Sitting in the Mustang district of Nepal, Muktinath temple serves as an auspicious pilgrimage center for Hindus and Buddhists alike. Situated at an altitude of 3,710m, the temple is considered the last place for saving the final soul standing in capacity of liberation. Every year thousands of Indian pilgrims visit Muktinath for blessings and peace. But how do you get there fast without spending all your money? Below we shall tell you a few fast and cheap means to get to Muktinath from India in comfortable yet still affordable ways.
1. Understanding the Routes to Muktinath
Depending on costs, time, and other reasons, there are various routes one can take from India to Muktinath. List Muktinath being accessible through land, air, and road, but sometimes traveling inconveniences arise in Nepal, especially towards obscure locations like Mustang.
Two main entry points into Nepal from the Indian side are
- Via Gorakhpur (Uttar Pradesh): It is the main congregation center for Indian pilgrims who go to the Nepali side.
- Via Raxaul (Bihar): It is the closest entrance point to Kathmandu through Birgunje in Nepal.
2. The Fastest Way: By Air to Muktinath
Flying to Muktinath is what you must do if you want to save time.
Step-Wise Itinerary (Air Route):
- Step 1: Indian city to Kathmandu
Book an onward flight to Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu. Delhi, Mumbai, and Kolkata are some big cities from which regular flights operate. - Step 2: Kathmandu to Pokhara
From Kathmandu, take a quick 25-minute domestic flight to Pokhara. These very frequent flights save a lot of time compared to the hour-and-a-half road journey. - Step 3: Pokhara to Jomsom
Take the earliest morning flight from Pokhara to Jomsom. This 20-minute flight with the spectacular view of the Annapurna ranges is worth taking anytime. Mind that the flights are weather-dependent, so take proper precautions while planning. - Step 4: Jomsom to Muktinath
Take a local jeep or trek to Muktinath for about 20 kilometers. The jeep awaits you at the airport. It should take roughly about 1.5-2 hours.
Time Estimate: 2-3 Days
Cost Estimate: ₹25,000-₹35,000 per person (round trip)
For comfort lovers ready to splurge some more on their comfort and speed.
3. Cheapest Way: Road Route from India
By road via Gorakhpur is the cheapest and most convenient way to reach Muktinath for the wallet-conscious or the pilgrim who loves long road journeys.
Step-Wise Itinerary (Road Route):
- Step 1: Reach Gorakhpur
Gorakhpur is well-connected with trains and roads to major Indian cities. It is a very famous entry point into Nepal. - Step 2: Sonauli Border from Gorakhpur
Take a local bus/taxi/share jeep (around 3 hours). You will complete your immigration formalities at the Sonauli-Bhairahawa border. - Step 3: Bhairahawa to Pokhara
Once again, you enter Nepal and can choose to take either a tourist or local bus to reach Pokhara. It takes 7-9 hours depending upon the road condition. - Step 4: Pokhara to Jomsom
Budget travelers from Pokhara may take a shared jeep or public bus to Jomsom (10-12 hours). It is cheaper than a flight, slower, and uncomfortable. - Step 5: Jomsom to Muktinath
Hire a jeep from Jomsom to Muktinath or walk.
Estimated Duration: 4-5 Days
Estimated Cost: ₹8,000-₹12,000 per person (round trip)
One gets a beautiful experience along with mostly cultural immersion but at a fairly minimal cost in this way.
4. Tips for Budget Travelers
- Travel in Groups: Share the ride to diminish your expenses.
- Book Credits In Advance: There are very few flights operating within Nepal, and the prices soar to sky-high levels during peak seasons.
- Check Nepal Visa Rules: As an Indian citizen, you need not carry a visa but should carry a valid passport or Voter ID.
- Weather Preparation: Flights to Jomsom get delayed or canceled because of the weather. Keep some buffer time for this in your plan.
5. Nepal Package Trip: Time Saver and Hazard Minimizer
If stuffing all these strings together sounds overwhelming, then choosing a Nepal package trip will undoubtedly ease the whole pilgrimage organization. Several Indian tour operators run a full-package offer that includes transport, accommodation, meals, permits, and guided tours to nearby destinations, including Pashupatinath, Manakamana Temple, and Pokhara.
The package may cost between ₹15,000 and ₹30,000 depending upon the duration and what it includes. These are truly a big help to all first-timers or senior citizens.
6. Most Common Starting Point: Muktinath Tour Package from Gorakhpur
Next well-tried way is a Muktinath tour package from Gorakhpur. These packages are tailored for Indian pilgrims and mainly cover:
- Travel to and from Muktinath from Gorakhpur
- Assistance at border crossing
- Accommodation and food
- Local guides
The package offers fixed prices with a predefined itinerary that prevents you from planning the whole trip on your own. Packages may also be suited for smaller groups, so it will be easier for you to keep on budget and enjoy a spiritually worthy and scenic trip.
Conclusion
Whether cheap by road adventure or fast by flight, Muktinath treats every type of traveler. From Gorakhpur, through Jomsom, and finally to the holy temple itself, the making of a journey is equally medicinal as the pilgrimage itself. The Nepal package trip or Muktinath tour package from Gorakhpur gives a sincere tailor to your path just so you can concentrate on what lies ahead – Spiritual Journey. Choose well, and the road toward ‘liberation’ might just be a few steps away.
