Crowds of Devotees at Muktinath

Devotees from various regions have been arriving in larger numbers since the beginning of the period, and they will continue to come throughout

Crowds of Devotees at Muktinath
File Photo / Muktinath

kathmandu | Muktinath, a revered pilgrimage site, has seen an increase in visitors over the past few days. Every year, during the period of Pitri Paksha (Sohra Shraddha), pilgrims from different parts of Nepal and India come to offer prayers.

Temple priest Krishna Prasad Subedi shared that the number of pilgrims has been growing since the start of Sohra Shraddha this year. He explained, “Devotees from various regions have been arriving in larger numbers since the beginning of the period, and they will continue to come throughout.”

Pilgrims believe that performing shraddha rituals at Kagbeni, followed by a visit to Muktinath, grants peace to their ancestors and brings prosperity to future generations. After arriving at the temple, devotees bathe in the 108 waterspouts and perform prayers, taking the holy water back home as a sacred offering.

Muktinath, located at 3,710 metres above sea level, holds immense spiritual and cultural significance. It is a convergence point for both Hindu and Buddhist devotees, considered the holy ground where Lord Vishnu meditated. According to ancient legends, the 108 waterspouts emerged from Vishnu’s sweat during his meditation, and water continues to flow from these spouts year-round, giving them religious importance.

As more visitors arrive, local businesses are adapting. Jayesh Gurung, a local hotelier, noted the rapid development of tourist infrastructure, particularly in Ranipauwa, the gateway to Muktinath. The area now boasts 32 hotels, ranging from basic accommodations to modern amenities, offering visitors a comfortable stay.

In the past, pilgrims had to stay in sheep huts or the Ranipauwa dharamshala, a shelter built in 1863 by Queen Suvarnaprabha during her pilgrimage to Muktinath. This historical shelter, made from wood sourced from Kushma Armadi, remains a symbol of the area’s rich cultural heritage.

Along with the sacred pilgrimage, Mustang is attracting domestic and international tourists keen to explore the region’s diverse landscapes and Himalayan lifestyle. According to Niraj Thakali, Vice President of the Janapriya Youth Club, the increasing number of tourists has filled community-run homestays, where visitors can experience traditional Thakali culture and enjoy the beauty of the area.

Efforts are also being made to enhance the tourism experience by connecting Thinigaon’s famous snow leopard cave with local attractions. The provincial government of Gandaki has allocated NPR 2 million this fiscal year for infrastructure development in the area.

With the harvest season for apples starting on 17th September, visitors to Mustang can now also take home apples as souvenirs, further enriching their experience in this picturesque region.