Muktinath Darshan

Muktinath Darshan


Muktinath Darshan

Mukti (Salvation) holds grate significance for all spiritual people in the south Asian sub continent. Muktinath (the provider of salvation) has been one such holy site, where thousands of devotees flock for attaining the much sought after moksha. Where Lord Vishnu had got Moksha in this place, Since then it called Muktinath.

The famous temple of Lord Muktinath lies in the district of Mustang and is situated about 18 kms northeast of Jomsom in the north central part of Nepal, at an altitude of about 3800 meters from the sea level. Named after highly referred Muktinath shrine the valley is one of religious place in Nepal for both Hindus and Buddhist.

Hindus call it Muktichhetra (Place of salvation) & salagramam, It is one of the four religious sites. Many Shaligrams found here are considered by Hindu as incarnation of lord Vishnu and worship them. According to Hindu Myth lord Vishnu turned into Shaligram because of Brinda's Curse. 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).
Similarly Buddhist calls this valley the Chumig Gyatsa ( place of 108 waterspouts). It is believed that Guru Rimpoche (Padmasambha) the scholar founder of Tibetan Buddhism once meditated and gained lifetime achievement of spiritual knowledge here while on his way to Tibet on 12 th century.

This place is opened through out the year but especially in Rishitarpani, Ram Nawami, and Bijay Dashami thousands of pilgrims gather here to celebrate the festival.

The Pagoda style Muktinath Temple is symbol of the religious symbiosis between both Hindus and Buddhists. Hindu regards Muktinath as Vishnu, where Buddhists regard as Buddha. The main shrine of Muktinath is a pagoda - shaped temple dedicated to the Lord Vishnu. On the other hand Buddhist worships Vishnu as Avalokiteshvara . The Temple depicts metal statues of lord Vishnu , goddess Laxmi , Saraswoti, Janaki , Garuda , Lava-Kush and Sapta Rishis .
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 .

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.

The name of Guru Rimpoche Monastery is situated at left from main entrance gate of Muktinath Temple.

There are 108 Dhara name of "Muktidhara" (continuously flowing) just behind the Temple. It has helped to make this area as center of Tourist attraction. In Janai Purnima Buddhist's Yar tang Mala celebrated here. Hindu devotees take bath under chilled water of 108 waterspouts "Muktidhara" believing that it brings them salvation. It is also believed that the deity was originated from western part of Nepal.

Continuously burning flame "Jwala Mai Temple" sound of flowing river is situated south of Muktinath Temple. The Jwala Mai temple has a spring and there are three eternal flames "Holy flame from soil", "Holy flame from rock" and "Holy flame from water" fed by natural gas. Currently two flames are continuously burning. Hindu believes that this miracle of fire lighting was offering made by Brahma, worship its as Jwala Mai (Lit. Goddess of fire). The Buddhist called Dhola Mebar Gompa to this temple.

The Buddhist nuns take care of cultural heritage inside Muktinath temple. Photography and filming of deities inside Temple and Monasteries is strictly prohibited.

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. It is believed that one should visit this temple after completing pilgrimage of four special religious sites, Chardham Yatra of India; Muktinath must be visited once.

Once Pilgrimage journey made to this holy Muktinath, holy dip in the Kunda and bath beneath of 108 waterspouts "Muktidhara" is believed to bring about salvation (Moksha) and to fulfill your wishes.

We welcome you to visit the highly religious place of Muktinath , where you will enjoy and discover you are on your special journey.

Around Places: The Muktinath valley has seven historic famous places Putak, Jhong, Chhyokhar, Purang Jharkot and Khinga. Ranipauwa (Lit.Queen pilgrims hostel the name of Subarna Prabha Devi) is new settlement village founded by people of Purang. There are many monasteries and Gompa around the Muktinath temple.

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

Season: The most suitable time to visit Muktinath from March to May & September to October. You can travel there on November & February. It is not possible to travel December and January, these month are the diehard here will be snowfall 2 to 6 ft in the all of area. June to August is raining season., but it is possible to travel . As the weather conditions would not be safe enough to travel on other 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 in Jomsom , Jharkot and Ranipauwa near by Muktinath . 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 Jomsom, 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.

For yours to tour (Journey) to Muktinath We suggest you following Itinerary.

Muktinath Tour (yatra/Darshan)

Trip Details

  • Itinerary
  • Cost Includes
  • Useful Info


Programme - I by Helicopter (Kathmandu-Kathmandu)
Itinerary
Day 01: Arrival Kathmandu Pick up from Airport transfers to Hotel, Evening Visit to Pashupati Nath Temple after arati and Puja back to Hotel, overnight.
Day 02: Morning fly to Muktinath by Helicopter. After Holy bath and puja back to Kathmandu, free time for rest.
Day 03: After Breakfast City Sight Seeing Pashupati Temple, Bouddha stupa, Budanilkantha, Swayambhu Nath Stupa, Kumari Temple, Krishna Temple.
Day 04: Departure to your onward destination.


