A place where the natural elements of Earth, Air, Holy Water, and Fire prominently come together, Muktinath is an important pilgrimage site for Hindus and Buddhists.
‘Mukti’ means ‘liberation’ and ‘Nath’ means ‘Lord’. So Muktinath is believed to be the land of God where one can achieve liberation from the circle of life and death.
The holy scriptures have stories of Lord Vishnu turning into a stone at Muktinath. Hindus believe that Lord Vishnu resides here in the form of Shilas. Goddess Lakshmi and Goddess Parvati along with some other deities are worshipped here.
In the 18th century, Lord Shri Swaminarayan, Satguru of Sabij Yoga, practiced penance at Muktinath.
Muktinath has been the religious seat of Tibetan Buddhist family called Lama Domar family who are the traditional caretakers of Muktinath. Tibetan Buddhists believe that Muktinath is where powerful female deities reside. Padmasambhava, an important Buddhist Guru is said to have blessed the place with his presence.
Devotees seeking peace and salvation visit Muktinath to feel the spiritual energy like the many legendary figures associated with Muktinath
ROUTE PLAN
Kathmandu (1N) – Pokhara (1N) – Jomsom (1N) – Pokhara (1N) – Kathmandu (2N)
By Air:
Nearest Airport to Muktinath is in Jomsom. There are regular flights available from Pokhara to Jomsom that take 20-25 minutes. From Jomsom, you can either trek (6 hours) or hire a jeep (2 hours) to reach Muktinath.
By Road:
Bus and jeep services are available from Pokhara to Jomsom that takes 8-10 hours. From Jomsom, you can either trek (6 hours) or hire a jeep (2 hours) to reach Muktinath.
Muktinath is accessible throughout the year but favorable weather for the yatra is during the months of March-May and September- November.
You are received upon your arrival in Kathmandu. You’ll be transferred to the hotel. You may check-in and relax at the hotel. In the evening you will be visiting the famous Pashupatinath Temple for the aarti.
Return to the hotel and relax post-dinner. Overnight stay will be in Kathmandu.
After early morning breakfast, check-out from the hotel. You will proceed for Pokhara. On your way to Pokhara, you will be visiting the Manokamna Devi Temple. Dedicated to Goddess Parvati, the temple can be reached via a 10 minutes cable-car ride.
After the darshan, drive to Pokhara. Upon arrival, check into the hotel.
Overnight stay will be in Pokhara.
After breakfast, check out from the hotel and catch an early morning flight to Jomsom. Upon arrival, check into the hotel and freshen up. Then you’ll drive to Muktinath.
Spend the day exploring the Muktinath Temple Complex.
Take a dip in the holy Muktikund. Bathe under the 108 water-spouts called ‘Muktidhar’. Pray at the Muktinath Temple. Do not forget to visit the Jwala Mai Temple where an eternal flame burns over the water of an underground stream. Also visit the Vishnu Padak Mandir, Shiv Parvati Mandir, Samba Gompa, and the surrounding temples.
Drive back to Jomsom in the evening. Rest at the hotel.
Overnight stay will be in Jomsom.
After early morning breakfast, check out from the hotel and fly back to Pokhara.
Check into the hotel in Pokhara and proceed for an exciting day-out at Pokhara.
Visit the Bindabasini Temple which dedicated to Goddess Durga who is believed to be the guardian of Pokhara.
Visit the Davi’s waterfall. It is a mystery waterfall. Instead of flowing into a river or lagoon, it vanishes into a dark hole in the caves.
Nearby is the Gupteshwar Mahadev Cave. An ancient natural cave, it is in the shape of a Shiva Lingam.
Enjoy some water activities at the beautiful Phewa Lake.
Also, visit the nearby monasteries and stroll through the Old Bazaar.
Return to the hotel and rest. Overnight stay will be in Pokhara.
Early morning breakfast will be followed by a check out from the hotel.
Drive back to Kathmandu. Check into the hotel. The evening will be free for leisure.
Overnight stay will be in Kathmandu.
After early morning breakfast, proceed for a full day sightseeing in Kathmandu.
Visit the Pashupatinath Temple Complex. A UNESCO World Heritage site, it is the largest temple complex in Nepal dedicated to Lord Shiva and of an important religious significance to Hindus.
Visit the Boudhnath Stupa. It has a beautiful white doom. One can experience peace and serenity in the surroundings.
Visit the Jal Narayana Temple. It has a giant medieval sculpture of Lord Vishnu sleeping on a bed of snakes.
Visit the Swayambhunath Temple. An important Buddhist landmark, it holds the largest statue of Sakyamuni Buddha in Nepal. A hilltop temple, one can get a panoramic view of Kathmandu from here.
Visit Bhaktapur Durbar Square. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, it is a Newari architectural marvel.
Return to the hotel and rest.
Overnight stay will be in Kathmandu.
Early morning breakfast will be followed by a check out from the hotel. You will be transferred to the airport for your respective departure.
The tour comes to an end.
The Muktinath yatra is open throughout the year.
The yatra is an easy one and open for all age groups. Just consult your doctor if you face any health irregularities.
The Muktinath Temple Complex is open from 7 am to 7 pm.
There are many private helicopter services available for Muktinath:
– From Pokhara- 2 ½ hours
– From Kathmandu- 3 ½ hours
The weather is cold throughout the year. Therefore, it is advisable to carry your woolens and warm clothes for the journey. Keep your necessary medicines as well. Since the journey involves a lot of traveling, therefore, carry minimal luggage.
ATMs are available but in a few numbers. Therefore, withdraw cash before the yatra itself.
Travelers need two permits:
– ACAP Permit
– TIMS Permit
There is a small hospital in Jomsom that can provide general medical assistance. For medical emergencies on has to go to Pokhara or Kathmandu