Temple · Syncretic
Muktinath Temple
मुक्तिनाथ मन्दिर
Lord Vishnu / Guru Rinpoche·Ancient (exact date unknown)·Mustang
Sacred to both Hindus and Buddhists, this high-altitude temple at 3,710m in Mustang is one of the 108 Divya Desams of Lord Vishnu.
Dedicated to
Lord Vishnu / Guru Rinpoche
Period
Ancient (exact date unknown)
Hours
6:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Admission
Free
Neighborhood
Muktinath Valley
Muktinath Temple sits at 3,710 meters altitude in the Mustang district, at the foot of the Thorong La pass on the Annapurna Circuit. It is one of the most important pilgrimage sites in Nepal, sacred to both Hindus and Buddhists.
For Hindus, Muktinath is one of the 108 Divya Desams (holy shrines of Lord Vishnu) and one of the eight most sacred shrines known as Svayam Vyakta Kshetras. For Buddhists, it is known as Chumig Gyatsa ('Hundred Waters') and is associated with Guru Rinpoche (Padmasambhava).
The pagoda-style temple contains a golden murti of Lord Vishnu. Its courtyard features 108 stone waterspouts shaped like bull heads (dhara), through which sacred water flows — bathing under all 108 is said to bring moksha (salvation). Nearby, a natural gas flame burns behind a small waterfall inside a grotto, creating the miraculous juxtaposition of fire, water, and earth that makes this site unique.
The journey itself is a pilgrimage, whether via the Annapurna Circuit trek or by jeep from Jomsom.
Best visited in autumn and spring.autumn: best, -8°C to 10°C. Peak pilgrimage and trekking season. Stunning views of Dhaulagiri and Nilgiri. The eternal flame burns bright in dry air. monsoon: possible, 0°C to 15°C. Being in the rain shadow, Muktinath receives less rain than southern Nepal. Road access may be disrupted. Temple remains open. spring: best, -5°C to 12°C. Accessible via jeep from Jomsom or by trekking the Annapurna Circuit. The 108 water spouts flow well. Clear mountain views. winter: possible, -18°C to 3°C. Very cold but the temple remains open. Some water spouts may freeze. Road from Jomsom may be blocked by snow.
The Almanac
| Season | Months | Rating | Temperature | Note |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| spring | Mar–May | Best | -5° — 12°C | Accessible via jeep from Jomsom or by trekking the Annapurna Circuit. The 108 water spouts flow well. Clear mountain views. |
| monsoon | Jun–Sep | Possible | 0° — 15°C | Being in the rain shadow, Muktinath receives less rain than southern Nepal. Road access may be disrupted. Temple remains open. |
| autumn | Oct–Nov | Best | -8° — 10°C | Peak pilgrimage and trekking season. Stunning views of Dhaulagiri and Nilgiri. The eternal flame burns bright in dry air. |
| winter | Dec–Feb | Possible | -18° — 3°C | Very cold but the temple remains open. Some water spouts may freeze. Road from Jomsom may be blocked by snow. |
- spring Mar–May
- Accessible via jeep from Jomsom or by trekking the Annapurna Circuit. The 108 water spouts flow well. Clear mountain views.
- monsoon Jun–Sep
- Being in the rain shadow, Muktinath receives less rain than southern Nepal. Road access may be disrupted. Temple remains open.
- autumn Oct–Nov
- Peak pilgrimage and trekking season. Stunning views of Dhaulagiri and Nilgiri. The eternal flame burns bright in dry air.
- winter Dec–Feb
- Very cold but the temple remains open. Some water spouts may freeze. Road from Jomsom may be blocked by snow.
Folio II
Iconography & Detail
Folio III
Situation
Coda