Muktinath
In Nepali: मुक्तिनाथ · Also known as: Chumig Gyatsa · Muktikshetra · मुक्तिक्षेत्र
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For Hindus, Muktinath (Muktikshetra, 'place of liberation') is one of the 108 sacred Vaishnava sites, where bathing under the 108 bull-headed spouts behind the pagoda temple is said to wash away sins. For Buddhists it is Chumig Gyatsa, 'hundred waters', where Guru Rinpoche meditated.
In the Jwala Mai temple nearby, small flames of natural gas burn from the rock beside a spring — fire and water together. The village of Ranipauwa below has lodges, and the temple is reached by road from Jomsom or on foot after crossing the Thorong La.
What to see and do
Walk up from Ranipauwa to the temple complex: the pagoda of Vishnu (Muktinath) with its 108 spouts and two pools where pilgrims bathe, the Jwala Mai temple with its natural flames, and the Buddhist gompas in the complex. The surrounding Jhong valley has old villages such as Jharkot with a fort and monastery.
Good to know
Pilgrims come in large numbers, especially from India, in spring and autumn. The altitude (3,700 m+) can affect people who arrive by road from the lowlands quickly — take it slow. Hotels in Ranipauwa are plentiful. The water from the spouts is icy!
Quick answers
- Where is Muktinath?
- Muktinath is in Mustang district, Gandaki Province, in the Himal belt of Nepal.
- What is the altitude of Muktinath?
- About 3,710 m (12,173 ft) above sea level.
- How much does it cost to visit Muktinath?
- For a 3-day trip from Pokhara, about NPR 60,500 (≈ US$450) per person on a budget, or NPR 64,500 (≈ US$480) with standard hotels and private transport — for two foreign visitors sharing, including transport, stay, food, entry fees. Nepali visitors on a budget: about NPR 26,000 per person. These are estimates; adjust them in the trip planner.
- How many days do I need for Muktinath?
- Plan 1 night there; with travel from Pokhara and back, about 3 days in all.
- Do I need a permit or ticket for Muktinath?
- Foreign visitors pay about NPR 3,000 / US$22 to enter the Annapurna Conservation Area (ACAP) (SAARC visitors about half, Nepali citizens a small fee).
- When is the best time to visit Muktinath?
- March–June; September–November
- How do I get to Muktinath?
- Fly Pokhara–Jomsom, then 1.5 hours by jeep; or by road from Pokhara via Beni. It is about 68 km (straight line) from Pokhara, and usually reached by flight.
- What is Muktinath called in Nepali?
- मुक्तिनाथ
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