Things to know before Traveling to Muktinath
Muktinath is a sacred place both for Hindus & Buddhists which is also known as a “place of liberation or moksha”
Details about Muktinath Darsan
Muktinath is one of the sacred places of worship for the Hindus in the Himalayan ranges of Nepal. Known for both Hindus and Bhuddists, this shrine attracts pilgrims during the months of May-November. The famous temple of Lord Muktinath lies in the district of Mustang and is situated about 18 kms northeast of Jomsom at an altitude of about 3800 meter. The main shrine is a pagoda shaped temple dedicated to Lord Vishnu. This is one of the 106th sacred Muktichhetra (assured of salvation) of 108 sacred places of Vaishnavs, where Lord Vishnu got free from the curse of Sati. Here is a largest Shaligram. Here is also a Jwaladevi, a divine flame is continuously burning since thousands of year.
Muktinath is the most sacred Hindu site in Nepal after the temple of Pashupatinath in Kathmandu. Hindu pilgrims come here to bathe in the 108 water spouts shaped as cows’ heads and Buddhists come here to pay homage at a shrine enclosing an eternal blue flame. Pilgrims take bath in holy water spouts to purify their bodies before visiting the main Temple for worship.
Visitors can enjoy magnificent views of the Himalayas, fabulous and typical valley of Kaligandaki and diversity of ethnic culture. The trail from Jomsom passes along the Kali Gandaki River, the deepest gorge in the world to Kagbeni, a fascinating old citadel. The trail then divides into four directions of which the east route leads to Muktinath. The trail down from Muktinath via Eklya Bhatti (single teahouse) meets with the one coming from Kagbeni and then you walk into the Kaligandaki gorge visiting Marpha, which is well known for garden of apples, apricots and peaches sold fresh, dry and as distilled liquor brandy and its narrow lanes of cobbled stones with houses painted in white on each side. This trek begins from Pokhara and flies out from Jomsom. Alternatively, the trek commences from Jomsom and trek out to Pokhara.
Guidelines for Muktinath Tour
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 die-hard & 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 other 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 .
Others Facilities
STD /ISD telephone services are available in Ranipauwa and Jharkot. Health post and Post office in Jharkot. Police station, ACAP tourist information center and Safe drinking water station at Ranipauwa. There are available Electricity facilities also.
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.
Travel Tips
• Entitled to carry only 15 kgs per person on flight.
• Take precaution for altitude sickness by taking Diamox tablet or Aspirin
• Carry own medicine for any health problem
• Drink plenty of water while trekking
• Sports shoes or trekking shoes
• Carry light luggage
• Walking stick
• Jacket
• Chap stick / Vaseline cream
• Cap
• Sun glasses
• Warm Clothing
• Sunscreen Lotion
• Moisturizer Lotion
• Thick socks and glovesHow To Reach Muktinath
There are many ways to reach Muktinath:
1. Either take a flight from Pokhara to Jomsom then hike for 7-8 hours from Jomsom
2. Trek all the way from Pokhara through Kali-Gandaki valley, it takes 7/8 days.
2. Nowadays the Bus & Jeep Services are available from Pokhara to Jomsom via Beni, Ghasa, Tato pani,Tukuche, Marfa, it takes time about 10-11 hrs. There are only 4 WD jeep services after the Jomsom to Ranipauwa near by Muktinath, it takes 2.30 hrs. The road is unpaved after Beni to Jomsom & Muktinath through the Kaligandaki river bank & hill area.
3. Helicopter services are also available from Pokhara & Kathmandu. The sight of the bewildering Annapurana and Dhaulagiri ranges will enchant you as you approach towards Pokhara Valley by air or surface. The next morning when you discover the clear sky and views of mountain, you then discover you are on your special journey to the Muktinath
Muktinath Map
Muktinath Map – Route
Attractions at Muktinath
Kunda:
In front of MuktinathTemple there are 2 Kundas (Water ponds). This is generally used for holy dipping and is believed to hold the power to wash away negative karma and the results of one’s past negative actions.Jwala Mai Temple:
A little below the Muktinath Temple you can see the Tibetan style Jwala Mai Temple. This Temple is famous for the water that it issues from a rock inside it. Inside this Temple behind a tattered curtain, are small natural gas jest that produce Continuously burning flame, 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. Apparantly two flames are continuously burning. The Hindus believe that this fire was lit as an offering made by Brahma himself , (the creator) as he set water on fire.Gomba Samba:
This is a monastery of Tibetan origin. Legend has it that the Syandol Lama, a monk from Tibet founded this monastery. This was actually used as a hostel for monks before collapsed and people of Khinga and Jharkot later restored it. The main deities monastries are Sakyamuni, Chingresig and Guru Rimpoche. The monastery is situated at left from entrance gate of Muktinath temple complex, would be worth it.Swaminarayan:
A Hindu Guru by the name of Lord Shri Swaminarayan is generally associated with the Temple of Muktinath. Also known as a Satguru of Sabij Yoga, towards the end of the 18th century he practiced severe penance in Muktinath for two and a half months and attained the highest degree of proficiency in Nishkamvrat. In 2003 his followers funded the new wall around Muktinath and raised a small monument for him at Muktinath.Shaligram:
Another attraction for the pilgrimage is the River kali Gandaki from where one can collect fossils of the Jurassic age. You can also buy these fossils from the locals. Shaligram, a black stone fossil if found, is considered sacred and is kept in pooja (prayer) room in the house. It is supposed to be symbol of Lord Vishnu.Gloriously described in Puranas as Krishnagandaki (Black Gandaki) as well as Chakranadi, and worshipped as one of the holiest rivers, Krishnagandaki consists of seven Gandaki rivers supposed to have sprung from cheek (Gandasthal) of Lord Vishnu.Nearby Places
The Muktinath valley has seven historic famous places Putak, Jhong, Chhyokhar, Purang Jharkot and Khinga. Ranipauwa (Lit.Queen pilgrims hostel the name of Subarna Prabha Devi) is new settlement village founded by people of Purang. There are many monasteries and Gompa around the Muktinath temple.
