# Muktinath Pilgrimage Tour > The Muktinath pilgrimage tour is a 5-day Muktinath yatra from Kathmandu by flight to one of the holiest temples in Nepal. Fly to Pokhara and on to Jomsom between Dhaulagiri and the Annapurnas, drive up the Kali Gandaki valley, and receive darshan at Muktinath Temple (about 3,800 m), sacred to Lord Vishnu and revered by Hindus and Buddhists alike. Bathe under the 108 water spouts, visit the eternal flame of Jwala Mai, and look for sacred shaligram stones by the river.The tour is designed for pilgrims of all ages, with flights instead of long road journeys, comfortable hotels and vegetarian meals on request. The best time is March–June and September–November. Flights, permits, hotels, a guide and jeep transfers are arranged by our team in Kathmandu; Pashupatinath darshan can be added. ## Trip facts - **Destination:** Nepal - **Duration:** 5 days - **Difficulty:** Easy - **Activity:** Pilgrimage tour - **Max altitude:** About 3,800 m / 12,470 ft (Muktinath Temple) - **Best season:** Mar–Jun, Sep–Nov - **Group size:** 1–20 people - **Accommodation:** Hotels in Kathmandu, Pokhara and Jomsom - **Meals:** Breakfast daily; vegetarian meals on request - **Price:** from US$690 per person - **Web page:** https://himalayanhiking.com/muktinath-pilgrimage-tour - **Book:** https://himalayanhiking.com/booking?trip=muktinath-pilgrimage-tour ## Overview **Muktinath** lies high in the Mustang district, beneath the Thorong La pass, at around 3,800 metres. For Hindus it is one of the 108 **Divya Desams**, the holy abodes of Lord Vishnu, and a place of *mukti*, liberation from the cycle of rebirth. For Buddhists it is **Chumig Gyatsa**, "Hundred Waters", associated with Guru Rinpoche. Pilgrims have travelled here for centuries along the Kali Gandaki valley; today, flights and roads make the journey possible in a few days. Behind the pagoda-style temple, water from a sacred spring flows through **108 bull-headed spouts**, and pilgrims walk beneath them and bathe in two sacred pools. Nearby, the **Jwala Mai** shrine shelters a natural gas flame burning above flowing water, a rare meeting of fire and water. The Kali Gandaki river below is the only source of **shaligram** stones, fossilised ammonites worshipped as forms of Vishnu. ### Muktinath yatra at a glance Trip factDetailsDuration5 days from KathmanduRouteKathmandu – Pokhara – Jomsom – Muktinath – Jomsom – Pokhara – KathmanduTemple altitudeAbout 3,710–3,800 mTransportFlights Kathmandu – Pokhara – Jomsom, jeep Jomsom – MuktinathAccommodationHotels in Kathmandu, Pokhara and JomsomMealsBreakfast daily; pure vegetarian meals on requestPermitAnnapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP)Best timeMarch–June and September–November### Highlights of the Muktinath yatra - **Darshan at Muktinath Temple**, one of the 108 Divya Desams. - **Bathing under the 108 water spouts** and in the sacred pools. - **Jwala Mai**, the eternal flame above water. - **Shaligram stones** of the Kali Gandaki. - **Kagbeni**, a medieval village where pilgrims perform rituals for ancestors. - **Mountain flights** between Dhaulagiri and the Annapurnas. ### How to reach Muktinath This tour uses **flights** from Kathmandu to Pokhara and from Pokhara to Jomsom, followed by a jeep of about one to two hours to **Ranipauwa**, the village below the temple. From Ranipauwa, pilgrims walk about 15–20 minutes up to the temple, or ride a horse or motorbike. Muktinath can also be reached entirely by road from Pokhara (a long journey over two days) or in a single day by **helicopter** from Kathmandu or Pokhara. ### Altitude and health for pilgrims Muktinath is at high altitude, and pilgrims who arrive quickly by air can feel breathless or light-headed. Move slowly, drink plenty of water, avoid exertion and rest if you feel unwell. Elderly pilgrims and anyone with heart, lung or blood-pressure conditions should consult a doctor before travelling. Horses are available for the final climb to the temple. ### Best time for the Muktinath yatra **March to June** and **September to November** offer the best weather and flight reliability. Winter is very cold at Muktinath and snow is possible, and during the monsoon flights to Jomsom are often delayed, although the region itself receives little rain. ### Vegetarian meals and puja arrangements We arrange **pure vegetarian meals** on request and can organise puja, priests and special rituals at Muktinath and Pashupatinath. Please tell us your requirements when you book. ### Extending your pilgrimage Many pilgrims combine Muktinath with **Pashupatinath** in Kathmandu, **Manakamana** by cable car, **Janakpur** or **Lumbini**. We can build a complete pilgrimage itinerary for individuals, families and groups. ### Why book the Muktinath yatra with Himalayan Hiking? - **Flights instead of long drives**, easier for elderly pilgrims. - **Vegetarian meals and puja** arranged on request. - **Guides who understand the rituals** and traditions. - **Group pilgrimages** for families, temples and associations. ## Highlights - Darshan at Muktinath Temple, one of the 108 Divya Desams - Bathing under the 108 sacred