Trek to the Sacred Temple of Muktinath

Program: KPJM-10H (10 days / 9 nights)

Itinerary:

Day 1: Kathmandu

Arrival in Kathmandu – the capital of Nepal (1,400 meters above sea level), a land of ancient culture, unique monuments, and breathtaking natural beauty. Meet and greet at the Kathmandu airport by our representative and transfer to the hotel. A short briefing on the program will be provided.

After a short rest, we visit the Buddhist stupa Swayambhunath – one of the oldest and most beautiful temple complexes in the Kathmandu Valley, and one of the oldest Buddhist temples in the world. The stupa is located three kilometers from Kathmandu, on a hill 77 meters high, and is considered the second-largest after Boudhanath Stupa. Its history is wrapped in legends that date back to ancient times.

The best way to reach the top of the hill is by walking up the Great Staircase. This very steep staircase, made of 300 steps, was built in the 17th century during the reign of King Pratap Malla. From above, it appears almost vertical. As one climbs higher, fatigue fades, replaced by fascination with the sacred surroundings—footprints of saints, bas-reliefs depicting scenes from the life of Buddha, and numerous Buddhist statues.

In the evening, enjoy a welcome dinner featuring traditional Nepali cuisine and cultural dance performances.

Overnight in Kathmandu.

Day 2: Bhaktapur – Kathmandu

Excursion to the medieval city of Bhaktapur – the ancient capital of Nepal, which has preserved much of its original appearance since the 9th century. Known as an open-air museum, Bhaktapur is a city of jewelers, artists, and potters, filled with temples, monuments of ancient architecture, and museums.

A major highlight is Nyatapola Temple, one of the largest and most beautiful pagodas, built in honor of the goddess Vajrayogini. Interestingly, pagodas originated in Nepal (13th century – architect Arniko) before spreading to neighboring countries. Throughout the city, you’ll see an abundance of sculptures and temples, including those with erotic carvings, a unique feature of ancient Nepali temple art.

After lunch, we visit the sacred Hindu temple complex Pashupatinath – a major cremation site for Hindus. Here you’ll witness the magnificent Shiva temple and encounter many sadhus – wandering holy men in striking attire with long, tangled hair.

Overnight in Kathmandu.

Day 3: Kathmandu – Pokhara (7–8 hours)

After breakfast, we depart for the rafting starting point (approx. 3.5 hours’ drive) on the Trishuli River. For those interested, an exciting rafting experience awaits on this mountain river using inflatable rafts (moderate difficulty). This thrilling adventure offers stunning views of mountain landscapes, untouched riverside nature, exhilarating rapids, and refreshing mountain air.

Lunch en route.

After lunch, we continue our journey to Pokhara (820 m), a city nestled in the foothills of the Annapurna Massif. The drive takes around 4 hours along a scenic route. Pokhara stretches along the beautiful blue Phewa Lake, at the base of Machhapuchhre (6,977 m) – also known as “Fishtail Mountain” due to its distinct shape. The snow-covered peak reflects beautifully on the lake’s still surface.

This picturesque location and its close proximity to the Himalayas have made Pokhara one of the most beautiful places in the world, offering breathtaking views of some of the highest snow-capped peaks.

Overnight in Pokhara.

Day 4: Pokhara – Jomsom – Kagbeni

After breakfast, we take a scenic flight from Pokhara to Jomsom (approx. 30 minutes). The flight passes over the world’s deepest gorge and brings you to the northern side of the Himalayas, a region rich in ancient Tibetan culture. The landscape is arid and desert-like, with colorful clay hills gently rolling toward Tibet — a lost paradise on Earth!

Arrival in Jomsom (2,700 m). After a short rest, we begin the trek to Kagbeni (around 3–5 hours of walking) — a green oasis surrounding a medieval town in desert hues. Here, you will see local people in traditional Tibetan attire.

Overnight stay in lodges.

Day 5: Kagbeni – Jharkot – Muktinath

We begin our trek to Muktinath, a sacred pilgrimage site for both Hindus and Buddhists. The winding trail follows the river towards Muktinath, and along the slopes, you will see small white and ochre-painted stupas. Passing villages, ancient monasteries, and groves of age-old poplar trees, the landscape leads us to a small temple dedicated to Vishnu.

Behind the temple, from the rocky cliff, flow 108 pure, cold water springs. According to legend, bathing in all 108 spouts washes away the sins of past lives. Walking among them, one feels truly refreshed, both physically and spiritually.

Overnight stay in lodges.

Day 6: Muktinath – Jomsom

Descent from Muktinath to Jomsom (approx. 4–5 hours of walking). Along the way, you’ll encounter local merchants selling various souvenirs, including shaligrams – fossilized ammonites from the Jurassic period. These black fossil shells, resembling coiled rams’ horns with ancient sea mollusks embedded in them (dated over 130 million years ago), are evidence that the Himalayas were once part of an ancient ocean.

Overnight stay in lodges.

Day 7: Jomsom – Pokhara

After breakfast, we fly from Jomsom to Pokhara (30-minute flight). Upon arrival, transfer to the hotel and rest.

Later, we’ll go for an excursion:

Boating on the beautiful Phewa Lake,

Visit to Barahi Temple, located on a small island, dedicated to the goddess of feminine power,

Exploring Pokhara Valley, including Devi’s Waterfall, Mahendra Cave, and the city’s largest local market.

