Muktinath Pilgrimage Tour
- Duration
- 6 days
- Max altitude
- 3,760 m
- Difficulty
-
Easy
Difficulty scale
- Easy Short walking days on good trails below about 3,000 m. Suitable for anyone in ordinary health, including families.
- Moderate 5 to 6 hours a day with some steep sections, reaching up to about 4,000 m. A reasonable level of fitness and a few weeks of preparation walking recommended.
- Strenuous 6 to 8 hours a day, high passes or altitudes above 5,000 m, and remote stretches. Good fitness, prior trekking experience and proper acclimatisation days are essential.
- Very strenuous Long days, multiple high passes or technical sections, sustained time above 5,000 m. For experienced, well-conditioned trekkers only.
- Best season
- Autumn (Sep–Nov) · Spring (Mar–May)
- Group
- Private
- From
- $960.00
Overview
Muktinath sits at around 3,760 m in the dry upper Kali Gandaki, and it is holy to two faiths at once. Hindus come for Vishnu, worshipped here as the lord of liberation, and bathe under the 108 water spouts behind the temple. Buddhists know the same place as Chumig Gyatsa, the hundred springs, and honour Guru Rinpoche, who is said to have meditated here. A small shrine nearby shelters a flame that burns on natural gas just above running water.
This trip gets you there without trekking. You fly from Pokhara to Jomsom, take a jeep up the valley and sleep at a sensible height in Kagbeni before your morning at the temple, which is far easier on the body than going up and down in a single day.
Every departure is private and led by a government-licensed Nepali guide, so the plan flexes to your party and to the weather. The permit, the mountain flights and local taxes are inside the price you see.
Trip highlights
- The 108 water spouts and two sacred ponds at Muktinath
- Jwala Mai, the flame that burns above running water
- The flight up the Kali Gandaki between Dhaulagiri and Annapurna
- A night in Kagbeni, the old walled village at the edge of Upper Mustang
- No trekking: a jeep and short walks only
Day by day
The itinerary
-
Day 1: Arrive in Kathmandu (1,400 m) 1,400 m Hotel
Our representative meets you at Tribhuvan International Airport and drives you to your hotel, where your guide goes through the plan with you. If you land in time, the evening aarati on the Bagmati ghats at Pashupatinath is a fitting start to a pilgrimage, and your guide can take you. Hindus may enter the main temple; everyone else watches from the far bank.
-
Day 2: Kathmandu to Pokhara (820 m) 820 m 6-7 by road hrs Hotel B
West out of the valley and along the Trishuli river by tourist coach, six to seven hours, or a 25-minute flight at extra cost. Pokhara sits on Phewa Lake with Machhapuchhre standing over it, and the evening is yours by the water.
-
Day 3: Fly to Jomsom (2,720 m), jeep to Kagbeni (2,810 m) 2,810 m Lodge B/L/D
An early flight of about 20 minutes straight up the Kali Gandaki, with Dhaulagiri on one side and the Annapurnas on the other. From Jomsom a short jeep ride up the wide riverbed brings you to Kagbeni, a village of mud-walled alleys and an old red monastery where the valley turns north into Upper Mustang. The black ammonite fossils that pilgrims call shaligram, sacred to Vishnu, turn up in the river gravel here. A quiet afternoon at this height helps your body get used to the thinner air before tomorrow.
-
Day 4: Muktinath temple (3,760 m), back down to Jomsom (2,720 m) 3,760 m Lodge B/L/D
An early jeep of about an hour climbs to Ranipauwa, the village below the temple, and a short, steep walk of 15 to 20 minutes brings you to the gate. Inside the compound is the pagoda temple of Vishnu, and behind it the 108 water spouts where pilgrims bathe, with two small ponds in front for a ritual dip. Close by, the Jwala Mai shrine shelters a flame that burns on natural gas above a trickle of water, and the Buddhist side of the site has its own small monastery. Take your time; there is no rush to leave.
Lunch in Ranipauwa, then the jeep back down the valley to Jomsom. If there is time, a short drive further down to Marpha, the whitewashed Thakali village known for its apples.
