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Introduction: Muktinath Tour Package
The Muktinath tour package takes visitors and pilgrims to one of the renowned UNESCO world heritage sites located in Nepal. The Muktinath temple is situated in the Mustang district of Nepal and is believed to be a sacred site for both Hindus and Buddhists. The Muktinath temple is considered one of the highest temples in the world.
The temple consists of a central shrine, which is dedicated to the Hindu god Vishnu (the preserver). The Muktinath temple has 108 stone water springs and two kundas, and it is believed that dipping or bathing in these water sources can wash away human sin. Similarly, the temple consists of a human-sized golden statue of Vishnu as Shree Mukti Narayan. Other highlights of the area are the images of Bhoodevi, also known as the Earth Goddess form of Laxmi, the goddess Saraswati; Janaki; Garuda, the mount of Vishnu; Lav-Kush, who are the sons of Ram and Sita; and the Sapta Rishis, who are the seven sages created by Lord Brahma. There is also an old Buddhist monk who is worshipped by the nuns.
Another main highlight of the Muktinath Tour itinerary is Manakamana. Manakamana is a Hindu temple dedicated to the goddess Bhagwati, who is believed to be an incarnation of Parvati. The temple is located on a hilltop in the Gorkha district of Nepal. The temple can be reached by cable car (ropeway) that takes about 10 minutes more or less, or it can be hiked from Abu Khaireni Rural Municipality, which takes about three hours. The views of Annapurna II, Lamjung Himal and Mount Manaslu are visible from this location.
Similarly, visitors will get a chance to visit the lake city of Pokhara. Pokhara is the second-most popular city in Nepal after Kathmandu. The Annapurna range, with three of the ten highest mountains in the world, including Dhaulagiri, Annapurna I and Manaslu, is within 56 kilometers of the valley. There are many places of interest in the beautiful city of Pokhara. Shree Bindhyabasini Temple, Tal Barahi Temple, Gupteshwor Mahadev Cave, Phewa Lake, World Peace Pagoda, Devi’s Falls, and Pumdikot Religious Area are some of the best attractions in the area.
How does the Muktinath Tour start and end?
The Muktinath tour package starts in the bustling city of Kathmandu. Afterwards, you will take on a scenic drive from Kathmandu to Pokhara in a private or shared vehicle via Manakamana. As the Muktinath trip proceeds from the capital city, you will continue your drive through the Prithivi Highway for at least seven hours to reach Pokhara. Along the way, you will take a quick stop at Manakamana, which will be after 4-5 hours of driving, depending on the traffic and condition of the road.
As you come across Manakamana, you will get yourself a ticket for the Manakamana cable car and hop on the transportation to reach the hilltop temple of Manakamana. You will explore the area, give offerings, or receive blessings from the sadhus and gurus. You can also get additional information about the area and experience the tranquil culture and tradition of Hinduism in Nepal.
Since the exploration is complete, you will return to the cable car and proceed on the highway to reach Pokhara, which is another 4-5 hour drive from Manakamana. Along the route, you can see various waterfalls and drive on the roads that are constructed along the riverside. You can witness the hilly landscapes, traditional villages, terraced agriculture fields, and dense evergreen forests all while traveling via roadway.
Once you reach Pokhara, you can explore some areas according to your availability of time. You can visit the lakeside area, which is usually well lit and vibrant at night. Boating is a magnificent option while exploring the lakeside. Similarly, try local cuisine, music, dance and clubs while you stay the night in Pokhara.
As you explore the city, you will drive towards the main highlight of the Muktinath journey, which is the Muktinath temple itself. As you reach the temple premise, explore the area and get a dip in 108 water spouts and two kundas. Likewise, you can witness the eternal flames in Jwala Mai Temple and feel the spiritual connection.
After an exciting journey in Muktinath, you will return to Pokhara and explore the area further. You can visit Devi’s Fall, Gupteshwor Mahadev Temple, and many more. Then you will return to Kathmandu with all the memories from the Muktinath tour. As you reach Kathmandu, you will make all the preparations to fly back to your destination, marking the end of the 6-day Muktinath Tour Package.
What is the best season or time for the Muktinath Short Tour?
The best season or time to travel to the Muktinath region is all year round. The Muktinath route is a relatively easy journey that can be done at any time of the year. However, for the best and most comfortable experience, you can go to Muktinath during the spring and autumn seasons.
Spring, which lasts from March to May, is one of the best seasons to travel to Muktinath. During the spring season, the skies are clear with an uninterrupted view of mountain peaks. The average temperature in the Muktinath region during the spring is 14 degrees Celsius, which provides a comfortable walking experience. The forests are filled with rhododendrons, which come into full bloom during this season. The days are longer, enabling longer walks, while the nights are short and cold.
Another best season for the Muktinath travel package is autumn, which lasts from September to November. The weather is dry and stable with clear skies, which provides a comfortable walking experience with a panoramic view of the mountain peaks. The temperature is moderate, with fewer muddy and slippery trails. The average temperature in the Muktinath region during the autumn is 15 degrees Celsius.
Besides these, you can travel to Muktinath in the winter and summer seasons; however, they are considered rather off-season for Muktinath trips. The winter season, which lasts from December to February, is accompanied by extreme low temperatures and snowfall. The cold temperature causes extra difficulty, which needs extra preparation. You will need an extra layer of clothes while planning for the Muktinath tour in winter. The temple premises will be covered with snow, and a helicopter tour of Muktinath will be the best option. Similarly, for those who are enthusiasts for hardcore experience, winter is the best season for them.
