ITINERARY
Duration: 06 Nights / 07 Days
Location: Kathmandu, Pokhara, Jomsom and Muktinath
Pilgrimage tour to the land of liberation
At some point in our life pilgrimage tour revives our thoughts towards spirituality. We, mortal beings always think of better life seeking the path of spirituality. In some point of life, we come across that celestial being that actually influences us to follow the path of this unknown world. Among the travelers, Nepal has become a place wonder that attracts people of different opinions to come together. This diverse land has attracted people with different opinions to come together to celebrate spirituality in harmony. The people of different religious beliefs come together in this holy land to pay tribute to their respective gods. It is the land that has attracted Hindus, Buddhists, Jains, and Bon pos to come together to devote their respect. It is the land where pilgrims go to tribute prayers to Pashupatinath and at the same time going for Swayambhunath Stupa as well. Though having differences in religious practices, but the bond that keeps all these pilgrims together is the utter devotion towards gods. The pilgrims choose this blissful land of Nepal as a gateway to reach Kailash Mansarovar. It is the heavenly abode of Lord Shiva. The worth of this land lies on its mystic connection with the pilgrims. The journey to Kailash Mansarovar takes a complete shape after covering the Muktinath tour. In Hinduism, the idea of spirituality always revolves around the idea of liberation. Every mortal being thinks of cleansing off any kind of sins after taking this peaceful journey to the land of liberation. The word moksha or mukti has been constantly an ideal thought among the pilgrims. In the mundane busy life, the idea of liberation is the path of liberating the minds of people from any kind of miseries. Our banal life is so much into sorrows and miseries that even unconsciously we engage ourselves in such worldly attachments.
Nirvana is a pathway of relieving ourselves from any kind of miseries. It is quite difficult for the mortal being to renounce worldly pleasures. In one way or the other, they are attached with tangible desires. Located at the height 3710m, Muktinath temple is the pristine location of salvation. When the pilgrims travel to this land for penance it is an experience of gratification. Traveling to the holy land is appeasement for the pilgrims to rejoice the idea of spirituality. Muktinath is famous among the pilgrims for its holistic appearance. It is an epitome of historical symbolism, religiosity, and spirituality. One travels to this pristine land for securing inner peace. In today’s busy life, inner peace and happiness are hard to find. The serene ambiance of the temple also attracts the pilgrims to enjoy the luminous sights of the mountains along with mysticism. The etymological meaning of the word Muktinath means Mukti(liberation) and Nath(master of god). This site is famous for thousands of devotees seeking the path of moksha. Situated in Muktinath valley, the place is equally famous among Buddhists as well as Hindus. Located in the district of Mustang, this temple is located at the northeastern part of Jomsom. This temple is located at the village site of Ranipauwa. Among the Vaishnava sect, this temple comes under 108 premium temples. In early religious scriptures of Vaishnava literature, there was a mention of Muktinath temple. The temple architecture and water body share an intact bond. Similarly, in the Muktinath temple, the main water source is the Kali Gandaki River. This holy river supplies water to the inner side of the temple. Among the religious thinkers, it is believed Salagrama is one of materialistic manifestation of Lord Vishnu. This Gandaki River is the site of getting these religious stones.
In a similar way, Buddhists develop its own religious history around Muktinath temple. The other name of the temple is Chumig Gyatsa. This site stands out as the complete blend of different religious beliefs. The pagoda style temple is famous for its tantric significance. Inside the temple shrine, earlier sky dancers or dakinis are worshipped. The idol of the inner sanctum of the temple is known as Avalokiteshwara, god of compassion and symbols of Buddhas of all times. The main caretakers of the temple are the Buddhist nuns and monks. As per the religious scriptures of Tibetan Buddhism, this holy site is the homage to 21 female deities. In Tantric Buddhism, the idea of space and energy are quite important. In the year 1818, Shabkar visited this holy site to remain connected with spirituality.
Inside the temple complex, there is a place of natural fire. The Buddhists consider it is like the mirror to show the real self. Fire is the ultimate source of energy in the universe, the Buddhist followers believe that fire as the inner source of energy whereas the Hindus worship this fire as Jwala Mai. In both these religions, the idea of Maya is also important to give birth to the ideas of attachment. With Maya, the pilgrims get attached to these circles of life and this holy site shows the path of renouncing such illusion.
Inner Sanctum
The Vaishnava sect believes this site as one of the most sacred eight sights where self-emancipation can be possible. A golden statue of Muktinath is placed along with Sri Devi and Bhoodevi. The deity shows different paths of life, therefore it is known as the god of salvation. The courtyard of the temple has 108 bull faced water spouts splashing the holy water flowing from Kali Gandaki. Taking bath under the water of Pushkarini shows that the pilgrims can rinse off committed sins of present and past lives.
The Buddhist disciples call the place as Salamebar Dholamebar Gompa. It is one of the sacred sites inside the premise of Muktikshetra. Guru Rinpoche meditated here as well. Inside the temple, three natural gas fire is present to show the eternity of the universe. The local residents call the site as cla Mewar, do Mewar and sale Mewar where the flames of fire coming out of water, rock, and earth respectively.
As compared to other pilgrimage sites, one has to endure hardships in reaching this remote area of Muktinath temple.
Tour Itinerary
Day 01 - Kathmandu
Meeting at airport upon arrival by NTP Personnel. Transfer to hotel. Kathmandu is the capital of Nepal and the Kathmandu Valley is the political and cultural heart of the Kingdom. The urban sprawl that makes up modern Kathmandu is in fact two cities, Patan and Kathmandu.
Overnight at hotel.
