About Jomsom Muktinath Trekking
Mukti means Salvation and Nath is the word for god. It is believed that all your miseries and sorrows are relieved when you visit Muktinath. Thousands of devotees make the journey to Muktinath seeking these blessings.
This sacred environment of natural and supernatural elements, attract Buddhists and Hindus pilgrims alike, as well as curious travelers. Wonders at Muktinath include 108 waterspouts or, Mukti Dhara, set into the surrounding wall, which pour out fresh waters from hidden springs; fire burns on water, fossils of primitive sea creatures in these mountains so far above sea level and thousands of kilometers from any ocean. Alongside, the three natural elements at Muktinath -- the spring water, natural gas fires and fossils, there is also a sacred grove of popular trees of the species Populous Ciliate, locally called Lekh Pipal or Bhot Pipal.
There are many ways to do the Muktinath Tour; Annapurna Foothills Treks designs Muktinath packages to accommodate all ages, budgets and preferences. For the adventurous, there are tours by jeep or by trekking. For those who want to reach Muktinath without a strenuous trek we even offer a Luxury Tour by Helicopter.
Attractions at Muktinath
Kunda:
In front of Muktinath Temple, there are 2 Kundas (Water ponds). These are generally used for a holy bath and are believed to hold the power to wash away negative karma and the results of one’s past negative actions.
Jwalamai Temple:
A little below the Muktinath Temple is the Tibetan-style Jwalamai Temple. This temple is famous for the water that issues from a rock inside it. Inside the Jwalamai temple are two eternal flames that burn continuously. These two flames; one emerging from the rock and the other coming from the water spring burns continuously. The Hindus believe these were lit by Brahma, the creator, himself, as he set water on fire.
Gompa Samba:
To the left of the entrance into the Muktinath Temple is a monastery of Tibetan origin. Legend has it that the Syandol Lama, a monk from Tibet founded this monastery. It was used as a hostel for monks before it deteriorated. Later the people of Khinga and Jharkot restored it. The main deities worshipped at this monastery are Sakyamuni, Chingresig and Guru Rimpoche.
Swami Narayan:
Near the end of the 18th century, a Hindu Guru by the name of Lord Shri Swami Narayan practiced severe penance for two and a half months in the Temple of Muktinath. Also known as a Satguru of Sabij Yoga, Swami Narayan attained the highest degree of proficiency in Nishkamvrat. In 2003 his followers built the new wall around Muktinath and raised a small monument for him at Muktinath.
Shaligram:
Black stone fossils, or shaligram, dating back to the Jurassic age are found in the Kali Gandaki Gorge. You can also buy these fossils from the locals. Shaligram are sacred, as symbols of the Lord Vishnu, and are kept in ones pooja (prayer) room in the house. Kali Gandaki is worshipped as one of the holiest rivers. It consists of seven rivers supposed to have sprung from the Gandasthal, the cheek of Lord Vishnu.