Muktinath and Jomsom

Muktinath is a sacred and a pilgrimage site for both Hindus and Buddhists. It is a great example of how two religions can share the same holy spot with mutual respect and support. The famous temple of Muktinath lies in the district of Mustang and is situated about 18 km northeast of Jomsom, at an altitude of about 3750 m above sea level. The shrine is a grove of trees, including a Buddhist monastery and a Jwala Mai, which contains a spring, and an eternal flame fed by natural gas underground. It is the Earth-Water-Fire combination that accounts for Muktinath’s great religious significance. Set into the walls around it, are 108 waterspouts from which pour holy water. It is believed that all miseries / sorrows are relived once you visit the temple. There are two ways to get to Muktinath, either take a direct flight from Kathmandu via Pokhara to Jomsom and hike/pony ride for six to eight hours via Kagbeni or trek all the way from Pokhara, which takes seven to eight days. Jomsom is a major center in the Annapurna region. There is also world-class accommodation facility in Jomsom from where one can enjoy remarkable natural beauty.