Muktinath religious hub for both Hindus and Buddhists; residing on the rain shadow area Mustang region at the altitude of the 3810 meters at the lap of the snowy peaks is epitome of religious and cultural harmony spreading the message of unity, peace and brotherhood. Sacred site Muktinath is Mecca for both Hindu and Buddhists pilgrims where thousands of pilgrims from different countries flock to this holy shrine to bow the head in front of the temple and to take bath on the holy waters running from 108 taps as well as take pious dip on the sacred water of the pond for the salvation.
Muktinath one of the eight most pious shrine in the world for the Hindu whereas it is worshipped as 24 Tantric places in the world by the Buddhists.
Muktinath Yatra begins from the beautiful tourist loved city Pokhara along the rocky, gravel and bumpy road carved in the middle of the Kali Gandaki river on one side and gigantic mountains on the other side and that leads up to the arid region passing the green hills, pastures, ferocious rivers, magical waterfalls with thunderous sound as well as appreciating amazing landscapes of the Mustang and Kagbeni catering inestimable caves, antique houses.
Welcome to Kathmandu, the capital city of the Himalayan kingdom of Nepal. You will be met on airport and transferred to your hotel. After the arrival, the group will be formally introduced to Guide for the activities over the next few days. One should pay attention in particular to the safety aspects of the briefing. Any questions or doubts should be asked and clarified at this time. We check your insurance details and other requirement for your trekking.
Breakfast: Hotel in Kathmandu
AM: Sightseeing tour of Pashupatinath and Boudhnath PM: Half day sightseeing tour of Bhaktapur City
Pashupatinath: situated approx. 4 km east of Kathmandu city, Pashupatinath temple is one of the holiest Hindu temples dedicated to Lord Shiva. Situated, amidst a lush green natural setting on the bank of the sacred Bagmati River, the temple built in pagoda style has gilted roof and richly carved silver doors. Visitors will be permitted to view the temple from the east bank of river Bagmati, entrance in the temple being strictly forbidden to all non Hindus. Pashupatinath is the centre of annual pilgrimage on the day of Shivratri which falls in the month of February/March. Behind the temple are the cremation grounds.
Boudhanath: This stupa, approx. 7 km east of Kathmandu city is one of the biggest in the world of its kind. It stands with four pairs of eyes in the four cardinal direction keeping watch for righteous behavior and human prosperity. This Buddhist stupa was built by King Man Deva at the advice of Goddess Mani Jogini. It is built on an octagonal base inset with prayer wheels. The shrine is ringed by houses of Lamas or Buddhist priests.
PM: Sightseeing tour of Bhaktapur Durbar Square along with a heritage walk through its medieval alleys. Visit a Local Family to gain insight into the lifestyle of the locals.
Bhaktapur Durbar Square: Bhaktapur lies only at the distance of 13 km to the east from the capital city, Kathmandu, one can have an opportunity to experience a different world, the world full of vibrant cultures, colorful festivals, generations old craftsmanship, and on top of that it is very worthwhile experiencing its indigenous lifestyle – still preserved old houses, still practiced traditional ways of welcoming guests, still practiced culinary & cutlery and many more experiences.
As you walk in, you cannot but be overcome by a feeling of inner harmony. Such is the art and architecture and the special layout here. The Palace of 55 Windows built during the period of King Bhupatindra Malla in 1754 situated to the left as you enter through the city gate, inspires admiration. The National Art Gallery is also housed inside. The palace entrance, the Golden Gate known as SunkoDhoka in Nepali is a masterpiece in repousse art. In front of the palace building is a medley of temples of various designs. Amongst the three Durbar Squares in the Valley, the Durbar Square in Bhaktapur is the best preserved one.
