Muktinath temple in Nepal is a place where the divine meets raw nature. Just being alive and experiencing the immense natural beauty surrounding this temple, feels like the greatest achievement of your existence. The air here is so pure that every breath you take feels sacred. And the spiritual vibrations are so powerful that they instantly elevate your senses and soothe your soul.

This small yet enchanting temple is hidden deep inside the trans-Himalayan mountains in northern Nepal. It is perched at an altitude of 3800 meters, at the base of Throng La Pass in the Lower Mustang region, making it the highest temple in the entire world.

Imagine a temple located in a moon-like desert landscape, and at the same time being surrounded by some of the highest snow-clad Himalayan mountains like Annapurna, Dhaulagiri, and Nilgiri. This entire scenery comes alive with the holy Kali Gandaki river flowing through the sacred valleys below. Several streams flowing down from these gigantic mountains join the Kali Gandaki River.

When you reach the Muktinath temple in Nepal, you might wonder if you have accidentally stepped into heaven!

What to see at Muktinath temple, Nepal?

1. The Main Muktinath temple

Muktinath temple’s main shrine is small and square-shaped. It is a south-facing temple built in typical Nepali pagoda style of architecture. There are 2 levels above the main sanctum of this temple and its roof features simplistic Nepali wooden and copper motifs. The Vishnu idol inside this temple dates to the 16th century and it’s made of real pure gold. The idol of God Vishnu is accompanied by his two consorts – Bhudevi (ie. Goddess Laxmi) and Sridevi (ie. Goddess Saraswati). Moreover, the statues of Janaki, Luv-Kush, Garuda, and Sapta Rishis are also worshipped inside this temple.

Muktinath temple is a Swayambhu (self-manifested) temple. The present-day temple structure was constructed in the 19th century by Nepali Queen Sabarna Prabha. Another temple stood at this exact place, before the construction of this temple. While it is believed to have been a place of worship since the 1st century AD, ancient Hindu literature suggests that it was an important spiritual destination as far back as 1000 BC. Even today, several Hindu and Buddhist pilgrims make the dangerous journey to visit this temple.

• Best time to visit Muktinath Temple: March to June (for warm temperatures), September to December (for clear snowy views)
• Aarti timings at Muktinath Temple: Temple opens at 6 am, Morning Aarti: 6.30 to 7.30 am, Evening Aarti: 6.00 to 7.00 pm.
• Accessibility at Muktinath Temple: Muktinath Temple is located in a very remote and high-altitude location. Horse rides and palanquins are available for climbing and descending the mountain where this temple is located. 
• Entry Permit for Muktinath Temple: An ACAP permit is required to visit Muktinath, read below for more information.

2. 108 Mukti Dhara (Water springs) and Mukti Kunda (Water ponds)

This is the most rare and interesting feature of the Muktinath temple.

On the walls behind Muktinath Temple, 108 stone-carved bull faces are elaborately placed 7 feet above the ground in a long row. The holy water comes down from the pristine Himalayan mountains and pours continuously from these stone-carved bull faces. The temple’s atmosphere comes alive with these dramatically cascading 108 Mukti Dhara (water springs). In front of the temple, two holy water ponds – Laxmi Kunda and Saraswati Kunda await all the visitors. They are together known as the Mukti Kunda.

In Sanskrit, Mukti Dhara means ‘water springs of liberation’ and Mukti Kunda means ‘water ponds of liberation.’

The Nepalese believe that bathing under the 108 Mukti Dhara (water springs), followed by a dip in the Mukti Kunda (water ponds), clears a person from all his sins or negative karmas. Despite freezing temperatures and high altitude, Nepali locals religiously follow this tradition, braving the icy cold waters before entering the Muktinath temple. While this tradition holds utmost spiritual significance, a more scientific explanation might be that these holy waters contain healing medicinal properties. If you visit the Muktinath temple, I highly recommend you take part in this tradition and experience the magic of this water yourself. If a full bath isn’t possible, you can just sprinkle this water on your head to honor this tradition.

My experience: I could not bring myself to take a full bath in these freezing waters. So, I just collected this holy water in my hands and touched it on my forehead. Almost instantly I felt a change in my body. My exhaustion from the climb melted away. My heavy breathing and the effects of high altitude also vanished. I was suddenly elevated into a powerful energy.

