Annapurna Region

Muktinath and Upper Muktinath Spiritual Tour

Difficulty Moderate

Duration 7 Days

Max. Altitude 3,800 m / 12,467 ft

Best Season Mar-Jun, Sep-Nov

Lodging & Meals Standard Hotels & Comfortable Mountain Lodges

Muktinath and Upper Muktinath Spiritual Tour

The Muktinath and Upper Muktinath Spiritual Tour is a deeply transformative pilgrimage and cultural discovery into the sacred Mustang region of Nepal. Situated at the base of the Thorong La mountain pass at an altitude of 3,710 meters, Muktinath ("Lord of Salvation") is worshipped as Chumig Gyatsa (Hundred Springs) by Tibetan Buddhists and as one of the 108 Divya Desams by Hindus.

This curated journey goes beyond the traditional pilgrim circuit by taking you higher into Upper Muktinath, including the ancient fortress village of Jhong (Dzong), centuries-old Bon and Tibetan monasteries, and ancient caves overlooking the dramatic, wind-sculpted Mustang desert. Along the trail, admire the snow-crowned majesty of Mount Dhaulagiri (8,167m), Nilgiri (7,061m), and the Annapurna massif.

You will participate in morning rituals at the Muktinath sanctum, bathe under the sacred 108 stone water spouts, witness the holy natural gas flame burning continuously upon water inside Jwala Mai Temple, and walk the historic cobbled alleys of Kagbeni — the legendary medieval gateway to the forbidden kingdom of Upper Mustang.

Muktinath Temple and Mustang Valley Panorama

Muktinath Temple and Mustang Valley Panorama

Signature Experiences

Expedition Highlights

01

Holy ritual bath under the 108 stone water spouts (Mukti Dhara) and sacred ponds at Muktinath Temple.

02

Witness the miraculous natural gas eternal flame dancing on water at Jwala Mai Temple.

03

Explore Upper Muktinath, including the ancient fortified village of Jhong and traditional Tibetan monasteries.

04

Marvel at panoramic views of Dhaulagiri (8,167m), Nilgiri (7,061m), and the Mustang canyon landscapes.

05

Visit medieval Kagbeni village with its red-walled gompa, ancient chortens, and wind-sculpted alleyways.

06

Search for sacred ammonite fossils (Shaligram stones) along the sacred Kali Gandaki riverbed.

07

Spectacular mountain flight between Pokhara and Jomsom soaring through the world's deepest gorge.

Trail Logs & Itinerary

1

Trekking Day Max Elev: 3,800 m / 12,467 ft

Welcome to Kathmandu. Our team greets you at the airport and escorts you to your hotel. Meet your pilgrimage guide for a detailed orientation on high-altitude acclimatization, customs, and travel logistics in the Mustang valley.

2

Trekking Day Max Elev: 3,800 m / 12,467 ft

Journey westward to the tranquil lake city of Pokhara. Enjoy views of terraced farms, rivers, and the approaching Himalayan peaks. Check into your hotel by Phewa Lake with the afternoon free for relaxing or boating.

3

Trekking Day Max Elev: 3,800 m / 12,467 ft

Board an early morning 20-minute flight from Pokhara to Jomsom, flying between the towering Annapurna and Dhaulagiri massifs through the Kali Gandaki Gorge. Upon landing, board a private 4WD jeep and ascend along the high trans-Himalayan desert through Kagbeni up to Muktinath (Ranipauwa). Rest and acclimatize.

4

Trekking Day Max Elev: 3,800 m / 12,467 ft

Early morning visit to the sacred Muktinath Temple. Devotees take ritual holy baths beneath the 108 sacred brass water spouts and offer prayers inside the Vishnu sanctum. Visit Jwala Mai temple to observe the holy eternal flame. In the afternoon, hike or drive up to Upper Muktinath to explore Jhong (Dzong) village, its 500-year-old Sakya Buddhist monastery, and ancient hilltop fortress ruins with panoramic Mustang views.

5

Trekking Day Max Elev: 3,800 m / 12,467 ft

After breakfast, drive down to the historic village of Kagbeni, situated at the confluence of the Kali Gandaki and Jhong rivers. Kagbeni is the ancient trading crossroads and gateway to the forbidden kingdom of Upper Mustang. Tour the red-walled Kag Chode Thupten Sampheling Monastery and explore the riverbed. Continue driving back to Jomsom for overnight stay.

6

Trekking Day Max Elev: 3,800 m / 12,467 ft

Catch an early morning flight from Jomsom back to Pokhara. Connect with your onward flight or scenic drive back to Kathmandu. Check into your hotel with the evening free for souvenir shopping or relaxing.

7

Trekking Day Max Elev: 3,800 m / 12,467 ft

Transfer to Tribhuvan International Airport for your return flight home, carrying the sacred spiritual blessings and memories of Muktinath.

Muktinath Spiritual Tour Feature

Muktinath Spiritual Tour Feature

Inclusions

Roundtrip domestic flights between Pokhara and Jomsom with airport taxes
Private 4WD jeep transport for all travel between Jomsom, Muktinath, Upper Muktinath, and Kagbeni
Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP) and TIMS permit
6 nights accommodation in quality hotels and comfortable mountain lodges
Daily breakfast throughout the entire journey
Licensed professional cultural and pilgrimage tour guide
All monument, temple, and monastery entry fees as per itinerary
Private AC vehicle for all transfers in Kathmandu and Pokhara
Emergency medical first-aid kit with portable pulse oximeter
All government taxes, VAT, and official service charges

Exclusions

International flights and Nepal entry visa
Lunch and dinner in cities and mountain lodges (approx. $15-20 per day)
Personal travel, medical, and emergency evacuation insurance
Horse or pony rental in Muktinath (optional)
Personal expenses (hot shower, Wi-Fi, battery charging, beverages)
Tips and gratuities for guides and drivers

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the significance of Muktinath for Hindus and Buddhists?

For Hindus, Muktinath is one of the 108 Divya Desams where Lord Vishnu attained salvation. Bathing in the 108 spouts is believed to cleanse sins. For Buddhists, it is Chumig Gyatsa (Place of 100 Springs), sanctified by Guru Padmasambhava on his way to Tibet in the 8th century.

How high is Muktinath and is altitude sickness a concern?

Muktinath is located at 3,710 meters, and Upper Muktinath (Jhong) is at 3,800 meters. Because travelers fly quickly from Pokhara to Jomsom, we ensure rest upon arrival, adequate hydration, and light physical effort on day 1 to acclimate comfortably.

When is the best time to visit Muktinath?

The best months are spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November), offering crystal clear mountain views and dry weather. Summer/monsoon (July to August) is also accessible since Mustang lies in a rain shadow area, although flights may face weather delays.

Book This Experience

TRAVELERS

2

PREFERRED DATE

BOOK THIS JOURNEY ASK A QUESTION

100% Tailored

Expert Guides

All Entry Permits

Free Changes

| Guaranteed Departures • No Hidden Fees

Captured Moments

Expedition Gallery

2 photos

Muktinath Temple and Mustang Valley Panorama

1 / 2

Muktinath Spiritual Tour Feature

2 / 2