
The way to Jomsom
by Charlie C.
Muktinath is the final destination of the sacred Hindu and Buddhist pilgrimage. With this Muktinath Trek, you follow the final part of this pilgrimage. The trail goes up, through the gorge carved by the Kali Gandaki river. This water comes from the high Tibetan plateau and eventually joins the Ganges in India. On this trail you can meet Tibetan traders as well as sadhus from the far south of India who came on foot.
This trekking, following the final part of the sacred pilgrimage to Muktinath, is part of the Annapurna circuit. The main feature of this trek is walking through the gorge carved by the Kali Gandaki river, which, carries water from the Tibetan plateau to eventually join the Ganges in India.
Muktinath is a sacred place for both Hindus and Buddhists located in Muktinath Valley (3710m) at the foot of the Thorong La, one of the world’s highest mountain passes. To the Hindu, Muktinath is a sacred place of salvation because they believe that to wash in the water here guarantees salvation after death. To the Buddhist it is the place that the great sage Guru Rinpoche (Padmasambhava) meditated at. Furthermore it is the source of fossilized ammonites, known locally as shaligrams that are found all along the upper reaches of the Kali Gandaki River valley.
The central shrine of Muktinath is considered one of the eight most sacred shrines. This particular temple is very small and one of the most ancient Hindu temples of God Vishnu. In the temple is an old Buddhist monk present and if you’re lucky you may see very young monks studying as well.
The courtyard has 108 bull faces through which water flows of freezing temperature. In this sacred water and in the water of two pools nearby devotees take their sacred bath, even in freezing temperatures.
If you’re up to a longer and more adventurous trek but really want to see Muktinath? Then do consider the Annapurna Circuit Trek or the trek to Tilicho Lake. Both routes start on the other side of the Annapurna mountain range. And you trek all around the range, cross the high mountain pass of Thorong La and reach Muktinath from there.
Go for more info to the 19-day Annapurna Circuit Trek and the 16-day Tilicho Lake Trek.
by Charlie C.
by John P.
by Charlie C.
In Kathmandu and in Pokhara, before and after your Muktinath trek, you will be staying at a 3-star hotel with a private bathroom and wifi. These hotels have a prime location. In Kathmandu you will be staying in the travellers neighbourhood Thamel. And in Pokhara you will be staying in Lakeside. Both hotels are nearby many restaurants, trekking gear shops and supermarkets.
During your Muktinath trek, you will be staying at mountain lodges. Here are double rooms and shared bathrooms.
Hot shower and wifi are also available for an additional fee.