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.
Pilgrims Tour - Damodar Kund
Damodar Kund & Muktinath
We welcome you to a serene and highly religious Damodar Kund. It lies on the north east of Mustang District, the hidden kingdom of Himalayas and is at an altitude of 5400 meters. Barah Puran has narrated the damodar kund’s religions significance. While describing domodar Kund, River Kaligandaki can’t be left untouched. River Kaligandaki has its source in Damodar Kund and throughout its flow to south right up to Indian border carries a manifestation of lying lord Vishnu with Damodarkund jeweled as His auspicious Head and with Muktinath as the mouth, Shaligram Chakra as chest Ru Ru Kshetra of Palpa district as the waist, Devaghatam as the Knee and lastly the auspicious feet of lord Vishnu goes to the credit of Gajendra Moksha devadham, Nawal Parasi. Such a beautiful elaboration of the lord, one may find starting from the auspicious lakes of Damodar Kund. While visiting Damodar Kund, you will enjoy a very different culture then that of Indian sub continent Aryan and Dravid culture.
Muktinath & Kagbeni
Muktinath as said is the provider of salvation & has a detailed elaboration in our Dharma Shatras. The temple of Muktinath is situated at an altitude of 3667 m and covers a beautiful panoramic view. Muktinath is the only shrine where a combination of Hindu and Buddhist priestdom is found. The shrine is a beautiful pagodial signature of mix of indo gangetic and Tibetan cultural. A Shradha at the confluence of Kag khola and river Kaligandagi at Kagbeni and worship after that in the shrine of lord Muktianth 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 right and left.
How to visit Damodar Kund & Muktinath
Kailash Journeys can prepare a comfortable trek on both foot and Pony. The to and fro 14 days trek from Jomsom, the district headquarters of Mustang, to Damodar Kunda is designed, giving ample consideration to the acclimatization and comfort of our customers. We will return back to Jomsom after paying a homage to Lord Muktinath. Since the trek covers the high altitude (above 5333m.), it is a difficult trek and requires a normal physical fitness.
Our guest may enter Nepal directly by air to Kathmandu and visit different cultural places in the Kathmandu valley, Pokhara & Jomsom. Pokhara and Jomsom are linked to Kathmandu by air or one have a choice to travel to Pokhara by road from Kathmandu and then by air to Jomsom.
There are many other ways of entering Nepal. They are through Sunauli, Silgudi, Banbasa, Jogbani, Darjeeling etc.
What to wear and bring with you:
1) Warm clothes, a pair of hiking shoes, sun-tan cream, sunglass, personal towel, woolen socks etc.
2) Torch and Cameras with enough batteries.
Food, Drink etc.
nuts biscuits, huts, Chocolate, of choice
1. We will offer vegetarian food, tea/coffee at morning and evening, along with snacks.
2) You may bring nuts, biscuits, chocolate as per your wish and requirement.
3) Alcoholic drinks beverages should not be consumed.Month to visit Damodar Kund
Damodar Kund is very suitable to visit in the month of June and September by Helicopter. Whereas for trekkers May and June is preferable. Helicopter service is provided for the journey from Jomsom/Pokhara/Jomsom.
Others Requirement
Our Indian customers should carry their authorized identity card (preferably passport) along with them. Other SAARC nationals will have to pay ACAP fee of Rs. 200 and others nationals will have to pay Rs. 2000.
Means & Equipment with Kailash Journeys
A group of highly competent and professional staff members who care for your needs. We are linked with world on our website and have other communication mode. We maintain a sophisticated range of equipment and a fleet of luxury cars and buses. We have a well stocked store with the equipment required for trekking and expedition.
Muktinath Maps and Photos
