NATIONAL PARK AND WILDLIFE RESERVE

Chitwan National Park


For a country known for its beautiful mountains, the Gangetic flat lands of the Terai that stretches through out the southern part of Nepal provide a wholly different experience. (See the separate section on the Terai for more details.) A visit to Nepal remains incomplete without seeing the beauty of the Terai.

And Chitwan is the best place to do so. The Royal Chitwan National Park, established in 1973, provides a great wildlife experience with its rich flora and fauna –read further for more details. The wildlife and the landscape are not as breathtaking as those found in Africa but still, the experience will stand out.

Chitwan is only 150m above the sea level. The place gets steamy from March-June, with peak temperatures reaching 43°C in the shade. Short grass makes Feb-May the best game-viewing season, but the autumn months are gorgeous, with Himalayan views, and in winter (December-January), Chitwan is pleasantly warmed compared to Kathmandu. The monsoon season (July-August) is intense, with pounding rain, swollen rivers, and luxuriant vegetation. While the rain isn't constant, the humidity is all pervasive.




Of Interest


Though one can visit neighboring Tharu villages in Chitwan, the major interesting focus of Chitwan is still the exploration of the Chitwan National Park.

Flora and Fauna

The flora and fauna of Chitwan makes it a great place for nature lovers. Chitwan has over 50 different species of mammals, 400 different species of birds, and 65 different types of butterflies in its hardwood Sal forests, riverine vegetation, and "elephant grass" savannah. More than 70 different species of grass grow here.


The most famous wildlife in Chitwan is perhaps the single-horned Asian rhinoceros. A few decades ago, their number had fallen to less than 100, but recent count puts them at 400. These animals have thick armor like hide that is hard to penetrate even with a bullet.


A fully grown animal can be as tall as 180cm. In spite of army protection for these animals and severe punishment for harming them, rhino poaching is still a problem as every organ of the animal carries some (probably superstitious) value. The horn fetches about US$10,000 per kilo and is believed to be an aphrodisiac. The dung can be a laxative, the urine cures tuberculosis and asthma. The blood can help cure menstrual problems. The hide keeps away evil spirits. And so on.

Chitwan has about 150 Bengal tigers left of the one time 3000 or so. Though poaching is a serious threat, the real threat for these majestic animals is the gradual loss of its habitat. A male tiger requires almost 60km space, and a female one requires a third of it. Chitwan is simply not big enough to handle many tigers. It is rare for one to actually see a tiger, though looking for one is an interesting part of the trip.

Other wild mammals one may see are leopards, various types of deer, monkeys, sloth bear, and antelope.

Exploring Chitwan

There are several ways to do this; and if you stay there two to three days, as most tourists do, you can try them all out.

An elephant ride is the most popular way of exploring the Chitwan jungle. For about US$15, the government elephants take you around the jungle for an hour and half. There are two trips a day, one in the morning at eight and another at four in the afternoon. During peak seasons, there are long lines for tickets. Your lodge will normally get you one for a dollar or two extra. If you are staying at the luxury lodges inside the Park itself, they have their own elephants too. Note that, other than the elephants owned by these lodges, only the government runs elephant services inside the Park. Privately owned elephant rides (which go for cheaper rates) take you around the outside of the Park, where the chances of game spotting are far less.

Jeep safaris are also very popular. For US$15, they take you around for four hours. A great way to spot wildlife in areas further inside the Park which are less trodden.

Canoeing along the Rapti river is another option. With some luck you will get to see Gharial crocodiles, marsh muggers, and variety of fish. With a lot of luck you may be able to see a Gangetic dolphin. The trip is a paradise for birdwatchers with possible spotting of kingfishers, ospreys, and egrets. Chitwan is known to have 400 species of birds. For less than US$3-US$5, you can canoe downriver for about an hour, and take a three hour guided walk back.

Jungle walks through the jungle is a good way to spot game. Monkeys, birds and deer are assured; rhinos are less common (but not uncommon). A guide is recommended, and you can hire one for $3 per day (or pro-rated for shorter time). They can help you stay safe as well as point out interesting things.

For those who want a more extended experience, and are there for more than a couple of days, overnight jungle hike deeper into the jungle can be rewarding. Most do a two night hike. Designated camping spots inside the park cost US$5 per night. Guides cost US$6-US$8 for the trip. You may have to rent your camping gear in Kathmandu, because there aren't really any such facility in Sauraha itself.




