Are you planning to Visit Muktinath Temple from Gorakhpur? This article about How to do Gorakhpur to Muktinath Tourwill help you to plan your trip. Gorakhpur to Muktinath tour is designed for spiritual and scenic journey that takes travelers from the Indian city Gorakhpur, to the sacred Muktinath Temple in Mustang Nepal. Muktinath is combined Hindu and Buddhist pilgrimage site located in the Mustang district of Nepal at an altitude of 3,710 meters (12,172 feet). Thousands of devotees visit Muktinath every year to seek blessings and perform religious rituals. The number is increasing after Narendra Modi Visits Muktinath back in 2018.
This guide covers everything you need to know, including the best travel routes, costs, accommodation, and important tips for a hassle-free journey.
Table of Contents
Why Visit Muktinath Temple?
Muktinath is one of the holiest temples for Hindus and Buddhistslocated in the Himalayas. The temple is dedicated to Lord Vishnu, and its name means the “place of liberation” (Mukti = liberation, Nath = god).
Highlights of Muktinath Temple Tour
✅ Religious Significance: It is one of the 108 Divya Desams (sacred shrines of Vishnu).
✅ Spiritual Cleansing:Bathing under the 108 Mukti Dhara (water spouts) is believed to wash away sins.
✅ Jwala Mai Temple:Features an eternal natural flame burning over a water stream.
✅ Buddhist Connection:Revered by Tibetan Buddhists as a sacred place of Nirvana.
✅ Scenic Beauty:Offers breathtaking views of the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri mountain ranges.
✅Kagbeni:Pitri-Moksastala place which is done to remove the lost soul of ancestors from hell.
🙏 Muktinath Temple: What to Expect?
- 🕓 Darshan Timings: 6:00 AM – 6:00 PM
- 🪔 Puja and Aarti: Morning and evening rituals are performed.
- 🚿 108 Water Spouts: Pilgrims bathe under these sacred taps for spiritual purification.
- 🪨 Shaligram Stones: Found in the Gandaki River, these are considered sacred by Hindus.
⛔ No Photography Allowed inside the temple premises.
Why from Gorakhpur?
Gorakhpur is near by Nepal border and connected by Air Travel, Railway, and roads. After reaching Gorakhpur you can easily reach Nepal border Sonauli (95KM) by local or private vehicle. As being Indian the flight cost is cheaper for domestic flights comparing to International flight for Kathmandu. If you are trying to visit Pokhara city, Muktinath Temple, Lumbini the birth place of Buddha. Gorakhpur is right destination for you.
Best Time to Visit Muktinath
| Season | Months | Weather & Accessibility |
| Spring | March – May | Best time, clear weather, and stable roads |
| Monsoon | June – August | Heavy rainfall, landslides, and roadblocks |
| Autumn | September – November | Ideal for trekking, best visibility, and festivals |
| Winter | December – February | Cold, Snowfall, best who loves clod and snow |
📌 Best Time to Visit: March – May and September – November.
Gorakhpur to Muktinath Route Options
Route Overview
- Gorakhpur → Sonouli → Pokhara → Jomsom → Muktinath
Faster route if you skip Kathmandu and directly head to Pokhara. You will drive from Gorakhpur to Butwal passing Sonauli border. They continue to drive to Pokhara passing Palpa or via Narayanghat, Muglin. Then you will drive to Jomsom passing Beni and Kusma. Reach Muktinath via Kagbeni in Vehicle. - Gorakhpur →Bhairahawa→ Kathmandu → Pokhara→ Muktinath
Ideal for those preferring air travel. First you will reach the Bhairahawa and take flight to Kathmandu. Then you will take flight to Pokhara and Take Flight to Jomsom and drive to Muktinath. There is only one flight from Bhairahawa to Pokhara.
🧭 How to Reach Muktinath from Gorakhpur?
