Muktinath Temple Nepal: History, Travel Guide, and Tour Packages

About Muktinath Temple:

Muktinath Temple (Chumig Gyatsa) is the symbol of the religious symbiosis between both Hindus and Buddhists. The Hindu believes that lord Vishnu got salvation from the curse of Brinda (wife of Jalandhar) here. Therefore, he is worshipped as Muktinath (Lit. the lord of salvation). The holy shrine, which is said to have arisen on its own, is one of eight such shrines (the others include Srirangam, Sri Mushnam, Tirupati, Naimisaranyam, Thottadri, Pushkaram, and Badrinath). This Pagoda Style Muktinath Temple is also one of 108 Vaishnava shrines. 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 at the south the snow-covered Annapurna range, or to the north the Tibetan plateau

Is Muktinath Temple Open Now?

Yes, Shree Muktinath Temple is now opened for visitors. The temple was resumed from October 2021 following certain criteria. Now the visitors must bring the COVID-19 PCR negative report (72hrs) or the COVID-19 Vaccinated Card to enter in Mustang District. Visitors failed to bring these report will be returned from the Beni Check Post. Muktinath Mandir was closed from the past 6 months to control the second wave of COVID-19 Virus.

Meaning of the word Muktinath (Mukthinath):

"Muktinath" or mistakenly called "Mukthinath" word is derived from "Mukti" and "Nath". "Mukti" means "Salvation or Nirvana" and "Nath" means "God or Master". Mukti holds great significance for all spiritual people in the south Asian sub-continent. Muktinath this Sanskrit name itself has religious overtone and a sort of emotional ring to it for the devout Hindus.

Full Documentary Video of Muktinath Temple, Hidden History and Travel Guidelines.

Importance of visiting Muktinath Temple:

According to Hindu Myth, it is a belief that this world is "MAYA" (an illusion) of a life cycle of birth and rebirth. Everybody seeks to get rid of this cycle and get nirvana. A visit to Muktinath will help to achieve this goal. There are 108 waterspouts in the backyard of this temple called Muktidhara where frozen water is continuously flowing from the bullhead and two Kunda (ponds in front of the temple). Taking bath in these 108 waterspouts and two Kunda (ponds) believes to bring salvation.

Muktinath Temple Location Map:

Muktinath Temple is located at an altitude of 3710 meters above sea level and situated 24 km northeast direction of Jomsom. Muktinath Mandir can also be reached after crossing Thorong-La mountain pass in the Annapurna Conservation Area, Mustang district of Nepal. This temple is covered in one of the famous trekking routes "Annapurna Circuit".

Muktinath Travel Guide:

Option 01: By Road - 2 nights (Kathmandu - Pokhara - Jomsom - Muktinath) How to go to Muktinath Temple by road?
Muktinath Temple can be accessed by a roadway from Kathmandu to Pokhara following the Prithvi Highway after that crossing Beni, Tatopani, Ghasa, Marpha, Jomsom, and Kagbeni.

First halt: Muktinath Tour via road begins from Pokhara and will be a good idea to spend one overnight which is 206 km far from Kathmandu, 910 meters above sea level and the journey takes around 7 hours. The road is blacktop and comfortable for the journey. Whereas Pokhara is easily accessible by 25 minutes flight from Kathmandu. You can easily find different categories of the hotel from standard to five-star level as per your choice. Most of the popular hotels, shopping centers, and restaurants are located near Lakeside and they do accept the major Credit Card, Visa Card, Master Card, AMX, and more. You can enjoy varieties of foods with live music and cultural dance shows in different restaurants here.

Second halt: Pokhara to Muktinath by road might need one night stop at Jomsom which is located at an altitude of 2734 meters and 170 km far from Pokhara. Roads up to Beni - 100 km are blacktop and comfortable for the journey whereas the next 70 km up to Jomsom are off-road. It might take 8/9 hours to reach Jomsom. Please do not expect the star hotel here. Jomsom is also connected via air-way from Pokhara. 15 minutes flight from Pokhara will take you to the Jomsom. And on the same day, you can visit Muktinath Temple and return back to Jomsom as well.

On the very next day morning, walk for 25 minutes to catch a Jeep then 1:30 hour drive to Ranipauwa - Jeep Station at Muktinath Temple (3710m) and again hike for 25 minutes till the temple entrance. Have darshan/pooja at the temple and either return directly to Pokhara or halt at Beni.

Option 02: By Flight - 1 night (Kathmandu - Pokhara - Jomsom - Muktinath) which is the closest airport to Muktinath Temple?
Jomsom is the nearer airport to reach Muktinath Temple. There are no direct flights from Kathmandu. First, take a flight to Pokhara, then to Jomsom. Since Jomsom is the windy place; flights are operated in the early morning only if the weather permits. Sometimes flight might get canceled due to bad weather. So, one night stay at Pokhara is the must and takes next day morning flight to Jomsom. 18 seats Twin Otter plane carries passengers on this route.

Option 03: By Helicopter - 1:30 hours (Kathmandu - Muktinath)
Muktinath tour by helicopter is operated from Kathmandu. Muktinath Temple is in just one and a half hours flying distance by helicopter. The helipad is located at Ranipauwa. From here the temple can be reached via 30 minutes walking. Perform pooja/darshan at the temple and fly back to Kathmandu.

Option 04: By Trek - 7 nights
Muktinath Temple can also be visited via adventurous trek. Fist get yourself at Pokhara and trek starts from Nayapul (1 hr drive) following an overnight stay at Tikhedunga, Ghorepani, Tatopani, Ghasa, Marpha, Kagbeni then to Muktinath. The average walking duration is 7 to 8 hours per day.

What permits are required to visit Muktinath Temple?

Muktinath Temple lies in the conservation and trekking zone. So, two permits are required to enter this area. One is Annapurna Conservation Area Project Permit (ACAP) and another is Trekker's Information Management System Permit (TIMS). It is restricted to enter in this zone without collecting these two permits.

What are the best months to visit Muktinath?

March, April, May, June, September, October, and November are the best time to visit Muktinath. During these months the weather will be clear and snowcapped mountains can be observed closely.

Muktinath Temple after the earthquake?

The latest earthquake in Nepal (April 2015) hasn't affected Muktinath Temple. It is totally safe and secure to travel. Only Gorkha, Kathmandu, Langtang and Everest region was damaged but now, all places are safe to visit.