Transportation
Air

There are regular daily flights to Bharatpur, about 25km from the Park area, and to Meghauli (US$75). The flights take about half an hour. One can easily get rides from the airports to the Park area. If you plan to stay in one of the expensive resorts inside the Park, your flights to and from Kathmandu will probably be included in your package.

Land

Public buses go to Tadi from Kathmandu and Pokhara for about US$2 (twice the cost for more comfortable "tourist buses"). The ride takes about seven hours from Kathmandu, six from Pokhara. From Tadi, you will either have to cover the six kilometer distance to Sauraha on an ox cart (takes two hours to cover the distance!) or in a rented jeep for US$0.50. You can also rent a bike for about US$1 a day, or walk. On the way you need to cross a river which can be waded across during offseason, but during seasons with high water, local fishermen will ferry you across in their dugout boats for a couple of cents.

There are some who take a car from Kathmandu for the trip for an outrageous roundtrip price of US$100 (plus or minus US$50, depending upon your bargaining skills!). These are generally arranged by the lodges themselves. You can ask around in Thamel in Kathmandu. Another option is to rent a taxi in Kathmandu or Pokhara for about US$75 or less for a two day roundtrip travel. Split among two or three travellers, this can be reasonable.

River
Package organizers in Thamel will also arrange rafting trips to Chitwan. The trip normally starts at Mugling, 110km out of Kathmandu on the Kathmandu-Pokhara-Chitwan road. The trip itself is an easy river cruise that takes two or three days. The price ranges from US$30-US$75 per day. Before you pay up, shop around, bargain, and ask a lot of questions about the details of the arrangement.

Accommodation

The choices are of a wide range but, as usual, they fall in two general categories: luxury and budget. The luxury hotels in Chitwan are inside the Park itself. They cost about US$150-US$250 per person per night, and provide you quite an exquisite experience. Swimming pool, cocktail bars, safari ambience, organized game spotting trips, orientation by trained naturalists, and all. You will love it if you have the money. These luxury hotels generally package the whole tour for their price, including transportation to and from Kathmandu, meals, park entry fees, daily activities, etc. You need to make your reservations well in advance; if you are going to be there between November and February, the busiest season, a 6-12 month advance booking will be necessary.

The budget hotels in Chitwan are all located just outside the northern border of Chitwan National Park, in a village called Sauraha. Sauraha, in the past few years, is quickly turning into another Thamel or Lakeside. They range between US$3-US$15 per night; reservations are not necessary. Competition is so intense among the dozens of hotels that bargaining is very common. If you take the public bus to Tadi, touts who serve as agents to one of these budget hotels will pounce on you, don't give in. Check the hotel out yourself, and play one tout against another to get the best rate.

Some of the more upscale budget hotels in Sauraha also organize three day packaged tours of the area for about US$75-US$150 from Kathmandu. The price includes all basic expenses including transportation, accomodation, meals, tours of the area, etc. You can obviously do the same for much less, but if you want to go on these tours, the main tourist areas in Kathmandu and Pokahara have booking agents. Shop around, and bargain.

Dining

If you are staying in one of the luxury hotels inside the park itself, they provide you with excellent western meals. Except for the drinks and tips, the meals are normally included in your price.

Outside the Park, for those who stay in Sauraha, there are a few decent dining places in the main market place. As Chitwan becomes more and more popular among foreign visitors, more and more establishments are opening. The restaurants here don't meet the standards of Kathmandu, or even those of Pokhara, but they are manageable for a couple of days.

PARSA WILDLIFE RESERVE

Parsa Wildlife Reserve occupies parts of Chitwan, Makawanpur, Parsa and Bara districts in central Nepal. The reserve headquarters is situated at Adabar on the Hetauda-Birgunj highway and the Reserve covers 499 sq. kms. and established in 1984.

The dominant landscape of the reserve, the Churiya hills ranging from 750m. to 950m. run east-west of the reserve. The reserve has sub-tropical monsoon climate. The forest is composed of tropical to subtropical forest types with sal constituting 90% of the vegetation. In the Churiya hills Chir pine grows and along the stream and rivers Khair, Sissoo with silk cotton tree occur. Sabai grass a commercially important grass species grows well in the southern face of Churiya hill. The reserve supports a good population of resident wild elephant, tiger, leopard, sloth bear, gaur, blue bull, wild dog. Other common animals are sambar, chital, hogdeer, barking deer, langur, striped hyena, ratel, palm civet, jungle cat etc.

