Overview

It is believed that all miseries and sorrows are relieved once you visit this temple (Mukti = Nirvana, Nath = God). The famous temple of Lord Muktinath is a sacred place for both Hindus and Buddhists lies in the district of Mustang and is situated about 18 km northeast of Jomsom at an altitude of about 3,749 mt. (12184 ft.) The main shrine is a pagoda shaped temple dedicated to Lord Vishnu. Set into the wall around it, are 108 water spouts from which pour holy water. The jwala Mai (goddess of flame) temple nearby contains a spring and an eternal flame fed by natural gas underground. About 16 miles from Muktinath is the Damodara Kundam, the source of Kali Gandaki river. One can find Saligrama stones on the bank of this river. There are accommodation facilities available in Jomsom and Muktinath from where one can enjoy remarkable natural beauty.
 
There are two ways to get to Muktinath from Kathmandu. Either take a direct flight from Kathmandu via Pokhara to Jomsom and hike for a 7-8 hours. Jomsom is a major center in the Annapurna region.

Kunda: In front of MuktinathTemple there are 2 Kunda (Water pond), Where holy dip is believed it can wash away negative karma, the results of one's past negative actions.  

Mukti Dhara: Around the temple is a wall from the temple which there are 108 waterspouts (Dhara) name of “Muktidhara”. The 108 faucets in the cast in the shape of bulls' heads, pour fourth-sacred water closely arranged in a semi-circle with a gap of hardly a foot between the faucets, at a height of seven feet. The water from Gandaki River continuously flowing through the mouth of the bull. Pilgrims who visit the temple take a holy bath in each of these spouts. But as the water is ice cold it requires burning desire and courage to take a holy bath here. Hindu devotees take bath under chilled water of 108 waterspouts “Muktidhara” believing that it brings them salvation. It is also believed that the deity was originated from Jumla,far western part of Nepal. It has helped to make this area as center of Tourist attraction. In Janai Purnima Buddhist’s Yar tang Mala celebrated here.

Jwala Mai Temple: Even more sacred is the water that issues from rock inside the ancient Tibetan style “Jwala Mai Temple” sound of flowing river is situated south and  a short distance below the of Muktinath Temple. Inside this Gompa, behind a tattered curtain, are small natural gas jest that produce Continuously burning flame, the Jwala Mai temple has a spring and there are three eternal flames “Holy flame from soil”, “Holy flame from rock” and “Holy flame from water” fed by natural gas. Currently two flames are continuously burning. The Hindu believes that this miracle of fire lighting was offering made by Brahma himself , (the creator of universe) set water on fire.  Hindus worship the fire as Jwala Mai (Lit. Goddess of fire). The Buddhist believe that Padmasambhav, the great Indian master who inducted Tantric Vajrayana Buddhism in Tibet, meditated at this place. The Buddhist living will show foot prints which they say are those of the great master. They called it Dhola Mebar Gompa.
The holy flame alongside a spring that is the source of the religious importance of Muktinath. It is often possible to see Tibetan woman with elaborate turquoise embedded headdresses, engaged in devotion at these shrine.
Mharme Lha Khang Gompa: After completing prayer and puja at the temple a visit to Mharme Lha Khang Gomba is situated to the North of Muktinath Temple. Mharme Lha Khang is translates as thousand holy lamps. As this monastery dedicated to Guru Rimpoche (Padmasambhava) with his huge clay image is placed center of altar along with bon deities: red Trakpo at right side and blue singe Doma at left side. Since Singe doma is lion headed deity, Hindu worships as Narasimha and name of monastry Narsingh Gompa.

Gomba Samba, a "newly built monastery". It is believed that founder of this monastery Syandol Lama came from Tibet. Originally this monastery was a big hostel for monks that later collapsed and people of Khinga and Jharkot jointly reconstructed it. The main deities monastries are Sakyamuni, Chingresig and Guru Rimpoche. The monastery is situated at left from entrance gate of Muktinath temple complex, would be worth it.

Swaminarayan: One Hindu Guru connected to Muktinath is Lord Shri Swaminarayan, Satguru of Sabij Yoga, the goal of which is the realization of and service to God Supreme. At the end of the 18th century this Satguru practiced severe penance in Muktinath for two and a half months and attained the highest degree of proficiency in Nishkamvrat. In 2003 his followers funded the new wall around Muktinath and raised a small monument for him at Muktinath.

Shaligram: Another attraction for the pilgrimage is the River kali Gandaki from where one can collect fossils of the Jurassic park age. One may find a fossil within a few minutes or it may take hours and without success. However, these fossils can be had from the local people at a price. Shaligram, a black stone fossil if found, is considered sacred and is kept in pooja (prayer) room in the house. It is supposed to be symbol of Lord Vishnu.

