Muktinath is a holy pilgrimage place in the Mustang district of Nepal set at the altitude of 3,800 meters close to the Tibetan border and equally revered by both the Hindu and the Buddhist pilgrims. To Hindus, it is one of the 108 Divya Desams and to the Buddhists it is a Pure Place that enjoyed the meritorious visit of Guru Rinpoche (Padmasambhava). Regardless of the latter is it a spiritual trip or an adventure into the Himalaya, the trek to Muktinath is one of the moments that you would never forget. Nonetheless, I, as a person who has just finished such an amazing journey, could think of some things that I should have learned before going there insights that would have made my experience less painful, and safer and more rewarding.
When you decide to take a Muktinath tour package from Gorakhpur or any other Nepal package trip then this guide could make you better prepared on what awaits you.
1. Altitude Is No Joke
Muktinath is at an altitude of almost 3800 meters. This is already too high to get altitude sickness as a serious consideration, particularly when you have not acclimatized sufficiently having the example of lower heights such as Gorakhpur or Pokhara in Kathmandu. I had not realized the extent to which the thin air would impact on me. Walking would make me out of breath even on short distances and I was tired making it to the temple.
Advice: Do it relaxedly. So spend a few days at least in Pokhara or Jomsom after which you can go to Muktinath. Options of acclimatization do not exist since it is necessary.
2. Weather Can Be Wildly Unpredictable
The climate of the area of Mustang is very changeable. One moment the weather is fine, and the next moment it is either raining or even snowing. I came in early summer, where there would be mild weather and I did not anticipate forceful winds and chilly nights. Weather causes easy flights cancellations and delays between Pokhara and Jomsom.
Tips: Learn the weather forecast though be ready to anything. Pack layers, such as windbreaker, warm clothes and rain protection, always. Additional, allow the slippage of a couple of days in case flight is adjusted or road is delayed.
3. The Road Journey Is Beautiful—But Grueling
When you are taking a tour package to Muktinath in Gorakhpur, you would have to travel long distance. That journey brings 8 or 10 hours drive between Gorakhpur and Pokhara and the road to Jomsom is extremely bad; it is dusty and narrow with uneven rough roads. The last-minute trek is either a steep walk or a ruddy jeep ride to Muktinath.
Hint: Select a respected travel agency with 4×4 vehicles in good condition to use in the mountain road. It really changes comfortably and security.
4. Pack Smart, Not Heavy
Muktinath packing is a complicated issue as you should be prepared to every weather. I took insufficient items; I did not bring fingerless gloves, spares socks, and thermal pants. It becomes very cold even in summer nights and early mornings.
Tip: To bring: warm fuzzy coat, hat, gloves, trekking NC, suncream, sunglasses and a nice backpack. In case you are doing a trek or stay in a village with your Nepal package trip, you would also want to carry a headlamp and a power bank.
5. Bring Enough Cash
In and around Pokhara, there are plenty of ATM machines, but outside Pokhara, they are hard to get. Banking facilities at Jomsom are very minimal and none exists in Muktinath. A lot of guesthouses, restaurants and shops are off cards.
Note: If you are departing in Gorakhpur you need to exchange Nepalese rupees in Pokhara or pre-border of India; otherwise; carry enough Nepalese rupees. Take small changes on food, donations and local transport.
6. Respect the Spiritual Significance
Muktinath is not only a touristic site but also a place of deep devotion of millions of people. The water spouts (Muktidhara) 108 in number, in which the pilgrims bathe to wash off sins, and the perpetual fire at the temple, have huge religious import.
Hint: Wear cards, be quiet and respectful in temples and do not make selfies at the wrong place. When you are not used to the traditions your cicerone (more so when you are undertaking a guided trip to Nepal package) can guide you through traditions in a proper way.
7. The Trek Can Be Tougher Than Expected
Although you may not be intending to cross the entire Annapurna Circuit, the fact that you are trekking above 4000 m will take a toll on you: plus, the trip up to the Muktinath temple is rather steep.
Trick: Do not hurry and be sure to take breaks in case you are used to walking, not hiking. Take a lot of water and perhaps get a pony or a local porter on directions, where you are not able to cope well with the ascent.
8. Accommodation Is Basic, Not Luxurious
High-end hotels are not found in Jomsom or Muktinath. Most of the accommodations are basic guesthouses or tea houses. I have stayed in a small and simple lodge with unreliable hot water and electrical power.
Trick: You may want to carry your own toiletries, a flashlight, and a sleeping bag liner just in case you are particular about your bedsheets. When you book a Muktinath tour package by Gorakhpur, it can and often surrounds accommodation, be careful though, what are you really getting?
9. Local Food Is Delicious and Nutritious
The food most eaten on my trip consisted of Dal bhat (rice with lentils), momos (dumplings), thukpa (noodle soup) and local yak cheese. This food is with ease but substantial- excellent during chilly climate.
Special Tip: Eat only fresh cooked foods to prevent getting stomach disturbances. In case you have a dietary restriction notify your guide/hotel in prior.
10. The Journey Is the Real Reward
Despite the fact that the place, which is reached by the journey, Muktinath Temple, can be cited as beautiful and peaceful, the journey itself is equally enriching. The trip through little communities in the mountains, over bridges that were all over the air, watching the sunset over Annapurna and talking to the local people made me like the beauty of the area so much that it automatically became linked to its culture.
Final Thought
Going to Muktinath was an eye-opening, very humbling experience that I enjoyed a lot. However, hindsight being what it is, I could see now how much more I could have prepared. Teaching myself the effects of high altitude, learning how to navigate around unpredictable weather condition, and being smarter about my packing, among others, were some of the practical solutions I learned as I went.
Superior planning, backing the right travel agent, and ample time to take care of your trip as much as the destination will make a Muktinath tour package from Gorakhpur or any other Nepal package trip a pleasurable experience! Be it the spiritual tranquility, cultural exploration or a mountain expedition offered by the Himalayas that you need to experience, Muktinath has something significant in store, provided that you are willing to go through it.
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