Muktinath Trekking Tour

Muktinath Trekking Tour

Muktinath, a village and temple with the same name, is located at an altitude of 3,800 meters in the Mustang district of Nepal and lies at the foothills of Thorong La Mountain. The shrine of Muktinath above Thak Khola is one of the major pilgrimages for Hindus and Buddhists alike. For the Hindus, the place is a Mukti Chhetra; meaning the "place of salvation". For the Buddhists, Muktinath is the Chumig Gyatsa which in Tibetan means 'Hundred Waters', a very important place of Dakinis, goddesses known as Sky Dancers, and one of the 24 Tantric places.

The Muktinath shrine is also one of the eight most sacred shrines for Hindu Vaishnavas of the order Svayam Vyakta Kshetras. Hindus also worship the shrine of Muktinath as the manifestation of the God Vishnu. The idol is of human size and is made from gold. Another important part of the shrine is the Prakaram, the 108 bull faces pouring very cold water. Interestingly, an old Buddhist monk and Buddhist nuns in the temple conduct the worshiping of the idol.

There are many ways to reach Muktinath. One can drive from Kathmandu to Pokhara and continue to Muktinath, or fly from Pokhara to Jomsom and walk or bus/jeep to Muktinath, or trek all the way starting from Nayapul/Beni. Additionally, you can do the Annapurna Circuit from the Manang side, crossing over Thorong La (pass) to reach Muktinath. Most trekkers do the Annapurna Circuit trek from the Manang side, cross the pass, and descend into Muktinath. Most pilgrims drive or walk up the Muktinath side of the Annapurna Circuit to reach Muktinath.

Muktinath Trekking tour combines a few days trekking and jeep/bus tour. It includes visiting the holy place Muktinath, the fascinating cultural village of Kagbeni, taking natural hot baths, and a world renowned Mountain View from Poon Hill. Asian Hiking Team recommends that you drive from Kathmandu to Pokhara by tourist bus and fly from Pokhara to Jomsom, then proceed to Muktinath. Explore the pilgrims’ area of Muktinath and jeep drive to Tatopani (natural hot spring) overnight. Then continue walking to Ghorepani for a sunrise panorama view from Poon Hill and an end trek walking to Nayapul, and drive to Pokhara.

Day by Day Itinerary

Day 01: Kathmandu to Pokhara - Kathmandu to Pokhara by Tourist bus/Car/Van 6 hours’ drive, overnight at Hotel.

Day 02: Pokhara to Jomsom to Kagbeni - Pokhara to Jomsom 2740 m half an hour flight and trekking to Kagbani (3115m) 2/3 hours, overnight at Kagbeni Guest house.

Day 03: Kagbeni to Muktinath - Trek to Muktinath (3800 m) 4 hours, overnight at Annapurna Inn or Hotel BobmerlerBob Marley.

Day 04: Muktinath to Tatopani - Travel to Tatopani (1189 m) by Jeep 7 hours’ drive, overnight at Hotel Himalayan inn or Hotel Dhaulagiri.

Day 05: Tatopani to Ghorepani - Trekking to Ghorepani (2850 m) 7 hours, overnight at Hotel Hungry Eye or Hotel Sunny or similar hotel.

Day 06: Ghorepani to Poon Hill to Pokhara - Early morning walk to Poon Hill 1 hours and trek to Nayapul (1187 m) 5–6 hours, and drive to Pokhara 1.30 hours, overnight at Hotel Himalayan Inn or similar hotel.

Day 07: Pokhara to Kathmandu - Pokhara to Kathmandu by tourist bus 6 hours, overnight hotel.

Options: It is possible by flight to/from Pokhara. It is possible trekking all the way from Muktinath to Tatopani too. It is possible to combine Upper Mustang Trekking. Likewise, it is possible to cross Thorongla pass from Muktinath end trek in Besisahar.