How I Visited Muktinath, One of the Highest Temples in the World ??

Have you ever wondered what it’s like to visit one of the highest temples in the world, where different religions coexist in harmony, and where the natural beauty is breathtaking?

If so, you might want to read this article, where I will share with you my experience of visiting Muktinath, a sacred temple located in the remote Mustang district of Nepal, at an altitude of 3,710 meters.

Muktinath was the destination of our college tour, and it was a dream come true for me to visit it. I had always wanted to see the beauty and diversity of Nepal, and Muktinath was the perfect place to experience it.

In this article, I will share with you some of the highlights of our tour, and some tips for those who are interested in visiting Muktinath.

The Journey Begins

Our journey began in Kathmandu, the capital city of Nepal, where we boarded a bus that would take us to Mustang, the remote and restricted district where Muktinath is located. The bus ride was long but enjoyable, as we passed through lush green valleys, picturesque villages, and the vibrant Trishuli river flowing alongside the road, accompanied by intermittent rain showers. We stopped at Parbat, where we crossed the highest suspension bridge in the world, which spans over the Kali Gandaki river. The bridge offered a spectacular view of the river and the mountains, and some of us even tried bungee jumping from it for an extra thrill.

We continued our journey, and had dinner on the way at a thakali restaurant, where we enjoyed the authentic and delicious cuisine of Mustang. Thakali food consists of rice, lentils, vegetables, pickles, and meat, cooked with spices and herbs. It is served on a large metal plate, and is very satisfying and flavorful. After dinner, we did a campfire and had some fun and bonding time with our friends and fellow travelers. We then rested for a few hours in the bus, before resuming our drive through the night.

The Arrival at Muktinath

I woke up in our moving vehicle at 4 in the morning and my jaw dropped when I looked out the window. The mountains were reflecting the light of the moon and it was one of the most beautiful things I had ever seen. Imagine the view of sparkling mountains in the dark night. That view, along with the chilly air of Mustang, is something I will never forget. Slowly, the sunlight started reflecting on the mountains and that was a sight to behold as well. We reached the Muktinath base at around 7 in the morning. The cold air of Mustang, with snowy and dry hills around, was also a unique sight to see. After a 30-minute walk from the Muktinath base, we reached the sacred Muktinath temple. One can also ride on horseback from the base to the temple for just 2 dollars. The temple is sacred to both Hindus and Buddhists and it is believed that bathing in the 108 water taps of Mustang will absolve one of their sins.

I decided to take a bath in the water taps, as it was a rare opportunity to cleanse myself spiritually. I braced myself for the cold water, and started splashing it on my body. It was freezing, but also exhilarating. I felt a surge of energy and joy, as I completed the ritual. I then entered the temple, and offered my prayers and respects to the deity. I felt a sense of peace and gratitude, as I witnessed the harmony and diversity of the place.

The Return Journey

After spending some time at the temple, we started our return journey. We walked back to the Muktinath base, and boarded our bus. We drove back to Jomsom, where we had a hearty lunch of Thakali khana. We then went for a short hike to Dhumba lake, a beautiful turquoise lake that lies at the base of Mount Nilgiri. The lake was calm and serene, and reflected the image of the mountain. We enjoyed the view and the fresh air, and then headed back to our hotel. We spent the night at Jomsom, and the next day, we drove back to Pokhara.

Pokhara is a beautiful city, situated on the banks of the Phewa lake. It is surrounded by the Annapurna range of the Himalayas, and offers a variety of attractions and activities for tourists. We checked into our hotel and then went to explore the city. We visited some of the famous landmarks of Pokhara, such as the World Peace Pagoda, a white stupa that overlooks the lake and the city; the Davis Falls, a waterfall that disappears into an underground tunnel; the Gupteshwor Mahadev Cave, a natural cave that houses a shrine of Lord Shiva; and the International Mountain Museum, a museum that showcases the history, culture, and achievements of the mountain people and climbers. We learned a lot from these places and admired the natural and cultural beauty of Pokhara.

We also enjoyed some of the fun and adventurous activities that Pokhara offers, such as boating and watching early morning sunrise through Sarangkot. There are also options of paragliding, zip-lining, and bungee jumping for the adventure lovers. We also enjoyed the nightlife of Pokhara, which is lively and vibrant, with live music, bars, and clubs. We had a lot of fun and made some more friends. We returned to our hotel late at night and slept well, preparing for the next day.

The next day, we drove back to Kathmandu, ending our tour.

The journey was over, but the memories were still fresh in my mind. I felt a sense of accomplishment and satisfaction, as I had fulfilled one of my dreams. I also felt a sense of awe and admiration, as I had seen the beauty and diversity of Nepal. I learned a lot from the tour, and I gained a new perspective on life. I would highly recommend anyone who is interested in visiting Muktinath, as it is a truly unique and enriching experience.

Tips for Visiting Muktinath

If you are planning to visit Muktinath, here are some tips that might help you:

• The best time to visit Muktinath is from March to May, or from September to November, when the weather is clear and pleasant.
• You need to obtain a special permit to enter Mustang district, which costs around 50 USD per person. You can get the permit from the Nepal Tourism Board in Kathmandu or Pokhara, or from your travel agent.
• You can either drive or fly to Jomsom from Pokhara. The drive takes about 10 hours, and the flight takes about 20 minutes. The flight is more convenient, but also more expensive and dependent on the weather conditions.
• You can either trek or ride a horse to Muktinath from Jomsom. The trek takes about 3 hours, and the horse ride takes about 1.5 hours. The horse ride costs around 2 USD per person.
• You need to carry warm clothes, sunscreen, sunglasses, hat, water, snacks, and a camera. You also need to be physically fit and mentally prepared for the high-altitude and cold weather.
• You need to respect the local culture and religion, and follow the rules and regulations of the temple. You need to remove your shoes and leather items before entering the temple, and refrain from taking photos inside the temple. You also need to dress modestly and avoid any offensive or inappropriate behavior.

I hope you enjoyed reading my article, and I hope it inspired you to visit Muktinath. If you have any questions or comments, please feel free to share them below. Thank you for your time and attention. Namaste. ??.

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