Overnight at Hotel in Kathmandu
Fly from Pokhara to Jomsom (2700m) and it takes about 25 minutes and trek from Jomsom to Kagbeni (2810m) which takes about four hours. You take the early morning flight which again will give close-up views of the Annapurna range, Dhaulagiri and nearby satellites, 20 minutes flight in a small aircraft. Directly north of Jomsom is the pretty village of Kagbeni, There are about 80 families living here, most of them traders who are the link in the chain between modern Nepal and the Tibetan-type people of Mustang. Just out of Jomsom you cross a small hanging bridge and then walk along the banks of the Kali Gandaki. The trail is quite barren with craggy rocks and sand and is mostly flat, which makes it very easy going. This very easy, enjoyable start is at the same time picturesque, with views of big peaks all around such as Dhaulagiri (26,794ft), Tukuche (22,703ft) and in the west the awesome mountain above Kagbeni, Nilgiri (22,769ft). Over to the south and south-west can be seen the entire Annapurna Massif. You are more than likely to meet Indian pilgrims on their way to and from Muktinath on this stretch, and other Europeans for an hour or two who will be on the world-famous Annapurna Circuit. Upon reaching Kagbeni there is a taste of scenes to come in Upper Mustang, what with its narrow alleyways and tunnels, irrigation canals, green fields of wheat and barley and a large red gompa. At the police check-post at the north end of the village there is a sign saying ‘Restricted area, tourists please do not go beyond this point’. Here you will complete your paperwork formalities for you to enter this long-forbidden region of Nepal. ACAP have set up a very interesting information post here with displays of Mustang artifacts and photos.
Trek from Kagbeni to Muktinath (3795m) which takes about 4 hours. The Trail steeply ascends for couple of hundred Meters. While gradually walking you can enjoy beautiful deserted landscape, Caves, old Tibetan Style Villages, apple Garden, Yaks Herds, Sheep Herds and so on. You can look at Thorong La valley straight up to the Muktinath. You can enjoy delicious lunch at Jharkot and visit Monastery believed to be built in 15 century. Now you head towards Muktinath following steep ascent path for half an hour. You stay overnight at Muktinath village. From here you hike to Rani Pauwa (3700m), an important pilgrimage site for both Hindus and Buddhists. Here you come across Natural flaming which really exhilarates you. At this point, you can see splendid view of Dhaulagiri (8165m), Nilgiri (7061m.) and others. Now you walk for fifteen minutes to reach Muktinath Temple, where you can enjoy a holy bath of 108 Taps. The people of Kagbeni, Jharkot and Muktinath are close to the life style, culture, religion and idea of Tibetan people.
Trek from Muktinath to Jomsom (2713m) and it takes about 5 hours. Today we continue down for early two hours and then walk through the flat path till we reach Jomsom. Between the walk lies Eklebhatti village where you find tea houses and lodges.
Fly from Jomsom to Pokhara which takes about 35 minutes. The flights are available during the morning time. The strong breeze blows during the after and frequent change of the weather prevent the flight being landed and taken off in the afternoon. During the flights in morning, the sky looks very clear which makes you able to enjoy the splendid views of different mountain peaks.
Drive from Pokhara to Kathmandu by tourist mini bus, which takes about seven hours. 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 to Manakamana Temple. En route, you could enjoy the mountain views, green sceneries, rice terrace fields, vegetable fields and people being engaged in their daily life activities. From Naubishe you climb up to Thankot, the gateway to capital city.
You can also fly from Pokhara to Kathmandu which takes about 25 minutes
This is the free day and you can use it for your shopping. In the evening we will drive you for farewell dinner with cultural dance.
All too soon it’s time to bid Nepal farewell and one realizes that we can never be intimate, only acquainted with this amazing adventure kingdom.
Footwear : Well broken-in walking shoes - thick socks, light socks, camp shoes.
Clothing : Warm jacket and trousers, sweater or fleece jacket, underwear, warm and cotton trousers or jeans, shirts and T-shirts, shorts, long underwear, wool hat, sun hat, gloves, bathing suit, track suit.
Other equipment: lock, day pack, water bottle, sun cream, sunglasses, flashlight with spare bulbs and batteries, lip salve, gaiters.
Other items: Insect repellent, diary, First aid kits,, camera, film, cards and personal medical
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