2008 March 07 « Know Nepal…adventure begins here

Archive for March 7th, 2008

A sojourn to Muktinath

Trekking in Muktinath, Jomsom

Muktinath, located within the famous Annapurna Circuit Areas, is one of the most famous and respected shrines in the country. The beautiful aspect of the shrine is that followers of both Hinduism and Buddhism regard the shrine with utmost respect. Pilgrims come to pay their homage to the god all throughout the year.

With the harsh and arid landscape of the path that leads to the temple, the trek was previously limited to serious trekkers. However, a newly construed road (It’s slated to complete later this year) is intending to change all that.

The Holy Area of Muktinath attracts people from all walks of life, from pilgrims to the adventure seekers. Pilgrims come to bow before the god, while the adventurous one more excited by the wonderful journey they have just had. But granted that everyone is looking for an experience of some sort—be it religious or otherwise—all of them return with the blessing and get what they came looking for in the foothills of the mountain: the adobe of the gods.

Kali Gandaki flows by Larjung Village

Panoramic view of the Kali Gandaki River Basin. Largunj Village nestling along her banks.

Golden hues of the dawn in the Dhaulagiri Range

What it likes to see it from close? Close up of Dhaulagiri Range

In the foothills. A village rests under the shelter of the Dhaulagiri Peak. Dhaulagiri Range and Naurikot Village

Dhaulagiri Range as seen from Tharsang Village Resort, Naurikot.

Marpha, the famous place for good apples and excellent brandy .

What a view! The road to Jomsom.

Evening slowly engulfs Kagbeni Village.

Kagbeni at day.

Steep climb at the Kagbeni. The treacherous trail leads to the top of the mountain where there is a vantage point for sight seeing. Even though the climb is way too steep for comforts (you’ll have to ride on horseback to get there), the views from the top is something that is able to dispel all worries.

Jharkot Village en route to Muktinath.

Fiery sunset as seen from Rani Pauwa.

Panoramic view of the Rani Pauwa village at dawn.

A tale of villages and a pond. Ancient villages as seen from the road that leads to Muktinath temple.

Panoramic view of the surrounding of the Muktinath temple, taken from the outer boundary of the temple premises.

Vishnu Paduka temple in the premises of Muktinath temple.

The famous & holy temple of Muktinath.

Prayer flags flutter by in Muktinath while magnificent Himalayan Range provide the excellent backdrop.

Apples left to dry in the winter sun in the temple premises. It is one of the most sought after local delicacy.

Solar installation in Rani Pauwa. Solar installations like these help to conserve the local natural diversity by cutting the need of firewood for cooking and other purposes like water heating.