Ultimate Guide: How to reach Muktinath Temple?

Are you are planning to visit Muktinath Temple; then the first question that may come to your mind is how to reach Muktinath Temple? There are many ways to reach Muktinath Temple. The location lies in the Northern Himalayas of the Mustang district of Nepal, which is also known as the dream destination of the Nepali people.

Muktinath lies at an altitude of 3700m and is a sacred place and a once-in-a-lifetime moment to visit for the Shradhalu (devotees), as visiting this place and taking a bath In the 108 taps and 2 ponds, it is considered to be sacred, and the people who bathe are free from the birth and death life cycle, according to Hindu mythology. Now, after knowing this much, let’s start with how to reach Muktinath Temple.

By Public Bus

The first transportation method to reach Muktinath Temple is by public bus. To reach Muktinath, first, you will need to travel to Pokhara, the gateway and city of lakes. After reaching Pokhara Valley, you will need to visit the place called the zero-meter bus park, from where you will get the option to reach Muktinath by bus. The time taken from Pokhara to Muktinath is around 8 hours. The cost is 2500 for the bus and 3000 for the shared jeep. You can take a ticket and travel via lush green valleys and woods and witness the majestic Himalayan ranges.

Why visit by bus?

Visiting Muktinath by bus is the cheapest way to reach the sacred place. You will need to travel only for 8 hours from Pokhara, and you can reach Muktinath Temple.  You will also explore the local day-to-day life of the mountain people and learn about their culture and traditions.

Why not visit by public bus?

There are many reasons why you should not visit Muktinath Temple by bus because, although it’s the cheapest way to travel, it is also very uncomfortable. As the roads to Muktinath are fully off-road, you will feel the bumpy roads, and the buses are crowded and in bad condition, due to which your body may be in pain. You cannot stop the vehicle according to your wish and cannot do the side trips alongside the route.

By Renting a Jeep

The easiest and most convenient way to reach Muktinath Temple is by renting a Jeep, like a Scorpio or any other SUV. As the roads are bumpy, cars cannot reach this place properly. You can rent an SUV vehicle from Kathmandu to Muktinath Temple, or you can rent a vehicle from Pokhara itself. The cost is around 200 USD, which is around 22,000 NPR per vehicle.

However, you can divide the costs among your group of friends or your fellow travelers to make it affordable. You can also stop the vehicle for the side trips. You can stop and enjoy the Rupse waterfall, and you can visit Jomsom, Kagbeni, Marpha, Tatopani, and all the nearby villages that lie on the way.

Why visit by renting a Jeep?

The biggest advantage of renting a jeep to Muktinath Temple is you can stop and enjoy the places. And the route to the Muktinath temple is very beautiful, and there are many places to visit and you should explore.

By Flight

You can reach Muktinath Temple by flight as well. You can take a flight from Pokhara Airport to Jomsom Airport, take a taxi, and drive to the Muktinath temple. The flight cost is around 70 USD, which is around NPR 8000 per person for one way. If you take a flight both ways, the costs will be less.  Many flights fly daily from Pokhara to Muktinath, and you can check the schedule and book a flight from websites like ClearTrip and Booking.com, or you can directly book from the company’s websites, like Buddha Air, Nepal Air, and many more.

Why visit Muktinath Temple by flight?

Visiting Muktinath Temple by flight is the fastest way to reach the temple and get blessings from there. The flight is around 20 minutes from Pokhara Airport to Jomsom. Also, you will skip the part of traveling on bumpy roads and being uncomfortable. You will witness the beautiful Annapurna and Dhaulagiri ranges from the sky, which is beautiful and awesome. You will fly above the lush green forests and valley, giving you the perfect opportunity to enjoy the flight.

Why Not Visit Muktinath Temple by Flight?

Visiting Muktinath Temple by flight is the fastest way to reach Muktinath Temple. However, if you are using the flights, you will directly land at Jomsom and reach Muktinath Temple, due to which you will not be able to explore the beautiful places like Marpha, the apple village; Tattopani, the natural hot springs; and many more places that fall alongside the route.

By Helicopter

Did you know that you can reach Muktinath Temple by helicopter as well? You can get a helicopter flight from Kathmandu to Muktinath directly. You can fly from Kathmandu and Pokhara as well. When using the helicopter, you will directly land near the Muktinath temple, which will make your journey even easier and more comfortable. You will get 2 hours to get blessings and worship and return to Kathmandu or Pokhara, depending upon your starting point.

The helicopter price is usually between 800 USD and 1000 USD, which is around 80,000 to 100,000 NPRs. However, depending on the weather, flight passage prices may increase or decrease. e You can book the flight from their websites, like Air Dynasty and Simrik Air itself.

Why not visit Muktinath Temple by helicopter?

Visiting Muktinath Temple by air is only the cost. If you can manage it, you can, no wonder, fly by air. However, taking a heli flight is short, due to which you cannot explore and interact with the locals and cannot immerse yourself in nature.

By Bike

You can also reach Muktinath Temple by bike. The roads are off-roads, due to which you will need a bike in good condition to start your trip. You can reach Muktinath Temple by bike riding, which will give you a chance to explore nature and witness the beautiful Himalayan ranges, local cultures, and traditions, and you can also explore the local life of the people there. The bike ride from your place to Muktinath is not just a journey, but it’s a spiritual adventure wrapped in nature. You will have freedom for your itinerary and stays, making your choice to visit the places.

Read more: Best time to visit Muktinath temple

Why not visit Muktinath Temple by bike?

The first and foremost reason is that the roads are off-road, making it difficult for riders who are inexperienced and whose bikes are not in good condition. The roads are dusty, making it difficult to see if big vehicles pass from your side. Also, limited workshops/repair shops are making it difficult to repair in case of emergency.

Reaching Muktinath Temple is a once-in-a-lifetime moment to explore. It does not matter what method you choose; you will witness the beautiful Muktinath temple and the beautiful ranges all over the temple, adding beauty to your tour. You will get a chance to explore the local culture and foods, which are a must-try, and explore things to do.