for a very old book with gold and silver script, which we were shown by one of the monks.

Kachbeni

The wind always gets very strong in the afternoon and we had a hard time negotiating the cliffs without being blown off - indeed Subin lost his cap in one gust. When we descended to the large dry riverbed we were bent double against the gales and sand blasted into faces - not much fun!!

We were glad to eventually reach Marpha which is famous for its apple and apricot brandy, which of course we had to sample.

Marpha

Sadhus on pilgrimage to Muktinath