Date: April 16, 2022

Best Season to Travel to Muktinath Yatra

Situated at an altitude of 3710 m above sea level, Muktinath temple is Nepal’s one of the holiest sacred sites. Every year, Hindus and Buddhists from all over the globe visit Muktinath Temple. This temple has a huge religious significance. There are 108 sacred spouts of water cast in the shape of a cow also 2 ponds where the holy bath is taken by the devotees.

The name Muktinath is made up of two words; Mukti and Nath. Mukti means Salvation and Nath means God. In Hinduism, Muktinath is known as Mukti Kshetra which means the place of Liberation. Legend prevalent in this region states that the Hindu God of creation, Brahma made an offering by lighting the fire on water. Surprisingly, the phenomenon attesting to this Hindu legend –the flame of natural gas that is believed to be burning from eternity.

This temple is dedicated is Lord Vishnu and Bhairava. Buddhism followers believe that the founder of Tibetan Buddhism, Guru Rinpoche, also known as Padmasambhava, meditated here. The main temple house and statue of Lord Vishnu are revered as Avalokitesvara, also the deity of compassion in Buddhism.

Autumn Season (SEP to NOV)

The months of September, October, and November are regarded as the best months to visit Muktinath temple. The average temperature condition is experienced in these months. Slight rainfall can be experienced in early September but the integrative experience is finest in these months. A light jacket, windcheaters, and autumn wear work well in Muktinath in the autumn season. The excellent Himalayan views, wonderful sceneries, and perfect weather conditions, in the holiest pilgrimage site. What do you need more!

Spring Season (MAR to MAY)

The months of March, April, and May lie in this season. The beautiful floras can be seen along the way. The spectacular Himalayan views can be experienced in these months. Some warm light jackets, windcheaters, and light clothes will be suitable in the Muktinath region. Ground transportation, as well as air flight options, are available to visit Muktinath. The moderate temperature and average weather are mostly forecasted. So, this is also a better season to visit Muktinath Temple.

Summer Season (JUN to AUG)

Summer season, the months of June, July, and August are relatively less suitable to visit Muktinath temple. However, these months are preferred for trekking in the upper shadow zones like Upper Manang and Mustang, Annapurna Base Camp, etc. In summer, the monsoon starts and the possibility of heavy rainfall is high. This might lead to some uncertainties, affecting your travel experience. Because of the rainy season, there are possibilities of harsh access. If you traveling in the Summer season, light windcheaters, jackets, summer wears, raincoats, walking sticks are required. The flight options might not be available because of rain. And even the ground vehicles might not reach because of landslides. So, these months are less suitable.

Winter Season (DEC to FEB)

The months of December, January, and February are regarded as the winter season in Nepal. Depending upon the weather and temperature forecast, the travel can be completed. Still, these months are less favorable because of the high possibility of snowfall. In higher elevations, there will be heavy snowfall but in lower elevations, it is still favorable for short treks. Heavy down jackets, winter wears that can hold the fierce cold in Muktinath and waterproof boots are recommended to wear. For Muktinath Darshan, depending upon the weather condition helicopter flight is suitable.  The post-monsoon travel experience is better.

Some Festivals time to visit in Muktinath temple

Muktinath is a never-ending desire of every pilgrim. The huge religious importance and festival celebration are major attributes of Muktinath temple. There are some festivals celebrated in Muktinath.

Shivaratri

Shivaratri is associated with the union of Shiva and Shakti. Shiva is the god of creation, preservation, and destruction. Shivaratri lies in the month of February. Many people visit Muktinath after celebrating Shivaratri, believing to attain ‘Moksha’ or Liberation from the cycle of birth and rebirth.

Yartung Festival

The yarlung festival is one of the major festivals of the Mustang region. This festival is celebrated in Muktinath during August Full moon day. The festival is celebrated in three days with horse races, drinking, dancing and enjoying the moment. The festival is celebrated in three stages; first, the local king’s activities are performed, Lamas and Monks' activities are performed in second, and local people’s activities on the third. The most interesting part of this festival is the horse race contest between Masculine and Feminine. In thakali, Yartung stands for the end of summer. So basically, this festival is celebrated to farewell the summer season as well as harvesting the crop in Mustang.

Muktinath is the most important place from religious, natural, and cultural aspects. Besides pilgrimage visits, there are so many things to see. The majestic Himalayan views of Mount Dhaulagiri, Nilgiri, and Annapurna and the astounding surrounding of the Muktinath region are the major features of the Mustang. Visit Muktinath to worship religion in the finest natural settlement.