Holiday Treks & Expedition

Muktinath Pilgrimage Tour

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Days
7
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US$ 65
Limited offer
From US$ 435
US$ 370
  • Best price guaranteed
  • No booking fees
No of people Price per person
1 - 1 $435
2 - 3 $370
4 - 6 $347
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Max. Elevation
3795 m / 12450 ft
Group size
Min 2+
Level
Moderate
Transportation
Flight / Land
Best Season
All around year
Starts at / Ends at
Kathmandu / Kathmandu
Accomodation
Standard Hotel in Kathmandu and Tea House / Camping
Meals
Breakfast
Trip Route

Highlights

  • The Muktinath Temple complex with its pagoda-style temple is dedicated to Lord Vishnu.
  • 108 waterspouts (Muktidhara) where ice-cold water flows continuously from the bull-shaped carved spouts.
  • Jwala Mai Temple with an eternal flame fed by natural gas.
  • Views of the Himalayan ranges, including Dhaulagiri and Nilgiri.

Overview

The Muktinath Pilgrimage Tour is a significant spiritual journey for both Hindus and Buddhists, centered around the sacred site of Muktinath in Nepal.  Muktinath Pilgrimage Tour is renowned not only for its religious significance but also for the stunning natural beauty of the Himalayas and the cultural experiences it offers to visitors. The famous temple of Lord Muktinath lies in the district of Mustang and is situated about 18 km northeast of Jomsom at an altitude of about 3800 meters. The main shrine is a pagoda shaped temple dedicated to Lord Vishnu. Visitors can enjoy magnificent views of the Himalayas, fabulous valley of Kali Gandaki and the diversity of ethnic culture. Here are some key points about it:

Location: Muktinath is located at the top of the Kagbeni (Meeting point of Kali Gandaki & Kag Khola) lies in the Mustang district, 18 KM far from District headquarter of Mustang called Jomsom bazaar of Nepal. It sits at an altitude of about 3,800 meters (12,467 feet).

Religious Significance:
Hinduism:  108 waterspouts (Muktidhara) where ice-cold water flows continuously from the bull-shaped carved spouts. Jwala Mai Temple with an eternal flame fed by natural gas. Muktinath is considered one holy place of worship of Lord Vishnu. It is also believed to be the place where Lord Vishnu obtained salvation (Mukti) from the curse of Brinda (Tulsi).
Buddhism:  For Buddhists, Muktinath is a sacred place of the Dakinis, goddesses known as Sky Dancers, and is revered as one of the 24 Tantric places.

Accessibility: Accessible by both road and helicopter from Pokhara or Kathmandu. The journey often includes a trek through picturesque landscapes.
Pilgrimage Season: The main pilgrimage season typically coincides with the Nepali months of April to October, when the weather is more favorable for travel due to milder temperatures and less chance of snowfall.
Cultural Experience: The tour offers a blend of cultural immersion, religious rituals, and natural beauty, attracting pilgrims and tourists alike from Nepal, India, and around the world.
Logistics: Tour packages often include accommodation, meals, guided tours, and transportation, ensuring a comfortable and fulfilling pilgrimage experience.

The Muktinath Pilgrimage Tour is a spiritual journey that takes travelers to the sacred site of Muktinath Temple, located in the Mustang District of Nepal. Muktinath is a revered destination for both Hindus and Buddhists, making it an important pilgrimage site in Nepal. Situated at an altitude of 3,710 meters (12,172 feet), the Muktinath Temple is dedicated to Lord Vishnu in Hinduism, and it is considered one of the 108 Divya Desams (holy places of Lord Vishnu). For Buddhists, the temple is also significant as it is associated with the famous Padmasambhava and is part of their pilgrimage circuit. Pilgrims from around the world visit Muktinath to pay homage, bathe in its sacred eternal flame and the 108 water spouts that surround the temple, believed to have spiritual cleansing powers.

The Muktinath Pilgrimage Tour combines spirituality with breathtaking natural beauty. The journey typically starts in Kathmandu, where pilgrims can explore the cultural heart of Nepal before embarking on a flight to Pokhara and then to Jomsom, the gateway to Muktinath. From Jomsom, a scenic drive or a short trek takes you to Muktinath, where pilgrims can experience not only the spiritual rituals but also the awe-inspiring views of the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri mountain ranges. The tour offers a unique blend of religious significance and natural wonders, giving visitors a chance to connect with the spiritual and natural essence of Nepal. Holiday Treks & Expedition ensures a seamless pilgrimage experience with expert guides, comfortable transportation, and insightful commentary about the religious importance of Muktinath, making it an enriching journey for all.

