BBA students on a journey to Upper Mustang — where learning goes beyond textbooks and into real-world experiences.
An immersive educational tour designed to inspire, engage, and expand horizons.
Objective of the Tour
The educational tour to Upper Mustang was organized with the objective of providing practical exposure to students in the areas of rural tourism, cultural heritage, sustainable development, and entrepreneurship opportunities in remote areas of Nepal. It also aimed to enhance team bonding, experiential learning, and real-world understanding of business potential in rural tourism and hospitality sectors.
Itinerary Overview
Day 01: Kathmandu to Kushma
The tour commenced with an early morning departure from Kathmandu. The group traveled via road and reached Kushma, Parbat district, by evening. Students experienced the scenic beauty of hilly landscapes and rural settlements along the route. The overnight stay allowed students to interact with locals and observe small business models thriving in rural towns.
Day 02: Kushma to Muktinath
The journey from Kushma to Muktinath was filled with both spiritual and natural highlights. On the way, the group stopped at the stunning Rupse Jharana, a majestic waterfall cascading down the hillsides, offering a scenic break and a chance to appreciate the natural beauty of the region. Continuing the drive, the group visited Galeshwor Mandir, a revered Hindu temple located near Beni, where students had the opportunity to observe local religious practices and understand the significance of spiritual sites in regional tourism. The route also passed through the dramatic Kali Gandaki Gorge, one of the deepest gorges in the world, showcasing the region’s unique topography. Throughout the journey, students observed the blend of religious tourism with local businesses and reflected on the cultural harmony and economic activities shaped by pilgrimage routes. The day concluded with an overnight stay at Muktinath.
Day 03: Muktinath to Lo Manthang
The day began with a morning visit to the sacred Muktinath Temple, a revered pilgrimage site for both Hindus and Buddhists. Students explored the temple complex and its serene surroundings, gaining insights into religious tourism and its cultural significance. After the temple visit, the group proceeded towards Lo Manthang, entering the region of Upper Mustang. Upon arrival, they explored the ancient walled city, visited historic monasteries, and engaged with local residents. The students had the opportunity to study the unique trans-Himalayan lifestyle, traditional architecture, and efforts in heritage conservation.
Day 04: Lo Manthang – Korala Border – Marpha
After breakfast, the team visited the Korala border near the Tibetan border, observing the strategic location and historical significance of the ancient trade route. Post visit, the group headed to Marpha, a village known for its apple orchards and local wine production. Students visited a local apple distillery and interacted with entrepreneurs about agro-based rural businesses. Overnight at Marpha.
Day 05: Marpha to Pokhara
On the fifth day, the group traveled to Pokhara. Upon arrival, students had a reflection session by the lakeside discussing their learnings, experiences, and observations from the tour. The evening was free for exploring the local tourism businesses in Pokhara.
Day 06: Pokhara to Kathmandu
The final day marked the return journey to Kathmandu, concluding a memorable and enriching educational tour.
Outcomes and Learnings
- Practical insights into rural and religious tourism.
- First-hand exposure to the socio-economic lifestyle of people in Upper Mustang.
- Understanding the challenges and opportunities of business in remote areas.
- Cultural appreciation and the importance of preserving heritage.
- Entrepreneurial lessons from small-scale businesses like homestays, local distilleries, and handicrafts.
- Strengthened team bonding and interpersonal communication skills among students.
Conclusion
The educational tour to Upper Mustang was a grand success in fulfilling both academic and experiential objectives. It offered a balanced mix of learning, adventure, and cultural exploration. The students expressed great enthusiasm and appreciation for the opportunity to learn outside the classroom. It is recommended that such tours be regularly organized to foster practical learning and holistic development.
