Muktinath Temple

The temple is very small. Muktinath is one of the most ancient Hindu temples of God Vishnu. The Pagoda style Muktinath Temple is symbol of the religious symbiosis between both Hindus and Buddhists. Hindu regards Muktinath as Vishnu where as Buddhists regard as Buddha. The main shrine of Muktinath is a pagoda - shaped temple dedicated to the Lord Vishnu. The statue is of gold and is tall enough to compare with a man. The Statue is of gold and is tall enough to compare with a man. The depicts metal statues of lord Vishnu, goddess Laxmi, Saraswoti, Janaki, Garuda, Lava-Kush and Sapta Rishis.

The building in 1815 of the Buddhist-Hindu temple of Vishnu and Chenrezig at Muktinath-Chumig Gyatsa was initiated by the Nepali Queen Subarna Prabha who considered Muktinath-Chumig Gyatsa Salagrama.

The central shrine of Muktinath-Chumig Gyatsa is considered one of the eight most sacred shrines for Hindu Vaishnavas known as Svayam Vyakta Ksetras which is said to have risen on its own, the other seven being Srirangam, Srimushnam, Tirupati, Naimisharanya, Totadri, Pushkar and Badrinath. It is also one of 108 Vaishnava shrines. There is an old Buddhist monk present in the temple. The worship is conducted by Buddhist nuns.
Here in the early 19th century the Hindus consecrated a Vishnu temple and named is Muktinath - Lord of Liberation. Against a backdrop of incredible starkness you can sit and stare to the south the snow covered Annapurna range, or to the north the Tibetan plateau.

The temple and the religious shrine of Muktinath are about 90m in elevation above Ranipauwa. There are no hotels and the temple committee does not allow camping.

Itinerary: Muktinath Excursion Tour by Flight- 03 Night 04 Days

Day 01: Drive to Pokhara via Manokamana Devi temple by Cable car, Arrival in Pokhara O/N at the hotel.

Day 02: Fly to Jomsom breakfast and drive to Muktinath by jeep (21 kms / 02 hrs drive) Pooja & Darshan of Muktinath & drive To Jomsom, transfer to the hotel. O/N at the hotel.

Day 03: Early morning fly back to Pokhara and post breakfast fly to Kathmandu

Day 04: Transfer to Airport for departure.

Service Includes : Accommodation with all meals in Nepal , airport transfers and Pashupatinath Darshan tour, best available sharing accommodation in Jomsom , Jomsom-Muktinath-Jomsom by jeep, all veg meals , Pokhara - Jomsom - Pokhara - Kathmandu Airfare.

Service Does not Include : all Airport Taxes, insurances, Pony, Porter, personal expenses like laundry, telephone calls, beverages etc.

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 to February) the maximum temperature will be 4 to 6 degree Celsius and minimum 0 to -8 degree Celsius.

Season:
The most suitable time to visit Muktinath from March to May & October. In November & February it can be cold, but you can travel. December and January are for the diehard & snowfall in the all of area 4 to 10 ft. June to September is raining season. As the weather conditions would not be safe enough to travel in o ther months.

Clothing:
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.

Accommodation:
There is enough Hotels and lodges near by Muktinath in Jharkot and Ranipauwa. The Hotels and lodges are fine there. Some Hotels have solar heated hot showers and provide rooms with attached bath. Also local restaurant are available there. They provide good food. For Hindu pilgrims there are also free Dharamsalas .

Others Facilities:
STD /ISD telephone services are available in Ranipauwa and Jharkot. Health post and Post office in Jharkot. Police station, ACAP tourist information center and Safe drinking water station at Ranipauwa. There are available Electricity facilities also.

Rule & Regulation
Muktinath lies in the Annapurna conservation area where entry fee required. Entry fee can be obtained from Kathmandu and Pokhara. The ACAP entry fee is Rs. 200.00 Per person for Indians and others SAARC nationals and Rs. 2000.00 per person to others foreign nationals at the above mentioned designated place. An equal extra fee will levied if permits are issued from field check post. The Permit is non refundable, non-transferable and is valid for single entry. Children below 10 yrs. need not entry fee.