The word Muktinath is derived from two words “Mukti” which means ‘Salvation’ and “Nath” which means ‘God’. It means the place of salvation. Muktinath is located in Mustang district of Dhawalagiri. It is located in altitude of 3710 m above. This place is on the foot step of Thorong la in Mustang District. It is called Mukti Kshetra. Muktinath is a sacred place for both Hinduism and Buddhism. In today’s time, Muktinath has been more attractive tourism sector. It has attracted not only the international tourist but domestic tourist also. People come here to visit and spend their holidays, to relax and enjoy the life.
Geography and Climate
Muktinath is located in mountainous region. It is very famous for its natural view, mountainous region and temple, shrines and pilgrimages.
Muktinath has alpine climate. There are four seasons in this region like spring, autumn, summer and winter. It is a place known with cold temperature. The best time to visit Muktinath is in autumn at September, October, and November. In autumn, temperature becomes neither too cold nor too hot. Weather becomes clear in this season. Next season is spring. Spring is the second best season to trail over Muktinath. Spring is on March, April and May. June, July and August are summer. In summer you may face rainfall. Summer is the season to visit Muktinath and mountainous area. December, January and February are winter. In winter trail will be right below 3500m. Above 3500 m it snows and weather becomes too cold in temperature.
How to Reach Muktinath?
There is various ways to travel Muktinath from Kathmandu. The distance between Kathmandu and Jomsom is 375 km. Helicopter is the short time travel way to reach Muktinath. It takes about 1 hour and 30 min to travel Muktinath from Kathmandu by helicopter. Another easiest way to travel is by road on bus. It is comfortable and easier than other. It takes 18 hour to 20 hour to travel from Kathmandu. You can travel from Kathmandu to Pokhara by bus in 6 hour. Then, take a flight to Jomsom from there. It takes around 15-20 minutes to reach Jomsom from Pokhara Airport.
Places of Interest in Muktinath
Muktinath Mandir
Muktinath Mandir is one of the sacred famous religious sites of Nepal. This temple is small and have golden statue of Lord Vishnu. The temple has 108 taps which have a belief that; People who take a bath over all tap, they can be free of their bad done and become shrine people. It is the popular temple over the countries. It’s very hard to reach over there. Only blessed people can reach there. The temperature of this temple falls down in minus 3 degree Celsius sometime.
Thorong La
Thorong La is a mountain pass. It is above 5416 meter above sea level. This place lies in Damodar Himal, north of Annapurna Himal. It is called the small piece of heaven. It is very beautiful place. Thorong la is the highest point in the Annapurna circuit. It ranges to Himalaya region.
Culture in Muktinath
People of the region follow mainly Hinduism and Buddhism. Muktinath is the sacred place. People like Sherpa, Limbo, Rai lives here. They are dependent on Tourism sector. They celebrate festivals like Loshar, New Year, Sankratis, etc. Folk dances and folk songs are practiced by people habituating here. They wear cloth named “Bakhu” because the climate is very cold here.
Hotels
There are many local and private hotel accommodation provided here. Some of the famous hotels and lodges are as follows:
- Hotel Grand Shambala
- Annapurna Inn
- Himalayan Paradise
