Day 59: Muktinath

We were able to get an earlier start on the day for the short drive to Muktinath. Muktinath sits at 12,500ft (~3800m) above sea level, which is the highest altitude I have ever been to. The town that we were in was surrounded by snow covered mountains, so we constantly had an amazing view.

We settled into the Bob Marley hostel. Known for their laid back atmosphere, good music, and delicious food, Bob Marley gave us just what we needed to forget about our drive ahead of us. They also had gas heaters and hot showers!

We explored the town and did some minor trekking around the area. From what I know, this town is where many Hindu people go to for their pilgrimage, so we saw many Indians along our drive and as well as in Muktinath. We tried to find the Shiva temple, which is where the Hindu's pilgrim to, but we were unable to find it.

We eventually stumbled upon a small enclave of houses. As I walked around, I saw no one, the cold weather, snow, and wind was definitely keeping them inside. A lady came out of her house when she heard me walking around. There was smoke rising from her roof and billowing out of the newly opened door. She actually had a fire burning in her house with no ventilation. As she came out to speak with me, a small child stood in the doorway, both were regularly coughing. I was shocked to see a fire burning inside a house with no ventilation let alone a child constantly breathing that smoke in. Can't imagine that's good for you?!

We packed it in for an early night as we are trying to make it as far as possible back to Kathmandu as we can.