Significance of Muktinath Temple
- For Hindus: Muktinath is one of the 108 Divya Desams, or holy abodes of Lord Vishnu, revered in the Divya Prabandha, an early medieval Tamil canon of the Alvar saints. The temple is dedicated to Lord Vishnu, who is worshipped here in the form of a stone idol and is believed to grant liberation from the cycle of rebirth. Hindu pilgrims believe that taking a bath in the temple's 108 water spouts purifies one's soul and washes away sins.
- For Buddhists: Muktinath is equally significant for Buddhists, who call it "Chumig Gyatsa," meaning "Hundred Waters." Buddhists consider it a place blessed by Guru Rinpoche, or Padmasambhava, who introduced Vajrayana Buddhism to Tibet. The natural flames of the temple's eternal flame, created by natural gas under the earth, are also a symbol of the element of fire revered in Buddhism.
Best Time to Visit
- Spring (March to May): The weather is mild, and the trail is filled with blooming rhododendrons, offering beautiful views.
- Autumn (September to November): The skies are clearer, making it ideal for sightseeing and photography.
- Avoid Monsoon and Winter: Monsoon season (June to August) brings heavy rains and landslides, while winter (December to February) can be extremely cold and snowy, making travel difficult.
Tips for Traveling from Gorakhpur to Muktinath Yatra
- Gorakhpur to the India-Nepal Border (Sunauli): From Gorakhpur, take a cab or bus to the Sunauli border, around 100 km away (approximately 2-3 hours by road).
- Crossing the Border at Sunauli: Carry your copyright or any valid ID (for Indian citizens, an Aadhaar or Voter ID is typically sufficient) to cross into Nepal. Once in Nepal, continue to your next destination.
- Sunauli to Pokhara: From the border, you can take a bus, private taxi, or a pre-arranged transfer to Pokhara, about 200 km (6-8 hours). If you prefer a more comfortable journey, hiring a private car is recommended.
- Pokhara to Jomsom: The next leg of your journey can be either by a short domestic flight (20 minutes) from Pokhara to Jomsom or by jeep (10-12 hours) along a rugged mountain road. Flights are quicker but depend heavily on weather conditions, while the road trip offers a scenic but long journey.
- Jomsom to Muktinath: From Jomsom, travel by jeep or trek approximately 20 kilometres (2-3 hours by jeep or 5-7 hours on foot) to reach Muktinath Temple.
Cost of the Muktinath Tour Packages from Gorakhpur
The cost of the Muktinath Tour Package from Gorakhpur with Musafircab varies based on several factors, including the travel season, group size, accommodation type, and any additional services you may require.
Estimated Package Cost
- Standard Package: Starting from ₹19500 per person
- Includes budget accommodations, daily breakfast, private cab transportation, and guided sightseeing.
- Deluxe Package: Starting from ₹21500 per person
- Includes mid-range hotels, daily breakfast and dinner, private cab transportation, guided sightseeing, and additional amenities.
How to Reach Muktinath
- By Road:The journey typically begins in Pokhara, Nepal, from where visitors drive to Jomsom. From Jomsom, travelers can take a jeep or trek to Muktinath, as the roads beyond Jomsom are rugged and require off-road vehicles.
- By Air:You can take a short flight from Pokhara to Jomsom, reducing the travel time significantly. From Jomsom, it's about a 20-kilometer drive to Muktinath Temple.
- By Helicopter:For those seeking a more convenient and scenic route, helicopter services are available from Pokhara directly to Muktinath, offering breathtaking views of the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri ranges.
Package Inclusions
- Accommodation: Well-appointed hotels in Pokhara and Jomsom have comfortable rooms and modern amenities.
- Meals: Breakfast and dinner are included throughout the trip.
- Transportation: Private air-conditioned cabs will be available for the entire tour, including pickup and drop-off at Gorakhpur.
- Local Sightseeing: Visits to all major attractions in Pokhara, Jomsom, and Muktinath.
- Assistance: Experienced guides and drivers will help you along the journey.
- Permits: Necessary permits for the Muktinath visit and entry to restricted areas.
Conclusion
Musafircab offers a perfect blend of spirituality, comfort, and adventure for those seeking a divine pilgrimage surrounded by the natural beauty of the Himalayas. From seamless travel arrangements to comfortable accommodations and guided visits, every detail is designed to provide a worry-free and enriching journey.