Nepal is a very religious country. The locals are highly spirituals and the culture has a boasting amalgamation of Hindi, Buddhist, and Tibetan culture. Just as nature is abundantly beautiful down here, there is no dearth of cultural and religious sites. The offerings will never come to an end when it comes to the temples of Nepal. The list is long and has hundreds of counts. Though some temples are very famed and have gained famed at the global level, there are many not well-known yet equally magnificent temples that you should visit for sure.
Muktinath is amongst those well-known temples of Nepal that witness the highest footfall from all over the world. It is a sacred place for Hindu and Buddhist devotees. That also makes it one of the most visiting temples in South Asia. Being a place to attain ultimate salvation, this temple has always enjoyed a special place in the heart of devotees. If you are a Shiva devotee then you must visit this temple for sure.
As one must trek through the lush green plains, snow-peaked mountains, and amazing nature to reach this temple, going for Muktinath Yatra is now a favorite thing for youngsters as well. Be it its religious significance or the route that takes you here, visiting Muktinath temple is always on everyone’s bucket list.
The route will give you many hidden surprises. Though the destination of the journey i.e. Muktinath temple is highly gratifying, there are many other temples that you can visit and feel a little closer to the almighty during your Muktinath yatra. Here is the list.
Temples in and around Kathmandu and Pokhara
Your Muktinath Yatra starts once you reach Kathmandu, the capital city. Here, there are many temples that you visit and feel amazed seeing the architecture and knowing the history-
Pashupatinath Temple
One of the most famed temples in Nepal and South Asia, the Pashupatinath temple is dedicated to an incarnation of Lord Shiva. The pagoda-style temple is also a UNESCO world heritage site and an architectural genius whose charm hasn’t got affected by time and other factors. Even the 7.8 magnitude earthquake wasn’t able to cause any damage to this temple. This is what makes our belief firm in the almighty. So, before you actually start your Muktinath yatra, don’t forget to pay a visit to Pashupatinath Temple.
Swayambhunath Temple
Swayambhunath or monkey temple is a temple that holds equal importance in Hinduism and Buddhist. Situated atop a hill, this temple gives you a breathtaking view of Kathmandu valley and the nearby area. As it is amongst the oldest religious site in Nepal, you must stop by here and pay a visit before you kick start your Muktinath Yatra.
Bindhyabasini Temple
Located near Bagar, Pokhara, Bindhyabasini Temple, this temple is dedicated to Goddess Durga. Here, the deity is worshipped in the form of Saligram.
Tal Barahi Temple
This two-story temple can be your next step in Pokhara during your Muktinath yatra. This one is also dedicated to Goddess Durga and is located on a small island near Pokhara. You can reach here after 10 minutes of a boat ride. More than a temple, it is the boat ride and island beauty that mesmerize the visitors.
Manakamana Temple
Dedicated to the Goddess Bhagwati, an incarnation of Parvati, the Manakamana temple is where you can visit in the hope of fulfillment of your wishes. As per the ancient belief, if anyone pays a visit to this temple, Goddess Bhagwati grants the wishes. The temple is situated at top of a 1300-meter tall hill. From the top, you can have a mesmerizing view of the Manaslu, Himalchuli, and Annapurna mountains.
Temples near and around Muktinath
To reach Muktinath, you will pass through a place like Beni and Jomsom. While Muktinath is your main destination, there are other attractions that are worth visiting too. Here are our top picks that you can explore when the journey is on.
Ganesh Temple
When your Muktinath yatra is on and you are passing from the Beni-Jomsom area, don’t forget to pay a visit to the Ganesh temple. The view of mountains from this place is can’t put down in words. To experience this, you have to avail of a Muktinath yatra package and visit it.
Galeshwor Dham
Also known as Pulastya Pulhashram Ashram, is situated near Beni in Nepal and it is one of the top pilgrim sites for Hindus, this place is also known as Siddhi Peeth.
Jwala Mai Temple
Located at the foot of the majestic Thorong La mountain pass, the Jwala Mai temple is dedicated to the eternal flame of Goddess Durga. Apart from Hinduism, Buddhist culture also represents the symbolism of a seven-forked sacred flame. Hence, this temple is important for the followers of both religions. It is believed that there is one type of natural gas is present in the Himalayan sprig that emerges near the temple has gives the impression of a fire burning on the water itself to the onlooker.
The temple is small yet spectacular. Surrounded by snow-capped mountains standing tall above all, the place is filled with ultimate peace and solace.
Shakyamuni Buddha Statue
Though it’s not a temple-like other option discussed here, this statue is something that you should never miss during your Muktinath yatra. As this place is not well-known, you will not find a huge crowd here and this is what makes a unique place. It’s only natural and you. The statue is standing tall amid the most quaint and exquisite nature. This 32 ft. tall status near Muktinath temple is surely deserved your visit.
Before you go for Muktinath Yatra
As you have got a huge list of temples other than Muktinath that you can visit during your Muktinath yatra, it’s time to pay attention to certain other important things:
Always book your Muktinath Yatra from a trusted travel company offering you a 24*7 travel guide as some of the areas in Nepal can be rough, tough, and remote which can be a problem for the first-timer.
Never try to explore any of the remote places on your own. Make sure your guide is always with you.