There are nearly 300 species of birds in the reserve. Giant hombill, peafowl, red jungle fowl, flycatchers, woodpeckers etc. are few other common birds found in the reserve. Many kinds of snakes like king cobra, common cobra, krait, rat snake, pythons are found in the reserve due to hot tropical climate.

CLIMATE

Winter (October-December) provide pleasant temperatures with clear skies. Night time temperatures can drop to 0°C. During spring (January-March) temperatures rise and water becomes scarce. During summer (April-June) the days become hot and humid with temperatures rising up to 40°C. Monsoon (July-September) brings cooling rains.

FEATURES

The soil is primarily composed of gravel and conglomerates, making it susceptible to erosion. The hills present a very rugged face with numerous gullies and dry streambeds. As the foothills are very porous, water flows underground and surfaces at a distance of about 15 km. from the hills base. The Churia hill range from 750m to 950m running east to west.

FLORA AND FAUNA
The forests are mainly composed of tropical and subtropical species. Sal forests compose about 90 percent of the Reserve's vegetation. Along the banks of the rivers, riverine forests are found containing species like Khair and Silk cotton tree. In the north-eastern part of the Reserve, at higher altitudes, Sal and Pine forests occur. On the southern slope of the Siwalik hills, the forests are dominated by pine. Sabai grass a commercially important species, grows well on the southern face of the Churia hills.

The Reserve supports good populations of endangered species such as wild Asian elephant, Royal Bengal tiger, sloth bear, and leopard. blue bull, wild dog , sambar deer, spotted deer, hog deer, barding deer, langur, rhesus macaques, striped hyena, jungle cat, and palm civet.

The Reserve also provides habitat for more than 500 species of birds. For example white breasted kingfisher, paradise flycatcher, large racquet-tailed drongo, golden backed woodpecker, are some of the common sights. Giant hornbill, one of the endangered bird species is found here. The Reserve is also famous for reptiles and different kinds of snakes including common cobra, common and banded krait, rock python and King cobra.

PLACES OF INTEREST
Near the Reserve headquarters is a machan (view tower) that provides excellent opportunities for game viewing. Kailash Bhata is atop a hill, and is of religious importance. It houses two small temples (Dugdeswor Mahadev) paying homage to the Hindu gods of Shiva and Parvati. Also, one can have a panoramic view of the lush terai forest from here. An elephant camp is located near Amlekhgunj. Jungle rides can be arranged from the Reserve headquarters, which is the best way to get a close view of wildlife.

FACILITIES
There is a small guesthouse with four rooms at the headquarters. There is also a teahouse that can provide tea, snacks, and Nepali food. Hetauda and Birgunj are about an hour's drive. Modest shops have also come up near Pathlaiya which is a walking distance from Headquarters. Make sure to bring a first-aid kit containing medicines for intestinal problems.

HOW TO GET THERE
The Reserve is easily accessible. The Kathmandu - Hetauda - Birgunj highway passes by the entrance gate. Bus can be availed from Kathmandu. It takes six to seven hours to get there. A flight to Simara takes about 15-20 minutes, from where it hardly takes 15 minutes to reach the Reserve headquarter by vehicle.
 

RAFTING IN NEPAL

Nepal is a river runner's paradise - no other country has such a choice of multi-day trips, away from roads, in such magnificent mountain surrroundings, with warm rivers, a semi tropical climate, impressive geography, exotic cultures, wildlife and friendly welcoming people! But it's not just the rivers - as anyone who has been there will tell you, Nepal is a magnificent holiday in its own right - a fairy tale land of temples, mountains, dramatic festivals, exotic culture, colourful people, medieval villages, superb craft shopping, great food and sights - the bonus is some of the World's best rivers! Rafting in Nepal is usually a 'wilderness' experience in that most rivers don't have highways alongside them - but it's a soft, tamed, wilderness with white beaches for camping, clean blue rivers, friendly locals. Incredibly inexpensive, Nepal is a peaceful democratic country where rafters and kayakers get a warm welcome as one of the best forms of ecotourism. 

