Muktinath Pilgrimage Tour - 7 days

History of Muktinath Temple

The Annapurna range, Nilgiri, Dhaulagiri, and other famous mountains encompass significant Hindu and Buddhist sacred sites, including the Muktinath Temple. Muktinath is considered a form of Lord Vishnu. According to writings in the Puranas, due to the curse of Vrinda, Lord Vishnu resides in Muktin Kshetra in the form of Saligram. The demon king Jalandhar was immensely powerful and became the emperor of all demons across heaven, earth, and the underworld. Mahadev (Shiva) became attracted to Jalandhar's wife, Parvati, which led to a corruption of his mind. A prolonged war ensued between Shiva and Jalandhar at Kailash. Eventually, Shiva overpowered Jalandhar. In the battle, Shiva invoked Vishnu. Jalandhar's strength was rooted in the devotion of his wife, Vrinda, towards him, as she remained faithful. Aware of this, Mahadev was determined to defeat Jalandhar. In a pivotal moment, Vishnu took on the form of Jalandhar and tricked Vrinda into a physical relationship, thereby destroying her unwavering devotion. Upon realizing what had transpired, Vrinda became enraged with Vishnu, who then cursed her. Wrathful, Vrinda transformed into grass, trees, and stones on Earth. Consequently, due to this curse, Vishnu manifested as Tulsi, Peepal, Kush, and Saligram. The Saligram form of Vishnu is believed to grant liberation (Mukti) in the Kshetra of Muktinath. This sacred site was established at the confluence of the Damodar Kunda Water and the Kali Gandaki River near Kagbeni. It is said that offering Tarpan to Vishnu at Muktinath saves 21 generations of one's ancestors.

In Nepali society, it is believed that this area is associated with the Svasthani Vrat Katha. According to the legend, Lord Shiva roamed over the dead body of Sati Devi, and her face fell in this area, which is why it is called Mukti Dham.

How to Reach Muktinath Temple

Muktinath Temple is a sacred site for the dual religion. You can reach there by different modes of transportation. 

Flight from Pokhara to Jomsom: You can use a flight from Pokhara to Jomsom. Two airlines, Tara Air and Summit Air, operate flights to Jomsom from Pokhara. The flights operate from 6 AM to 10 A.M. There is strong wind, so no flights operate after 10. After landing at Jomsom airport, drive to Muktinath Temple. From the parking, you have to walk 20min minutes and 5 minutes steep to reach Muktinath Temple. After your satisfaction, you can drive back to Jomsom and stay the night in Jomsom. We recommend to overnight stay at Jomsom or Kagbeni as the next day, you have a flight back to Pokhara.

Reserve a Jeep from Pokhara to Muktinath: You can reserve a Jeep from Pokhara to Muktinath and blessings from Mukti-Dham. The road also upgraded, so a comfortable Jeep takes 6-7 hrs to reach Muktinath. Sometimes the flights are also cancelled due to weather conditions. In that case also, devotees have to choose a roadway to reach Muktinath, so it is forever route to reach Muktinath.

Helicopter from Kathmandu or Pokhara: You can also visit Muktinath Temple in 1 day. The Helicopter is also an option that has a limited time. The Helicopter takes 80 minutes from Kathmandu and 45 minutes from Pokhara to reach the Muktinath temple. The Helicopter directly drop you at the Helicopter Pad, so only take a few minutes to reach to Muktinath Temple. You can take 108 holy taps, dipped in 2 Holy Ponds (Laxmi Kunda and Saraswati Kunda), worship at Muktinath Temple, explore the Eternal flame (Jwala Mai Temple), and back to Kathmandu or Pokhara.

Places to Visit During the Muktinath Tour

There are many temples to visit during the tour. First, we will explore Pashupatinath Temple, the greatest Hindu temple in Nepal, dedicated to Lord Shiva. Next, we will visit Gyajeswari Shakti Peetha and Jal Narayan Temple, which is dedicated to Lord Vishnu.

On the way, we will stop at Manakamana Bhagwati Temple before continuing to Pokhara and then to Muktinath. Near Muktinath, there are numerous monasteries, and the surrounding mountain views are breathtaking. We will pass through Kagbeni village and Jomsom village on our way.

Once we reach Pokhara, we will visit the famous Phewa Lake and Gupteshwor Mahadev Cave. We will also see Pumdikot Mahadev Stupa and enjoy the stunning sunrise view from Sarangkot.

Finally, after flying back to Kathmandu, we will visit Doleshwor Temple and Kailashnath Mahadev Temple.

The best time to visit the Muktinath Temple

There are no specific seasons for the Muktinath Tour likewise other trekking of Nepal. Besides the Winter season (December to February), the Muktinath Tour is forever. People from Nepal and India mostly come here. Other nations like Singapore and Malaysia also came here for their Pilgrimage Purposes. 

During the trekking seasons like March to May and September to November, many foreigners also visit Muktinath Temple, as it lies on the way to the Annapurna Circuit Trek.

Permits and Fees during Muktinath Yatra

While travelling to Muktinath Temple, you need Annapurna Conservation Area Project (ACAP) Permit. The permit cost NPR 1000 per person for Indian Nationality, NPR 2000 per person for SAARC Nationality, and NPR 3ooo per person for Foreign Passport holder. No need for any Permit for Nepali Devotees. There are 3 different check-posts to check the ACAP Permit. First in Ghasa, next at Jomsom, and last at Muktinath Temple. Besides this, the Official Person may ask for permission when they feel doubts. You have to be polite with them as they are doing their duty. It is strictly prohibited to take a picture of any officer or a check-post.

Accommodation and Food during Muktinath Yatra

As you travel higher to higher, the luxury slowly decreases compared to the city. Even though there are the best hotel accommodations. While Utmost Destination Travels and Treks used the best of the available hotel accommodation during the Yatra time. Local available meal items and some menu food are also available in the Muktinath area. The world-famous Thakali Food came from here. The main course meals "Rice", curry, lentils, Pickles, some papads, fresh salad, freshly Youghad and special Ghee are added on Thakali Set.