The district of Mustang, located in the northwestern region of Nepal. Is well-known for its distinctive landscape, cultural heritage, and historical significance. One of the best ways to discover the beauty and history of this region is to embark on a Mustang tour. Mustang boasts a desert-like terrain, snow-capped peaks, and Tibetan-style villages that are steeped in tradition. The district is home to several ancient monasteries, caves, and fortresses. Providing a glimpse into its rich cultural and historical background. Furthermore, the Muktinath Temple, a revered site for both Hindus and Buddhists, is located in the Mustang region.
Believed to be a place of salvation
Muktinath Temple in Mustang region stands as one of the holiest shrines of Hindu Pilgrims. Believed to be the abode of Lord Vishnu. This spectacular temple reflects traditional Nepalese architecture with pagoda styled roof and enigmatic ambiance. It is situated at an altitude of 3,710 meters above sea level and is one of the highest temples in the world. This spectacular temple reflects traditional Nepalese architecture with pagoda styled roof and enigmatic ambiance. The temple is dedicated to Lord Vishnu. Is believed to be one of the 108 divya desams (holy shrines) in Hinduism. Mukti Kshetra, meaning the “place of liberation or salvation,” is another name for Muktinath.
According to beliefs, immersing oneself in the temple’s holy water and offering prayers can lead to salvation from the cycle of birth and death. The temple complex includes two primary shrines, one devoted to Lord Vishnu and the other to Guru Rinpoche, a Buddhist sage also known as Padmasambhava. Furthermore, the temple is recognized for its natural gas flame that burns continuously beside the holy water. Agni, the Hindu fire god, is said to be the flame’s embodiment.
Religious Attraction of Himalaya
Another religious attraction of the Mustang region is Kagbeni village stationed at the conflux of Kaligandaki and Jhong River. This is a sacred site for Hindus where the procession of Pitri-Puja in Sanskrit language. which translates into rituals for the deceased is carried out. Alongside the architectural magnificence of the village lies a sacred site that is revered by the Hindus.
The tour to Muktinath passes through the desert like terrain through the heart of Mustang. Various thakali villages along the way: Lete, Tukuche, Jomsom, Kagbeni, Jharkot and Muktinath provide tranquil ambiance for travelers with its typical culture, lifestyle and topography. Unlike any other spaces in Nepal, Mustang region portrays geographical features that is unparalleled. The gigantic mountains borders the region while raging Kali Gandaki River pierces through the middle of the Mustang region making the spatial distribution simply amazing.
Muktinath Tour from India
Muktinath Tour from India is relatively easy accessibility wise as Nepal borders India to the south, east and west. 5 Indian states: Bihar, Uttar Pradesh, West Bengal, Uttarakhand and Sikkim share their border with Nepalese territory. If you are travelling overland you may choose to travel to Nepal via any of the major borders (Raxaul, Sunauli, Siliguri, Banbasa, Rupaidiya). From any of the given border areas, it requires you to travel to Pokhara for your Muktinath tour.
You can also access Nepal via flight to Tribhuwan International Airport in Kathmandu and further continue your journey towards Pokhara to reach Muktinath.
After reaching Pokhara, they can opt for a short flight to Jomsom, the main town situated in Mustang then drive further to Muktinath or take a scenic drive along the Kali Gandaki river valley to access the region. Alternatively, you can choose to fly directly for Muktinath Tour in Helicopter from Pokhara or Kathmandu depending upon your point of arrival.
Muktinath Tour by Road from Kathmandu
Tour to Muktinath by road can be a thrilling and rewarding experience, allowing you to explore the beautiful landscapes of Nepal and visit one of the most sacred pilgrimage sites in the country. The tour starts with a drive from Kathmandu to Pokhara, which takes around 6-7 hours. Along the way, you’ll pass through scenic villages and towns, Manokamana Devi Temple and offering glimpses of rural life in Nepal. From Pokhara, you’ll continue your journey towards Beni and Galeshwor Dham, a small town located at the confluence of the Kali Gandaki and Myagdi rivers. The road journey takes around 2-3 hours to reach Beni.
From Beni you’ll head towards Jomsom, a popular tourist destination located in the Mustang district. The road journey takes around 3-4 hours and offers breathtaking views of the Kali Gandaki River and the surrounding mountains and water falls. From Jomsom, you’ll take a jeep or trek to Muktinath, which is located at an altitude of 3,710 meters. Along the way, you’ll pass through beautiful Thakali villages and monasteries, with the snow-capped mountains in the distance.
Muktinath Tour by Flight
You can choose to take a flight for your tour to Muktinath if the bumpy jeep ride via deep narrow gorges of Kali Gandaki River is not for you. A scenic flight from Pokhara that takes at most 15-20 minutes circumnavigating the Mt. Annapurna and Mt. Dhaulagiri massifs lands you in Jomsom. There are regular morning flights scheduled from Pokhara to Jomsom. Upon reaching Jomsom, you can take a regular jeep or bus as per your trip arrangements in order to reach Muktinath. The return journey is also the same as you take a flight from Jomsom to Pokhara.
