The religious and spiritual journey from Kathmandu to Muktinath is a deeply enriching experience, encompassing sacred sites, cultural immersion, and breathtaking landscapes. Starting in Kathmandu, a city rich in religious diversity, travelers can explore iconic temples like Pashupatinath and Swayambhunath, immersing themselves in the vibrant rituals and spiritual ambiance. From Kathmandu, the journey continues towards Muktinath, a revered pilgrimage site nestled in the Himalayas. Along the way, travelers traverse picturesque landscapes, passing through charming villages and lush valleys. Upon reaching Muktinath, pilgrims are greeted by the majestic Muktinath Temple, dedicated to Lord Vishnu. The temple complex exudes a profound sense of spirituality, with devotees flocking from far and wide to seek blessings and liberation from the cycle of life and death. The journey to Muktinath is not just a physical pilgrimage but also a spiritual odyssey, offering seekers the opportunity for introspection, renewal, and connection with the divine amidst the awe-inspiring beauty of the Himalayan landscape.
Upon arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu, We're grateful for the warm welcome extended by our official. We will take you to the hotel in our private tourist vehicle. Pre-trip meeting will be done and you will meet with your trip guide. Make sure to confirm your queries about trekking in the mountains.
Embarking on a spiritual journey today! Visiting Pashupatinath & Swoyambhunath in Kathmandu, approx. 4-hour trip. Then off to Pokhara by drive/flight from Kathmandu. Exciting day ahead.
Pashupatinath Temple is a revered Hindu sanctuary dedicated to Lord Shiva. It's a place where many elderly Hindus come to spend their final days, seeking spiritual peace before their passing. The temple is known for its cremation rituals conducted on the banks of the Bagmati River. It's believed that those who pass away here are granted human reincarnation, regardless of their past deeds. The temple exudes a solemn atmosphere, where the inevitability of death is deeply felt in every ritual and corner.
Swayambhu, derived from the term "self-existent one," holds a significant place in Nepalese history and spirituality. Dating back to 460 A.D., it is said to have been constructed by King Manadeva. By the 13th century, Swayambhu had emerged as a prominent Buddhist hub. Legend has it that this sacred site emerged from a lotus flower that blossomed in the center of a vast lake, believed to have once covered the Kathmandu Valley. Today, Swayambhu stands as a timeless symbol of spiritual enlightenment and cultural heritage, drawing pilgrims and visitors alike to its storied grounds.
Boudhanath Nepal, is one of the largest stupas in the world and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It is a revered Buddhist pilgrimage site, with its origins dating back to the 5th century. The stupa is a massive mandala-shaped structure adorned with colorful prayer flags and adorned with the watchful eyes of the Buddha. It serves as a focal point for Tibetan Buddhism in Nepal, attracting devotees and visitors from around the globe who come to circumambulate the stupa in a clockwise direction, offering prayers and spinning prayer wheels along the way. Boudhanath Stupa is not only a religious site but also a cultural icon, symbolizing peace, harmony, and enlightenment.
After enjoying a hearty breakfast, we embark on a scenic drive to Marpha/Jomsom Village, taking in the sights along the way. Our journey offers glimpses of Baglung Kalika Temple, Galeshwor Mahadve temple situated on the top great fossel, Hot spring Rupse Falls, and the awe-inspiring Kaligandaki Gorge. As we pass through Rocky hills & Ghasa Village, we're treated to magnificent views of towering peaks such as Mt. Dhaulagiri, Nilgiri, Tukuche, and Annapurna.
In the evening, we reach the charming village of Lete, where we'll settle in for dinner and an overnight stay at a comfortable hotel. This day's journey promises to be filled with spectacular landscapes and unforgettable experiences.
Before/After breakfast, diving into a scenic drive for a Pilgrimage & spiritual tour of Kagbeni & Muktinath temple. 🚗🏔️ Excited for a day filled with soulful experiences! #SpiritualJourney"
This day is the very important day for Hindu & Buddhist devotees whose purpose of visiting to Muktinath & Kagbeni will be fulfill after ritual work done. And drive to Muktinath. It takes 45 minutes for 14 km. Upon arrive in Muktinath vehicle station. We will proceed to Muktinath temple by walk. It takes 45 minutes. Finally reach in Muktinath.
