Traveling to Muktinath
(Last update August, 2017)

Disclaimer

Introduction
Muktinath-Chumig Gyatsa is a holy place for both Buddhists and Hindus on the Annapurna Circuit in the Himalayas of Nepal. To know more about the background of Muktinath, you can have a look at the picture gallery or browse through the "Muktinath" menu item above. The information on this page is based on the feedback of visitors to this web site; our own experience and information we get from the local people we have contact with.

Can I travel to Muktinath safely by myself?
Yes, if you are physically and mentally healthy, both men and women alike, up till quite a high age, can travel to Muktinath on their own and travel quite comfortably and safely. New roads have been made and it is even possible now to go by road to Muktinath.

What is the best time to travel?
When you are not familair with the local situation, we recommend not to travel to Muktinath during the raining season in June, July, August and the beginning of September because of the possibility of landslides. Beside there is a great change airplans do not fly to Jomson due to bad weather. Waiting for days to return from Jomsom to Pokhara by plain is not an exception. So all and all there is a big chance during rain season it will not be the great trip it can be.
In November and February it can be cold, but you can travel. December and January are for the die hards.

Do I need a guide?
To find your way you do not need a guide, but it is of course more safe to travel together in mountains. Beside by hiring a guide you provide income for a Nepalese family.

Do I need a permit to travel to Muktinath?
Yes, you need 1) A Annapurna Conservation Area Project Permit (ACAP). This permit can be collected from Nepal Tourism Board located at Bhrikuti Mandap, Kathmandu or at Pokhara & Trekker's Information. And 2) a Management System Permit (TIMS). This permit can be collected from TAAN located one at Saatghumti, Thamel and another at Mali Gaun, Kathmandu or at Pokhara (see the links for fees). Please, note: Four passport size pictures and a copy of your passport are required to collect required permits.

How do I go to Muktinath? Apart from walking to Muktinath all the way, there are many ways one can travel, depending on time and budget.

The trip can be divided in three parts: from Kathmandu to Pokhara, from Pokhara to Jomsom, and from Jomsom to Muktinath-Chumig Gyatsa. You can travel all the way by road (walking or per bike, motorbike, jeep, bus) or via Kathmandu-Pokhara-Jomsom by flight and there take a jeep, bus or go by horse. A direct flight by helicopter from Kathmandu to Muktinath is also possible.

© MFI ImageBank

Can I continue my trip after my arrival by plane in Jomsom immediately?
When you arrive at Jomsom by plane you are at 2700 meters while you came from Pokhara at 800 meters (Kathmandu is about 1500 meters). Muktinath is at 3750 meters. We strongly recommend that you stay one night in Jomsom in order to prevent high altitude sickness instead of walking to Muktinath the very same day if you arrive by flight. Alternative is you walk for three hours to Kagbeni at 2900 meters and stay there for a night. Next day we recommend you sleep in Jhargot at 3400 meters (which is 45 minutes before Muktinath-Chumig Gyatsa). Please download this PDF file for more information. The Himalayas and hurry really do do not mix. Actually that might be the very reason why you want to go there, indeed. :-)

Where can I buy bus tickets, and can I do this at the last minute?
The bus tickets can be bought at any travel agency in Nepal. Last-minute bookings are most of the time no problem.

The road is OK, and officials at government road blocks prevent the drivers of trucks and buses from going too fast by noting down there arrival time at each road block. The cheap local buses to Pokhara always have bad tires and are often run by junior drivers. You can feel comfortable travelling with a tourist bus to Pokhara though. Having said this, travelling by bus in Nepal is less save than flying.

And how about the plane tickets for Jomsom?
The plane tickets to Jomsom cost about 150 USD for a single trip from Kathmandu to Jomsom (via Pokhara) and about half of this amount from Pokhara to Jomsom. That is, if you are not from Nepal. For locals the prices are much cheaper for good reasons. Note that it is not possible to continue your flight by plane to Jomsom after arriving from Kathmandu at Pokahara airport. So you need to stay one night in a hotel or guesthouse before continuing your trip to Jomsom.
Make sure you take an early flight from Pokhara to Jomsom v.v.  Every day, between 10 and 11 a.m., it starts to be very windy in Jomsom. The planes need to arrive before that time. If the departure of a plane is delayed, it can be cancelled for that reason. So best is to take the early flight at 7 or 8 a.m.

Lodging
Along the route to Muktinath you'll find enough guesthouses to eat and sleep. If a local guesthouse is fine for you, you do not need to make arrangements up front. The beds are clean and the food is good. Hot showers and electricity are available during part of the day. Costs per night are about 500-700 NPR for a local guesthouse and 40 USD or more for a hotel. Food per day in a local guesthouse is about 900 NPR per person for three meals, including tea or coffee. Enough room is available. For Hindu pilgrims there are also free Dharamsalas.

Does it make sense to use a travel agency to make all arrangements?
Yes, no doubt this could make sense. If you are not used to travelling in Asia, or if you are feeling insecure about things, a good travel agency will make the difference between a relaxed journey and a journey full of worries. Besides, when you travel in a group of more than three persons you must make sure you make reservations not only for bus and plane, but also for the guesthouses you want to stay at. One person can always find a place to sleep. With a group - more than two persons - it can be difficult (to stay together in the same place). In that case you could consider to ask a travel agent to make the bookings up front.

Still more questions?
As a charity we have not the information of a travel agency. We hope for your understanding. For other questions on travelling to Muktinath-Chumig Gyatsa, please contact a travel agency in Kathmandu or Pokhara.

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