-
Day 5: Fly back to Pokhara (820 m) 820 m Hotel B
The early flight back down the gorge to Pokhara. In the afternoon, the Bindhyabasini temple on its hillock above the old bazaar, then a boat across Phewa Lake to the small Tal Barahi temple on its island, dedicated to the goddess Barahi.
-
Day 6: Pokhara to Kathmandu, end of the tour 1,400 m 6-7 by road hrs B
Back to Kathmandu by tourist coach, six to seven hours, or by the short flight at extra cost, and a transfer to your hotel or the airport. If you are flying home today, book an evening departure or let us add a night in Kathmandu.
Altitude profile
The climb, day by day
Comfort tiers
Choose your level of comfort
| Amenity | Standardfrom $1,150.00 | Comfortfrom $1,357.00 | Luxuryfrom $1,667.50 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kathmandu hotel | 3★ | 4★ | 5★ |
| Trail accommodation | Standard teahouse | Best lodge in each village | Premium lodge where the route has one |
| Porter support | Shared porter | Private porter, lighter load | Extra porter, carry almost nothing |
| Transfers | Shared | Private | Private, throughout |
What's included
Included
- Included: Airport pickup and drop-off in Kathmandu by private vehicle
- Included: One night in a three-star hotel in Kathmandu with breakfast, twin sharing
- Included: Two nights in a three-star hotel in Pokhara with breakfast, twin sharing
- Included: One night in Kagbeni and one in Jomsom in the best available lodge, with breakfast, lunch and dinner
- Included: Tourist coach between Kathmandu and Pokhara, both ways
- Included: Flights from Pokhara to Jomsom and back, with airport transfers
- Included: Private jeep in the valley: Jomsom to Kagbeni, Kagbeni to Muktinath, and back down to Jomsom
- Included: Annapurna Conservation Area Permit
- Included: A government-licensed, English-speaking guide from Kathmandu, with their flights, meals, accommodation, wages and insurance
- Included: Boat to the Tal Barahi temple on Phewa Lake
- Included: First aid kit with a pulse oximeter
- Included: All government taxes and official charges
Not included
- Not included: International airfare and the Nepal entry visa
- Not included: Travel insurance, which should cover helicopter evacuation
- Not included: Lunch and dinner in Kathmandu and Pokhara
- Not included: The Kathmandu to Pokhara flight if you would rather fly, at extra cost
- Not included: Temple offerings, puja and donations
- Not included: Drinks, snacks and personal expenses
- Not included: Tips for your guide and driver
- Not included: Extra nights or transport caused by flight cancellations, landslides or other events beyond our control
- Not included: Anything not listed under what is included
Meeting & logistics
Getting there & back
Our representative meets you at Tribhuvan International Airport and drives you to your hotel. The next morning the tourist coach takes you to Pokhara in six to seven hours. If you would rather fly, the flight takes about 25 minutes and we can book it at extra cost.
From Pokhara a flight of about 20 minutes takes you up the Kali Gandaki to Jomsom, and a private jeep does the rest. On the way back you fly from Jomsom to Pokhara and take the coach to Kathmandu. If weather grounds the Jomsom flight, we wait for the next one or drive to Pokhara by jeep.
Know before you go
Suitability & requirements
Jomsom flights run in the early morning, before the valley wind gets up, and weather grounds them fairly often. If ours is cancelled we wait for the next one or go by jeep, which is a long day of eight to ten hours on a rough road. Please keep a spare day before any international flight home.
Muktinath is at about 3,760 m. Sleeping in Kagbeni and Jomsom, well below it, keeps the risk of altitude sickness low, but walk slowly at the temple, drink plenty of water and tell your guide about any headache or dizziness.
Your team
Led by a licensed guide
Every route is led by a government-licensed guide from our team. Licences are on record with us before departure, and you'll meet your guide once your trip is confirmed.