Step 1: Gorakhpur to Sonouli (India–Nepal Border)
📍 Distance: 95 km | ⏳ Time: 2–3 hours
- 🚌 By Bus: Regular buses from Gorakhpur to the Indo-Nepal border at Sonouli.
- 🚖 By Taxi: Private cabs are available for a more comfortable journey.
- 🏍 By Bike: Adventure riders often take this route.
Step 2: Sonouli to Pokhara
📍 Distance: 200 km | ⏳ Time: 6–7 hours (by road) / 20 mins (by air)
- 🚌 By Bus: Comfortable tourist buses run daily.
- ✈️ By Flight: 20-minute direct flights from Kathmandu to Pokhara.
Step 3: Pokhara to Jomsom
📍 Distance: 160 km | ⏳ Time: 20 mins (by air) / 8–10 hours (by road)
- ✈️ By Flight: Small aircraft flights available.
- 🚙 By Jeep: Adventurous yet bumpy ride through mountain roads.
Step 4: Jomsom to Muktinath
📍 Distance: 25 km | ⏳ Time: 1.5–2 hours
- 🚙 By Jeep: Shared or private jeeps available from Jomsom to Muktinath.
- 🚶 By Trekking: 6–7 hours of trekking through scenic trails.
Gorakhpur to Muktinath Distance
As you already read the details about the distance. Total Starting from Gorakhpur to Muktinath via Sonauli, Butwal, Palpa, Pokhara, Beni is 405 KM one way.
Accommodation & Food in Gorakhpur to Muktinath Tour
🏨 Hotels & Lodges in Butwal
- All kind of hotels are available here from standard to Luxury star hotels
🏨 Hotels & Lodges in Pokhara
- Pokhara is the tourist city of Nepal, here you can get all hotels as per your choice and budget.
🏨 Hotels & Lodges in Muktinath
- Budget to mid-range guesthouses available in Jomsom and Ranipauwa (near Muktinath).
- Basic amenities with warm bedding due to cold weather.
🍲 Food Options
- Indian, Nepali, and Tibetan food available. There are lost of restaurant, tandoori available in Places like Bhairahawa, Butwal, Pokhara, Beni, even in Jomsom.
- Dal Bhat (rice & lentils) is the staple meal. Dal Bhat is like most eaten food in Nepal so you can get this in all types of restaurant, eatery.
Popular Hindu Temples on the Way to Muktinath From Gorakhpur
⛪ Shree Siddhababa Temple, Palpa
⛪ Chhangchhangdi Chanya Chetra Temple, Waling
⛪ Gupteshwor Pokhara
⛪ Tal Barahi Pokhara
⛪ Shree Bindhyabasini Temple Pokhara
⛪ Shree Kalika Bagawati Temple Baglung
⛪ Shree Bindhyabasini Temple Pokhara
⛪ Galeshwor Temple Beni
⛪ Kaagbeni Temple, Mustang
⛪ Jwala Mai Temple, Muktinath
⛪Saligram Temple, Muktinath
⛪Muktinath Jagyashala, Muktinath
⛪ Muktinath Temple
Important Travel Tips
✅ Carry Indian Rupees & Nepalese Rupees – Indian Rs. 100 notes are widely accepted.
✅ Passport & Visa – Indians don’t need a visa, but a government ID is required.
✅ Warm Clothes – Even in summer, you need a warm cloths in Mustang area.
✅ Altitude Precautions – Acclimatize to avoid altitude sickness. Must Rest overnight at Jomsom or Kagbeni don’t travel to Muktinath directly from Pokhara
✅ Permits Required – ACAP (Annapurna Conservation Area Permit) NRS 1000 rs.
Public Vehicle cost From Gorakhpur to Muktinath
There are not direct public vehicle available from Gorakhpur to Muktinath. But you can combine public vehicle route like this.