Programme - II by Flight (Pokhara - Pokhara)
Itinerary
Day 01: Arrival Pokhara Pick up from Airport transfers to Hotel, Evening Leisure, overnight.
Day 02: Morning fly to Jomsom drive to Muktinath.. After Holy bath and puja back to Jomsom.
Day 03: Morning fly to Pokhara. Afternoon Pokhara city sight seeing place to visit Bindhabasini Temple, Seti River gorge, Gorkha Museum, Devi's waterfall, and visit the Barahi Temple by boat ride in Fewa Lake, Evening leisure and overnight.
Day 04: Departure to Kathmandu or onward destination.


Programme - III By Flight (Kathmandu-Kathmandu)
Itinerary
Day 01: Arrival Kathmandu Pick up from Airport transfers to Hotel, Evening Visit to Pashupati Nath Temple after arati and Puja back to Hotel, overnight.
Day 02: After breakfast Fly to Pokhara. Afternoon free.
Day 03: At Morning fly to Jomsom then drive to Muktinath. After holy bath, Drive back to Jomsom. O/N in Jomsom.
Day 04: At Morning fly to Pokhara by flight. Afternoon free.
Day 05: After breakfast Pokhara city Sight Seeing place to visit - Bindhabasini Temple, Seti River gorge, Gorkha Museum, Devi's waterfall, Mahadev Cave and visit the Barahi Temple by boat ride in Fewa Lake, overnight
Day 06: Fly to Kathmandu, Evening Leisure overnight.
Day 07: Departure to onward Destination

Trip Cost Includes:

  • All flights.
  • English Speaking Guide for the entire trip.
  • Accommodation in Kathmandu and Pokhara with Breakfast.
  • Accommodation in Muktinath with Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner.
  • All drive.
  • Sightseeing tours in Kathmandu and Pokhara with entrance fee.
  • All Government taxes.
  • Office service charge.

Trip Cost Excludes:

  • International Airfare.
  • Items of a personal nature.
  • Drinks and Lunch and Dinners where not included.
  • Your Travel Insurance.
  • Nepal Visa fee (US$ 30 for 15 days you should get visa open your arrival).
  • Tips for Guides and driver.

If you are thinking about how to obtain Nepal visa, then the easiest way to obtain it is at the Tribhuwan International Airport upon your arrival in Nepal or else at the immigration entry point if you are entering through the border of India or Tibet.

Note: There are few countries namely Nigeria, Ghana, Afghanistan, Zimbabwe, Somalia, Cameroon, Swaziland, Iraq, Ethiopia, Liberia, Palestine, etc. People from these countries do not get visa from the immigration entry points of Nepal.)

What do you need to obtain Nepal visa?

If you are thinking of taking visa at the airport or immigration entry point, following are your requirements:

* A valid passport (The passport should have validity of at least six months)
* You should fill the application form for visa available at airport or immigration entry points.
* Two passport size photos
* Visa fees which should be paid in cash.

Entry points to Nepal

* Tribhuwan International Airport, Kathmandu.
* Eastern Nepal - Kakarvitta, Jhapa.
* Central Nepal - Birjung, Parsa.
* Northern Border - Kodari, Sindhupalchowk. (Now closed after earthquake).
* Northern Border - Kerung, Rasuwa.
* Western - Rupandehi (Belhiya, Bhairahawa).
* Mid-western - Banke (Jamuna, Nepalgunj).
* Far western - Kailali (Mohana, Dhangadhi) / Kanchanpur (Gaddachauki, Mahendranagar).

Visa Fees

* USD 30 or equivalent convertible currency for 15 days.
* USD 50 or equivalent convertible currency for 30 days.
* USD 125 or equivalent convertible currency for 90 days.
* For the tourist of SAARC nationals, free visa up to 30 days.
* Visa is not required for Indian nationals. However, if they enter Nepal via air, they will have to show a valid identification certificate (passport/ citizenship certificate). The children under the age of 10 do not need to show identification certificate.

Visa Extension

* Tourist visa extension is done for minimum 15 days with USD 45 and USD 3 per day for additional days.
* In the case of delay less than 150 days additional USD 5 per day as late fine.

Transit Visa

When a foreigner has to get down at Nepalese airport as a result of his/her transit point or due to any force landing for whatever the reason, the foreigner can obtain transit visa for a day after paying USD 5 or any other currency equivalent.

Other General Information

* Entering in to Nepal or staying in Nepal without a valid visa is illegal.
* Tourist visa can be obtained either through the Nepalese embassy or consulate or other mission offices in your nation or at the immigration entry points in Nepal listed above.
* Visa once issued cannot be amended and the visa fees are non-refundable.
* You should pay the Nepal visa fees in cash. Credit card or cheque are not acceptable.
* Visa charges are not applicable for children under 10 years of age, however, they must obtain a valid visa.
* If you are obtaining a new passport or travel document, you are advised to contact the Immigration Department for the document transfer.
* Always carry your passport and trekking permit while on trekking.
* Some of the areas are restricted for filming. Therefore, be careful not to do the activities that are strictly prohibited.
* The culture, tradition and sentiments of Nepalese people should be respected.
* Do not perform any activities that would hurt their sentiments.
Do not perform any activities that would lead to moral turpitude.


About the visa more info please find here: http://www.nepalimmigration.gov.np/
http://www.nepalimmigration.gov.np/page/visa