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Muktinath is a village and temple located at an altitude of 3,710 meters at the foot of the Thorong La mountain pass , Mustang district, Nepal. Administratively the village is a Village Development Committee in Mustang District in the Dhawalagiri Zone. At the time of the 1991 Nepal census it had a population of 899 people residing in 191 individual households.

Muktinath is a sacred place both for Hindus and Buddhists. The Hindus call the place Mukti Kshetra, which literally means the “place of salvation”. It is also one of the 51 Sakthi peetams. Buddhists call it Chumig Gyatsa, which in Tibetan means ‘Hundred Waters’. For Tibetan Buddhists Muktinath-Chumig Gyatsa is a very important place of Dakinis, goddesses known as Sky Dancers and one of the 24 Tantric places. They understand the murti to be a manifestation of Avalokitesvara.

Introduction Trip To Mustang

This trek starts with a long climb to and then descends to the world’s deepest gorge, on the Kali Gandeki River, going all the way from rhododendron forests to the beginning of the Tibetan plateau. This trek also offers you a chance to encounter unique cultural people who practice their ancient traditions even today. The maximum altitude reached on this trek is 3800m and can be completed by anybody with a moderate level of fitness.

The first part of this trek ascends through rice terraces and villages inhabited by the fearless Gorkha people, renowned for their strength and as pillars of both the Indian and British armies. A fascinating museum of Traditional Nepalese Life awaits you in Ghandruk. Walking up slowly through rhododendron forests, the majestic Annapurna range reveals itself as you emerge from the forest into Ghorepani. A short hike from Ghorepani will bring you to Poon Hill (3210m), a place of timeless beauty presenting magnificent views of the Himalayan Mountains. The trek gets interesting in Tatopani where you will have the opportunity to relax in natural hot springs! Continuing along the Kali Gandeki River Gorge, marvel at the splendid peaks of Annapurna-I and Dhaulagiri both of which reach heights in excess of 8000m. The grandeur of the Dhaulagiri Glacier is on show a little further up along with the first glimpse of the windy Tibetan Plateau on the way to the holy Hindu pilgrimage site of Muktinath (3800m). The sacred temple has 108 waterfalls that resemble water flowing from taps and mysterious natural gas fires that boggle the mind. From here it is downhill to Jomsom village, on the Tibetan Plateau where you can look around at the gateway to the “Forbidden Kingdom of Mustang”, and get a glimpse of the ancient traditions still in practice. A flight the following day will bring you back to Pokhara while you enjoy a last look at the beautiful Himalayan Mountains.

If you are planning to visit Nepal, don’t forget to have a wonderful trip to Muktinath, Mustang.