Overview

Muktinath Overland Tour Package From Kathmandu via Pokhara – 3 Night 4 Days

Experience the mystical Muktinath Overland Tour Package: a unique 3 night, 4 days journey from Kathmandu to Muktinath.

Nepal, officially the Federal Democratic Republic of Nepal, is a landlocked country in South Asia. It is bordered to the north by Tibet of the Peoples Republic of China, and to the south, east, and west by the Republic of India. With an area of 147,181 square Kilometers (56,827 sq mile) and a population of approximately 30.89 million [2023 AD], Nepal is the world’s 93rd largest country by land mass and the 49th most populous country. Kathmandu is the nation’s capital and the country’s largest metropolitan city. Nepal has certain unique things like 10 UNESCO World Heritage Sites in One Country,8 out of 14 Highest Mountain Peaks in the World, birth place of goddess Sita, birth place of lord Gautam Buddha, beautiful lakes, different religions, Nepalese cuisine, paradise for trekkers & safer travel destination.

Nepal is home to the majestic Himalayas, including Mount Everest, the highest peak in the world. The country offers breathtaking landscapes, ranging from snow-capped mountains to lush forests and serene lakes. For outdoor enthusiasts, Nepal is a trekking paradise. Popular treks like the Everest Base Camp, Annapurna Circuit, and Langtang Valley offer incredible experiences for hikers of all levels.Nepal has a fascinating blend of Hindu and Buddhist cultures. You can explore ancient temples, stupas, and palaces in places like Kathmandu Valley, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Nepal’s national parks, like Chitwan and Bardia, are great for wildlife safaris. You can see rhinos, tigers, elephants, and other exotic animals in their natural habitats. Nepalese culture is known for its hospitality. The locals are incredibly friendly, and the sense of community and tradition adds to the charm of the country. Compared to many other travel destinations, Nepal is relatively budget-friendly, making it a great choice for backpackers or those looking to experience a lot without breaking the bank.

Nepal is of roughly trapezoidal shape, 800 kilometer (500 mile) long and 200 kilometer (125 mile) wide in average. See List of territories by size for the comparative size of Nepal. Nepal is commonly divided into three physiographic areas: the Mountain, Hill, Siwalik region and Terai Regions. These ecological belts run east-west and are vertically intersected by Nepal’s major, north to south flowing river systems. The southern lowland plains or Terai bordering India are part of the northern rim of the Indo-Gangetic plains. They were formed and are fed by three major rivers: the Koshi, the Narayani, and the Karnali. This region has a subtropical to tropical climate.

Climate from June to August the monsoon time and only city to city based tour we recommend. The post-monsoon period from September to November is considered best time in Nepal. It will be clean air and excellent mountain views can be seen. Days are warm and sunny, although nights become increasingly cool. Winter time from December to February is dry and clear with temperatures dropping below freezing especially at high altitudes places, although in Kathmandu, Pokhara, Chitwan and Lumbini it can still sometimes reach a pleasant 25C. Spring (March to May) is warmer and considered second high season for tour is a particularly beautiful time to visit as the rhododendrons and the orchids are in flower.

Pokhara (123 Sq. Km) is the one of the most beautiful city and second largest tourist destinations in Nepal. It is popular as “City of Lakes”. Pokhara is connected with all the major cities of Nepal with land transport. Regular flights also available from Kathmandu, Bharatpur(Chitwan) , Bhairahawa(Lumbini) & Nepalgunj. Pokhara is famous for sightseeing and mountain views.

Muktinath
(GOD OF MOKCHHYA)
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.

Muktinath is a sacred place both for Hindus and Buddhists located in Muktinath Valley at an altitude of 3,710 meters at the foot of the Thorong La pass, Mustang district, Nepal.

The Hindus call the sacred place Mukti Kshetra, which literally means the “place of salvation”.  Mainly the temple is with a predominant Sri Vaishnava origin and worshipped by Buddhists. This temple is considered to be the 105th among the available 108 Divya Desam. The ancient name of this place, before Buddhist origin is known as Thiru Saligramam. This houses the Saligrama sila considered to be the naturally available form of Sriman Narayana – the Hindu God HEAD. It is also one of the 51 Sakthi peetams.

The central shrine of Sri Muktinath, predominant among all 108 Hindu SriVaishnava Divyadesam is considered one of the eight most sacred shrines for Hindu Vaishnavas known as Svayam Vyakta Ksetras, the other seven being Srirangam, Srimushnam, Tirupati, Naimisharanya, Totadri, Pushkar and Badrinath. The temple is very small. Muktinath is one of the most ancient Hindu temples of God Vishnu. The murti is of gold and is tall enough to compare with a man.

The prakaram(outer courtyard) has 108 bull faces through which water is poured. It is of freezing temperature. The sacred water that flows in 108 pipes around the temple complex denote all sacred Pushkarini waters (Temple Tanks) from all 108 Sri Vaishnava Divya Desams including Srirangam, Tirumala, Vaikunta, where the devotees take their sacred bath even in the freezing temperatures.

In Hindu astrology, there are 12 zodiac or Rashi and 9 planets or Graha, giving a total of 108 combinations. Also there are 27 Lunar mansions or Nakshatras which are divided in 4 quarters or Padas each giving a combination of 108 Padas in total. The worship is conducted by Buddhist nuns.

The waterway downstream from Muktinath along Kali Gandaki is the source of all Silas or Shaligrams that are required to establish a temple of Vishnu anywhere in the world. It is considered to be one of the holiest places of pilgrimage of Hindus, Buddhists, and Vaishnavas.

*Muktinath Temple :*
The Pagoda style Muktinath Temple is symbol of the religious symbiosis between both Hindus and Buddhists. Hindu believes that lord Vishnu got salvation from curse of Brinda (wife of Jalandhar) here. Therefore he is worshipped as Muktinath (Lit. the lord of salvation). The holy shrine, which is said to have risen on its own, is one of eight such shrines (the others include Srirangam, Sri Mushnam, Tirupati, Naimisaranyam, Thottadri, Pushkaram and Badrinath). It is also one of 108 Vaishnava shrines. 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.

*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. The holy flame alongside a spring that is the source of the religious importance of Muktinath. In Hindu astrology, there are 12 zodiac or Rashi and 9 planets or Graha, giving a total of 108 combinations. Also there are 27 Lunar mansions or Nakshatras which are divided in 4 quarters or Padas each giving a combination of 108 Padas in total.

*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.

Main Attractions,

• Kushma Bridge
• Baglung Kalika Temple
• Tatopani (Hot Spring)
• Visit Galeshwore Mahadev Temple
• Visit Jerry Galli( street) and Marpha Village
• Dhumba Lake visit
• Jomsom Market
• Religious Place Kagbeni Visit
• Main Attraction sacred place Shree Muktinath Temple
• Bath in 108 sacred Taps

2 Days Muktinath Overland Tour from Pokhara

3 Days Muktinath Overland Tour From Pokhara

Muktinath Heli Tour from Pokhara

7 Days Upper Mustang Tour from Kathmandu

8 Days Hindu Pilgrimage