Description

Muktinath Darshan – A Religious Tour

Trip Details

The Pagoda style Muktinath Temple is a symbol of the religious symbiosis between both Hindus and Buddhists. 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 risen on its own, is one of eight such shrines (the others include Srirangam, Sri Mushnam, Tirupati, Naimisaranyam, Thottadri, Pushkaram, and Badrinath). It 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.

Our “Muktinath Darshan” religious tour aims to ease devotees in visiting Muktinath Temple located in the remote area of Nepal from Kathmandu, Pokhara or from different city of India providing various travel options.

Almost every Muktinath Yatra commence with either driving(200 km & takes 6/7 hrs.)or flying (25 min.)from Kathmandu to Pokhara.On the way,visit Manakamana Devi Temple via Cable Car Ride.Next day,either drive (175 km & takes 7/8 hrs.)or fly (20 min.)to Jomsom.Afterward, drive to Ranipauwa(20 km & takes 1 hr.)and hike for half an hour to reach up to the temple. Visit an ancient sacred Muktinath Temple,take a holy bath in 108 waterspouts & two holy Kunda (ponds) then follow the same route back to Kathmandu or next onward destination.

Muktinath Temple is opened throughout the year but especially in Rishitarpani, Ram Navami, and Bijay Dashami thousands of pilgrims gather here to celebrate the festival.

Attraction around Muktinath Temple:

2 Holy Mukti Kunda: Two holy water ponds located in front of the temple. Taking the plunge here is believed to rinse away your sin.

108 Mukti Dhara: 108 waterspouts (Bull-headed shape) in the backyard of this temple where holy water (chill) from Gandaki River flows continuously. Taking bath under all these 108 Muktidhara is believed to bring salvation.

Jwala Mai Temple: Continuously burning holy flame from a rock located inside Dhola Mebar Gompa is just five minutes walking distance, situated in the south region of the temple.

Mharme Lha Khang Gompa: Monastery located in the north region of the temple is dedicated to Guru Rimpoche also known as Padmasambhava.

Swami Narayan: Sat guru of Sabij Yoga.

Shaligram: Fossils of the Jurassic park age that is found in Kali Gandaki River. This black stone is the symbol of Lord Vishnu and kept in the prayer room in the home.

Kagbeni: considered very sacred for Pitri-Puja as it is called Pitri-moksastala (where you deliver the ancestors from hell or give them the way for Liberation). One who performs Pitri Shradda (a rite performed to commemorate the death of the elders’ esp. parents) near Kagaveni can easily facilitate the dead towards redemption.

Trip Itinerary

Pokhara is the gate way of Muktinath and just 200 km south west from Kathmandu and can reach by air or overland. Pokhara is also reached by overland directly from different cities of India via Kakarvitta, Jogbani, Raxaul, Sunauli, Rupidiha, and Banbasa border.

Regarding the convenience of the Devotees, we have prepared 3 different itineraries for Muktinath Darshan from Pokhara as follows:

01. By Helicopter

Arrive Pokhara. Check in your hotel. Meet with your guide and check the final preparation for the trip.
Fly with Helicopter as earliest in the morning to Muktinath and having Darshan & Puja fly back to Pokhara which is the best way to visit Muktinath in a short duration. This trip can be done from Kathmandu to Muktinath directly that takes one and half an hour for one way flight.

Note: There is no regular helicopter schedule service from Kathmandu and Pokhara instead; one single helicopter needs to be chartered and the available helicopters are of 4 or 5 seater. So, it’s a good idea to gather four or five people and share the cost for Muktinath Darshan Tour.

02. By Air and Road

Arrive Pokhara. Check in your hotel. Meet with your guide and check the final preparation for the trip.
Take a short flight of 20 minutes to Jomsom (2700m), check in the hotel. After quickrefreshment in the hotel, walk half-an hour to jeep station then drive another one and half hour to Muktinath. Hike again for half an hour to reach Temple. People, who can’t walk, take ride on a horse. Have Darshan and exploring surrounding areas, drive back to Jomsom. Take rest or explore around Jomsom.
With an early wake up, enjoy the view of beautiful snow-capped mountains and take the earliest flight to Pokhara.

03. Fully Overland Trip

Arrive Pokhara.Check in the hotel. Meet with your guide and check the final preparation for the trip.
Drive to Jomsom (2700m.) via Beni, Tatopani, Ghasa, and Marpha (170 km). Check in hotel and take rest or explore around Jomsom: 8-9 hrs.
With an early wake up, drive to Muktinath via Kagbeni. Have Darshan & Puja then drive back to Pokhara: 8-9 hrs.

Note: Most of the Muktinath Tour Package Itinerary covers sightseeing of Pashupatinath Temple, Budhanilkantha, Swoyambhunath Stupa, and Krishna Temple at Patan. Manakamana Devi Temple on the way to Pokhara if drive from Kathmandu. Similarly, Bindabasini Temple, SetiGandaki River, Gupteshwor Mahadev Cave, Devi’s Fall, Barahi Temple and Shiva Temple at Pumdikot in Pokhara.

Best Season for Muktinath Darshan

The month March – May and September – December are considered as the best time to visit Muktinath Temple. During these months the weather used to be clear and the views of snow-capped mountains are amazing.

Muktinath Travel Permits:

Before beginning the journey from Pokhara to Muktinath we need to have the following permits:

1. Annapurna Conservation Area Project Permit (ACAP): This permit can be collected from Nepal Tourism Board located at Bhrikuti Mandap, Kathmandu or at Pokhara.

2. Trekker’s Information Management System Permit (TIMS). This permit can be collected from TAAN located at Saatghumti, Thamel, and another at Mali Gaun, Kathmandu, or at TAAN Pokhara.

Travel Tips

There are certain dos and don’ts while exploring these beautiful historically and culturally rich cities of Nepal. If you are planning to explore the Pokhara city of Nepal then here are the few travel tips that might help you.

1. Always carry plenty of water with you.

2. Always wear a mask

3. Open your shoes or slippers before entering religious places like monasteries, temples etc.

4. Don’t wear too short an outfit.

5. Public affection is not accepted in Nepal.

Important Note

• The itinerary mentioned is a standard guideline. It can be fully customized according to the client’s needs, requirements, and availability.

• The cost of the trip can changed according to the group size, needs, and time boundary.

• The addition or removal of activities will increase or decrease the cost of the trip respectively. This will be done through mutual understanding between the agency and the client(s).

We can customize this trip as per your schedule, budget and preferences. If you wish to discuss any aspect of this trip or your suitability for it please contact us.

Additional information

Duration	2 hours (approx.)
Location	Pokhara
Cost Includes	All fees and taxes, An experienced English-speaking and government-licensed tour guide, Transportation, Pickup
Cost Excludes	Any other transportation except included in the section, Travel and rescue insurance, Tips for guide(s), porter(s) and driver(s)