Day 02 – Kathmandu
Breakfast , You will be taken for sightseeing to Pashupatinath. This is the place where holy saddhus pray and cremations on the Bagmati River are carried out. While you are not allowed into the temple if you are not a Hindu, the grounds surrounding the temple usually have a fascinating crowd of the faithful.
19 km away from the Capital city of Kathmandu is the Changu Narayan temple. It exquisitely rests among the traditional terraced fields and lush forest of Bhaktapur. Furthermore, this oldest temple dates back to as early as 3000 years. It is the historic and the oldest temple found till date in Nepal. Moreover, Changu Narayan is listed as the World Heritage Site by UNESCO. Dedicated to Lord Vishnu, the living museum of Changu Narayan temple bores the ancient history of the Lichchavi Dynasty.
Drive to the hill station of Nagarkot at the elevation of 2195 m/7210 ft is another attraction, a popular destination for both locals and international tourists that offers stunning view of Kathmandu valley and the Himalayas. Nagarkot has always been very popular for its phenomenal sunrise and sunset view. We then drive 32 km back to the capital city of Kathmandu.
Overnight stay at Kathmandu
Day 03 – Kathmandu / Pokhara
Fly to Pokhara. From Pokhara town (2,352 feet) in good weather there are splendid views right from the hotel. Arrive Pokhara check inn relax evening free for boating in phewa lake (direct payment) Overnight at hotel.
Day 04 – Pokhara / Jomsom
After Breakfast, early morning fly to Jomsom. Upon arrival at Jomsom, walk over to the hotel which is 2 minutes from the airport.
Please do note that Jomsom is a small village in the Mountains. Only basic accommodation is available here. The clients will have to walk from the airport to the hotel which takes about 2 minutes.Porters are sent to the airport to carry the luggage by the hotel. 15 Kg luggage per adult and 7 kg per child is allowed by the airlines on this sector. The aircraft is a Twin Otter or Doniar - average 15 seats.
Darshan of Muktinath temple.
To visit Muktinath, the clients will have to walk for about 15-20 minutes over the Kali Gandaki River. Here there is no means of transport as on the river there is a narrow bridge - vehicles cannot cross. After crossing the bridge take the Jeep on sharing basis for Muktinath. Originally the route from Jomson to Muktinath was a trekkers route only. Recently the route has been widened and 4x4 vehicles can only drive. The path is a Dirt road. The ride is Bumpy all the way. The drive takes about 1.5 hours one way. Upon arrival at Muktinath it is another 30 minutes walk from the base to the Temple.
Darshan on your own of Muktinath & following the same route return to Jomsom.
Day 05 – Jomsom / Pokhara
Fly back to Pokhara early morning and transfer to hotel.
This afternoon you will visit Bindebasini Temple. This is one of the oldest temples in Pokhara was a part of Kaski Kingdom, the main deity of the temple,Goddess Durga, was brought from India . Apart from the peace and tranquility that can be felt in this region, the premises of the temple offers a good view of the Himalaya on a clear day. The temple is in the area of the bazaar, hence,a journey of the old bazaar can be combined with a visit to the temple. Sightseeing to Devi’s fall, also known as Patale Chango is an awesome waterfall lying 2 km southwest of Pokhara. During summer and rainy season, the waterfall takes its real form, with gushing water splashing and making its way through the rocks. Just opposite of Devi’s fall, on the other side of the road, there is Gupteshwor Cave. This cave is popular for the different natural forms made from limestone deposits. Photography is strictly prohibited inside the cave. Overnight at hotel.
Day 06 – Pokhara / Kathmandu
Drive back to Kathmandu and transfer to Hotel. On the way you have an option of doing the river rafting or visit the Manakamna Temple “ Goddess of Fulfilling Wishes” where you are taken by a cable ride of 10 mins. Check inn One can indulge in shopping or visit the casinos trying their lady luck. Overnight at hotel.
Day 07– Kathmandu / Airport
Breakfast check out
Later, you will be transferred to the airport in time to board your flight for onward journey.
Package Inclusions:
# 03 nights accommodation in Kathmandu with Breakfast and dinner Manang Hotel or Similar
# 02 nights accommodation in Pokhara with Breakfast and dinner City Inn or Similar
# 01 night accommodation in Jomsom with Breakfast & dinner Oms home or Similar – extremely basic accommodation only available with non A/c rooms
# 02 international airport transfers by A/c vehicle exclusively
# 02 domestic airport transfers in Pokhara by a non A/c hotel coach on SIC basis.
# Sightseeing as per the itinerary in Kathmandu and Pokhara by a/c vehicle exclusively
# Transportation Jomsom – Muktinath – Jomsom by a non A/c Jeep on SIC basis.
# Transportation Pokhara / Kathmandu by A/c vehicle exclusively
# Airfare Pokhara / Jomsom / Pokhara
# Airfare Kathmandu Pokhara
# ACAP fee for Jomsom included ( Permit required to visit Jomsom for which 2 passport size photograph and passport photocopy is required )
# Presently applicable 24.3% Hotel Taxes (13% VAT and 10% Service charge).
Package exclude :
Entry ticket to the monuments , Manokamna cable car ticket , guide , meals , portage , tips, GST 5% and extras not mentioned as inclusions
Food
Muktinath tour happens once in a lifetime we immensely believe in materializing your tour as the perfect one. Pilgrimage tour needs a sanctified mind. As you will be traveling to the holy land of Muktinath, we want to provide the best food to our guests. We send our own professional cook (Maharaj) along with the helper. The proper veg food (without onion and garlic) is provided to the pilgrims to make felt the delicious foods even in the distant land of Nepal. While traveling to pious land, many pilgrims look for proper veg foods. Few pilgrims may have faced an issue in terms of cooking utensils and the hygiene maintenance of the food. Our culinary initiative is to provide proper foods to our clients without any hassle.