Safety Trekking

Steep terrain and rough trails may cause many people strain their knees and ankles. Remember: Stretch before you start walking, take your time, avoid drinking in the night time, and bring joint support bandage if you require them.

Health Post: there is at least one health post in every Village Development Committee (VDC). A noble way you can help the Health post is to leave any unwanted medicines at the end of your trek. This may help other fellow trekkers who need urgent medical care.

Other problems:

1.    Sick – Doctors at VDC health post.

2.    Donkey/mules/yak- stay on the uphill side of these beasts.

3.    Leeches – stay on trail, use salt to get rid of them, avoid raining season.

4.    Full lodge – during the main season lodge will be full, stop early, carry a tent.

5.    Hypothermia - Wear according to weather, do not wear wet/ tight cloths move that part/ stamp your feet, put that part in warm region in your body.

Avalancha: receive updated information before you leave. Be extra careful during storms and for the first 24 hours after a storm. Walk quickly and quietly over avalanche hazard areas.

Rescue operation: If you are trekking with a trekking agency then they should be able to organize a rescue evacuation for you quickly. If not, the following precautions may prevent a long wait for a helicopter for rescue during emergency.

1.    Have travel insurance and carry your insurance policy number with you.

2.    Take copy of passport.

3.    Carry a credit card with you.

4.    Register with your embassy in Kathmandu so they know your activities- registration with embassy will speed up rescue.

5.    Register at all Police and check post, register with hotel that you stay in.

6.    Carry a first aid kit.

7.    Do not trek yourself.

Flora and Fauna

Mustang comprises important habitats of rare and endangered fauna ranging from subtropical to alpine zones. The forests and high altitude pasture are home to 29 species of mammals, including the endangered Snow Leopard and highly valued Musk deer, Kiang and Tibetan gazelle are the mega fauna which were recently recorded from Mustang district. Over 211 species of birds, of which 48% are the breeding residents of this area, inhabit mustang. Approximately 30,000 Demoiselle Cranes and over 40 bird species fly over the Kaligandki valley during the fall migration, Demoiselle Cranes sometime settle in the buckwheat form in bad weather conditions. The Tibetan Sandgrous (Syrrhaptes Tibetan), a rare bird, found only in Mustang district of Nepal. Ghasa area is an important destination for the pheasant.This is the only known area in Nepal where all six pheasant species resident in the country are found. There is at least a small population of the globally threatened Cheer Pheasant that still lives. The other pheasants found around Ghasa are Blood Pheasant, Koklass, kalis and Himalayan Monal. The vicinity of Ghasa is the best known site in the ACA for the globally threatened Wood Snipe, it is also known as a site for the Nepal Wren Babbler.

Mustang

There are few places left in the world where mystical fascination still persists and the long arms of modern “civilization” and “globalization” has no significance. On the northern border of Nepal, in the heart of the Himalayas, and adjacent to Tibetan Autonomous region of China lies such a place. In most places, dzokpes and mules sporting colorful headdresses are the main form of transportation. This is a place where natural beauty, wildlife, history and culture co-exist in timeless harmony. This is the land of Mustang.

The district of Mustang is one of the most beautiful and varied district in Nepal. The southern border reaches down into the middle hills near Pokhara while the northern half stretches up through the Himalayan ranges on to the Tibetan plateau. The Kaligandaki River flows beneath lofty snow – clad peaks creating a stunning landscape.

This varied terrain provides a unique habitat that harbors a large number of animal and bird species, including the snow leopard. Here, rare and endangered such as, the musk deer and Tibetan Argali are seen traversing the steep valley walls and the Golden Eagle, Himalayan Griffon and Lammergeyer float on the wind that comes up the valley. The inaccessibility of much of the terrain also allows ancient cultures to flourish in a pristine form as they have endured for over thousands of year the steep and forbidding hills have slowed the advance of western modernity.

The upper half of Mustang is a restricted area and was only opened to foreigners in 1992. Each year only 1000 foreigners are allowed to enter under strict regulations. Foreigners entering must be traveling with a registered guide / agency and must be self sufficient, taking out whatever they brought in. Upper Mustang has had little experience with tourism underlining the need to respect the natural landscape as well as the people and heritage. Upper Mustang is an area that historically has been highly influenced by Tibet and, indeed, shares much of its culture, language and religion with its northern neighbor. It is now a repository of Tibetan Buddhist shrines and Monasteries and offers a rare view into the way of life and religion that has dominates this area of the world for so long.