3. Shiva Parvati temple at Muktinath

As you enter the Muktinath temple complex, on the left side of the main entrance, you will find a small Shiva Parvati temple. It does not have a Shiva Lingam. It has two idols – Shiva and Parvati. This temple is surrounded by four smaller shrines in all the four directions. In the clockwise direction, these shrines are of – Vishnu, Rama, Krishna, and Ganesha. A small Nandi statue waits at the entrance of the Shiva Parvati temple. This is the only temple at Muktinath that is purely for Hindu worship. At all the other temple shrines in Muktinath, Buddhists also worship along with the Hindus.

4. Jwala Mai temple (the eternal flame)

A short walk towards the southeast of the main Muktinath temple will lead you to the Jwala Mai temple. This small shrine is built in the Tibetan Gompa style of architecture. This temple houses an eternal flame of fire that burns from a water spring. It is believed that this flame has been burning, without any human intervention, for more than 2000 years. As you kneel and look at the gap where this flame burns, you will also hear the soothing sound of flowing water. According to the legend, this eternal flame was created by God Brahma, the creator himself. This is the only place on earth where you can witness the convergence of all the Pancha Mahabhoota (five elements of nature) – Fire, Water, Earth, Air, and Space.

5. Narsinha Gompa Monastery

A little higher on the mountain towards northwest of the main Muktinath temple, you will find an ancient Buddhist monastery. The Narsinha Gompa monastery is dedicated to the Buddhist Guru Rinpoche. It is believed that he stopped for meditation at this exact place. Inside the monastery, you’ll find a grand statue of Guru Rinpoche, accompanied by several smaller statues of Bon deities. The Buddhists worship a lion-faced deity called Narsinha inside this monastery. God Narsinha is believed to be a fierce protector of his devotees. Interestingly, the Hindus also worship God Narsinha as the lion-faced avatar of God Vishnu. The monastery’s interior has some intricate artistry and a very peaceful atmosphere.

6. Other places to see at Muktinath temple

• Vishnu Paduka Mandir
• Muktinath Yagyashala
• Samba Gompa (new monastery)
• Big Buddha Statue
• Views of Mustang Valley

History of Muktinath temple – Mythology and Spirituality

Muktinath temple is of the greatest spiritual importance to Hindus and Buddhists. In Sanskrit, Mukti Nath means ‘God of Liberation’ or ‘God of Moksha.’ The temple and its surrounding area are known as Mukti Kshetra – a place where one can attain liberation or freedom from the cycle of rebirth. Muktinath temple is a Vishnu temple, one of the 108 Vaishnava Divya Desams, and the only Divya Desam located outside India. It has been mentioned with the highest reverence in the Hindu scriptures like Skanda Purana, Varaha Purana, and Ramayana.

Moreover, as per the Devi Bhagavad Purana, it is one of the 51 Shaktipeethas. It is believed that after her self-immolation, Sati’s forehead fell at this place near Kali Gandaki river. The Buddhists worship their god Avalokiteśvara here. Muktinath temple is also one of the 24 most important Buddhist Tantric places. They call it Chumig Gyatsa which means ‘a hundred springs’ in the local Tibetan language. Many Mahasiddhas (greatest saints) have blessed this temple through rigorous meditations and spiritual practices. Their positive energy is still present in these mountains, amplified by the temple and its natural surroundings.

1. The story of Muktinath Vishnu temple (as per Vaishnavism)

The Curse of Brinda is a story central to the mythology surrounding Muktinath temple. Brinda was the devoted wife of a demon king called Jalandhara. He derived his immense power from her unwavering devotion and chastity. His strength allowed him to challenge even the gods. To end his tyranny, God Vishnu, disguised himself as Jalandhara and deceived Brinda. Thus, breaking her chastity and leading to the death of Jalandhara at the hands of God Shiva.

When she realized this deception, Brinda was heartbroken. She cursed God Vishnu that he would be separated from his wife just like her. She then cursed that he would be turned into a stone and worms would crawl inside it. After giving this curse Brinda immolated herself, and from her ashes emerged the sacred Tulsi (basil) plant. Even today, these Shaligram stones (Ammonite fossils), are found in the riverbed of Kali Gandaki. The Shaligram stone found here is considered a manifestation of God Vishnu himself and worshipped by the Hindus. Thus, Muktinath is not just a place of pilgrimage, but also a site of divine justice.

