The Muktinath Yatra Tour in Nepal is one of the most sacred pilgrimages for both Hindus and Buddhists. The revered Muktinath Temple (मुक्तिनाथ मन्दिर), also known as Muktidham or Muktishetra, lies in the serene Mustang district of Nepal, north of Pokhara, at an altitude of 3,710 meters (12,172 feet) beneath the majestic Nilgiri Mountain. This holy site sits close to the Kaligandaki River, the only river on Earth where the sacred Shaligram stones, the fossilized symbols of Lord Vishnu, are naturally found. Near Kagbeni lies Hansa Tirtha, where devotees perform Pitri Tarpanam to honor their ancestors.

Spiritual Significance of Muktinath Yatra

Muktinath, meaning “the place of liberation,” is revered as a sacred site of salvation (Mukti). The temple complex is renowned for its 108 water spouts in the shape of cow mouths (Gau Mukh) and two holy ponds—Paap Kunda and Punya Kunda—where pilgrims bathe to cleanse themselves of past sins and impurities.

Inside the temple stands a life-sized copper idol of Lord Shri Vishnu, seated in Padmasana (lotus posture) and adorned in yellow attire. On his right stands Saraswati Mata (Bhu Devi), the goddess of knowledge, while on his left is Laxmi Mata (Shri Devi), the goddess of wealth and prosperity, both dressed in red. The shrine also houses idols of Lord Ganesh, Gautam Buddha, Garuda, Alwar Acharya Shri Ramanuja, and the sacred Shaligram Shila, the divine form of Lord Vishnu.

The Legend of Lord Vishnu and the Shaligram

According to ancient Hindu scriptures, Lord Vishnu once deceived his devoted follower Vrinda, the wife of demon Jalandhar, in the process of saving the universe from evil forces. As a result of this act, he was cursed to reside on Earth as Shaligram Shila, as well as in Tulsi, Kusha grass, and the Peepal tree. The Kaligandaki River and Muktinath Dham are considered the divine places where Lord Vishnu spent his time in the Shaligram form.

Muktinath is one of the eight Swayambhu (self-manifested) shrines of Lord Vishnu and one of the 108 Divya Desams revered by the Vaishnavas. It is also said that Lord Swaminarayan, as Nilkanth Varni, visited Muktinath and performed meditation here. The temple therefore holds immense importance in Vaishnavism and Sanatan Dharma.

Pilgrimage Beliefs and Salvation

Devotees believe that Lord Vishnu performed intense tapasya (penance) at Muktinath Kshetra to cleanse himself of his earthly karma and attain salvation. Hence, Lord Vishnu is worshiped here as the God of Mukti (liberation).
Thousands of pilgrims from Nepal, India, and across the world visit Muktinath every year to offer prayers and seek freedom from the cycle of birth and rebirth.

Historical Background

The exact origin of Muktinath Temple remains unknown, but the current pagoda-style temple was built around 1815 AD by Queen Subarna Prabha Devi, the wife of King Rana Bahadur Shah of Nepal and daughter-in-law of King Prithvi Narayan Shah, the founder of modern Nepal. This makes Muktinath not just a spiritual destination but also a site of great historical and cultural value.

How to Reach Muktinath Temple

There are several ways to reach Muktinath from Kathmandu:

• By Air: Fly from Kathmandu to Pokhara, then take a short 15-minute flight to Jomsom, followed by a short drive or trek to Muktinath.

• By Road: Drive from Kathmandu to Pokhara, then continue via Galeshwar, Tatopani, and Jomsom, passing through the world’s deepest gorge—the Kali Gandaki Valley.

• By Helicopter: For those seeking comfort and speed, a Muktinath Helicopter Tour from Kathmandu or Pokhara offers breathtaking aerial views of the Himalayas and the sacred Mustang region.

Important Places to Visit near Muktinath Temple.

• Samba Gompa: The main deities of this monastery are Shakyamuni, Chingresig, & Guru Rimpoche. The monastery is situated on the left from the main entrance gate of the Muktinath temple complex.
• Muktinath Yagyashala: Pilgrims who wish to perform yagna at Muktinath can perform in this Yagyashala.
• Vishnu Paduka: After crossing Muktinath Yagyashala, we can see Vishnu Paduka on the right-hand side. The meditation idol of the Swaminarayan Nilkanth Varani was also placed.
• Mukteshwar Mahadev Temple: Just in front of the Vishnu Paduka Mukteshwar Mahadev Temple is located. There is an idol of lord Shiva and Parvati and is considered as Shakti Peetha.
• 108 Mukti Dhara: At the back courtyard of the Muktinath Temple, there are 108 water springs popularly known as Mukti Dhara, from where water is pouring from the cow’s head. It is believed that taking a bath in this chilled water has the power to rinse past sins and bad karmas, which will purify the soul.
• Paap Kunda and Punya Kunda: In the front of the temple we can find two small ponds. The flowing water of 108 Mukti Dhara is internally connected with these ponds. It’s said that taking a bath in Paap Kunda will rinse the Paap and Punya to rinse Punya.
• Narshing Gompa: This monastery is dedicated to Guru Rimpoche (Padmasambhava); his huge clay image is placed at the center of the altar along with the Bon deities: red Trakpo on the right side and blue Singe Doma on the left side. Since Singe Doma is a lion-headed deity, Hindus worship the deity as Narsinha and named the monastery Narsingh Gompa.
• Jwala Mai Temple: This monastery is known as the Monastery of the Miraculous Flame. Manjushri, Avaloketeshwara, and Bajrapani are the main deities of this monastery, beneath which a natural gas blue flame burns continuously. Hindus regard this miraculous flame as an offering made by Brahma. The monastery is located south of the Muktinath temple.

Please join the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra for Muktinath tour in Nepal.