At Muktinath, high in arid Mustang, devout pilgrims bathe under all 108 icy spouts in turn, beside a natural flame that burns over water - a site sacred to two faiths.
About Muktinath Temple
Muktinath has been a major pilgrimage destination for centuries for both Hindus, who count it among their most sacred shrines, and Tibetan Buddhists, who revere it as a place associated with the sage Padmasambhava. Its remote position beyond the Himalayan crest made reaching it an act of devotion in itself. For generations it was accessible only on foot, often as the culmination of the arduous Annapurna Circuit over the Thorong La pass. The building of roads and the airstrip at Jomsom has transformed access, bringing far larger numbers of pilgrims to the high valley.
Overview Muktinath, at around 3,800 metres in the arid Mustang region beyond the Annapurna massif, is one of the rare sacred places revered by both Hindus and Buddhists, who worship there side by side. Its name means 'place of liberation', and Hindu pilgrims believe that visiting it brings release from the cycle of rebirth. The setting, high in a stark, wind-scoured valley in the rain shadow of the great peaks, only deepens its power.
“Its name means 'place of liberation', and Hindu pilgrims believe that visiting it brings release from the cycle of rebirth.”
Muktinath Temple, Nepal
The 108 Spouts and the Eternal Flame Behind the main temple, a wall of 108 carved spouts pours icy mountain water, and devout pilgrims brave the cold to bathe under every one in turn for purification. Nearby, a small shrine shelters a natural flame, fed by underground gas, that burns over water, a phenomenon held sacred by both faiths.
A Pilgrimage High and Far Muktinath lies on the far side of the Thorong La pass on the Annapurna Circuit, and was traditionally reached only by long trekking. Roads have since made it accessible to vehicles and even flights to nearby Jomsom, broadening the stream of pilgrims.
Two Faiths, One Site A Buddhist gompa stands beside the Hindu temple, and the shared devotion is part of what makes Muktinath so distinctive.
The Experience
The approach through the dry, dramatic Mustang landscape, so different from the green foothills, sets the tone. At the temple, pilgrims circle the shrine, and the truly devout strip down to bathe under the freezing arc of the 108 spouts despite the altitude and cold. The eternal flame shrine, with fire and water together, is a quiet marvel. The shared presence of Hindu and Buddhist worship, the thin bright air, and the sweeping high-desert views give Muktinath an atmosphere unlike anywhere else in Nepal.
Why It Matters
Muktinath is one of the most important pilgrimage sites in the Himalaya, sacred to both Hindus and Buddhists, famous for its 108 sacred water spouts and its natural eternal flame, and a key landmark of the Annapurna Circuit and the Mustang region.
Why Visit
It is a rare shared sacred place in a spectacular high-desert setting, combining living pilgrimage with extraordinary natural and cultural features. Acclimatise to the altitude, witness the 108 spouts and the eternal flame, and take in the stark Mustang landscape around it.
Insider Tips
- 1
Acclimatise properly; at 3,800m the altitude is significant, especially if you arrive quickly.
- 2
See both the 108 sacred spouts and the eternal flame shrine, the site's signature features.
- 3
Dress respectfully and warmly; pilgrims bathe in freezing water, but you needn't.
- 4
It can be reached by road or via a flight to Jomsom, or on foot over the Thorong La pass.
- 5
Mustang is dry and bright; bring strong sun protection and lip balm for the high desert.