Muktinath Temple

This pagoda – style structure of Newari architecture stands in the center of the complex surrounded by the poplar groove and the 108 brass water sprouts. The groove is said to have grown from the walking sticks left by the 84 great magnificent from India on their way to Tibet. Hindus believe that taking bath under this freezing water brings salvation. It houses  on image of Vishnu, the Lord of Salvation (Muktinath), after which the entire complex takes its popular contemporary name. Other names for Muktinath include ‘Muktinarayan’ (narayan is another name for Vishnu) and ‘Muktichhetra (Salvation place)

guest in Nepal

Culturally recommended behavior:

You are a guest in Nepal and it is appreciated if you behave like Nepali.

• .Do not show affection in public.
•     Do not step over person.
•      Do not touch or step over offering (red powder, flowers, rice).
•       Do not use your left hand (dirtu).
•      Receive and give with two hands.
• Ask permission before taking people’s photographs.
•   Do not give local kids for pens or sweets.
•  Discourage begging, pay fair prices.
•   Take your shoes before entering a monastery or house.
•   Go clockwise around Stupa, Mani etc.
• Do not eat, smoke or be loud at religious sites.

1

Marpha village

Introduction - Marpha is one of the most famous village of Panch Gaun (Five village) region in Mustang district lying on Annapurna Circuit Trek rout. It is famous for its picturesque appearance and most importantly for its apple orchards and apple products. It lies in the Trans – Himalayan rain shadow zone and therefore stays more or less untouched by raging monsoon of lower ranges. The village is mostly inhabited by Thakalis (Mawatan) representing four district clans: Lalchan(Ruby), Hirachan (Diamond), Jwarchan (Jewel) and Pannachan (Emerald). Its economy is strongly dependent upon agriculture, livestock, tourism and labor in foreign countries.

Attractions:

Marpha village -

The village is characterized by traditional flat mud roofed house with piles of firewood neatly stacked upon it. Wooden carved windows, long main spotless flagstones, and paved alleys are some of unique feature of Marpha. It is worth visiting small library at center of the village or horticulture farm on southern end of it.

Tashi Lha Khang Gompa :

This is monastery of Karma-Pa sect located at center of the village. The monastery was build more than 200 years ago. Being an offshoot of Karma-Pa Kagyut-Pa sect foundation of Sam teling of Mustang. It is also known as Samteling Gompa of Marpha. The Monastry depicts images of Amitabha (Red Buddha), Chenresig (Avalikiteswora), Channa Dhorje (Vajrapani) and Guru Rimpoche (Padmasambhab) along with other deities and beautiful frescoes. Visitor might encounter Dhekep, a masked dance performed by monks in October/November.

Ekai Kawaguchi’s Home :

This is home of Adam Naring, the headman of Marpha where Ekai Kawaguchi, Japanese monk, stayed for three months in 1900on this way to Tibet via Dolpo. Ekai Kawaguichi studied sacred texts of kangyur and Tengyur in the chapel of this house during his stay here.

Rhisum Gompa :

Rhisum Gompa is a big, triangular shaped white stone seen to north of the village, on hill about 50 meters higher. “Rhisum” means Long life and “Gompa “means holy place. Usually, worshipping takes place during change of “Mukhiya” (village leader). The place offers an excellent view of Marpha village.

Horticulture Farm:

It was established by government in 1966. This farm is a pioneering in horticulture development (especially apple) in Mustang. All major temperate fruit trees are available in the farm, thus helping to conserve more than 45 varieties of apple collected from major apple growing countries. The main activities of the center are research, production, training, and out-reach programs for temperate fruit and vegetable crops. It also has fruit processing unit including brandy distillery.

Other attraction:

The main attraction of Marpha is numerous beautiful apple orchards. Harvesting time is September. There are three distilleries producing famous apple, peach and apricot brandy and German technology apple dryers (one in big scale) A pleasant walk in the field and the village gives an insight of traditional village life. Women are seen in traditional fashion like Nhakun Chulo, Tutum with jewelry during the festival and social events.