Guide language(s): English, Nepali
Group-size pricing
Walk together, pay less
Every trip is private, so the guide, permits and transfers cost the same however many walk. Sharing them is why the per-person price falls: arithmetic, not a sale.
| Group size | per person | You save each |
|---|---|---|
| 1 traveller | $1,150.00 | base rate |
| 2 to 3 travellers | $960.00 | $190.00 |
| 4 to 6 travellers | $900.00 | $250.00 |
| 7 or more | $845.00 | $305.00 |
Per person, including permits, park fees and taxes. Nothing is added at checkout.
Weather
What to expect, month by month
- Autumn (Sep–Nov)The most reliable trekking season: clear air, stable weather and cold nights, right after the monsoon clears.
- Spring (Mar–May)Warmer than autumn, with rhododendron forests in flower and slightly hazier mountain views as the season goes on.
Questions
Asked about this trip
Is there any walking?
Very little. A jeep takes you to Ranipauwa, the village below the temple, and from there it is a short, steep walk of 15 to 20 minutes up to the gate. Go slowly; the air is thin at this height.
Do I need a permit?
Yes. Muktinath is inside the Annapurna Conservation Area, so every visitor needs the area permit. We arrange it and it is included. Bring your passport, because the permit is checked on the way.
Can I bathe under the 108 spouts?
Many pilgrims do, and then dip in the two ponds in front of the temple. The water is very cold, so bring a towel and a change of clothes.
Is the temple open to people of every faith?
Yes. Hindu and Buddhist pilgrims and visitors from around the world come here. Dress modestly and follow your guide's lead at the shrines.
What if the Jomsom flight is cancelled?
Jomsom flights are weather-dependent and cancellations happen. We wait for the next flight or go by jeep, so please keep a spare day before your international flight home.
When is the best time to go?
Spring, March to May, and autumn, September to November, have the most reliable flights. The temple is open all year, and we can run the trip in summer and winter too; tell us your dates and we will tell you honestly what to expect.
How does booking confirmation work?
Instantly. Your booking is confirmed as soon as your payment or deposit goes through, and the confirmation email follows straight away. We then collect what we need for your permit and introduce your licensed guide before you travel.
Can I pay a deposit and settle the balance later?
Yes. Choose the deposit option to secure your dates, and we will send a secure payment link for the balance before departure, or you can settle by bank transfer.
What is the cancellation policy?
If you cancel before departure, we refund what you paid, minus the payment provider's transaction fee, which they do not return to us, and the cost of any permits, flights or bookings already issued for you. Full terms are in our cancellation policy.
Traveller reviews
What travellers say
Good to know
FAQ & policies
Is there any walking?
Very little. A jeep takes you to Ranipauwa, the village below the temple, and from there it is a short, steep walk of 15 to 20 minutes up to the gate. Go slowly; the air is thin at this height.
Do I need a permit?
Yes. Muktinath is inside the Annapurna Conservation Area, so every visitor needs the area permit. We arrange it and it is included. Bring your passport, because the permit is checked on the way.
Can I bathe under the 108 spouts?
Many pilgrims do, and then dip in the two ponds in front of the temple. The water is very cold, so bring a towel and a change of clothes.
Is the temple open to people of every faith?
Yes. Hindu and Buddhist pilgrims and visitors from around the world come here. Dress modestly and follow your guide's lead at the shrines.
What if the Jomsom flight is cancelled?
Jomsom flights are weather-dependent and cancellations happen. We wait for the next flight or go by jeep, so please keep a spare day before your international flight home.
When is the best time to go?
Spring, March to May, and autumn, September to November, have the most reliable flights. The temple is open all year, and we can run the trip in summer and winter too; tell us your dates and we will tell you honestly what to expect.
How does booking confirmation work?
Instantly. Your booking is confirmed as soon as your payment or deposit goes through, and the confirmation email follows straight away. We then collect what we need for your permit and introduce your licensed guide before you travel.
Can I pay a deposit and settle the balance later?
Yes. Choose the deposit option to secure your dates, and we will send a secure payment link for the balance before departure, or you can settle by bank transfer.
What is the cancellation policy?
If you cancel before departure, we refund what you paid, minus the payment provider's transaction fee, which they do not return to us, and the cost of any permits, flights or bookings already issued for you. Full terms are in our cancellation policy.
Why book with us
Every trail, one licensed team
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