Pashupatinath to Muktinath is a journey of three legs: about 206 km by road from Kathmandu to Pokhara (around 7-8 hours), a 20-minute mountain flight from Pokhara to Jomsom, then about an hour by road to Muktinath and a 2 km uphill walk to the temple. Done comfortably, the round trip takes six days.
The route, leg by leg
| Leg | How | Time |
|---|---|---|
| Kathmandu (Pashupatinath) to Pokhara | Road, about 206 km | 7-8 hours |
| Pokhara to Jomsom | Flight | About 20 minutes |
| Jomsom to Muktinath | Road along the Kali Gandaki valley | About 1 hour |
| Vehicle point to temple | Walk, horses available | About 2 km uphill |
The six days
- Kathmandu: arrive, then evening darshan at Guhyeshwari Shaktipeeth and Pashupatinath, and the aarti.
- Kathmandu to Pokhara by deluxe AC tourist bus through the Trishuli and Marshyangdi valleys.
- Fly to Jomsom, Muktinath darshan: the bath under the 108 Mukti Dhara and in the two Mukti Kunda, Jwala Mai temple, then back to Jomsom for the night.
- Fly back to Pokhara and sightseeing.
- Drive back to Kathmandu.
- Departure.
Things to know
- Altitude: Muktinath temple is at about 3,700 m. Walk slowly, drink water, and tell us about any heart or breathing condition.
- The Jomsom flight depends on the weather and can be delayed or cancelled; flights go in the morning, and the plan keeps room for that.
- Documents: Indian citizens need no visa for Nepal; carry a passport or Voter ID. The Annapurna Conservation Area (ACAP) permit is needed for Muktinath.
- Best time: March to May and late September to November; the monsoon (June to August) disrupts Jomsom flights most.
Book it as one tour
The Pashupatinath and Muktinath tour is 5 nights and 6 days from ₹16,800 per person, with the Pokhara-Jomsom flights, the Muktinath jeep transfer and the ACAP permit included. More on Muktinath and Nepal tours.
Frequently asked questions
What is the distance from Pashupatinath to Muktinath?
About 206 km by road from Kathmandu to Pokhara, then a 20-minute flight to Jomsom and about an hour by road to Muktinath, plus a 2 km walk to the temple.
How many days are needed for Pashupatinath and Muktinath?
Six days is comfortable: Kathmandu, Pokhara, Jomsom and Muktinath, and back, with a spare margin for the weather-dependent Jomsom flight.
Can I go to Muktinath by road from Kathmandu?
Yes, by jeep via Pokhara and Beni, but it is a long rough road. Most pilgrims fly Pokhara to Jomsom and drive only the last hour.
Do Indians need a visa for Muktinath?
No. Indian citizens need no visa for Nepal; carry a passport or Voter ID. An ACAP permit is required for the Muktinath area.