River rafting began in Nepal in 1975. With over 250 sizeable tributaries within 4 major river systems, the potential for rafting is enormous. In western Nepal lie the Karnali and Mahakali systems, in the east Nepal is the Sapta Koshi and the Sapta Gandaki dominates the central region. To date only a few rivers within these systems have been explored commercially, including:

TRISULI  
This is Nepal’s most popular rafting river and is easily accessible from Kathmandu. It meanders close to the highway and is perfect as an alternate means of transport to Royal Chitwan National Park, or even to Pokhara. Despite its proximity to the road the Trisuli offers great scenery, impressive gorges and exciting rapids.  

SUN KOSHI  
The Sun Koshi River is famous in rafting circles, and with good reason. This is one of the10 most exciting white water rafting in the world, roaring past remote villages and green fertile mountains covered with forests and rice terraces, where local inhabitants can be seen in their daily rural activities. This is a once-in-a-lifetime experience… particularly during high waters, when the rapids can swell to massive sizes, sometimes making the rafts completely disappear from sight! There are excellent camping sites along the banks

KALI GANDAKI  
This river can be divided into two sections. The “Upper” section offers exciting class +4 rapids and a remote, unspoiled wilderness environment and may be ideally combined with the Annapurna-Muktinath trek.

Self-sufficient intermediate or advanced teams can raft of kayak for 3-5 days.

The “Lower” class 2 section is wide and smooth, offering a relaxing river trip. The natural scenery is wonderfully unspoiled and as the river flows through narrow gorges rafters have the chance of glimpsing the exotic wildlife of the surrounding jungles. This is a classic discovery trip too often neglected in favor of better-known rivers.
A self-sufficient 2-4 days expedition for beginner and intermediate raft or kayak teams.
Combine the two sections to raft the entire way to Chitwan.

KARNALI
The lower section of the Karnali is a magnificent river journey into remote western Nepal. The Karnali is a big river, originating near Mount Kailash, which runs through unique jungle-clad canyons that support unique flora and fauna.
Following a 2-day trek to reach the river self-sufficient intermediate or advanced teams can raft or kayak for 5-7 days.

The Bhote Koshi River
A three hour drive from Kathmandu takes you to this pure adrenaline rush as you crash through a maze of canyons and boulders. The Marshyangdi River Marshyangdi flows through the gorges of Annapurna with 52 kms. of boiling foam sandwiched between towering peaks. The rafing starts from Besisahar and the ending point is Bimalangar on the Prithivi Highway.

The Tama Koshi River
A ten hour drive to Jiri (central north region) from Kathmandu is followed by a short walk to Besti for the commencement of this ten day odyssey. Rafting this river is considered the most adventurous and dangerous available.

The Marshyangdi River
Marshyangdi flows through the gorges of Annapurna with 52 kms. of boiling foam sandwiched between towering peaks. The rafing starts from Besisahar and the ending point is Bimalangar on the Prithivi Highway.


A white water rafting trip may be easily combined with your other adventures – trekking, jungle safaris, or Tibet tours.

MUKTHINATH

This Sanskrit name itself has religious overtone and a sort of emotional ring to it for the devout Hindus. The name is synthesis of two words - Mukti and Nath. Mukti means Salvation or Nirvana and Nath mean god or Master. Mukti Holds grate significance for all spiritual people in the south Asian sub continent. Muktinath (the provider of salvation) has been one such holy site, where thousands of devotees flock for attaining the much sought after moksha (Freedom) from the cycle of birth and rebirth. It is an ardent wish or a dream if you may say, of every Hindu to get Mukti-Nirvana from this cycle taking births over and over again. It is belief of the Hindus that this world is "MAYA" (an illusion) and the earliest one gets out of it the better and a visit to Muktinath will help them achieve that goal. Since then it called Muktinath.

Muktinath is an important pilgrimage place for both Hindu & Buddhist. The holy shrine at Muktinath is in a grove of trees and includes a Buddhist Gompa and the pagoda style temple of Vishnu Temple, Containing an Image of Vishnu.