Muktinath Pilgrimage Tour Permits
To explore on the Muktinath Pilgrimage Tour, trekkers and pilgrims are required to obtain certain permits to legally access the sacred area. The primary permit needed for the tour is the Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP), as Muktinath lies within the boundaries of the Annapurna Conservation Area. This permit allows visitors to enter the protected area and helps fund conservation efforts in the region. The ACAP is easily obtainable in Kathmandu or Pokhara and is essential for all travelers heading to the Muktinath region. It is a relatively affordable permit, and it ensures that visitors contribute to the preservation of Nepal’s natural heritage.

In addition to the ACAP, visitors must also obtain a TIMS (Trekkers' Information Management System) Card. The TIMS card is required for all trekkers in Nepal and helps authorities monitor trekkers' movements for safety purposes. Holiday Treks & Expedition assists in arranging both the ACAP and TIMS permits, making the permit acquisition process easy and hassle-free. With these permits in hand, pilgrims can safely and legally embark on their journey to the sacred Muktinath Temple, knowing that their visit is in line with Nepal’s trekking regulations and conservation policies.

Best Time for Muktinath Pilgrimage Tour
The best time to explore on the Muktinath Pilgrimage Tour is during the spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November) seasons. These months offer the most favorable weather conditions for both the pilgrimage and travel in the Muktinath region. During spring, the weather is mild, with pleasant temperatures, clear skies, and spectacular views of the surrounding Annapurna and Dhaulagiri mountain ranges. The trails and roads are dry and safe, making it an ideal time for both trekking and driving to Muktinath. The temperature at the base of the temple can range between 10°C to 20°C during the day, with cooler temperatures in the mornings and evenings, but it is comfortable for pilgrims.

Autumn is another excellent season to visit Muktinath. The weather is crisp and dry, with clear blue skies offering unmatched visibility of the Himalayan peaks. The daytime temperatures are ideal for travel, ranging between 15°C and 20°C, while the evenings are cool, offering a comfortable environment for those who wish to participate in the evening prayers and rituals at the Muktinath Temple. The autumn season follows the monsoon, so the trails and roads are in good condition, and the risk of rain or landslides is minimal. While winter (December to February) can bring harsh cold temperatures and heavy snow, especially in higher altitudes, summer (June to August) experiences monsoon rains, which can make traveling difficult due to muddy roads and the possibility of landslides. Therefore, spring and autumn remain the best seasons to embark on the Muktinath Pilgrimage Tour, ensuring a safe and spiritually enriching journey.

Holiday Treks & Expedition
Holiday Treks & Expedition is a well-established and trusted travel company in Nepal, specializing in offering personalized pilgrimage tours, treks, and expeditions to various parts of the country. Known for their professionalism and commitment to providing high-quality services, Holiday Treks & Expedition ensures that every journey, including the Muktinath Pilgrimage Tour, is smooth, comfortable, and memorable. They offer expert local guides who are knowledgeable about the spiritual and cultural significance of Muktinath, helping pilgrims gain a deeper understanding of the rituals, history, and importance of the site. The company provides a comprehensive range of services, from permit arrangements to transportation, ensuring a hassle-free experience.

For those looking to undertake a spiritual journey to Muktinath, Holiday Treks & Expedition takes care of all logistics, including flights, road transport, and accommodation. They prioritize safety and comfort, ensuring that pilgrims can focus entirely on their spiritual experience. Their experienced staff is always available to assist with any questions or concerns during the tour, ensuring that every aspect of the Muktinath Pilgrimage Tour is well-organized and enjoyable. With years of experience in the industry and a dedication to customer satisfaction, Holiday Treks & Expedition is an excellent choice for anyone seeking a peaceful and meaningful pilgrimage to one of Nepal’s most sacred sites.

Important Note

Cost:  Flight based

2- 3:  INR 48,000 Per Person
4-6: INR 45,000 Per Person
6+: INR 40,000 Per Person

Cost:  Drive based
2- 3:  INR 30,000 Per Person
4-6: INR 28,000 Per Person
6+: INR 25,000 Per Person

Trip Itinerary

The arrival at Kathmandu International Airport is accompanied by garlands /khadas. Our representative will take you to your hotel. Check in at the hotel. Briefing about the itinerary.  Paperwork then dinner in Nepali Cultural house.

