Hike Ghemi - Ghar Gumba
To chortens and Buddhist monastery
Mustang trek 3: The entire trek through Upper Mustang is about overcoming a number of passes at a height of around 4,000 meters asl. Even this one-day stage is no exception. It offers very interesting views of famous mysterious rock caves and view of the walls of snowy giants in the southern direction. The real prize is a wonderful place Ghar Gumba – the destination of this one-day walk. There are groups of chortens in the slope and you can spend here a wonderful evening full of spiritual well-being and unforgettable views.
Herd
In the morning we set off in beautiful weather. We're certainly not the first in the surrounding hills. We are ashamed by herdsmen with large flocks of goats – not only with the time, but also with the ease with which they move in the mountain landscape.
Hide and seek between the clouds
After a short ascent from Ghemi we pass a group of small colored chortens. Sometimes it is worth to stop and look back. Snowy mountain peaks in the south play with us between clouds the game of hide and seek.
Mysterious cave
In the surrounding rocks you can clearly see mysterious caves, which were probably created by people thousands of years ago. It is estimated that there are nearly ten thousand of them throughout Mustang. Their research began only recently in 2007.
Idyll in Mustang
It is really idyllic in front of the village of Dhakmar (3820). Irrigated land contrasts sharply with the surrounding rocky terrain. There are a number of narrow barely noticeable paths leading to the mountains and rocks. It would be possible to walk and explore everything for infinity.
Upper Mustang
Behind Dhakmar gradually rises the path steeply to the pass Muila Bhanjyang (4 170 m asl). The ascent during which it is hard not to get out of breath offers beautiful views full of contrasts between the landscape of Mustang with remote snowy peaks of Annapurnas region.
Marang
Behind the pass appears a broad valley of river Charang Khola and Marang village with its terraced fields.
Mani wall
In the afternoon we are at today's destination – the settlement Ghar Gumba. We are welcomed by a nice Mani wall. There is mantra Om Mani Padme Hum carved on mani stones. Carving of mantras into the stone is one way of meditation. We bypass the wall in the direction to have the stones on our right hand.
Ghar Gumba
Ghar Gumba is a wonderful place. We find accommodations in local Buddhist school (here are holidays), which is here together with a nice monastery (local monks accompanies us here). Groups of chortens linked with prayer flags are really beautiful. We spend the afternoon in the hills above Ghar Gumba and admire a wonderful view and local Himalayan flora.
On a visit to the locals
In the evening we are invited to dine with the locals. An unforgettable experience…
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