2. The story of Muktinath Shaktipeeth (as per Shaktism)

As per Devi Bhagavad Purana, Muktinath is one of the 51 Shaktipeetha – places where the body parts of Sati are scattered after her self-immolation. Sati’s forehead fell at Muktinath near the Kali Gandaki river. The Shakti goddess is named ‘Gandaki Chandi’ and her Shiva’s form is called ‘Chakrapani.’ There is no specific temple for the worship of the Shakti Goddess Gandaki Chandi at Muktinath. But I strongly believe that the entire Muktinath region comes alive due to her existence.

3. The story of Chumig Gyatsa (as per Buddhism)

As per Buddhism, the Muktinath temple – Chumig Gyatsa is associated with Bodhisattva Avalokiteshvara. According to the legend, Avalokiteshvara, a compassionate and merciful deity, was once in a deep meditation, seeking to bring relief to the sufferings of people in this region. To bless this land, he manifested a hundred water springs, each spring representing his boundless compassion. These water springs are believed to have healing properties and promote spiritual well-being. Thus, the Muktinath temple is a place of spiritual purification and renewal for Buddhist devotees. It is the most important pilgrimage destination, attracting several Buddhists every year.

How to reach the Muktinath temple?

Muktinath temple’s location is on the trekking route of Nepal’s famous Annapurna circuit trek. This temple is located at a height of 3800 meters above sea level and you are advised to take the high altitude medication to acclimatize your body. When you reach Muktinath you must slow down and take care of yourself, because high altitude, strong winds, and the rough climate at this location will affect your body. Below are some ways in which you can attempt to reach this highest temple in the world, even if you don’t do trekking.

1. Kathmandu to Pokhara to Muktinath temple (by road)

The beautiful lake town of Pokhara can be your first base if you plan to reach Muktinath temple by road. A cheap local bus service runs every day from Pokhara to Muktinath temple. This bus starts from Pokhara early in the morning and reaches Muktinath temple before sunset in the evening. The Kali Gandaki river accompanies you throughout this journey while you cross charming villages like Tatopani, Beni, Ghasa, Lete, Kalopani, Marpha, and more. This road is known as the most dangerous road in Nepal, with its sharp twists, narrow turns, and a scary drop in the valley below. But from my experience, this journey is better than taking a direct flight.

2. Kathmandu to Jomsom airport to Muktinath temple (by direct flight)

Jomsom airport is the nearest airport to the Muktinath temple. You can take a direct flight from Kathmandu to Jomsom, which lasts just 20 minutes. While Muktinath temple is only 23 km from Jomsom airport, beware this airport is known to be the most dangerous airport in Nepal. If you take a direct flight your travel time decreases significantly and the journey is more comfortable and less exhausting.

Entry Permits needed for foreigners visiting the Muktinath temple

Muktinath temple is located in the Annapurna Conservation Area Project, and as a foreigner, you require an ACAP permit to enter this region. You can easily obtain it within a day by visiting the ACAP permit office in Kathmandu or Pokhara. The ACAP permit will be checked at the checkpost in Ghasa village, which is on the way from Pokhara to Muktinath. In case, you don’t have an ACAP permit, you will have to get it made at Ghasa checkpost by paying a double charge. A dedicated trekking guide or TIMS permit is not required for visiting the Muktinath temple.

Places to visit in Mustang region, Nepal

The Mustang region is the most beautiful part of Nepal. The raw nature found here inspires you and it changes you. If you have extra time then you must visit the following places near Muktinath temple.

• Jomsom and Dhumba Lake: Jomsom is an airport village, known for its desert-like landscape and strong winds. It is a hub for the trekkers on the Annapurna circuit trek and serves as a base for anyone venturing into northern Nepal. The Dhumba Lake near Thini village, is a short and refreshing hike from Jomsom.
• Kagbeni village and monastery: Kagbeni is a small charming village located at the confluence of the Jhong and Kali Gandaki rivers. It is known for its ancient monastery and offers a glimpse into the traditional Tibetan lifestyle. This village is a common stop for both trekkers as well as pilgrims. Kagbeni is the last village in the Lower Mustang region.
• Marpha village: Marpha is another beautiful village located on the banks of the Kali Gandaki River. It is famous for its apple orchards and apple products. The monastery in Marpha village has intricate carvings and traditional Tibetan artworks. It is surrounded by the Himalayan mountains offering breathtaking views and a peaceful atmosphere.
• Damodar Kunda (Lake) in Surkhang village: It is believed that the holy Kali Gandaki river originates from Damodar Kunda in Surkhang village. This lake is also the source of the Shaligram stones sold across Nepal. However, this lake is located farther north in the Upper Mustang region, which also requires an Upper Mustang restricted Area permit for foreigners.