It is believed that one should visit this temple after completing pilgrimage of four special religious sites, Chardham Yatra of India; Muktinath must be visited once

The Hindus call it Muktichhetra (Place of salvation) is one of the four religious sites. Many Shaligrams (Ammonite) found here are considered by Hindu as incarnation of lord Vishnu and worship them. According to Hindu Myth lord Vishnu turned into Shaligram because of Brinda’s Curse.
Similarly Buddhist calls this valley the Chumig Gyatsa (place of 108 waterspouts). It is believed that Guru Rimpoche (Padmasambha) the scholar founder of Tibetan Buddhism once meditated and gained lifetime achievement of spiritual knowledge here while on his way to Tibet on 12th century. The valley has seven historic village: Putak, Jhong, Chhyonkhar, Purang, Jharkot and khinga. Ranipauwa (lit.queen's pilgrim hostel, named after queen Subarna Prabha Devi) is a new settlement founded by people of Purang. The main ethnic group of the valley is Bhotias
This place is opened through out the year but especially in Rishitarpani, Ram Nawami, and Bijay Dashami thousands of pilgrims gather here to celebrate the festival.

Muktinath Temple
The Pagoda style Muktinath Temple is symbol of the religious symbiosis between both Hindus and Buddhists. Hindu believes that lord Vishnu got salvation from curse of Brinda (wife of Jalandhar) here. Therefore he is worshipped as Muktinath (Lit. the lord of salvation). Hindu regards Muktinath as Vishnu The main shrine of Muktinath is a pagoda - shaped temple dedicated to the Lord Vishnu.
On the other hand where as Buddhists regard as Buddha. Buddhist worships Vishnu as Avalokiteshvara. The Temple depicts metal statues of lord Vishnu, goddess Laxmi, Saraswoti, Janaki, Garuda, Lava-Kush and Sapta Rishis.
The building in 1815 of the Buddhist-Hindu temple of Vishnu and Chenrezig at Muktinath-Chumig Gyatsa was initiated by the Nepali Queen Subarna Prabha who considered Muktinath-Chumig Gyatsa Salagrama.

The temple and the religious shrine of Muktinath are about 90m in elevation above Ranipauwa.The famous temple of Lord Muktinath situated at base of Khatang Kang(Thorang Peak) in Baraha Gaun (lit. Twelve village) in the district of Mustang in the north central part of Nepal,and it is about 110 Km from Pokhara and 20 kms northeast of Jomsom at an altitude of about 3800 meters from the sea level. It is a gate way to Mustang from Manang in famous Annapurana circuit Trek route. Named after highly referred Muktinath shrine the valley is one of religious place in Nepal for both Hindus and Buddhist. The Buddhist nuns take care of cultural heritage inside Muktinath temple. Photography and filming of deities inside Temple and Monasteries is strictly prohibited.

The holy shrine, which is said to have risen on its own, is one of eight such shrines (the others include Srirangam, Sri Mushnam, Tirupati, Naimisaranyam, Thottadri, Pushkaram and Badrinath). It is also one of 108 Vaishnava shrines.

Here in the early 19th century the Hindus consecrated a Vishnu temple and named is Muktinath - Lord of Liberation. Against a backdrop of incredible starkness you can sit and stare to the south the snow covered Annapurna range, or to the north the Tibetan plateau.

Attraction of Muktinath

Kunda:

In front of MuktinathTemple there are 2 Kunda (Water pond), Where holy dip is believed it can wash away negative karma, the results of one's past negative actions.

Mukti Dhara: Around the temple is a wall from the temple which there are 108 waterspouts (Dhara) name of “Muktidhara”. The 108 faucets in the cast in the shape of bulls' heads, pour fourth-sacred water closely arranged in a semi-circle with a gap of hardly a foot between the faucets, at a height of seven feet. The water from Gandaki River continuously flowing through the mouth of the bull. Pilgrims who visit the temple take a holy bath in each of these spouts. But as the water is ice cold it requires burning desire and courage to take a holy bath here. Hindu devotees take bath under chilled water of 108 waterspouts “Muktidhara” believing that it brings them salvation. It is also believed that the deity was originated from Jumla,far western part of Nepal. It has helped to make this area as center of Tourist attraction. In Janai Purnima Buddhist’s Yar tang Mala celebrated here.

Jwala Mai Temple:

Even more sacred is the water that issues from rock inside the ancient Tibetan style “Jwala Mai Temple” sound of flowing river is situated south and a short distance below the of Muktinath Temple. Inside this Gompa, behind a tattered curtain, are small natural gas jest that produce Continuously burning flame, the Jwala Mai temple has a spring and there are three eternal flames “Holy flame from soil”, “Holy flame from rock” and “Holy flame from water” fed by natural gas. Currently two flames are continuously burning. The Hindu believes that this miracle of fire lighting was offering made by Brahma himself , (the creator of universe) set water on fire. Hindus worship the fire as Jwala Mai (Lit. Goddess of fire). The Buddhist believe that Padmasambhav, the great Indian master who inducted Tantric Vajrayana Buddhism in Tibet, meditated at this place. The Buddhist living will show foot prints which they say are those of the great master. They called it Dhola Mebar Gompa.
The holy flame alongside a spring that is the source of the religious importance of Muktinath. It is often possible to see Tibetan woman with elaborate turquoise embedded headdresses, engaged in devotion at these shrine.

