Muktinath yatra

Muktinath, a sacred place both for Hindus as well as Buddhists, is located at an altitude of 3,710 meters at the foot of the Thorong La mountain pass (part of the Himalayas) , Mustang district, Kingdom of Nepal. The Hindus call the place Mukti Kshetra, which literally means the "place of salvation", while the Buddhists call it Chumig Gyatsa, which in Tibetan means 'Hundred Waters'. For Tibetan Buddhists Muktinath-Chumig Gyatsa is a place of Dakinis, goddesses known as Sky Dancers. It is of great importance for Buddhists that Chumig Gyatsa is one of the 24 Tantric places. The shrine of Muktinath is considered one of the eight most sacred shrines for Hindu Vashanavites known as Svayam Vyakta Ksetras, the other seven being Srirangam, Sri Mushnam, Tirupati, Naimisaranyam, Thottadri, Pushkaram and Badrinath. The temple is very small. Muktinath is one of the most ancient Hindu temples of God Vishnu. Many people also claim the shrine to be a Buddhist shrine. The idol is of gold and is tall enough to compare with a man. The prakaram has 108 bull faces through which water is poured. It is freezing temperature. There is an Old Buddhist monk present in the temple. The Tibetan Buddhist tradition states that for this reason Guru Rinpoche, also known as Padmasambhava, the founder of Tibetan Buddhism had meditated at Muktinath on his way to Tibet. It is one of the 51 Sakthi peetams. Itinerary Day 01: Arrive at Kathmandu airport. Transfer to Hotel. Overnight at hotel Day 02: Sightseeing of Kathmandu. Full day’s sightseeing in Kathmandu valley includes the Hindu Temple complex at Pashupatinath and the biggest Buddhist stupa at Buddhanath. Also will visit Monkey Temple the Swyambhunath (2000 years old temple) and visit Patan city of fine arts. Return to hotel. Overnight at hotel Day 03: Driver from Kathmandu to Pokhara 6 hrs or fly to Pokhara which takes about 25 min After breakfast early in the morning before 7:00 am. Departure to Pokhara (200km). You see good sceneries along the drive. In the afternoon you arrive Pokhara transfer to hotel. Visit Pokhara Lakeside, village sites, and “Front row center” to one of the most beautiful Himalayan panoramas in the world. The Annapurna and the famous “Fishtail” mountain peak of Machapuchhare tower over the tropical setting of Pokhara. Overnight at Hotel Day 04: Pokhara to Tikhedhunga (1,491m) After breakfast approx. 7:30 am drive to Nayapul (42km) 1 ½ hrs drive by car via large village of Lumle and walk about 20 min to Birethanti, a large and prosperous town. Beyond a posture used by pony caravans, the trial reaches Sudami ehere you have Lunch. After Lunch climb steadily up the side of the valley, reaching Hill at 1495m near by Tikhedhunga. Althooug various hamlets offer ample camping possibilities but if Ghorepani is the objective for the next day it is better to push on to Tikhedhunga. Overnight at guesthouse Day 05: Tikhedhunga to Ghorepani (2855m) 6 hrs After breakfast early in the morning 7:00 am. The trial crosses a stream on a suspension bridge near the camp site at Tikhedhunga. The trail ascends a steep stone staircase to the large magar village Ulleri at 2070m. There are magnificent more pleasantly through rhododendron and oak forest. There is a hut with water and small camp site about 1 hr above Ulleri. The trail crosses sparkling clear two streams before making a short final climb to Nangethanti. Thanti is a Nepali word which means “rest house” “ Dharmasala”. From Nangethanti about one hour trek climb to Ghorepani at (2855m). Arrive at Ghorepani pass and camp there. Day 06: Ghorepani to Tatopani (1189m) 7 ½ hrs After breakfast you trek from Ghorepani to Tatopani. After descending through the rhododendron forest, fine vistas open up we approach Chitre, with the Dhaulagiri Range straight ahead. The path then leads through terraced fields to Sikha, a magar village clustered on the ridge. You continue to descend gradually at first and than more steepy to cross the Ghar Khola. After a short climb, we then cross the Kali Gandaki on a large suspension bridge and from here it is only short distance upstream to Tatopani. Tatopani takes its name from the hot springs near the river below the village. At Tatopani you can enjoy the Natural Hot Spring Bath. Day 07: Tatopani to Ghasa A lovely day walking along Kali Gandaki River side, gradually ascending with transition in sub tropical vegetation very interesting suspension bridge to be crossed that makes your trek exciting. Arrive Ghasa and ethnic Thakali village. Day 08: Ghasa to Marpha The trails follows the Kali Gandaki River through the narrow gorge, passing through Thakali traditional villages. Marpha is the main inhabitants of the ethnic group of Thakalis. Day 09: Marpha to Kagbeni As easy and lovely day walking along the river side to Jomsom the district headquarters of Mustang district. This is the most interesting town in the area. The spectacular views of Nilgiri, Dhaulagiri, Tukuche peak and Dhampus Peak. Arrive Kagbeni, the entry point of the upper Mustang for overnight stop. Day 10: Kagbeni to Muktinath Gradually ascend to Muktinath one of the most important sites for Hindus. The holy water flows from the 108 carved spouts surrounding the Bishnu Temple in a grove of secret poplars. Day 11: Muktinath to jomsom (2713m) From Muktinath to Jomsom, we see people from Mustang, a restricted area to the north, who come to sell handicrafts to pilgrims. Among their merchandise is the highly-revered mollusk fossil called Shaligram. We will pass some ancient caves and see the impressive White Mountain that is the Dhaulagiri. We also transit at the significant town of Kagbeni, which is at a junction of 2 rivers and the north-south and east-west trading routes. Day 12: Fly from Jomsom to Pokhara which takes about 35 min The flights are available during the morning time. The strong breeze blows during the afternoon and frequent change of weather prevents the flight being landed and taken off in the afternoon. During the flights in morning the sky looks very clear which makes you to enjoy the splendid views of different mountain peaks. Day 13: Driver from Pokhara to Kathmandu. 6hrs While driving from Pokhara to Kathmandu, you head up to Damauli, Dumre, Muglin and Kurintar where the Nepal’s first Cable Car is operated to reach Manakamana Temple. You can also fly to Kathmandu from Pokhara which takes about 25 minutes. Day 14: Free day at Kathmandu. Day 15: Final Departure. Transfer to airport.