Muktinath Temple - A Sacred Place for Hindus and Buddhists

Muktinath is a sacred place for both Hindus and Buddhists, located in Muktinath Valley (behind the Great Himalayas) at an altitude of 3,800 meters, along the Annapurna Trekking route in Mustang, Nepal. Mukti Kshetra (51 Shakti Peetham), which literally means "the place of liberation or moksha," is where the Muktinath Temple is situated. It is mentioned in Hindu scriptures such as the Ramayana, Barah Purana, and Skanda Purana.

There are 108 sacred water spouts (springs) where pilgrims take a ritual bath. Nearby, a temple called Jwala Mai is considered sacred and worshipped by both Hindus and Buddhists. An eternal blue flame burns in the temple.

Every year, thousands of Hindu devotees come to this temple from around the world. This temple is one of the most famous holy places for Hindus and Buddhists, attracting numerous tourists. The temple has a mix of cultures, with both Hindu gods and Buddhist priests (Jhuma - Buddhist lady monk Aani). The Jhuma (priest) of this temple is not allowed to marry.

The place partly owes its fame to the Shaligram fossil stones found along the Kali Gandaki River, which are considered holy by Hindus. These fossil stones represent Lord Vishnu in stone form. The temple dedicated to Lord Vishnu is simple in architecture, built in pagoda style. It is believed to have been constructed at the beginning of the 19th century, though the idol of Vishnu is considered to date back to the 16th century. Many Hindu pilgrims from Nepal and India visit this site to worship Lord Vishnu. Buddhists call it Chumig Gyatsa, which in Tibetan means "Hundred Waters." Although the temple has a Vaishnava origin, it is also revered in Buddhism.

Sightseeing Places Near Muktinath

Pashupatinath Temple (UNESCO World Heritage Site)
Pashupatinath Temple, located 5 km east of Kathmandu, is considered one of the most sacred Hindu shrines in the world and one of the largest and most famous temples dedicated to Lord Shiva. The temple's two-tiered pagoda with golden roofs and 4 silver doors houses the sacred linga of Lord Shiva. Chronicles indicate that the temple existed before 400 A.D. It is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Guheswari or Guhyeshwari Temple
Located near Pashupatinath Temple on the banks of the Bagmati River, this temple is dedicated to Adi Shakti. According to mythology, a portion of Sati Devi (Lord Shiva’s consort) fell here when Shiva, grief-stricken, wandered with her dead body after her self-immolation.

Budhanilkantha (Jal Narayan)
Budhanilkantha, located 8 km north of Kathmandu at the foothills of Shivapuri, is home to the largest stone statue of Lord Vishnu. Reclining on a bed of serpents, this granite figure seems to float in a pond. This shrine dates back to the 5th century.

Swyambhunath Stupa (UNESCO World Heritage Site)
Swyambhunath, also known as the Monkey Temple, is located atop a hill 3 km west of Kathmandu. This ancient Buddhist stupa is surrounded by legends and stories of miraculous light. Atop the hill, you can see panoramic views of the Kathmandu valley.

Manakamana Temple
Located in Gorkha district, the Manakamana Temple is dedicated to Goddess Bhagwati, an incarnation of Parvati. It is believed that the Goddess grants the wishes of those who make the pilgrimage to her shrine. The temple is located at 4,272 feet above sea level, and you can reach it by a 15-minute cable car ride.

Pokhara Programme

Pokhara offers magnificent views of the Mt. Fish Tail and the Annapurna mountain range. The valley also provides beautiful lakes and serene landscapes.

• Sunrise View at Sarangkot
• Bindabasini Temple, a Hindu pilgrimage site.
• Davi’s Fall (Patale Chhango), a lovely waterfall located southwest of Pokhara Airport.
• Gupteswar Cave, opposite Davi’s Fall, is a sacred cave almost 3 km long.

For mountain lovers, Pokhara provides dramatic views of Mt. Annapurna, Dhaulagiri, Himchuli, and other peaks. It is a popular destination for both sightseeing and adventure, with opportunities to shop for souvenirs in colorful bazaars.