Muktinath (Lord of Emancipation) is one of the most ancient Hindu temples dedicated to Lord Vishnu. The parikrama (outer courtyard) has 108 bulls’ faces that pour out holy water that is of freezing temperature. [break]
If you trek to this region, it includes the world’s deepest gorge of the Kali Gandaki River while you walk via Jomsom to Muktinath. The trek, which reaches the maximum altitude of 3,800meters (12,464 feet), can be completed by anybody with a moderate level of fitness.
The trek can be a once-in-a-lifetime experience for you as you will be exploring hundreds of years old monasteries, caves, local tribes, villages, flora and fauna and scenic beauty of different landscapes.
Getting there
The Jomsom–Muktinath trek is for 13 days and there are different ways to get to Muktinath. If you prefer flying, you can fly from Kathmandu to Pokhara and then from Pokhara to the Jomsom Airport. From there, you can take a jeep to Muktinath which takes around one and a half hours to reach your destination.
Trekking to Mukinath can be difficult as well as enthralling since you can witness breathtaking scenic beauty on the route. You can also drive from Kathmandu to Pokhara (200 kilometers) which takes around five hours. Then your trek begins as you head to Ulleri, at 2,070 meters, in five hours.
From there, you will be heading to Tikhedungha. The trek ascends through dense and wet rhododendron forests to Ghorepani at 2775 meters in around six hours.
From Ghorepani, you will be climbing to Poon Hill which is at 3,210 meters. From here, you can enjoy the Annapurna Range, Machhapuchhre (Fishtail), Dhaulagiri and Manaslu peaks. Then you will be ascending to Tatopani overlooking the outstanding views of Dhaulagiri, Nilgiri and Magar villages. From there, you will head to Ghasa at 2,080 meters in six hours, then trek along the Kali Gandaki River Valley enjoying local villages, rice fields, waterfalls, and river ravines. Then the trail to Ghasa ascends quite steeply.
Photos Courtesy: Shradha Rayamajhi
Then the trek will lead to Tukuche and then to Kagbeni, a beautiful old town which is situated at 2,810 meters. The trek takes seven hours.
Then you will be finally ascending to Muktinath from where you can see the Thorong-La Pass at 5,416 meters. You can then continue for six hours through old Thakali villages. Then finally fly to Jomsom which is at 2,713 meters in around six hours. You can fly back to Pokhara and then back to Kathmandu.
Trip highlights
In front of the Muktinath Temple, there are two water ponds known as Laxmi Saraswoti Kunda and Mukti Kunda. People have a strong belief that once you take a holy dip in it, it can wash away all of your negative energy and bad karma and also purify you of your past negative actions.
Around the temple, there are 108 waterspouts called Muktidhara. The closely set spouts’ shape are in the form of the head of Lord Shiva’s vehicle, the Nandi Bull, that continuously pours out ice-cold sacred water from the Gandaki River. Hindu devotees take bath in the chilled water of the 108 waterspouts of Mukti Dhara believing that it brings them salvation.
After completing your rituals at the temple, you can visit the Mharme Lha Khang Gomba which is situated to the north of the Muktinath Temple. As this monastery is dedicated to Guru Rimpoche (Padmasambhava), there is a huge clay image that has been placed right in the center of the altar along with Bon deities: Red Trakpo on the right side and Blue Singhe Doma on the left.
Above all, the trekking route will be interesting to you since you will see the panoramic views of Nilgiri, Annapurna, Dhaulagiri and several other western Himalayan peaks. Besides that, you will also see the beauty of local people and villages.
Trip essentials
A backpack with comfortable shoulder straps and covers as well as comfortable trekking shoes are essential. It will be better if you can find waterproof ones and with good grips. You will also need synthetic waterproof track packs, waterproof jackets, sun protection cream, sun cap, lip balm, cold cream, toilet paper, towels, medical kit, water bottles and maps.
Weather
Trekking to Muktinath can be challenging as you sometimes may have to bear with tough weather conditions. As you ascend higher, the weather will be quite chilly and there may be occasional rainfall as well.
Information courtesy: Tripti Holidays Tours & Travels
Call: 01-4445882
Related story
Construction of pedestrian trail at Muktinath nears completion