Mharme Lha Khang Gompa: After completing prayer and puja at the temple a visit to Mharme Lha Khang Gomba is situated to the North of Muktinath Tee. Mharme Lha Khang is translates as thousand holy lamps. As this monastery dedicated to Guru Rimpoche (Padmasambhava) with his huge clay image is placed center of altar along with bon deities: red Trakpo at right side and blue singe Doma at left side. Since Singe doma is lion headed deity, Hindu worships as Narasimha and name of monastry Narsingh Gompa.

Gomba Samba, a "newly built monastery". It is believed that founder of this monastery Syandol Lama came from Tibet. Originally this monastery was a big hostel for monks that later collapsed and people of Khinga and Jharkot jointly reconstructed it. The main deities monastries are Sakyamuni, Chingresig and Guru Rimpoche. The monastery is situated at left from entrance gate of Muktinath temple complex, would be worth it.

Swaminarayan: One Hindu Guru connected trayan, Satguru of Sabij Yoga, the goal of which is the realization of and service to God Supreme. At the end of the 18th century this Satguru practiced severe penance in Muktinath for two and a half months and attained the highest degree of proficiency in Nishkamvrat. In 2003 his followers funded the new wall around Muktinath and raised a small monument for him at Muktinath.

Shaligram: Another attraction for the pilgriage is the River kali Gandaki from where one can collect fossils of the Jurassic park age. One may find a fossil within a few minutes or it may take hours and without success. However, these fossils can be had from the local people at a price. Shaligram, a black stone fossil if found, is considered sacred and is kept in pooja (prayer) room in the house. It is supposed to be symbol of Lord Vishnu.

Around Places:
The Muktinath valley has seven historic famous places Putak, Jhong, Chhyokhar, Purang Jharkot and Khinga. Ranipauwa (Lit.Queen pilgrims hostel the name of Subarna Prabha Devi) is new settlement village founded by people of Purang. There are many monasteries and Gompa around the Muktinath temple.

Once Pilgrimage journey made to this holy Muktinath, holy dip in the Kunda and bath beneath of 108 waterspouts “Muktidhara” is believed to bring about salvation (Moksha) and to fulfill your wishes.

We welcome you to visit the highly religious place of Muktinath, where you will enjoy and discover you are on your special journey. Geneal Information


How to go there:
Only those who are willing to undergo physical discomfort and rigour can go to Muktinath. Above all, one should have the Grace of the Lord to visit Muktinath. The convenient routes to Muktinath from India are: via Gorakhpur, Sonauli, Bhairawa and Pokhara, the last big town on the way to Muktinath; via Raxaul, Birgunj and Pokhara or via Darjeeling, Siliguri, Kakar Bhitta and Pokhara.

There are many ways to reach Muktinath. Either take a flight from Pokhara to Jomsom or hike for 7-8 hours from Jomsom or trek all the way from Pokhara through Kali-Gandaki valley, which takes 7/8 days. There has a trekking route one of famous treks name of Muktinath.
Nowadays the Bus & Jeep Services are available from Pokhara via Beni, Then Beni to Ghasa, via Tato pani, to Jomsom there Jeep services which take time 12-15 hrs. From Jomsom to Muktinath it takes 1.30 hrs by Jeep. After Beni to Jomsom the road is graveled through the Kaligandaki river bank. and Jomsom to Muktinath road is graveled through the Kaligandaki river bank & Hill area.
Helicopter services are also available from Pokhara & Kathmandu. The sight of the bewildering Annapurana and Dhaulagiri ranges will enchant you as you approach towards Pokhara Valley by air or surface. The next morning when you discover the clear sky and views of mountain, you then discover you are on your special journey to the Muktinath

Apart from walking to Muktinath all the way, there are many ways one can travel, depending on time and budget.
Click here for Muktinath Map.......

