Muktinath is a pilgrimage site for both Hindu and Buddhist significance, located at an elevation of 3,880 meters (12,700 feet) in Nepal’s Trans-Himalayan region. Situated in the Mustang district, Nepalis refer to it as ‘Himal Pari ko Desh‘ because it lies behind the towering Annapurna and Dhaulagiri mountain ranges. Muktinath is famous not only for the temple but the scenic beauty, the Bon tradition, agricultural products like apple and potatoes and the Shaligram as well.
Pilgrims from India have topped the arrival numbers to Muktinath. While travelling from low lands to that height anyone have to be extra careful. So, take note of these points to avoid while traveling to Muktinath.
Travelling by large buses
While Muktinath is accessible by large buses, it is rather recommended to travel with small four wheelers with 4WD. Enroute to Muktinath, there are many landslide areas in the roads lying in the Myagdi region, The cost of hiring a jeep for 7-8 pax can come around Nepali Rupees 30,000, you might find a vacant seat in any jeeps traveling to Muktinath. You will have the comfort to stop the vehicle at need and the time duration taken by such jeeps is only 5-7 hours from Pokhara.
Directly reaching Muktinath
Usually, passengers travel directly to Muktinath from Pokhara, to save time. But the difference of altitude varies from 300 meters at Pokhara to 3,880 meters at Muktinath, alomst 13 times the altitude in Pokhara. This can be harmful, and there are many sad cases of tourists dying due to ‘altitude sickness’ and breathing complication. Muktinath area lacks oxygen, so acclamatization is necessary. You can stay in low altitude areas in the places like Ghasa, Lete or Kagbeni the ‘Barha Gau’ what locals refer , currently under Thasang Rural Municipality Area . Or, the choose your final stopover before Muktinath at Jomsom(2770 meters) which is also not recommended to people living at sea level. Take a day or two before you directly reach Muktinath. You might wanna take few days to enjoy the nature, enjoy the climate before reaching to final destination. It’s more worth as staying here also allows your body to acclimatize and enjoy the nature and culture around that area. There are luxury lodges to Homestays available.
Travelling during Monsoons and Winters
The journey during these two season can be adventurous and enjoyable one, if travelled carefully and precautions taken properly. Mustang receives the least rainfall as the monsoon clouds are blocked by Himalayas., whereas the roads are usually swept due to floods and landslides in the areas like Kavre Bhir and Rupse Falls area.
While during the winters Muktinath receives heavy snowfall. So be ready to carry warm clothes.
Searching Saligrams
Most pilgrims try to search the sacred stone in the river of Kali and Gandaki. It’s very rare to find such stones on the river. If you are lucky, you might get one but, there are workers deployed to search saligrams whose living is out of finding one, so your chances are rarer. Also, to maintain the originality of the river it’s recommended not to go to rivers and search.
Eating non-veg
Choose not to eat non-vegetarian dishes. Hotels are restaurants do offer the non veg dishes but protein digestion is difficult at higher altitudes. Also, most of the non-veg ingredients like Chicken and Goat are supplied from the plains. Specially, Muktinath being a holy site, butchering of animals are not allowed so hotels in the Muktinath area may be providing you the stale meat from the villages of lower altitudes. Eat healthy and fresh veggies during your travel there.
So by avoiding the above mentioned points, you may Relax, Enjoy and Get Spiritual at the Trans Himalayan temple dedicated to Lord Vishnu and Buddha.