Muktinath Temple Pilgrimage Guide 2026: For Hindus & Buddhists

Why is Muktinath sacred? At 3,800 m in the Mustang district, Muktinath is a temple complex revered by both Hindus (as a shrine of Vishnu) and Buddhists (as a place of Dakini). Its eternal flame burning beside a natural spring draws thousands of pilgrims yearly. Here’s the 2026 pilgrimage guide.

How to reach Muktinath

• By road: Pokhara → Jomsom → Muktinath (jeep/baik), or via the Kali Gandaki from Tatopani. The road is rough in sections.
• By heli: same-day Kathmandu/Pokhara charter landing near the temple.
• On foot: as the finale of the Annapurna Circuit or Upper Mustang trek.

Mode	Time	Notes
Road (Pokhara start)	2-3 days	Scenic, rough roads
Heli	same day	Fast, premium
Trek (ABC/Circuit)	12-18 days	Combines sightseeing

What to expect at the temple

Pilgrims bathe at the 108 water spouts, worship at the Vishnu image, and view the Buddhist gompa nearby. Dress modestly; the site is windy and cold year-round.

FAQ

Best time for pilgrimage?

Mar-May and Sep-Nov. The site is open year-round but winter is severe.

Is it only religious?

No — trekkers on the Annapurna Circuit visit as a cultural highlight regardless of faith.

Permits?

ACAP for the Annapurna side; the Mustang restricted permit only if continuing north to Lo Manthang.

Featured image: Muktinath Temple, via Wikimedia Commons (CC).

The temple complex

Muktinath is sacred to both Hindus and Buddhists. Hindus worship it as Mukti Kshetra (place of salvation); Buddhists know it as Chumig Gyatsa (Hundred Waters). The main shrine houses a golden Vishnu idol, while outside, 108 stone waterspouts shaped like cow heads pour ice-cold Himalayan water — pilgrims walk under all 108 for purification.

Getting there

• By road: Jeep from Pokhara to Jomsom (8–10 hours), then 1–2 hours to Muktinath. Roads are rough; expect a bumpy ride.
• By air: Fly Pokhara–Jomsom (20 minutes, $50–100), then drive or trek 1–2 hours.
• By trek: The classic Annapurna Circuit passes through Muktinath; most trekkers reach it on day 8–10 from Besisahar.

Best time to visit

March–May and September–November. Winter (December–February) is possible but cold; the temple remains open. Monsoon (June–August) brings landslides on the Jomsom road.

Frequently asked questions

Do I need a permit? Yes — ACAP (Annapurna Conservation Area Permit) and TIMS card are required, even if arriving by jeep.

Is there accommodation? Basic guesthouses in Ranipauwa (near the temple) and Jomsom. Book ahead during peak pilgrimage season (September–October).