High in the Mustang district, at about 3,710 m, Muktinath is one of the few places sacred to both Hindus and Buddhists. Hindus worship Vishnu here as Muktinath, "lord of liberation", while Buddhists know it as Chumig Gyatsa, "hundred waters". Pilgrims bathe under 108 water spouts and visit a shrine where a natural gas flame burns over water.
Quick answer: Muktinath (about 3,710 m) is reached by road from Jomsom (about 1–2 hours), on the Annapurna Circuit after Thorong La, or on a pilgrimage tour. Best time: March–May and September–November.
Muktinath at a glance
| Fact | Details |
|---|---|
| Altitude | About 3,710 m |
| District | Mustang |
| Sacred to | Hindus and Buddhists |
| Access | Road from Jomsom; Annapurna Circuit trek |
| Best time | March–May, September–November |
Things to see
- The 108 water spouts and the two sacred pools.
- Jwala Mai, the shrine with the natural flame.
- Views over the Kali Gandaki and Mustang.
- Nearby villages such as Jharkot and Kagbeni.
Trips and guides
Plan your visit
Muktinath combines well with Upper Mustang or the Annapurna Circuit. Contact us and our Kathmandu team will help you plan it.