Alternatively, if you are constrained by time and looking for a comfortable travel to Muktinath, have a look at our Muktinath Helicopter Package which might be interesting for you. You can directly take a helicopter from Kathmandu or Pokhara to Muktinath and return back after your prayers within 2-3 hours.
Accommodation in Muktinath Tour
Hotels in Muktinath Tour ranges from being budget friendly simple hotels and lodges to some being quite luxurious and on expensive side. But it’s sure that you will get the type of accommodation that you seek according to your need.
Guest houses being the simplest kind of accommodation provides you with basic facilities such as cozy rooms with attached bathrooms and hot showers and Nepali cuisine.
You can also find some star rated hotels in around the trek providing comfortable rooms with modern amenities such as bathroom, hot shower, free Wi-Fi and room services.
If you are looking for something basic and simple, you can also find tea houses that provides you basic accommodation and meals for trekkers and pilgrims. They also offer dormitory-style rooms with shared bathrooms and common areas for eating and relaxing.
Homestay are also another option if you are want get along Thakali peoples’ culture and warm hospitality in the trek. They provide you a private room in a local family’s home, where you can experience the local culture and lifestyle of people of Muktinath.
If you are one of those adventure seekers, who wants to visit the site differently you also have an option of camping. There you can find varieties of campsites around Muktinath that provides you camping tents and equipment needed for the camp.
Best Time for Muktinath Tour in Nepal
Nepal experiences four major weather patterns during a year, namely: Spring (March, April,May); Summer/Monsoon(June, July and August); Autumn(September, October and November); Winter(December, January and February).
The best time for Muktinath Tour in Nepal is during autumn and spring when the sky is clear and it is warm. Spring (March-May) is characterised by blooming of flora across the Nepalese belt making it lush and filled with colors all across. Autumn season (Sept-Nov) in Nepal is scheduled right after the harsh monsoon which brings heavy rain. During autumn the temperature in the highlands of Nepal is moderate and the places in higher altitude are relatively warmer during those times.
Kingdom of Mustang – Lho
Mustang region is dry and arid and is a rain-shadow region beyond the Himalayas which receives occasional showers during the Monsoon (June-Aug). Owing to this feature, you may opt for Muktinath Tour even during the summer. However, the picturesque view of the Annapurna massifs which would otherwise be clearly visible is blocked by the monsoon clouds during the summer.
It is not recommended that you opt for Muktinath Tour during the winter (Dec-Feb) owing to heavy snowfall across the mustang region, disrupting the trail and roadways across the region. The trails mostly will be icy and snow-covered which makes your trek even more arduous during the time.
Altitude sickness in Muktinath Touh
Altitude sickness, also known as acute mountain sickness (AMS), is a common condition that can affect people traveling to high-altitude locations like Muktinath. Studies suggest that AMS is likely to be encountered if you are travelling beyond the elevation of 3000 metres above the sea level. Muktinath temple or the region beyond Kagbeni falls under this elevation above 3000 metres. The region around Mustang including Muktinath temple is situated in a desert like topography with barren land.
The symptoms of altitude sickness can vary from mild to severe and can include headaches, nausea, dizziness, fatigue, and difficulty sleeping. In severe cases, altitude sickness can lead to fluid buildup in the lungs or brain, which can be life-threatening.
To prevent altitude sickness during Muktinath Tour in Nepal, it is important to acclimatize properly. This means spending a few days at lower altitudes before ascending to Muktinath. It is also important to drink plenty of fluids and avoid alcohol, which can worsen the symptoms of altitude sickness. Having a professional trekking agency design your itinerary can be of great help in successfully completing Muktinath Tour. Also, a registered trekking agencies have guides who will act spontaneously upon any such symptoms.
Food and Beverages in Muktinath Tour
The Food and beverages options in Muktinath tour is varied similar to the accommodation facility that you opt for. High end luxury hotels provide continental dishes with multiple cuisine options on their menu while budget friendly hotels and homestay have typical Nepali and Tibetan dishes that are favoured most by tourists and Nepalese.
Every hotel serves the traditional Nepali meal “Dal Bhat (rice and lentils)”, as well as a variety of different food items, such as rice, vegetables, noodles, potatoes and soup. Some have Nepali versions of western food such as pie, pasta and French fries are also available but depends on the hotel you’re staying at. Soft drinks, snacks and beer are available in most of the hotels and trail side restaurants. And of course Nepali milk tea is served everywhere.
On that note, if you follow a strict vegan diet and require special food supply requirements, our team can arrange for kitchen where you can cook for yourself. Please let us know on the matter beforehand and you will have everything arranged upon your arrival.
Permits and Entry Ticket to Muktinath Tour
Muktinath region is encompasses within the Annapurna Conservation Area Project (ACAP) which makes it secluded region that requires a separate entry permit. TIMS also required for visitors to Muktiath.
Entry Permit Costs to Muktianth:
Indian Nationals: Nepalese Rupees (NRS) 1000
Other SAARC and Non- SAARC Nationals: NRS. 3000
TIMS for SAARC 1000 (NRS)
TIMS for Foreigners 2000 (NRS)
