About Muktinath Temple, Mustang, Nepal
Muktinath Temple stands at about 3,710 metres in the Mustang district of Nepal, in the Himalayas near the Kali Gandaki river. It is sacred to both Hindus and Buddhists and is counted among the holy Vishnu shrines.
Pilgrims come to bathe in the 108 water spouts, the Mukti Dhara, and to see the eternal flame at the nearby Jwala Mai shrine.
Story of Muktinath Temple
The temple is a small pagoda-style shrine dedicated to Vishnu as Mukti Narayan. It is surrounded by a wall with 108 water spouts shaped like animal heads, and a pair of sacred ponds.
The Kali Gandaki river valley is also known for Shaligram stones, which Hindus worship as a form of Vishnu.
What Makes Muktinath Temple Sacred for Devotees
Mukti Narayan and Liberation
Muktinath means the Lord of liberation. Hindu pilgrims believe that a visit and the ritual bath can lead to moksha, or release.
A Shared Holy Place
Buddhists know the site as Chumig Gyatsa, or Hundred Waters, and honour it as a place of the Buddha Guru Rinpoche.
Annual Festivals & Rituals at Muktinath Temple, Mustang, Nepal
Ram Navami and Janmashtami Celebrations at the Temple
Hindu devotees gather for the festivals of Rama and Krishna.
Yartung Festival Celebrations at the Temple
A Buddhist festival held in the Mustang region in late summer or early autumn.
Pilgrimage Season Celebrations at the Temple
Spring and autumn are the main seasons for pilgrims.
Sacred Places to Visit Near Muktinath Temple
Jomsom : The nearest town and airstrip, a base for the pilgrimage.
Kagbeni : A medieval village at the entrance to Upper Mustang.
Kali Gandaki Gorge : One of the deepest gorges in the world, known for Shaligram stones.
Common Questions About Visiting Muktinath Temple
Visitor Information
Darshan Timing
Address
Muktinath, Mustang District, Nepal
How to Reach the Temple
By Air: Jomsom Airport is the nearest airstrip, with flights from Pokhara. Muktinath is reached by road or helicopter from Jomsom.
By Rail: There is no railway in the region.
By Road: A road runs along the Kali Gandaki valley from Jomsom.