In this episode of The Himalayan Diary, Borghild leaves Mustang sooner than expected and travels down to Pokhara, where warmth, food, hot water, massage, and lower altitude give her body the relief it has been asking for. But as the body begins to soften, something else becomes clear. She does not want to leave Nepal early. She does not want to spend two weeks in Kathmandu. And even with all its hardship of the cold, the frozen water, the mice, the altitude, and the practical demands of a simple life, Mustang is where she feels most at peace. After seeing fresh snow falling at the gompa, speaking with Rinpoche, extending her visa, organising a new permit, buying rice, vegetables, ghee, honey, and supplies, the return begins to take shape almost before she has fully admitted it to herself. What follows is a journey back through the mountains: a jeep to Muktinath, snow and ice on the road, a chaotic arrival, a young horseman in bright yellow trousers, a little white horse carrying her supplies, and the deep joy of simply walking home. Under the full Snow Moon, back in the one bamboo chair at the gompa, Borghild reflects on the strange, beautiful way life sometimes moves beyond planning, and how the body, the heart, and something deeper than thought often know the way before the mind does. In this episode we exploreLeaving before you are readyBorghild leaves Mustang when transport suddenly becomes available, even though part of her still feels deeply connected to the gompa, the mountains, and the rhythm of life there. The episode begins with that familiar human experience of moving forward while something inside is still standing in the place we have just left. The body’s need for reliefPokhara offers warmth, hot water, lower altitude, good food, massage, and care. After weeks of winter altitude, bucket washes, cold rooms, and simple living, the body begins to relax. The episode explores how much we can adapt to difficult conditions without realising how much effort they are taking. The mind that questions everythingAfter seeing a video of Mustang covered in snow, Borghild begins to question her decision to leave. The mind turns quickly: one moment agreeing with a decision, the next wondering if it was wrong. Through yoga, rest, and a call with Rinpoche, the deeper question becomes clearer: where does she truly need to be? Returning through actionBefore the decision is fully formed in words, the body and actions begin to show the way. Extending the visa, organising the permit, buying rice, ghee, coffee, honey, spices, and vegetables; all of it begins to reveal what the mind has not yet fully admitted. She is going back. The little white horseThe return to the gompa becomes an unexpected adventure. With snow and ice making the road impossible for a taxi, a young horseman arrives with a small white horse to carry the heavy supplies through the snow. The walk back becomes one of the most vivid and joyful moments of the journey. Coming home to the gompaWhen Borghild opens the door to the gompa, everything is exactly as she left it. Clean, orderly, cold, demanding, and beautiful. The water is frozen again, the mountains glow in the evening light, and under the full Snow Moon she understands why she had to come back. ListenA companion for walking, resting, travelling, or finding your own way back to what brings you peace. A simple reflection to take with youThis episode invites you to stay with a few gentle questions: Where in my life am I trying to decide with my mind, while my actions already know the answer? What does my body need before I can see clearly? Is there somewhere, or some way of being, that gives me peace of mind even if it is not the easiest option? A quote to remember“My actions had become clearer than my thoughts.” Mentioned in this episodeBeli Guest House, Pokhara, Nepal. This peaceful guesthouse overlooking the lake has become a place I love returning to. Warm hospitality, a yoga room, and the feeling of coming home. In the next episodeBorghild returns to the rhythm of winter at the gompa — to sit in the cave, return to the silence, and let the place hold her a little longer. But, as always, life keeps moving. There are cold mornings, simple food, the Milarepa Cave, village paths, unexpected kindness, and the way this place keeps giving her what she needs, even when she does not know she needs it. These last days become something much more than extra time before the real leaving begins. Follow & ShareIf this episode offered you a breath of relief, a moment of clarity, or simply the courage to keep going, please follow the show on your favourite platform and share it with someone who might need it. Every small act of support helps this work reach further. Stay ConnectedExplore Borghild's work and resources. Follow Borghild on Instagram, TikTok, and Facebook for more refelctions, inspiration and updates. Borghild was also recently featured in an online magazine, sharing some of her journey and connection to Nepal. You can read it here. Note / DisclaimerThis podcast is for education and personal growth. It is not therapy or a substitute for professional mental health care.
