The Road to Upper Mustang: An Epic Journey Begins

 

The Road to Upper Mustang: An Epic Journey Begins

The hum of the engine, the wind in my hair, and the promise of the open road—this is the symphony of a motovlogger’s life. My name is Manish Thapa Magar, and through my channel, “Journey With Us 99,” I invite you to ride shotgun on my greatest adventures. Today, we begin a journey that has long captured my imagination: the breathtaking expedition to Upper Mustang. This is the story of the first leg, a ride that was as much about the destination as it was about the discoveries along the way.

The journey began in Hetauda, a city I’m proud to call home. The air was crisp with the promise of a new day as I kick-started my trusty companion, a sleek and powerful Triumph Scrambler 400X. This bike isn’t just a vehicle; it’s a partner, perfectly suited for the winding highways and rugged terrains that lay ahead. The route to our first stop, Kushma, is a ribbon of asphalt that cuts through the heart of Nepal’s scenic highways. Each turn revealed a new postcard-perfect landscape—from lush green terraced fields clinging to the hillsides to small villages where life moves at a different, more deliberate pace.

The ride was a feast for the senses. The scent of damp earth and wildflowers filled the air, carried by a gentle breeze. I passed fellow travelers, local villagers, and a flock of sheep, each a brief, passing moment in the grand tapestry of the journey. The rumble of the Scrambler’s engine was a constant, reassuring rhythm against the backdrop of a vast, tranquil landscape. It was a reminder that this journey was not just a point-A-to-point-B affair, but a living, breathing experience, a chance to connect with the very soul of this beautiful country.

As the day wore on, the terrain began to change. The gentle hills gave way to more dramatic vistas, and I knew we were nearing our destination. Kushma is a place famous for its adrenaline-pumping activities, and it was a perfect, thrilling break before the more challenging legs of the trip. Our primary destination in Kushma was the Harness Zipline and Adventure Resort, a place that lives up to its name in every sense. Perched precariously on the edge of a deep gorge, the resort offers panoramic views that are nothing short of breathtaking. The air here feels charged with energy, a mix of awe and anticipation.

The zipline itself is a spectacle of engineering and courage. Standing at the launch point, looking out over the chasm below, I felt a familiar rush of excitement. It was the same feeling that drew me to these adventures, the desire to push past my own boundaries and embrace the unknown. The ride was a blur of wind and speed, a thrilling flight over the roaring river below. It was a perfect microcosm of the journey itself—fast, exhilarating, and a little terrifying, but ultimately, a profound moment of freedom.

After the zipline, I spent some time at the resort, soaking in the incredible views and reflecting on the day’s ride. The sun began its descent, painting the sky in fiery shades of orange and purple. It was a perfect ending to the first chapter of our Upper Mustang journey. The road ahead promises even greater challenges and more spectacular sights. But for now, as I watch the twilight settle over the mountains, I know that this journey, and every ride that comes with it, is a story worth telling. And I am grateful to be the one to tell it.