Summer, also known as monsoon, lasts from June to August and is also considered off-season for traveling. This means those who wish to visit the temple in the summer will have fewer crowds and more open trails. However, due to heavy rainfall, the trails can get slippery. Protective clothes and raincoats are a must during the summer season. Similarly, due to heavy rainfall, extra caution is required, and the views of the Himalayan peaks can also be interrupted. So, in order to travel to Muktinath in the off-season, you will need extra preparation with information from an experienced mountain guide, which can be provided by Trekking Planner Nepal.
What are the types of accommodation facilities available during the Muktinath tour?
There are several accommodation options to choose from during your stay in the Muktinath region. From small teahouses, which provide basic facilities, to more luxurious houses, trekkers, visitors, pilgrims and travelers can select an accommodation option based on their choice. The following is a brief description of the accommodations in the area:
- Teahouses: They are the basic type of accommodation option for trekkers, pilgrims and travelers. They provide basic amenities and services that are worth it to travelers who are on a budget. The teahouses have basic beds and blankets, while electric blankets and heaters are not available. A single room in teahouse consists of one or two single beds. Similarly, the bathroom must be shared, as attached bathrooms are not available.
- Guest House: They are a location with moderate lodging. Hikers can pay a reasonable fee to stay in the homes of local families in this area. In addition to sampling freshly prepared regional food, visitors may learn about their way of life.
- Luxury houses: These are more luxurious and costly lodging options. They offer first-rate amenities, such as comfortable beds and blankets. Luxury homes often have electric blankets, heating systems, hot baths, and excellent room service. It's crucial to remember that these kinds of luxuries are exclusive to a few spots along the road.
Electricity, Communication, Wi-Fi and Showers in the Muktinath Tour?
Electricity, communication, Wi-Fi and showers are common factors that affect the tour experience. These are crucial amenities that are essential for trekking, visiting and traveling. Depending on the area, these facilities can come at a cost. Some of them are explained below:
- Electricity: It may cost more to charge your phone or other electronic devices with energy. For individuals who want to travel on a tight budget, this means that the price is higher. In order to minimize the Muktinath Tour cost and to charge your electronics, it is advised that you bring solar chargers, an extra set of batteries, or power banks.
- Communication: All along the route, communication is possible, though it can be problematic when traveling through dense vegetation, up mountain passes, or on small pathways. Although communication is usually more expensive, accommodations allow for easier communication. Therefore, it is advised to have a Nepalese SIM card, which Holiday Tours Nepal provides free of charge, in order to lower costs and ensure continuous contact. You will be able to converse more effectively in Nepal if you do this.
- Wi-Fi/Internet: The Internet, or Wi-Fi, is another important component. There are places along the Muktinath route where there could be a better internet connection. But you can get it easily at teahouses, luxury hotels, and guesthouses. While you are staying in the luxury or guest houses, Wi-Fi is typically covered. But in the case of teahouses, there is an additional cost. You can save on your internet costs by using Holiday Planner Nepal's free data roaming service on the SIM card provided.
How difficult is the Muktinath tour?
The Muktinath tour is considered an easy one, even though it is situated at a high altitude. The Muktinath tour itinerary is suitable for beginner travel enthusiasts and can be completed in a vehicle with a short time for walking. The trip is not considered a challenging route; however, due to the season of travel and the condition of the route, the journey can be tiresome.
The highest elevation on the Muktinath tour is 3,710 meters (12,171 feet), so a careful acclimatization process is required to avoid the symptoms of altitude sickness. As the jeep directly stops at Muktinath, the cold temperature can be a problem for children or the elderly. The steep ascents, descents, rugged terrain, and potentially snow-covered trails create extra challenge in the route as the ride can be bumpy and tiresome.
The difficulty also depends on the season of travel. The best recommended seasons, spring and autumn, can make the experience quite easy; however, traveling in the off-season can be troublesome due to extreme temperatures. A higher elevation may have restricted access to facilities like electricity and hot showers.
So, prepare yourself and keep an open mind to minimize the difficulty and enjoy the experience.
Is travel insurance required for the Muktinath tour?
Indeed, purchasing travel insurance is necessary for the Muktinath tour. Still, it's not required. Having travel insurance protects against crises and equipment loss, even though it is not legally required. Although theft is rare in Nepal, getting insurance can help with some of the losses.
Find out if the insurance covers evacuation from high-altitude places as well, because this might be a crucial part of traveling in the Himalayas. While hiking, make sure you always carry a copy of your insurance policy and your emergency contact information. Check to see if the insurance covers both the evacuation process and medical care.
Travel insurance is a smart way to protect your finances and well-being in the event of unforeseen events or natural catastrophes that may develop while traveling. Even though it increases the overall cost of the trip, having travel insurance can help safeguard against any unwanted conditions. Always choose a reputable insurance provider, keeping in mind your own requirements and hiking objectives.
Although specific activities during high-altitude hiking are covered by the policy, you should consider the cost of buying travel insurance in relation to the amount of traveling you will be doing.
Outline Itinerary for Muktinath Jeep Tour
Day 1: Arrival in Kathmandu
Day 2: Drive to Pokhara via Manakamana
Day 3: Drive to Muktinath
Day 4: Sightseeing at Muktinath and drive to Pokhara
Day 5: Drive to Kathmandu
Day 6: Fly out from Nepal
Suggested Equipment List
