Muktinath Temple
मुक्तिनाथ मन्दिर
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
Entry Fee
Free
Neighborhood
Muktinath Valley
Location
Mustang, Gandaki
Visiting Etiquette
Remove shoes. Bathe under the 108 spouts clockwise. Dress warmly — high altitude. Respect both Hindu and Buddhist traditions.
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.