and enjoyed Muktinath and its Temple on foot , some of our group enjoying the part naked run under the 100 fonts of water that form a semi circle behind the Temple , an experience that is religious . This is winter and with snow on the ground , the ‘ dipping pools ’ were frozen solid .
Lunch in the town and the purchase of handmade items for gifts are a welcome contribution to the local economy particularly devastated by the lack of tourists .
Once again , the trip down the blacktop was fun and enjoyable , the smooth flowing curves then heart stopping ones that tightened and tightened as you raced downhill … back onto the flat wide gravel surface for the trip back through Jomsom and the overnight stop at Marpha .
Marpha is an enchanting village , a photographer ’ s delight , a large imposing monastery sits in the centre and the tiny narrow winding stone walled pathways are a trip back in time . Children ’ s smiling faces peek from timber framed windows , the women folk sweep the paths each morning in unison , a concerted effort to maintain the integrity and dignity of their village lifestyle .
I highly recommend a tour from Ride and Dare that includes at least a half day in Marpha . We left for our lunch time meet at Lete , and then after lunch we split the group with some of us heading for Pokhara , but others wishing for another dip in the thermal pools at Tatopani .
The road from Marpha was great , but slowly degenerated into the severe and challenging pure off-road conditions , I spent at least an hour , if not longer in the Enfield ’ s low gear , several mad wobbly moments really grabbed my attention as the 100-metre plunge into the gorge alongside the road beckoned the unwary . The Enfield never missed a beat , although the front crash bar
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