Join me, Jaswant, on a journey to remote areas of Mustang, Nepal, a hidden gem nestled beyond the majestic Himalayas! The world-famous Annapurna Circuit trek.

This documentary explores the mysterious Mustang region, known for its stunning landscapes, ancient monasteries, and rich cultural heritage. We'll take you through the remote Gandaki Valley, showcasing the traditions and resilient spirit of the Mustang people.

Discover Nepal's unique diversity, from the Terai region, Hill, to the Himalayan regions, and learn about the Yak Blood Drinking Festival, the unique Bara Barse Mela—a 12-year festival in Tatapani village—the Archery Festival (Meetha) in Marpha Village, and the adrenaline-filled Yarthum Horse Race Festival in Muktinath, an ancient ritual celebrated for generations. Whether by air or road, travel with us through challenging mountain treks and witness the unforgettable beauty of Mustang.

For adventure seekers, we'll take you along the Annapurna Circuit Trek to Throng La Peak, showcasing the physical and mental challenges of this breathtaking ascent. This documentary invites you to explore Nepal's hidden treasures and understand why Mustang remains one of the world's most extraordinary destinations.

Director of Photography/Producer: Biswant Dev Shrestha
Editor/Director/Producer: Jaswant Dev Shrestha

00:00 Intro

00:42 Nepal is home to eight of the highest peaks in the world.

01:20 Monkey Man in Pashupati Nath Temple

01:39 The Kathmandu Valley

02:18 Thamel is the most popular tourist destination

03:06 Bhaktapur and Patan

03:28 Mustang, a settlement beyond the Himalayas.

03:41 Two ways to travel to Mustang, Nepal.

03:51 Heading to the beautiful city of Pokhara, Nepal.

04:15 Lakeside.

05:03 From Beni to Pokhari Bagar

05:46 Arrival in Tatopani village.

06:00 The natural hot springs of Kali Gandaki River.

06:37 Rupse Waterfall begins to reveal its beauty.

07:10 Arrival in Deurali Village and chat with the locals.

07:34 Jaswant sings a Nepali folk song.

08:20 Annapurna Circuit trek, Ghasa village.

09:10 Arrival in Lete Village, where we talk to Prem Tulachan about off-season travel.

09:53 The story of Barah Barse Mela, the 12-year festival in Lete, Nepal.

11:45 About village Lete in Mustang Nepal.

12:32 Exploring the Bhattis (local bar) and witnessing how local alcohol is produced in Lete.

14:44 Observing the castration process.

15:15 A fun chat with a local family during lunch.

16:12 Kobang, Village Mustang.

16:51 Conversations with hotel owners about the Yak blood-drinking festival.

17:00 Morning in Kobang village, Mustang.

18:54 About Kobang Village.

20:12 Meeting 92-year-old couple who sings folk tunes from the region.

21:04 Singing local song from Mustang, Nepal.

22:48 Exploring the holy Buddhist cave Gurusangboo cave.

23:37 Leaches starts their attack.

25:47 Gurusangboo cave.

27:19 Heading to the Marche Wilderness for the Yak blood-drinking festival ritual.

30:06 Lost in the dense fog.

31:44 Reached Marche Wilderness, where all shepherds have camped out.

33:01 Enters the Yak Shed.

34:57 Women talk about drinking blood to cure gastric issues and other ailments.

36:49 Morning of the Yak Blood Drinking Festival.

37:40 The majestic peaks of Dhaulagiri, Tukche, and Nilgiri mountains.

47:30 The Yak butter-making process.

49:04 Tukche Village was once a key hub in the Trans-Himalayan salt trade.

49:53 Meeting Dolma, who doesn't remember how old she is.

52:55: Heading to Chokopani (Mhar-Chang Kyu), an archaeological site
where 2,700-year-old pottery was discovered

54:13 Heading to Marpha village.

54:37 Reached Chairo Village. More than 200 Tibetan refugees reside in this village.

55:04 Reached Marpha village on the Annapurna circuit trek.

57:30 The 200-year-old Tashi Lha Khang Monastery (also known as Samteling Gomba) in Marpha houses sacred icons like Amitabha, Avalokiteshwara, Rinpoche, and Tibetan texts, including the TENGUR.

58:16 The Dhajyang (Archery) festival.

58:43 Japanese Zen monk Ekai Kawaguchi.

59:37 Horticulture farm, apples in Mustang.

01:00:16 Jomsom, Nepal.

01:01:02 The Eco-Museum, Jomsom, Nepal.

01:01:38 Thini, village.

01:03:28 Dhumba Lake, Jomsom.

01:04:05 Kuchup Terenga Monastery. Monastery of the nuns.

01:05:36 Jomsom to go to Kagbeni.

01:07:28 Eklobhatti, a small settlement in the Annapurna trek.

01:08:07, Kagbeni Village, Mustang. Kali Gandaki and Jhong river.

01:10:08 Annapurna Conservation Area (ACAP) entry permit.

01:11:05 Jharkot Village. Buckwheat flourishes all around.

01:13:11 The monastery Ngorp, also known as Shakya-pa.

01:14:36 Muktinath Temple is the only place in the world where Hindus and Buddhists worship side by side.

01:18:44 Rani Pauwa village hosts the most famous festival, Yarthum (the house racing festival)

01:20:36 Trek to Throng-La Pass.

01:22:48 High Altitude sickness

01:27:21 Throng - La pass, 5416 meters, in 7 hours.