Corner with a Full View

(Also published with huge edits in the Kathmandu post as a photo story, follow this  link .) Before your eyes is a breathtaking view, probably one that falls among the most spectacular of nature's creation that you are ever likely to witness. In front of you is an enchanting lake whose colors you have not quite been able to put a name on. Blue, purple, turquoise, brown, black...! Lake Phoksundo keeps changing its shade and there's a different color wherever you put your eyes on. The lake is surrounded by massive picturesque cliffs that juts towards the sky as far as the eyes can see. On top of everyone of them is sheer white snow that seems like a finely adjusted cap with little rivulets running down their crevices. And beyond these cliffs are real snowy mountains. The Kanjiroba range stretches leisurely all along the Northern side of this already compelling view. Now, unglue your eyes for a while and turn your back. What do you see? A dream like little hamlet with thatch...

 When I travel I come across new places. And when I travel like a local passenger in those new places-squeezing myself in a jam packed bus, crouching besides sacks in goods truck, and so many other daring local ways of commuting, my heart gives a little jump of pleasure.

(A longer version of my article published in WAVE Magazine July 2010 issue Liberate yourself in Muktinath View On Black What to take : water bottle, sunscreen with higher SPF, sunglasses, masks/scarves to protect from wind, warm clothes, windcheater, paracetamol tablets, garlic, lemon etc. to prevent altitude sickness You are dead tired of going to the same places, watching the same routine movies, hanging out in the same restaurant. You want to escape from your hectic city life. You are dying to get away somewhere to forget everything and give rest to your computer-weary eyes. You want to have a complete change in your life for once. If so, why not liberate your tired senses through a visit to the much talked about Muktinath area. You have heard it's beautiful, a totally different Nepal, a place one ought to visit once etc. etc. Whatever you have heard about Mustang and Muktinath, they are all true and even more. The place exceeds its legend! read more