Muktinath

The Muktinath Temple located in Mustang, is one of the most sacred places for both Buddhists and Hindus. For a devout Hindu, salvation is the ultimate goal. Even Buddhists revere Muktinath as the holy place where Guru Rimpoche (founder of Tibetan Buddhism) attained enlightenment. Hindus and Buddhists worship Muktinath as an abode of Hindu deity whom they revere as an abode of Muktinath, known as 'the lord of liberation' in Mustang, Nepal. Located at 3,800 meters above sea level in Nepal's Mustang district, Muktinath is a revered temple that is sacred to both Hindus (as a Vishnu temple and 108th Divya water taps (Dhara) and Buddhists (as the Chumig Gyatsa Tantric site). It is considered to be the most important pilgrimage site in the world for salvation, as it is known as the "lord of liberation."

Key Information & Highlights:

• Significance: Sri Vishnu temple has 108 water taps, 51 Shakti Piths, and it is a key Buddhist site associated with Guru Rinpoche.
• Key Features: The temple complex features 108 bull-headed water faucets (Muktidhara) where pilgrims bathe, an eternal blue flame (Jwala Mai), and a pagoda-style temple with a 16th-century Vishnu idol.
• Location: As a part of the Annapurna range, Muktinath Temple is set in the lap of Himalayan Parvat Mala mountain range.
• Best Time to Visit: In terms of climate, March to June and September to November are the most suitable months to visit, though it can be visited all year long.
• Altitude: It is essential to acclimatize properly before hiking at 3,800m elevation in order to avoid becoming ill.
• Accommodations: In nearby Ranipauwa, you can find hotels, lodges and guesthouses.