Pashupatinath and Muktinath Pilgrimage Tour – 7 Days

The 7-Day Muktinath Pilgrimage Tour is a spiritually significant journey that connects some of Nepal’s most revered Hindu and Buddhist destinations with the natural beauty of the Himalayas. The highlight of the trip is the sacred Muktinath Temple, located at an altitude of 3,800 meters in the Mustang region. Along the way, the journey also includes important pilgrimage sites such as Pashupatinath Temple and Doleshwor Mahadev Temple, along with scenic experiences in Pokhara and Jomsom. This tour is designed to offer a comfortable, well-organized, and spiritually fulfilling experience for pilgrims, families, and travelers of all ages.

Best Season

The best time to undertake the Muktinath Pilgrimage Tour is during spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November). During these months, the weather is generally stable, skies are clear, and mountain views are at their best. Spring brings blooming rhododendrons and pleasant temperatures, while autumn offers crisp air and excellent visibility of the Himalayas.

Winter (December to February) is also possible but can be very cold, especially in Jomsom and Muktinath, where temperatures may drop below freezing. Monsoon season (June to August) is less recommended due to heavy rainfall, cloudy skies, and possible travel disruptions in the mountain regions.

Accommodation

Accommodation throughout the tour is arranged in comfortable 3-star category hotels in Kathmandu and Pokhara, and a standard mountain hotel or lodge in Jomsom. All rooms are based on twin-sharing with attached bathrooms and basic modern facilities. In Kathmandu and Pokhara, hotels are well-equipped with amenities such as Wi-Fi, hot showers, and restaurant services.

In Jomsom, accommodation is simpler due to its remote location, but still comfortable and clean, offering warm hospitality and essential facilities. The focus of the accommodation is to ensure rest, hygiene, and comfort after daily travel and sightseeing.

Meals

Daily breakfast is included throughout the tour, ensuring a convenient and consistent start to each day. In Kathmandu and Pokhara, a variety of food options are available, including Nepali, Indian, and continental cuisine. Vegetarian meals are widely available, which is particularly suitable for pilgrims.

Lunch and dinner are generally excluded (except farewell dinner in Kathmandu), allowing travelers flexibility to choose meals according to personal taste and budget. During the journey, especially in Pokhara and Jomsom, hygienic restaurants and local eateries serve freshly prepared meals. Safe and clean food options are prioritized along the entire route.

Permits

The tour includes all necessary permits required for traveling in the Annapurna and Mustang regions. The main permits include the Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP) and the Trekkers’ Information Management System (TIMS) card, where applicable. These permits are mandatory for entry into protected regions and are managed by the tour operator for a hassle-free experience.

All permit arrangements are completed before the journey begins, so travelers do not need to worry about administrative procedures during the trip. These permits help support conservation efforts and maintain sustainable tourism in the Himalayan region.

Guide Service

A professional, experienced, English-speaking guide accompanies the group throughout the journey. The guide plays an important role in ensuring a smooth and meaningful pilgrimage experience. They provide detailed information about religious sites, cultural traditions, historical background, and local customs.

In addition to offering spiritual and cultural insights, the guide also manages logistics, assists during temple visits, coordinates transportation, and ensures traveler safety. Their support is especially valuable in remote areas like Jomsom and Muktinath, where conditions may vary.

Drinking Water

Safe drinking water is essential during the tour, especially at higher altitudes. Bottled mineral water is easily available in Kathmandu, Pokhara, and Jomsom. In addition, many hotels provide filtered or boiled drinking water.

Travelers are advised to carry a reusable water bottle and stay hydrated throughout the journey. At higher elevations such as Muktinath, drinking enough water helps reduce the risk of altitude-related discomfort. It is recommended to avoid untreated tap water for safety reasons.

Travel Insurance

Travel insurance is strongly recommended for this pilgrimage tour. A good insurance policy should cover medical emergencies, trip cancellations, flight delays, and evacuation in case of altitude-related or health issues. Although the tour is not physically demanding, insurance ensures peace of mind during unexpected situations.

Since the journey includes high-altitude travel up to 3,800 meters, emergency helicopter evacuation coverage is highly advisable. Insurance provides financial protection and support in case of unforeseen events such as weather disruptions or illness.

Transport

Transportation throughout the tour is well-organized and comfortable. The journey includes private airport transfers, domestic flights between Kathmandu and Pokhara, and jeep travel between Pokhara, Jomsom, and Muktinath. These arrangements ensure a smooth transition between different regions of Nepal.

The flight from Kathmandu to Pokhara offers scenic Himalayan views, while the overland jeep journey through the Kali Gandaki Valley provides an adventurous experience through deep gorges and mountain landscapes. All transport is arranged to prioritize safety, comfort, and efficiency.

Difficulty Level

This pilgrimage tour is considered easy to moderate, making it suitable for travelers of all age groups, including families and elderly pilgrims. There is no trekking involved, and most of the journey is completed by vehicle or flight.

The only moderately challenging aspect is the high altitude at Muktinath (3,800m), where some travelers may experience mild discomfort. However, since the stay is short and the itinerary is well-paced, the overall difficulty level remains low.

Altitude Sickness

Altitude sickness may occur when traveling above 2,500 meters, and Muktinath reaches 3,800 meters. However, the risk is generally low because the exposure is brief and supported by gradual ascent through Pokhara and Jomsom.

Common symptoms include headache, dizziness, fatigue, and shortness of breath. To minimize risks, travelers are advised to stay hydrated, avoid heavy exertion, and acclimatize properly. The guide monitors health conditions and carries basic medical support, including an oximeter for oxygen level checks.

In rare cases of discomfort, descending to lower altitude (such as Jomsom or Pokhara) helps recovery quickly.

Cancellation Policy

Cancellation by the Participant

If you decide to cancel your booking for the Pashupatinath and Muktinath Pilgrimage Tour please notify Alpine Club of Himalaya in writing (via email or official communication) as early as possible. The following cancellation charges apply:

• 60 days or more before trek start date: 20% cancellation fee of the total trip cost
• 30 to 59 days before trek start date: 50% cancellation fee of the total trip cost
• Less than 30 days before departure: No refund; 100% of the trip cost is non-refundable

These fees cover administrative costs, permits, pre-arranged logistics, and potential losses caused by late cancellations.

Cancellation by the Organizer

In the rare circumstance that Alpine Club of Himalaya must cancel the trek due to unforeseen or uncontrollable events such as extreme weather, natural disasters, or safety concerns in the region, you will be offered either:

• A full refund of all payments made
  OR
• The option to reschedule your trek for a future available date at no additional cost

Your safety is our highest priority, and cancellations are only made when absolutely necessary.

Force Majeure Clause

Alpine Club of Himalaya cannot be held responsible for cancellations, delays, or extra expenses resulting from force majeure events, including but not limited to:

• Earthquakes, floods, landslides
• Political unrest, strikes, or border closures
• Epidemics, pandemics, or other health emergencies
• Airspace closures, airline cancellations, or flight delays

In such cases, participants are responsible for any additional personal costs such as extra accommodation, changed flights, or insurance claims. We strongly recommend that all trekkers purchase comprehensive travel insurance covering trip cancellations, medical emergencies, and force majeure events before joining the trek.