Short Itinerary

Day 01:Kathmandu – Arrival
Day 02:Kathmandu Sightseeing 
Day 03:Kathmandu – Pokhara [6 Hour]
Day 04:Pokhara – Jomsom [20m  Flight]
Day 05: Jomsom-Muktinath-Jomsom by drive
Day 06: Jomsom-Pokhara-Kathmandu Flight
Day 07:Kathmandu – Departure

Itinerary Detail

Day 01:Kathmandu – Arrival
Arrival & transfer to hotel. Check-in at the hotel. Overnight in Kathmandu. 

    
Day 02:Kathmandu Sightseeing
After breakfast  city sightseeing in Kathmandu – visit Pashupatinath, Boudhnath & Patan City. Evening free for personal activities. Overnight in Kathmandu.  
 
Day 03:Kathmandu – Pokhara [6 Hour]
After breakfast in the early morning, proceed to Pokhara by air or bus/car. One can go for boat ride in Phewa Lake or shopping on the lake side on own. Overnight in Pokhara.
 
Day 04:Pokhara – Jomsom [20m  Flight]
After early breakfast proceed to Jomsom by scenic flight. Receive at airport and check in at hotel. Rest of the time spend by walking around hotel for acclimatisation.
Over night in Jomsom.

Day 05: Jomsom-Muktinath-Jomsom by drive
Early tea/soffeee and then proceed to Muktinath 2/3 hour. Puja , lunch on own and drive back to Jomsom for overnight.
 
Day 06: Jomsom-Pokhara-Kathmandu Flight
After Breakfast in the hotel. Leave for Marpha Village, Apple Valley, Jomsom is also the gateway to The Muktinath shrine that holds great religious significance to both Buddhists and Hindus. Evening free for personal. Over Night stay in Jomsom.
 
Day 07:Kathmandu – Departure
After breakfast transfer to Kathmandu airport.

Date And Cost

AVAILABILITY OPTIONS

Cost Includes

* 3 Nights stay in Kathmandu with breakfast on twin sharing basis /1-2 star hotel
* 1 Nights stay in Pokhara with breakfast on twin sharing basis/1-2 star hotel
* 2 Nights stay in Jomsom with breakfast on twin sharing basis /guest house
* All airport transfers.
* Kathmandu Local City Sightseeing by private car
* Kathmandu / Pokhara by tourist bus(SIC) ,Pokhara-Kathmandu by Air
* Pokhara / Jomsom / Pokhara by Air
* Jomsom / Muktinath / Jomsom by sharing jeep

* Tour guide for city tour and assistant for Jomsom-Muktinath-Jomsom

Cost Excludes

EXTRA :- Entrance Fees during sightseeing
Airport tax
Acap Permit/Tims

   
Supplements
Mount(Everest Flight) with both way airport transfers   Inr 5,150 / $ 171
( Airport Tax Npr 170 not included)
Sunrise Tour to Sarangkot in Pokhara              Inr 1200/Usd 40 per car with driver
Sunrise Tour to Nagarkot in Kathmandu          Inr 1500/Usd 50 per car with driver

Important :- All Passenger must carry valid passport or voting card except children below 18 years need school / college identity card with photograph, carrying of Rs.500 & 1000 indian currency notes is a punishable offence in Nepal. Reconfirm your return ticket on arrival. Vehicle non a/c & not at disposal. Rates Valid For Indian Passport Holder Only. Any Additional expenses incurred due to flight Cancel or Delay, natural disaster political actions and unrest ( strike / bandh ) must be borne by the tourists

Note
Hotel Rooms Are Subject to Availability.
Tour Itinerary / Hotel is subject to change
Few Words of Operation:
1 :: The vehicle used for transfer & sightseeing will not be at disposal. It will be as per contract & will change sector wise.
2 ::  Except Kathmandu & Pokhara there wil be guest house stay say in Jomsom.

Equipment List

Days are relatively warm; especially when there is no wind in the late morning. The appropriate clothing as per the travel period (temperature) and a good walking shoes for rocky and uneven paths are highly recommended. Walking stick would help for those who need support. We suggest you to take normal warm clothes. Light warm jacket, woolen sweater, warm T-Shirts, comfortable shoes, trousers and cotton pants are enough for this trip. We recommended you to bring down jacket for the winter

Altitude Sickness

Climate
Muktinath and its high valley are located in the Mustang Bhote region. The climate and landscape here are similar to those of the Tibetan Plateau since it is situated in the rain shadow of the Greater Himalayas. The changes in climate from warm to cold take you to the sacred shrine of Muktinath in Mustang district. Flowing through the region from north to south and forming deep gorges is the Kali Gandaki river. The temperature in summer (March to August) hover between Maximum of 16 to 18 degree Celsius and Minimum 6 to 8 Degree Celsius. In the beginning of winter (September to November) the temperature fluctuates between 14 to 16 degree Celsius and 0 to 4 degree Celsius. In the winter (December and Janaury ) the maximum temperature will be 4 to 6 degree Celsius and minimum 0 to -8 degree Celsius. After February and before of November the temperature will be good