Muktinath : Mukti (Salvation) holds grate significance for all spiritual people in the south Asian sub continent. Muktinath (the provider of salvation) has been one such holy site, where thousands of devotees flock for attaining the much sought after moksha.

The famous temple of Lord Muktinath lies in the district of Mustang and is situated about 18 kms northeast of Jomsom in the north central part of Nepal, at an altitude of about 3800 meters from the sea level. Named after highly referred Muktinath shrine the valley is one of religious place in Nepal for both Hindus and Buddhist. Hindus call it Muktichhetra (Place of salvation) is one of the four religious sites. Many Shaligrams found here are considered by Hindu as incarnation of lord Vishnu and worship them. According to Hindu Myth lord Vishnu turned into Shaigram because of Brinda's Curse. Similarly Buddhist calls this valley the Chumig Gyatsa ( place of 108 waterspouts). It is believed that Guru Rimpoche (Padmasambha) the scholar founder of Tibetan Buddhism once meditated and gained lifetime achievement of spiritual knowledge here while on his way to Tibet on 12 th century.. This place is opened through out the year but especially in Rishitarpani, Ram Nawami, and Bijay Dashami thousands of pilgrims gather here to celebrate the festival.

The Pagoda style Muktinath Temple is symbol of the religious symbiosis between both Hindus and Buddhists. Hindu regards Muktinath as Vishnu where as Buddhists regard as Buddha. The main shrine of Muktinath is a pagoda - shaped temple dedicated to the Lord Vishnu. Hindu believes that lord Vishnu got salvation from curse of Brinda (wife of Jalandhar) here. Therefore he is worshipped as Muktinath (Lit. the lord of salvation ). On the other hand Buddhist worships Vishnu as Avalokiteshvara . The Temple depicts metal statues of lord Vishnu , goddess Laxmi , Saraswoti, Janaki , Garuda , Lava-Kush and Sapta Rishis .

Here in the early 19th century the Hindus consecrated a Vishnu temple and named is 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 .

In front of MuktinathTemple there are 2 Kunda (Water pond), Where holy dip is believed it can wash away negative karma, the results of one's past negative actions.

There are 108 Dhara name of "Muktidhara" (continuously flowing) just behind the Temple. It has helped to make this area as center of Tourist attraction. In Janai Purnima Buddhist's Yar tang Mala celebrated here. Hindu devotees take bath under chilled water of 108 waterspouts "Muktidhara" believing that it brings them salvation. It is also believed that the deity was originated from western part of Nepal.

Continuously burning flame "Jwala Mai Temple" sound of flowing river is situated south of Muktinath Temple. The Jwala Mai temple has a spring and there are three eternal flames "Holy flame from soil", "Holy flame from rock" and "Holy flame from water" fed by natural gas. Currently two flames are continuously burning. Hindu believes that this miracle of fire lighting was offering made by Brahma, worship its as Jwala Mai (Lit. Goddess of fire). The Buddhist called Dhola Mebar Gompa to this temple.

The name of Guru Rimpoche Monastery is situated at left from main entrance gate of Muktinath Temple. The Buddhist nuns take care of cultural heritage inside Muktinath temple. Photography and filming of deities inside Temple and Monasteries is strictly prohibited.

It is believed that one should visit this Muktinath temple after completing pilgrimage of four special religious sites, Chardham Yatra of India, must be visited once.

Once Pilgrimage journey made to this holy Muktinath, holy dip in the Kunda and bath beneath of 108 waterspouts "Muktidhara" is believed to bring about salvation (Moksha) and to fulfill your wishes.

We welcome you to visit the highly religious place of Muktinath , where you will enjoy and discover you are on your special journey.

Apart from walking to Muktinath all the way, there are many ways one can travel, depending on time and budget.
Click here for Muktinath Map.......

Starting From Pokhara to Jomsom:
By Flight: Pokhara to Jomsom by air in about 30 minutes
By Trek: Pokhara to Nayapool by vehicle then do the 7/8 days trek to Jomsom,

Starting from Jomsom To Muktinath
By treks: W alk to Kagbeni to Jharkot to Muktinath in about 7-8 hours.
By Transport: Go by local rented motorbike with driver/ 6 wheeler / Jeep in about 3 hrs.
By Horse: Go by a local rented horse in about 5 to 6 hrs.

By Helicopter:
1. Kathmandu to Muktinath in about 1.30 hrs
2. Pokhara to Muktinath in about 45 minutes

By Helicopter to visit Muktinath on the month of March to October is suitable. By treks to visit on the month of April to October is preferable

Climate
Muktinath and its high valley are located in the Mustang Bhote region. The climate and landscape here are similar to those of the Tibetan Plateau since it is situated in the rain shadow of the Greater Himalayas. The changes in climate from warm to cold take you to the sacred shrine of Muktinath in Mustang district. Flowing through the region from north to south and forming deep gorges is the Kali Gandaki river. The temperature in summer (March to August) hover between Maximum of 16 to 18 degree Celsius and Minimum 6 to 8 Degree Celsius. In the beginning of winter (September to November) the temperature fluctuates between 14 to 16 degree Celsius and 0 to 4 degree Celsius. In the winter (December to February) the maximum temperature will be 4 to 6 degree Celsius and minimum 0 to -8 degree Celsius.

Season:
The most suitable time to visit Muktinath from March to May & October. In November & February it can be cold, but you can travel. December and January are for the diehard & snowfall in the all of area 4 to 10 ft. June to September is raining season. As the weather conditions would not be safe enough to travel in o ther months.

Clothing:
We suggest you to take normal warm clothes. Light warm jacket, woolen sweater, warm T-Shirts, comfortable shoes, trousers and cotton pants are enough for this trip. We recommended you to bring down jacket for the winter.

Accommodation:
There is enough Hotels and lodges near by Muktinath in Jharkot and Ranipauwa. The Hotels and lodges are fine there. Some Hotels have solar heated hot showers and provide rooms with attached bath. Also local restaurant are available there. They provide good food. For Hindu pilgrims there are also free Dharamsalas .

Rule & Regulation
Muktinath lies in the Annapurna conservation area where entry fee required. Entry fee can be obtained from Kathmandu and Pokhara. The ACAP entry fee is Rs. 200.00 Per person for Indians and others SAARC nationals and Rs. 2000.00 per person to others foreign nationals at the above mentioned designated place. An equal extra fee will levied if permits are issued from field check post. The Permit is non refundable, non-transferable and is valid for single entry. Children below 10 yrs. need not entry fee.