Muktinath Tour is a 5 day tour package to the Mustang district of Nepal. Muktinath is a sacred pilgrimage site for both Buddhists and Hindus. The name ‘Muktinath’ means ‘place of salvation’ in Sanskrit. The temple is one of eight sites where Lord Vishnu incarnated on earth and also one of 108 Divya Desams (sites of worship) dedicated to Vishnu. It is believed that this place grants salvation (moksha) to the worshippers. The shaligrams found in the Kali Gandaki River flowing from Muktinath are sacred stones required for building any monument dedicated to Lord Vishnu. The Buddhists consider it a holy place because Guru Rinpoche, the founder of Tibetan Buddhism, meditated here.
The hot springs in Muktinath are known to have healing properties. You’ll often find visitors taking baths in these springs. On your journey to Muktinath, you’ll pass through traditional Nepali villages and immerse in the local lifestyle of the people. The place has been a famous destination for adventure enthusiasts as it offers challenging off-road travel and trekking. Because of its location in the lap of the Himalayas, Muktinath offers breathtaking views of the snow-capped peaks and serene landscapes.
The Muktinath Tour also includes sightseeing in Pokhara. We have presented an overview of what your trip might look like. We can customize the itinerary according to your need and budget.
Day 1: Kathmandu to Pokhara
Day 2: Pokhara to Jomsom
Day 3: Jomsom to Muktinath and the journey back
Day 4: Return to Pokhara
Day 5: Touring Pokhara and Journey to Kathmandu
There are several ways to get to Muktinath from Kathmandu. Shortest is by helicopter which takes only 1.5 hours. Some visitors take the trekking route which is the longest route that starts from Naya Pul, near Pokhara. The best and budget friendly option is however to go to Pokhara from Kathmandu first and then continue your journey to Jomsom and Muktinath. Kathmandu to Pokhara trip is a 7 hour drive or a 30 minute filght. Taking the road offers you a journey through the hills, stops at different Nepali restaurants, and immersive encounters with the locals. Pokhara is a beautiful city filled with love and laughter. Walking around the Phewa Lake in the evening offers you a magical experience of the city of Lakes.
Pokhara to Jomsom is a 6 hour drive. You can also reach Jomsom on a 20 minute flight from Pokhara. On both journeys you’ll be able to pass through or fly above the world’s deepest gorge, Kali Gandaki gorge. Jomsom is a small town located in Mustang district. The town is known for its unique contrast of barren landscapes and majestic snowcapped peaks. The town is surrounded by the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri mountain ranges. Jomsom is famous for traditional Thakali cuisines.
You can travel to Muktinath by foot, jeep, or helicopter. Muktinath is a 1.5 hour drive from Jomsom. The trail is along the banks of the Kali Gandaki River. The helicopter ride costs around US$500 per person and it is usually difficult to find a group for this kind of tour. Muktinath is located at an altitude of about 3,800m and his home to Tibetan and Thakali communities. There are 108 water spouts surrounding the temple. These spouts are called ‘Muktidhara’, and the water flowing through them is considered to have the ability to cleanse our past sins and negativities. In the evening we’ll travel back to Jomsom. You can search for shaligrams in the banks of the Kali Gandaki River in Jomsom. Shaligrams make valuable souvenirs. We’ll spend the night in Jomsom.
After breakfast, we’ll return to Pokhara either by flight or by road. Either way, we’ll spend the night in Pokhara. Pokhara is a beautiful city from where you can get stunning views of the mountains. The city also offers a range of outdoor activities like paragliding, white-water rafting, and ultralight flying. Be sure to check out some of these activities if you’re an adventure enthusiast.
Besides the adventure this place offers, Pokhara boasts a rich cultural heritage with its numerous temples. Tal Barahi temple is situated on an island in Phewa Lake so be sure to stop there on a boating trip. The famous Bindhyabasini temple is located atop a hill offering panoramic views of the Machhapuchhre and Annapurna ranges. Other destinations you can visit include Devi’s Fall – a famous waterfall, Mahendra Cave, Gupteshwor Cave, International Mountain Museum and many more.
Pokhara to Kathmandu is only a 7 hour drive or a 30 minute flight back. On your journey back to Kathmandu, you can stop at Kurintar and take a cable car ride to the famous Manakamana Temple. Taking the flight doesn’t allow you this option. We’ll spend the night in Kathmandu.
The entire Ghorepani Poonhill trek route, including all the intermediary stops, falls within the Annapurna Conservation Area Project (ACAP). This initiative is dedicated to preserving the diverse flora and fauna indigenous to the region. To traverse this area, you are required to obtain an ACAP permit.
ACAP Permit Costs:
In addition to the ACAP permit, a TIMS card is essential for Poonhill Trekking. TIMS, which stands for Trekkers Information Management System, plays a crucial role in tracking trekkers during their journey. Security personnel use TIMS cards to access information about your identity and location. Both of these permits can be acquired in Kathmandu or Pokhara, and your trekking agent can assist you in the process.
The choice of ground transportation for the Poonhill trek is contingent on your group size. For groups of 1-3 individuals, a car will be arranged for your journey. Meanwhile, groups comprising 4-7 people will be provided with a hired jeep. Private vehicles will be reserved specifically for the segments from Syauli Bazar to Pokhara and from Pokhara to Nayapul.
Out of the 12 months in the year, three particular periods offer an exceptional weather window for trekking in Nepal. The first is during spring, which spans from March to May, making it the most preferred time for Poonhill trekking. Another ideal trekking season is autumn, lasting from the end of September to mid-December. Winter, occurring from December to February, also presents favorable conditions for trekking.
Conversely, the summer months (June to August) constitute the monsoon season in Nepal, characterized by heavy rainfall. While trekking is still possible during this time, occasional rain showers can make the trail slippery and obstruct panoramic Himalayan views. The most favorable weather conditions for the Poonhill trek are experienced during autumn (September to December) and spring (March to May). Nonetheless, trekking in winter is feasible, albeit with extremely low temperatures. For those venturing during the winter months, it is recommended to carry warm clothing and a suitable sleeping bag for the colder nights.
The best times are during the spring (March to May) and autumn (September to December) when the weather is generally clear, and the views are spectacular. Winter trekking (December to February) is also possible, but temperatures are colder.
You need an Annapurna Conservation Area Project (ACAP) permit and a Trekkers Information Management System (TIMS) card. For ACAP: NPR 3000 (Approx. $30) for foreigners, NPR 1000 (Approx. $10) for SAARC Nationals.
The trek usually takes around 4 to 5 days, depending on the starting point and the chosen route.
No, Ghorepani Poonhill Trek is considered a moderate trek suitable for beginners. The highest point, Poon Hill, is at an altitude of 3,210 meters (10,532 feet).
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