Thinking of going on the Pokhara to Muktinath temple tour sometime soon, explorer? Great choice! If you didn’t know already, this tour is not only packed with the absolute best view of nature but also some of the most culturally and religiously significant elements. So, whether you’re a pilgrim who wants to come closer to the almighty or an adventurer who wants to roam from the most rugged location in Nepal to one of the most amazing tourist destinations in the city, the Pokhara to Muktinath temple tour is just the perfect trip for you!
The Muktinath temple is an old temple that holds great importance among Hindus. Very close to the popular tourist destination of Mustang, you will find numerous Shaligrams that represent Lord Vishnu along the Kali Gandaki River here. Also, you will find yourself among many Hindu devotees who consider the visit to be holy and even one of the most significant purposes in their lives. As for your tour by either the road or by air in Pokhara, you will find yourself immersed in both the natural beauty as well as the thrilling city sites. To know more about the Pokhara to Muktinath Temple tour, be sure to read till the end of this article!
Pokhara to Muktinath By Road
You can go from Pokhara to Muktinath by road by a bus or a jeep. The modes of transportation are quite comfortable as they are meant for group travel to distant locations. The distance between the two locations ranges from 180 to 200 km. Likewise, going from one end to another takes you around 8 to 10 hours in total. Travelers can choose their groups when they are going from one end to another by either a bus or a jeep. Reservations are always welcome for group tours when you travel with Action Nepal Treks.
In addition to this, if you’re traveling solo or do not have as many people with you for a group travel, then you can rely on us to provide you with a dependable and adaptable group. Overall, you will find yourself in comfortable seats with decent ventilation and adequate breaks from the beginning to the end of the journey. Likewise, you will get a superb scenery of mountains like Machhapuchhre, Dhaulagiri, Annapurna, etc. as you shift from Pokhara to Muktinath. Needless to say, Muktinath is a blessing to an aesthete’s eyes! The following is everything you need to know about transportation when you’re traveling to Muktinath from Pokhara by road:
Private Jeep
You can hire a private jeep for the Pokhara to Muktinath tour, which comfortably accommodates 6 to 8 people. If you are in a group or traveling with your family, opting for a jeep can be the perfect decision. Likewise, if you are someone who wants to reach your destination earlier and is more concerned about comfort while traveling, then hiring a private jeep should be a great choice. When traveling by jeep, it takes approximately 8 to 9 hours to reach Muktinath from Pokhara. After visiting Muktinath, if you are also looking to visit Jomsom, you can do so by hiring a private jeep. The time taken for travel is 1.5 to 2 hours, while the distance the journey covers is 21 km.
Local bus
When you are traveling from Pokhara to Muktinath by road, you can opt for a cheaper option that may take you longer than a jeep or a private vehicle to reach the end point, a local bus. If you are used to traveling, we bet you won’t at all find it challenging to take on the journey in a bus. Also, if you’re budget-conscious or are traveling with a big group of people, then this option might be the best one for you. The total time taken for a trip from Pokhara to Muktinath is going to be from 10 to 12 hours. However, it may take longer with transfers. The cost of a bus ticket is likely to range from NPR 1500 to 2500.
Pokhara to Muktinath By Air
Planning a tour from Pokhara to Muktinath by air, but can’t quite decide whether you want the hassle you’d normally get during road travel? There is always an option for travel by flight! You will get a scenic view of the mountains, landscapes, cities, villages, etc, during these 20 to 25-minute-long flights. The distance covered during the flight is 70km. The travelers need to keep in mind that they may have to face delayed or canceled flights when the weather is not appropriate, as most flights, especially during off-peak travel seasons, are weather-dependent.
Helicopter
Travelers who are not quite worried about a heavy budget or are looking for a luxurious tour from Pokhara to the Muktinath temple can also opt for a helicopter trip. The trek will take you directly from Pokhara to Muktinath, unlike any other mode of transportation. This makes it one of the most suitable means for travel if you’re all about comfort and big experiences.