Overnight at a hotel in Kathmandu.

Today you will visit popular world heritage sites in Kathmandu including Kathmandu Durbar Square, Boudhanath, Swoyambhunath and Pashupatinath. The other options are Bhaktapur and Patan, where sightseeing is possible. In the late afternoon, you will drive back to your hotel. 

Overnight at a hotel in Kathmandu.

After breakfast, you'll be picked up from your hotel and taken to the tourist bus station. Travel from Kathmandu to Pokhara via Kurintar (cable car for visit of Manakamana Temple). This temple is quite famous among Nepalis and Indians as it is believed that worshiping this temple will help you fulfill your wishes. Pokhara is a tourist paradise full of natural and cultural heritage such as lakes, caves, Buddhist monasteries and Hindu temples and magnificent views of Lamjung Himal, Annapurna, Dhaulagiri and many other mountain peaks. 

Overnight at Hotel Pokhara.

You fly to Jomsom very early in the morning. Just 25 minutes flight. Drive from Jomsom to Muktinath (3850 m) which takes about 2 hours. Muktinath is one of the holiest places in the Himalayas for Hindus, Buddhists and Vaishnavites. It is one of the oldest temples of the Hindu god Vishnu.In Muktinath we spend some time exploring a religious site and see an eternal flame burning in a natural gas well. "Mukti" means liberation and "nath" means holy temple, so Muktinath is considered as a temple for the liberation of the soul. You will also participate in other rituals of the Muktinath temple. In the outer courtyard there are 108 taps through which holy water is poured. Although the water temperature is almost freezing cold, you can take a holy bath if you are interested. Muktinath temple and Kali Gandaki River are also popular Saligramas River which are required for Vishnu temple construction all over the world. Then you will drive back to Jomsom. 

Overnight in Jomsom

After breakfast in Jomsom, you move to the domestic airport for Pokhara. The flight is scenic with panoramic views of the Himalayan peaks, especially Annapurna, Dhaulagiri, Nilgiris etc. and the Kali Gandaki River. The flight to Jomsom/ Pokhara only takes place in the morning due to the strong wind in the afternoon. You will visit Pokhara during the day. You will visit the World Pagoda, International Mountain Museum, David Falls, Bindhbasin Temple, Mahadev Cave then boating in Fewa lake. 

Overnight in Pokhara

Early morning drive to Sarangkot to see sunrises. After sunrise, drive back to the hotel for breakfast. After that you will drive back to Kathmandu. A flight takes around 25 minutes to arrive, while the road to Kathmandu takes approximately 7-8 hours.

 Overnight at a hotel in Kathmandu.

After breakfast in hotel, we drop you as your schedule flight to next destination.

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Includes

  • Kathmandu Airport pick-up and drop-off services by private vehicle
  • Kathmandu: 3-night hotel accommodation with breakfast
  • One day city sightseeing with an English-speaking tour guide and private vehicle
  • Welcome & Farewell dinner in Kathmandu with live cultural performance at authentic Nepali restaurant on the last evening
  • Pokhara and Jomsom: 2-night hotel accommodation with breakfast
  • One tour guide 
  • All meals three times a day (breakfast, lunch & dinner) 
  • Accommodation in lodges (tea houses) in Jomsom
  • Entry Permit for Annapurna conservation Area
  • Trekkers' Information Management system (TIMS) card
  • Flight tickets from Pokhara to Jomsom and Jomsom to Pokhara 
  • All land transportation: Kathmandu – Pokhara – Kathmandu by deluxe A/C tourist bus and Jomsom-Muktinath-Jomsom by private jeep
  • Insurance and equipment’s for guide 
  • First aid kit
  • Tax, VAT and our service charge 
  • Rescue assistance (In case of emergency, we will organize prompt and professional rescue services. To arrange timely evacuation/rescue by helicopter, you must be well insured from a reliable travel insurance company that covers both helicopter evacuation and medical treatment cost.)

Doesn't Include

  • Personal nature expenses (Telephone calls, internet, toiletries, battery recharge, laundry, soft drinks, beers and any alcoholic beverages)
  • Travel insurance
  • Tips for involved staffs
  • Lunch and dinner in Kathmandu and Pokhara
  • Entrance fees while sightseeing in Kathmandu and Pokhara
  • Extra nights’ accommodation in Kathmandu or Pokhara (even in case of early arrival or late departure, early return from trekking due to any personal reason than the scheduled itinerary)
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Art representing various natural and cultutal heritages of Nepal