Muktinath Dham is one of the famous destinations located 403 km to the northwest of Kathmandu valley in the Mustang District of Nepal. It is situated at an altitude of 3710 meters above sea level. Its high altitude location turns its name into a valley above the clouds.
In this article, we will be talking about the 4 various options to reach Muktinath in Mustang, Nepal. Before diving into it, let's become familiar with this holy shrine.
The Muktinath Temple is a popular destination for both pilgrimages and nature lovers. Pilgrims in meaning that it is the place of getting "Salvation" or "Mukti" by the grace of god "Vishnu". And a nature lover means that it is a place filled with beautiful landscapes and surrounded by the giant Annapurna Massif.
Monthly lots of devotees from inside the country and from India visit Muktinath Temple to pay homage to lord god Vishnu. They believe that visiting Muktidham of Nepal will rinse away all the past signs and get a place in heaven after death.
The landscape of the Muktinath Mandir is too attractive. It is desert land surrounded by a massif Annapurna and Dhaulagiri Himalayas. Sunrise and sunset views over these panoramic mountains are worth scenic.
So, questions might be arising in the mind about how to reach such a holy site and awesome place - Muktinath Temple. Now let's talk about the 4 various options to reach Muktinath Dham in Nepal.
1. Kathmandu to Muktinath by Private Jeep - Road Option (1 Night / 2 Days):
Muktinath Temple is 403 km in distance from Kathmandu. The first 206 km from Kathmandu to Pokhara and the second 100 km from Pokhara to Beni are concrete or let's say black-topped roads. It takes 10 to 11 hours to reach Beni from Kathmandu. So, a halt overnight at Beni will be a good choice.
Second day morning, commence your journey to Muktinath. From Beni to Kagbeni around 85 km are hilly, rough, and bumpy roads but adventurous too. Then the rest 12 km is again concrete and blacktopped road.
Visit the temple then same day return to Jomsom will be a good choice. Because Muktinath Temple is located at a high altitude and the oxygen level will be very low. High altitude problems might have occurred. Although, it is a better idea to consult with your doctor first before staying at such an altitude.
Third day morning return back to Pokhara and on the fourth day either drive back to Kathmandu or stay one extra night to visit the different attractions of Pokhara Valley.
So, by road, you can reach Muktinath Temple in just two days from Kathmandu. And the total duration will be 4 days from Kathmandu to Muktinath to Kathmandu.
2. Kathmandu to Muktinath by Road and Flight Option (1 Night / 2 Days):
Taking a flight direct from Pokhara to Jomsom not only saves your time but also reduces the pain of traveling hours off-road.
On the first day, 6/7 hours comfortable drive will reach to the most popular tourist hub of Nepal - Pokhara. En route, don't forget to visit Manakamana Goddess Temple via cable car ride of 15 mins. It is believed that Manakamana Devi has the power to fulfill the wishes of her devotees. Once, your wish got fulfilled then, don't forget to visit again to say thanks to this goddess.
Then, on the second day, take 15 mins adventurous and Mountain View flight to Jomsom. Upon arrival take some time for acclimatization then head towards Muktinath Temple by either sharing bus or by a private jeep. It takes 1:15 hrs by reserved jeep whereas 2-3 hrs by sharing bus. Local vehicles are operating by Muktinath Darshan that leaves frequently to Muktinath from Pokhara and Jomsom.
Take grace from Muktinath God then drive back to Jomsom for a night's stay.
Third day morning, fly back to Pokhara then drive back to Kathmandu.
In this way, Muktinath can be easily reached in two days and the trip duration will be 2 Nights and 3 Days.
3. Overnight Bus from Kathmandu to Muktinath:
Yes, now visitors can also reach Muktinath by night bus. Bus leaves around 3 PM from Kathmandu New Bus Station and reaches Jomsom the next day morning at 10 AM. Then drive to Muktinath, visit the temple, and back to Jomsom.
Third day back to Kathmandu by night bus. From Jomsom, the bus leaves at 11 AM, and the next day morning at 5 AM to reach Kathmandu.
This way within 4 days, travel to Muktinath without hotel expenses on the way to Jomsom.
4. Kathmandu to Muktinath by Charter Helicopter - 4 hours:
This is the most easiest and comfortable way to reach Muktinath Temple. Nowadays, helicopters are available to charter from Kathmandu and Pokhara direct to Muktinath.
From Pokhara, it takes 40-45 mins to reach Muktinath. Similarly 1:15 hrs from Kathmandu. There are three to six seated helicopters available to charter. During the flight, one can enjoy panoramic views of the giant Himalayas of Nepal.
Via helicopter, it takes just some hours to visit Muktinath Temple and back to Kathmandu.
Lumle Holidays is operating a daily departure group joining a helicopter tour to Muktinath from Kathmandu and Pokhara. If you too wish to join the group then you may contact them.
So, we have just got the info on how to reach Muktinath Temple from Kathmandu and Pokhara and 4 different options to travel. If lack time to visit the temple then just chart a helicopter, visit the temple and fulfill your wish. Else, the best option in my view is to go to Pokhara by road to visit Manakamana Temple. Next day, fly to Jomsom then, drive to Muktinath Temple.
