The well-known Muktinath Temple tour takes a place of the sacred and important religious temple and a Pilgrimage place for both Hindus and Buddhists. The Temple is located in the Mustang District and situated about 18 KM northeast of Jomsom in the west-central part of Nepal, at an altitude of 3760 meters on the foot of one of the world’s biggest passes Thoarng-La Pass (5416M).
The holy shrine at Muktinath is in a grove of trees and includes a Buddhist Gompa and the pagoda-style temple of Vishnu Mandir etc. There are seven historic villages around Muktinath: Ranipauwa, Jharkot, Khinja, Putak, Jhong, Chhyonkhar and Purang. And the main ethnic group of the valleys are Thakali and Bhotias.
Legend of Muktinath Temple
The Tibetan Buddhist tradition states that for this reason Guru Rinpoche, also known as Padmasambhava, the founder of Tibetan Buddhism, had meditated at Muktinath he gained lifetime achievement of spiritual knowledge here while on his way to Tibet in the 12th century.
The waterway downstream from Muktinath along Kali Gandaki is the source of all Silas or Shaligrams that are required to establish a temple of Vishnu anywhere in the world. It is considered to be one of the holiest places of pilgrimage for Hindus, Buddhists, and Vaishnavas. It has 108 water stone waterspouts and this number carries great significance in Eastern philosophy.
Here in the early 19th century the Hindus consecrated a Vishnu temple and named it Muktinath – Lord of Liberation. Against a backdrop of incredible starkness, you can sit and stare to the south the snow-covered Annapurna range, or to the north the Tibetan plateau.
About Muktinath Temple Tour
The Muktinath Temple is one of the most ancient Hindu temples of God Vishnu. The Pagoda-style Muktinath Temple is a symbol of the religious symbiosis between both Hindus and Buddhists. Hindus regard Muktinath as Vishnu whereas Buddhists regard it as Buddha. The main shrine of Muktinath is a pagoda–shaped temple dedicated to the Lord Vishnu. The Statue is of gold and is tall enough to compare with a man. They depict metal statues of lord Vishnu, goddess Laxmi, Saraswoti, Janaki, Garuda, Lava-Kush, and Sapta Rishis.
Muktinath is the only shrine where a combination of Hindu and Buddhist priest Dom is found. A Shradha (the rituals after the death) at the confluence of Kag khola and river Kaligandagi at Kagbeni and worship after that in the shrine of lord Muktinath is heavenly and boon bestowing. One would be enlightened and thrilled to have the Darshan of Lord Vishnu flanked by the idols of His divine consorts Goddess Lakshmi and Goddess Earth on the right and left.
The main attraction of the Muktinath Temple Tour:
- Combination of both Hindu and Buddhist Religious temples and monasteries.
- Pagoda Style Temple.
- 108 waterspout.
- The old Buddhist Monasteries.
- The burning water flame “Jwala Mai Temple”.
- Fossils “Shaligrama” symbol of Lord Vishnu.
- Panoramic Views of Annapurna Himalayas and Dhaulagiri Himalayas.
- Tour Muktinath Temple through the deepest gorge in the world (Kali Gandaki river gorge.
How to get to Muktinath Temple?
There are many different ways to get Muktinath Temple Tour.
By Airplane / Heli:
There are daily several flights from Kathmandu to Pokhara and take a Next morning flight to Jomsom then Hike to Muktinath for around 6 hours. And the same way Back.
There is a helipad nearby the temple; charter helicopter services are available from Pokhara & Kathmandu all the way to Muktinath which takes around forty-five minutes to reach from Pokhara and 2.30 hrs from Kathmandu. The helicopter can be hired only when the weather permits. Arriving by helicopter for a longer period of stay is not recommended because of the risk of acute mountain sickness.
Duration of flight:
- Regular flight from Kathmandu – Pokhara is 25 Minutes.
- Regular flight from Pokhara – Jomsom is 17 Minutes.
- Chartered Heli from Kathmandu to Muktinath 1:30 Minutes.
- Chartered heli From Pokhara to Muktinath 45 Minutes.
By Road:
At the moment road access is available all the way to Muktinath. So one can take a direct Local Bus from Kathmandu to Jomsom and take another Jeep or Bus to Muktinath. The other way is driving via Pokhara and continuing to Muktinath and the same way Back by Private Vehicle. It may take10 hrs to drive by private transport in Normal road Conditions (4-wheel drive Jeep)
Duration of Drive:
- Local Bus from Kathmandu to Jomsom 16 to 18 Hours.
- Private Vehicle from Kathmandu to Jomsom Muktinath 14 to 16 Hours.
- Tourist Bus from Kathmandu to Pokhara 7 hours.
- Bus from Pokhara to Jomsom 9 – 10 hours.
- Jomsom to Muktinath 1 Hours.
By Trekking / Hiking:
We also can trek via regular Annapurna Circuits Treks over one of the Biggest Throng-La Pass and Stop down at Muktinath or take a classic Annapurna Trekking Route from Beni which may take around 5/6 days to reach Muktinath.
(Note: Apart from walking to the Religious temple Muktinath all the way, there are many ways one can travel, depending on time and budget).
Best Time to Visit Muktinath:
The most suitable time to visit the Religious temple Muktinath from September to November and March to May. Considering from December to February it can be snowy and cold but still accessible to travel. June to August is raining season. As the weather conditions would not be safe enough to travel in these months.
Suggested Short Itinerary
Day 01: Arrive at Kathmandu. (1335 Meters).
Day 02: Drive to Pokhara. (810 Meters).
Day 03: Drive to Jomsom 2700 meters).
Day 04: Drive to Muktinath (3760 Meters) and Explore around.
Day 05: Visit Muktinath Temple and Drive Back to Pokhara.
Day 06: Sightseeing in Pokhara.
Day 07: Drive Back to Kathmandu.
Day 08: Final Departure.
