Muktinath Temple (elevation 3710 m) is located at the foot of Thorong La mountain pass in the Mustang district of Nepal. Muktinath temple is a sacred or holy place for both Buddhists and Hindus in the country. The word "Muktinath" is made from two words "Mukti" and "Nath" which means "Salvation or Nirvana" and "God or Master" respectively. Muktinath has been such a holy site that thousands of devotees visit in search of freedom from the cycle of birth and rebirth. The Muktinath tour does not involve high-altitudetrekking, nor does it involve tiring treks over the mountains.
Our tour starts with a scenic flight to Pokhara. The following day, we'll fly from Pokhara to Jomsom and from Jomsom to Muktinath in a jeep. Upon arrival in Muktinath Temple, you will visit a small pagoda-style temple of Lord Vishnu which is worshipped by both Hindus and Buddhists. Muktinath is one of the eight most virtuous holy temples in the world for the Hindus whereas it is worshipped as 24 Tantric places in the world by the Buddhists.
The Buddhists worship the deity as one of the Bodhisattvas while Mukti Kshetra ( place of salvation) by Hindus. Hindu devotees take a quick bath in 108 icy water spout which is believed to cleanse one's sins and take a quick holy dip in 2 holy ponds (Mukti Kunda) which are located in the backyard and front of the temple respectively. Nearby is the temple of Jwala Mai, or the Goddess of Flame, with an exceptional underground blue flame.
The Hindus believe that this fire was lit as an offering made by Brahma himself, (the creator of Hindu mythology) as he set water on fire. After the completion of worshipping, we return to Pokhara by the same route. We returned to Kathmandu the following day. On the way, we stop by Manakama Temple to visit.. We'll be able to enjoy views of green hills, mountains, lush orange trees, and terraced farms while riding in a cable car from Kurintar to reach the temple located uphill of Gorkha District. After the visit, we continue our journey to Kathmandu.
