Trekking
Gandaki
Ghandruk
A large Gurung village at 1,940 metres with close-up Annapurna views, stone-paved lanes, traditional wooden inns, and the starting point for numerous short treks.
1,940 m altitude
Religious
Gandaki Province3,800 mMuktinath
A sacred site revered by both Hindus and Buddhists at 3,800 metres — pilgrims from across India visit the eternal flame, the 108 water spouts, and the ancient temple.
Overview & Highlights
Muktinath Temple, at 3,800 metres in the Mustang district, is one of the most sacred sites in Hinduism and Tibetan Buddhism. For Hindus it is one of the 108 Divya Desams (sacred Vishnu temples) and is dedicated to Mukti Nath, the Lord of Liberation. For Tibetan Buddhists it is the site of the sky-element dhatu and is venerated as a Dakini Palace. The temple complex includes 108 stone water spouts shaped like cow heads, from which ice-cold water flows year-round — devotees traditionally bathe under all 108. The nearby eternal flame (dhungdung) burns from natural gas venting through rock. Muktinath is accessible by jeep from Jomsom (30 minutes) or on foot via the classic Annapurna Circuit.
Related Destinations
More destinations in Gandaki or similar category.
Scenic
Gandaki
Pokhara
Nepal's adventure capital on the shores of Phewa Lake, with a dramatic backdrop of the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri ranges reflected in the still water.
827 m altitude
Religious
Madhesh
Janakpur
The holy city of Sita, birthplace of the goddess in Hindu mythology, and home to the magnificent Janaki Mandir — a major pilgrimage site for Indian devotees.
70 m altitude
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