KATHMANDU, Jan 29: The Muktinath temple area in Waragung Muktikshetra–1 has turned deserted following heavy snowfall, with pilgrims forced to halt at Kagbeni after the Kagbeni–Muktinath road section was blocked.
Due to thick layers of snow accumulating on the blacktopped Kagbeni–Muktinath road, vehicles travelling from Jomsom have been unable to ascend towards Muktinath since Wednesday morning. Although a team from the Armed Police Force attempted to clear the snow and reopen the road, the effort was suspended amid forecasts of further snowfall.
Ward Chair Pramesh Gurung of Waragung Muktikshetra–1 said the road has been blocked by heavy snow from Kagbeni’s first bend through Kagbeni Selfie Park, Kalobhir, Khinga and Jharikot. He added that some devotees have continued their journey to Muktinath from Kagbeni on horseback despite the obstruction.
Traffic resumes on Kagbeni–Muktinath road
Muktinath Development Committee Manager Dinesh Bhusal said snowfall has significantly disrupted the arrival of pilgrims and tourists at the temple. Prior to the snowfall, more than 500 visitors used to visit the shrine daily, but attendance has dropped sharply since Wednesday, he said.
Bhusal added that until the Kagbeni–Muktinath road resumes operation, daily activities at the temple will remain limited to regular worship. Heavy snowfall on Tuesday night has blanketed the entire Muktinath area, leaving villages including Jharikot, Khinga, Ranipauwa Bazaar, Purang and Chhengur covered in snow.
Snow accumulation across the temple premises, the 108 water spouts, and the bathing pond in front of the shrine has made it difficult for devotees to bathe and offer prayers. With temperatures plunging after the snowfall, there is also a risk of cold-related health issues among pilgrims.
According to the District Police Office, Mustang, heavy snowfall has blocked the Kagbeni–Korala and Muktinath road sections since Wednesday. Police Inspector Santosh Basyal said up to two feet of snow has accumulated on the road from Chhusang to Korala, forcing pilgrims bound for Muktinath to remain stranded in Kagbeni.
He added that the road could reopen once the weather clears and the snow begins to melt. The snowfall has significantly affected daily life in Upper Mustang, police said.