Overnight at a hotel in Pokhara with breakfast included.

Day 8: Pokhara – Kathmandu

After breakfast, we drive back to Kathmandu (approx. 5–6 hours with rest stops). En route, we can visit the famous Manakamana Temple (optional). This sacred site is believed to fulfill heartfelt wishes. The cable car ride up and down the mountain provides stunning views (ticket to be paid on the spot).

Overnight at a hotel in Kathmandu with breakfast included.

Day 9: Patan & Boudhanath Stupa

Optional in the morning – Mountain Flight over the Himalayas (for an extra cost, approx. 1-hour flight). During the flight, you can see the highest peaks in the world: Everest (8,848 m), Makalu (8,463 m), Lhotse (8,516 m) and more.

After the flight, return to the hotel for breakfast. Then we visit Patan, one of the oldest settlements in the Kathmandu Valley, founded in 299 AD. Previously a separate kingdom from Kathmandu, Patan is rich in history and architecture. On Durbar Square, we’ll see:

The famous Terracotta Temple of a Thousand Buddhas (12th century),

Krishna Temple (17th century), the only Shikhara-style temple made entirely of stone,

Taleju Temple (17th century),

Royal Palace,

Other ancient temples such as Hiranya Varna Mahavihar and Mahabuddha.

We’ll also see the Kumari Temple (Living Goddess) and, if lucky, catch a glimpse of the goddess herself.

In the evening, we visit the grand Boudhanath Stupa (5th century) – one of the largest stupas in the world and the most revered Buddhist site in Nepal. The area is surrounded by monasteries and temples where you can witness Buddhist rituals and spinning prayer wheels — symbolizing eternal physical and spiritual motion.

Overnight at a hotel in Kathmandu with breakfast included.

Day 10: Departure from Kathmandu

Breakfast. Check out from the hotel and timely transfer to the airport for your flight to Moscow. Departure.

Program Cost per Person (in USD)

  • Prices valid until 30.09.2026
  • Included in the Price:
  • Russian-speaking guide for the entire route
  • Porter service on the trek (1 porter carries up to 15 kg)
  • All transfers as per the program
  • Flight Pokhara – Jomsom – Pokhara
  • Accommodation in cities (Kathmandu, Pokhara) in 3/4/5*** hotels (twin rooms)
  • Accommodation during the trek in mountain lodges/tea houses (twin rooms)
  • Breakfasts included in Kathmandu, Pokhara, and during the trek
  • Boating on Phewa Lake (1 hour)
  • All excursions listed in the program, including entrance fees
  • Annapurna permit and TIMS card
  • Welcome dinner with traditional Nepali cuisine and cultural dance show

 Not Included in the Price:

  • International airfare: Moscow – Kathmandu – Moscow
  • Nepal visa (USD 30 for 15 days)
  • Travel insurance
  • Rafting on a mountain river (USD 50 for 2 hours)
  • Meals during the trek, and lunches/dinners in Kathmandu & Pokhara (approx. USD15–20 per day)
  • Tips for guides and porters
  • Any other expenses not mentioned in the program
HotelKathmanduPokharaOn the track
3*Hotel Arts, Kathmandu Guest House, Yatri Suites & SpaLakeside retreat, Mt. Kailash ResortGuesthouse, Lodge
4*Hotel Shambala, Maya Manor boutique hotel by KGHAtithi Resort and Spa, Hotel BarahiGuesthouse, Lodge
5*Yak & Yeti, Hotel RadissonFishtail Lodge, Temple treeGuesthouse, Lodge

Documents Required:

  • International passport + a photocopy
  • 2 color photos (size: 3.5 x 4.5 cm) for the visa
  • Travel insurance

Trekking Gear and Clothing List:

Personal Gear:

  • Small backpack (35 liters)
  • A rain cover for the backpack
  • Sleeping bag (comfort temp ~ 0°C)
  • Trekking poles
  • Sunglasses
  • Headlamp with extra batteries
  • Personal first aid kit
  • Wet wipes
  • Folding knife
  • Lip balm (for sun and wind protection)
  • Sunscreen
  • Toiletries

Clothing:

  • Trekking boots or sneakers
  • Windproof membrane jacket
  • Windproof membrane pants
  • Waterproof rain poncho
  • Thick fleece jacket
  • Light fleece jacket
  • Long-sleeved T-shirts
  • Trekking pants
  • Socks (3–4 pairs)
  • Sun cap or hat

Optional Add-on Activities (Extra Charge):

  • Rafting on Trishuli River – $50

Duration: 2–3 hours, Distance: 18 km, Difficulty: Grade 3

Includes lunch at a riverside restaurant

  • Paragliding over the Himalayas (30 min) – $198

(Solo flight with Russian pilots; includes transfer to the base)

  • Tibetan Tara Puja Cleansing Ceremony – $40 per person

Conducted by a Buddhist Lama in a monastery for health, enlightenment, and personal success. Duration: 2–3 hours, includes chanting, rituals, and instruments

  • Mountain Flight around Everest (60 min) – $200

Includes round-trip transfers between hotel and airport

  • Consultation with a Tibetan Doctor (pulse diagnosis) – $20

(Homeopathic medicines charged separately)

Important Notice:

Dear colleagues and travelers,

The host company reserves the right to make partial changes to the excursion program, hotel check-in/check-out times, or hotel replacements (to similar category) due to unforeseen circumstances.

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