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1. The Beginning of the Journey, Lower Mustang Deep within the Himalayas on the north-central plateau of Nepal lies Mustang, a mysterious land that was only revealed to the world in 1992. The journey to Mustang is long and arduous. During Nepal's rainy season (August), difficulties such as road collapses are compounded. After a long journey, we arrive at Marpha village in the Lower Mustang region, located south of Mustang. Marpha village is nestled amidst rugged canyons and arid land. Once a trade route connecting Tibet and India, the village retains its Tibetan traditions intact in its traditional houses, alleys, and Buddhist temples perched atop cliffs. Marpha is famous as an apple village. In the season approaching harvest, the orchards are laden with plum-colored apples. What would the taste of Marpha apples be like, picked together in an orchard where the harvest has just begun? *The Beginning of the Journey, Lower Mustang* *Deep within the Lower Mustang region, in the high-altitude plateau of north-central Nepal, lies the mysterious land of Mustang, which was only revealed to the world in 1992.* At the entrance to the village, a Puja ritual is being performed to pray for the well-being of the newly built building. Puja is a religious ceremony to give thanks to the gods and pray for blessings, similar to our own Gosa rituals. We delve into the true meaning of the Puja ritual, which goes beyond mere religious practice to share moments of life with the community. The journey continues to Muktinath, a pilgrimage site for both Buddhist and Hindu believers. To ascend to this pilgrimage site located at an altitude of 3,800 meters, people walk, ride horses and palanquins, and sometimes even mobilize helicopters. The place they are willing to reach, even by such means, is Muktinath Temple. It is a sacred temple regarded as a holy site by both Hinduism and Buddhism in Nepal. However, an unusual(?) scene is unfolding in front of the Hindu temple. People are running under more than 100 streams and entering the hot springs in front of the temple; what could be the reason for this? Life adorns the path of this dry land; breathing in the scent of wild herbs, I set off on the journey again. 2. A Pilgrimage Route Crafted by Nature Located in Lower Mustang at an altitude of approximately 2,860 meters, the village of Thini is home to the Thakali ethnic minority. The accommodation I managed to find with difficulty is a homestay run by the village community. I fill my stomach with Thakail Thail, a hearty home-cooked meal prepared using the traditional recipes of the Thakali people, who are famous for their culinary skills. Today is a festive day for the village; the Falo Festival is taking place, held annually after the harvest and before winter arrives. The highlight of the festival, which draws visitors from as far away as Mustang, is the Yak Dance. The tradition of the festival is being preserved by maintaining the original form of the dance, which resembles the strength of the yak. ​​The festive atmosphere continues into the night. At the dance performance prepared by the village mothers' association, people hand over papers along with money after every show... What exactly is the identity of that money and paper? Leaving Tini village, we now enter Upper Mustang, the northern part of Mustang. Samar village, located at the beginning of the pilgrimage route leading to Lomanthang. Here, we meet a mother who cultivates potatoes by clearing the barren land. We dig up Mustang potatoes together and head to her home after being invited for a meal. Today's menu is Aloo Jeera, the soul food of Mustang. We are treated to a potato dish made by stir-frying potatoes with a secret spice blend. The next leg of the journey is the path from Samar to the cave temple, Chungsi Gompa. This path is known as the "Mysterious Trekking Course," called the most sacred and secretive route. This road, where desolate cliffs follow after crossing passes, lush meadows, and steep inclines, presents a new landscape at every turn. At Chungsi Gompa, I share a cup of tea offered by a monk who lives there in solitude, sharing my heart with him. 3. The Hermitage Kingdom, Lo Manthang The road leads to Lo Manthang, the capital of the Lo Kingdom, a hermitage established in the 14th century deep in the Himalayas at an altitude of 3,800 meters. I decide to take a brief rest in Syangboche, a small village located along the way. I recharge my energy with a meal at a restaurant operating in a converted house, featuring Tibetan butter tea and Tsampa porridge made from roasted barley flour. The journey continues to another village, Ghami. In a village bustling from the early dawn, I meet a resident heading to the cowshed carrying a milk can. I witness the daily life of the people of Gami village, who make their own butter, yogurt, and cheese using milk squeezed every morning. The journey to Lo Manthang is intriguing. Passing the Mani Wall, sai...