The view you get from the flight over the Himalayas, the dry as well as the green lands, cities, villages, etc., is simply mindblowing. The distance covered by this tour is 100km. And, the travel time for the trip ranges from 40 to 45 minutes in total. Travelers need to keep in mind that they’ll have to pay more if they want to go on a private helicopter tour than if they want to go on the tour on a shared basis.
Altitude Changes During Mustang Drive
Driving to Mustang can be a really fascinating yet somewhat challenging journey for first-time travelers. If you’re used to traveling, then the altitude changes may not affect you as much. Regardless, you will for sure notice the changes in the altitude as you keep moving forward in your trip from Pokhara to Muktinath. You will begin your journey at just 827 m above sea level at Pokhara.
Travelers will slowly head upwards to Beni, whose altitude is 899m. The location is a landmark not very far from Pokhara. Then, you will move to a slightly higher altitude at Tatopani, which is also close to the border of China. The altitude of this location is 1,190 m. Likewise, you will move towards Jomsom at an altitude of 2,743 m and finally to Kagbeni, whose altitude is 2,800 m. Lastly, you will reach your end destination for this trip, Muktinath. The altitude of the location is 3,800 m.
Muktinath Tour Route
The following is the route, consecutively mentioned, for your Pokhara to Jomsom to Muktinath tour:
Pokhara
Pokhara is one of the best locations for you to travel when you’re in Nepal. It is a famous tourist and trekkers’ destination for a reason. You will find serenity as you trek through the Annapurna Conservation Area, if you’re even interested in trekking during your visit to Pokhara. The lakeside marketplaces offer a wide range of accommodation options, along with various souvenir shops and eateries, making it a sight to behold. There are plenty of locations you can visit to explore the area better, such as Mahendra Cave, David Falls, the World Peace Pagoda, and Tal Barahi Temple by the lakeside, among others. You also get the most phenomenal sights of Mount Fishtal, the Annapurna mountain range, and Mount Dhaulagiri when you’re in Pokhara.
Beni
Beni is a popular marketplace in Myagdi. The location is where the Kali Gandaki River merges with the Myadgi River. When you’re here, you can explore the local livelihood of the people. However, unless you desire, there may be no stopping in between the journey in Beni because the landmark does not serve a significant purpose in this very journey. The travel experience as you pass this location is going to be interesting, regardless.
Tatopani
If you want to experience a hot spring, then you need to stop by Tatopani for sure. The natural hot spring is popular among travelers of all kinds, both from the country as well as foreigners. You will find an open bathing location as well as private bathing compartments in this tour. The name Tatopani, which is in Nepali, directly translates to hot water. Likewise, the location is quite close to the Chinese border. And, you can explore the beauty of the Sindhupalchok district on the road trip.
Ghasa
Ghasa is a village close to Mustang. The location is very picturesque. It is situated on the banks of the Kali Gandaki River. It is also located within the Kali Gandaki Valley. You can explore the views between Lete and Tatopani when you’re in Ghasa. Travelers can get the most terrific views of Mount Dhaulagiri and Mount Annapurna when they’re in the village. Moreover, it serves as a significant destination for trekkers trekking in the Annapurna region.
Marpha
Marpha is popular for its apple orchards. You will find the juiciest, most delicious apples from Marpha all around Nepal as a special fruit. When you’re in Marpha, be sure to visit the local apple orchards. Furthermore, it is very close to the Tibetan refugee camp.
Jomsom
Close to the Kali Gandaki river, you will find some of the most spectacular views of the Himalayas and the rugged landscapes when you’re in Jomsom. The beauty of Jomsom is different from that of many other naturally beautiful locations in Nepal. Traveling from Pokhara to Jomsom can make for a trip in itself.
Kagbeni
You will find many monasteries in Kagbeni. It is also known as the oldest village in the Himalayas. What’s fascinating about this location is that there are only around 555 people in this village.
Muktinath
Muktinath is a temple dedicated to Lord Vishnu and the Buddhist deity Avalokiteśvara. Hence, you will find several Hindus and Buddhists make their visit here every year. In this trip, Muktinath is also the highest elevation you will reach. There are also 108 Divya Desams in this temple, as well as another essential shrine, Svayam Vyakta Ksetras, of Vaishnavism.