Starting From Pokhara to Jomsom:
By Flight: Pokhara to Jomsom by air in about 20 minutes
By Trek: Pokhara to Nayapool by vehicle then do the 7/8 days trek to Jomsom,
By transport: Pokhara to Beni to Ghasa to Jomsom by Jeep in about 12 hrs.

Starting from Jomsom To Muktinath
By treks: Walk to Kagbeni to Jharkot to Muktinath in about 7-8 hours.
By Transport: Go by Jeep in about 1.30 hrs.
By Horse: Go by a local rented horse in about 5 to 6 hrs.

By Helicopter:
1. Kathmandu to Muktinath in about 1.30 hrs
2. Pokhara to Muktinath in about 45 minutes

By Helicopter to visit Muktinath on the month of March to October is suitable. By treks to visit on the month of April to October is preferable

Climate
Muktinath and its high valley are located in the Mustang Bhote region. The climate and landscape here are similar to those of the Tibetan Plateau since it is situated in the rain shadow of the Greater Himalayas. The changes in climate from warm to cold take you to the sacred shrine of Muktinath in Mustang district. Flowing through the region from north to south and forming deep gorges is the Kali Gandaki river. The temperature in summer (March to August) hover between Maximum of 16 to 18 degree Celsius and Minimum 6 to 8 Degree Celsius. In the beginning of winter (September to November) the temperature fluctuates between 14 to 16 degree Celsius and 0 to 4 degree Celsius. In the winter (December and Janaury ) the maximum temperature will be 4 to 6 degree Celsius and minimum 0 to -8 degree Celsius. After February and before of November the temperature will be good.

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 3800 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). The high altitude landscapes made for unique and scenic environments. The climate was cold and the land was dry.

Season:
The most suitable time to visit to Muktinath from March to May & September to October, these month are best time to visit Muktinath as a weather condition. Some time the flights can be cancel due to fugy & cloudy weather but it will be cleared with in a day. You can travel there on November & February. It is not possible to travel December and January, these month are the diehard here will be snowfall 2 to 6 ft in the all of area.
June to August is raining season but it is possible to travel. As the weather conditions would not be safe enough to travel on Rainy season & cold season, but people are traveled. On rainy season the flight services are cancel due to bad weather for uncertain days. And the Jeep service are closed due to bad road condition

Clothing:
Days are relatively warm; especially when there is no wind in the late morning. The appropriate clothing as per the travel period (temperature) and a good walking shoes for rocky and uneven paths are highly recommended. Walking stick would help for those who need support.
We suggest you to take normal warm clothes. Light warm jacket, woolen sweater, warm T-Shirts, comfortable shoes, trousers and cotton pants are enough for this trip. We recommended you to bring down jacket for the winter

Travel tips
Entitled to carry only 15 kgs per person on flight.
Take precaution for altitude sickness by taking Diamox tablet or Aspirin
Carry own medicine for any health problem
Drink plenty of water while trekking
Sports shoes or trekking shoes
Carry light luggage
Walking stick
Jacket
Chap stick / Vaseline cream
Cap
Sun glasses
Warm Clothing
Sunscreen Lotion
Moisturizer Lotion
Thick socks and gloves

Accommodation
There is enough Hotels and lodges near by Muktinath in Jharkot and Ranipauwa. The Hotels and lodges are fine there. Some Hotels have solar heated hot showers and provide rooms with attached bath. Also local restaurant are available there. They provide good food. For Hindu pilgrims there are also free Dharamsalas.
There are no hotels and the temple committee does not allow camping arround the Muktinath temple area.

Others Facilities
STD /ISD telephone services are available in Ranipauwa and Jharkot. Health post and Post office in Jharkot. Police station, ACAP tourist information center and Safe drinking water station at Ranipauwa. There are available Electricity facilities also.

Rule & Regulation

Muktinath lies in the Annapurna conservation area where entry fee required. Entry fee can be obtained from Kathmandu and Pokhara. A copy of the passport and 2 copies of passport size photos are required while applying for the permit.
The ACAP fee is person for Indians and others SAARC nationals Rs. 200.00 Per Person and The others foreign nationals Rs. 2000.00 per person to at the above mentioned designated place. An equal extra fee(Rs. 400.00 and Rs. 4000.00 ) will levied if permits are issued from field check post. The Permit is non refundable, non-transferable and is valid for single entry. Children below 10 yrs. need not entry fee.