Kagbeni for Hindus
Kagbeni is one of the famous religious sites for Hindu pilgrims. Kagbeni is famous for Pitri-Puja which is also called Pitri- Moksastala which is done to remove the lost soul of ancestors from hell and helping them to reach heaven resulting in blessing to all the family members. So Kagbeni is an important place for Hindus to perform Pitri-sraddha. That’s why many Hindu pilgrims stop at Kagbeni usually the day before going to Muktinath, to perform the final ritual for the departed soul of their ancestors.
Kagbeni for Buddhism
In the Buddhist view, Kagbeni is an important village. Villages have year’s back important Buddhist monasteries and temples. The entire village is a unique Tibetan village. Their language, lifestyle and landscape are also similar to Tibet. The Buddhist culture of the town that Pelisse described fifty years ago is still evident today, with rows of large prayer wheels, a monastery that blows its horns at the break of dawn, and Tibetan-influenced architecture.
The main religion of the villagers of Kagbeni is Tibetan Buddhism which plays a central role in the livelihoods of Kagbeni and has a large influence on habits and lifestyle. Due to their Tibetan culture and religious traditions, the inhabitants are called “Bhote” by their southern neighbor while they call themselves “Kakpa”. According to Tibetan Buddhism the middle son of the family becomes a monk (Lama). Due to the out-migration of young villagers and a higher proportion of girls, Kagbeni VDC established initiatives in which boys from outside Kagbeni get offered free religious education and life necessities.
Drive to Muktinath
And drive to Muktinath. It takes 45 minutes for 14 km. Upon arrive in Muktinath vehicle station. We will proceed to Muktinath temple by walk. It takes 45 minutes. Finally reach in Muktinath.
Muktinath temple is considered a holy place by both Hindus and Buddhists. People visit this temple to get 'Mukti' from all their sins. It is also believed that if you offer the god to leave any of your favorite habits or thing and do as well you will get 'Moksha' after your death.
Muktinath is a Vishnu temple, sacred to both Hindus and Buddhists. It is located in Muktinath Valley at the foot of the Thorong La mountain pass in Mustang, Nepal. It is one of the world's highest temples (altitude 3,800 m). Within Hinduism, it is one of the 108 Divya Desams, and is the only Divya Desam located outside India. It known as Mukti Kshetra, which literally means the 'liberation arena' (moksh) and is one of the Char Dham in Nepal.
This temple is considered to be 106th among the available 108 Divya Desam considered sacred by the Sri Vaishnava sect. Its ancient name in Sri Vaishnava literature is Thiru Saligramam. The Gandaki river nearby is considered the only source of the Saligram shila, considered to be the naturally available form of Sriman.
Buddhists call it Chumig Gyatsa, which in Tibetan means "Hundred Waters". For Tibetan Buddhists, Muktinath is an important place of dakinis, goddesses known as Sky Dancers, and one of the 24 Tantric places. They understand the murti to be a manifestation of Avalokiteśvara, who embodies the compassion of all Buddhas.
After completion of all ritual work drive back to Tatopani(Hot spring spot). It takes around 6-7 hour.
"After a refreshing dip in the Hot Spring, let's indulge in a hearty breakfast before hitting the road to Pokhara, a scenic 4-hour drive awaits. Before hotel check-in, let's make a quick stop at Pumdikot Mahadev for some spiritual rejuvenation. Can't wait to unwind in Pokhara! 🌄🚗 #RelaxationTime"
"Starting the day early with a serene boat ride for worship at Tal Barahi Temple on Phewa Lake, followed by a drive to Kathmandu. En route, we'll make a stop to visit the enchanting Manakamana Temple in Gorkha. Exciting day ahead! 🛶🌅🚗 #SpiritualJourney
It’s the end of our exciting journey in the Mustang region (Annapurna Conservation Area). Today we conclude our 7 days Muktianth relegious & spiritual journe. One of our airport representatives will accompany you to the International Airport for your flight back home.
We bid you farewell, and hoping you’ll travel to Nepal again.