water spouts - Jwala Mai, the eternal flame above flowing water - Shaligram stones from the Kali Gandaki - Scenic flights between Pokhara and Jomsom - Vegetarian meals and puja on request ## Day-by-day itinerary ### Day 1: Arrive in Kathmandu, Pashupatinath evening aarti (optional) Our driver meets you at the airport and takes you to your hotel. In the evening, attend the Bagmati aarti at Pashupatinath (optional). _Altitude: 1,400 m · Overnight: Hotel_ ### Day 2: Fly to Pokhara, visit Bindhyabasini Temple Fly to Pokhara, visit the Bindhyabasini Temple and relax by Phewa Lake. _Altitude: 820 m · Meals: Breakfast · Overnight: Hotel_ ### Day 3: Fly to Jomsom, jeep to Muktinath for darshan, return to Jomsom Early flight to Jomsom, jeep to Ranipauwa and walk or ride to Muktinath Temple for darshan, bathing under the 108 spouts and a visit to Jwala Mai. Return to Jomsom, stopping at Kagbeni if time allows. _Altitude: 3,800 m · Meals: Breakfast · Overnight: Hotel_ ### Day 4: Fly to Pokhara Morning flight to Pokhara. Free afternoon for boating on Phewa Lake or visiting the World Peace Pagoda. _Altitude: 2,720 m · Meals: Breakfast · Overnight: Hotel_ ### Day 5: Fly to Kathmandu and departure Fly back to Kathmandu and transfer to the airport, or stay on for Pashupatinath darshan and more of Nepal. _Altitude: 1,400 m · Meals: Breakfast_ ## What is included - Airport pick-up and drop-off in private vehicles - 1 night in Kathmandu, 2 nights in Pokhara and 1 night in Jomsom with breakfast - Flights Kathmandu – Pokhara – Jomsom – Pokhara – Kathmandu - Jeep Jomsom – Muktinath – Jomsom - Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP) - English- or Hindi-speaking guide - All government and local taxes ## Not included - International flights and Nepal visa fee (not required for Indian citizens) - Travel insurance - Lunch and dinner (vegetarian meal plan can be added) - Horse or motorbike to the temple, puja and donations - Extra nights due to flight delays or cancellations - Tips for guide and drivers ## Useful information ### Documents for Indian pilgrims Indian citizens do not need a visa for Nepal but must carry a valid passport or voter ID card; requirements for children and air travel can differ, so check the latest rules before travelling. Other nationalities need a Nepal visa. ### Altitude Muktinath is at about 3,800 m. Move slowly, drink plenty of water and rest if you feel unwell. Consult a doctor before travelling if you have heart, lung or blood-pressure conditions. ### Flights and weather Pokhara – Jomsom flights operate only in the morning and depend on the weather. Delays are possible, so keep your onward plans flexible or add a buffer day. ### What to bring for the temple Bring a change of clothes and a small towel for bathing at the spouts, and warm clothing, as Muktinath is cold and windy even in summer. ### Etiquette Dress modestly, remove shoes before entering the temple, and ask before photographing rituals; photography may not be allowed inside the shrine. ## Packing list - Warm jacket, hat and gloves - Change of clothes and small towel for bathing - Comfortable shoes that are easy to remove - Modest clothing and a shawl - Sunglasses and sunscreen - Regular medication - Passport or voter ID (Indian citizens) ## Frequently asked questions ### How do I reach Muktinath from Kathmandu? Fly to Pokhara and on to Jomsom, then take a jeep to Ranipauwa below the temple. Road and helicopter options are also available. ### What is the altitude of Muktinath Temple? About **3,710–3,800 m**. Move slowly and drink plenty of water on arrival. ### Do Indian citizens need a visa for the Muktinath yatra? No. Indian citizens need a valid passport or voter ID card. Check the latest identity requirements before travelling. ### Can elderly pilgrims visit Muktinath? Yes, with care. Flights reduce travel time, and horses are available for the final climb. Consult a doctor before travelling to high altitude. ### What are the 108 water spouts? Behind the temple, sacred water flows through 108 bull-headed spouts. Pilgrims walk beneath them and bathe in two pools, believing the waters bring liberation. ### What is Jwala Mai? A shrine near Muktinath where a natural gas flame burns above flowing water, considered a miraculous union of fire and water. ### What are shaligram stones? Black fossilised ammonites from the Kali Gandaki riverbed, worshipped as forms of Lord Vishnu. ### When is the best time for the Muktinath yatra? **March–June** and **September–November**. Flights are less reliable in the monsoon, and winter is very cold. ### Are vegetarian meals available? Yes. We arrange pure vegetarian meals on request, and can organise puja and priests. ### What if the Jomsom flight is cancelled? We rebook the next available flight or arrange travel by road. Keep your plans flexible. ### Can I do Muktinath by helicopter? Yes. A helicopter tour from Kathmandu or Pokhara can visit Muktinath in a single day. ### How much does the Muktinath tour cost? The tour is priced per person, with group discounts; see the price box. It includes flights, jeep transfers, hotels, permit and guide.