- Gorakhpur to Sonauli border. INR 150 in Public Vehicle
- Sonauli To Bhairahawa or Butwal Nepal side Public Vehicle, NPR 50-100
- Bhairahawa to Pokhara NPR 1500-2000 (12 hours)
- Pokhara to Jomsom , NPR 800-1500 (12 Hours)
- Jomsom to Muktinath NPR 500-1000 (1.5 Hours)
You can not get Public vehicle any time from Jomsom to Muktinath but you can get reserved vehicles there. The cost mentioned above can vary depending upon the type of vehicle.
Private Vehicle CostFrom Gorakhpur to Muktinath
| Expense | Estimated Cost (INR) | Capacity |
| Scorpio Jeep | ₹7500 Per day | Max 7 Person |
| Car | ₹5000 Per day | Max 4 Person |
| Car SUV | ₹6000 Per day | Max 4 Person |
| Toyota Van | ₹10500 Per day | Max 15 Person |
Note: Car can not reach Muktinath all seasons , so you need to take Jeep from Pokhara to Muktinath tour.
Gorakhur to Muktinath Tour Cost & Budget Estimation
| Expense | Estimated Cost (INR) |
| Travel (Public Bus) | ₹7,000 – ₹10,000 |
| Travel (Private) | ₹8,000 – ₹25,000 |
| Accommodation | ₹1,000 – ₹5,000 per night |
| Food | ₹500 – ₹1,500 per day |
| Permits | ₹1000 |
| Miscellaneous | ₹3,000 – ₹5,000 |
💰 Total Estimated Cost: ₹15,000 – ₹40,000 per person (depending on travel mode, transport).
Muktinath Temple Tour from Gorakhpur Outline Itinerary
Day O1: Arrive at Gorakhpur and drive to Sonauli Border. Depending upon the time Drive to Bhairahawa or Butwal and overnight there
Day 02: Drive to Pokhara via Palpa or Mugling depending upon the road conditions
Day 03: Pokhara Sightseeing Tour
Day 04: Drive to Jomsom
Day 05: Muktinath Temple Darshan and return back to Pokhara
Day 06: Drive to Sonauli and Return to Gorakhpur
🚗 Muktinath Temple Tour from Gorakhpur Package!
Join our Muktinath Darshan tour from Gorakhpur — an ideal choice for pilgrims seeking comfort and convenience. Now accessible entirely by road!
Gorakhpur Muktinath With Kathmandu Tour Itinerary
Day O1: Arrive at Gorakhpur and drive to Butwal via Sunali Border.
Day 02: Drive to Pokhara
Day 03: Pokhara Sightseeing Tour
Day 04: Drive to Jomsom
Day 05: Muktinath Temple Darshan and return back to Pokhara
Day 06: Drive to Kathmandu
Day 07: Pashupatinath Temple Darshan and Kathmandu Sightseeing
Day 08: Drive to Sonauli and return to Gorakhpur
Gorakhpur to Muktinath Temple Tour FAQs
Do Indians need a visa for Nepal?
No, Indians can enter Nepal without a visa but need a government-issued ID (Aadhaar, Passport, or Voter ID).
How difficult is go to Muktinath?
If traveling by road or flight, it’s easy. Trekking requires moderate fitness due to high altitude.
What is the best way to reach Muktinath?
The Gorakhpur→ Pokhara → Jomsom → Muktinath route is the fastest and if you are starting your trip via train.
Is there oxygen scarcity in Muktinath?
Yes, due to high altitude, some travelers may experience breathlessness. Acclimatize properly.
Can senior citizens visit Muktinath?
Yes, but it’s advised to take Pokhara to Jomsom flights and avoid long road journeys.
Are vegetarian food options available in Muktinath?
Yes, you can find Indian and Nepali vegetarian food easily.
Can I take Public vehicle from Gorakhpur to Muktinath?
Not direct public vehicle are available there. You need to take day wise vehicles to reach Muktinath from Gorakhpur.
How to Book Private vehicle for Muktinath from Gorakhpur or Sonauli?
You can book private vehicle in Nepal via trusted tour agency or vehicle owners from Nepal. We suggest to check their websites before booking, the tour agencies near boarder sides may not be trusted as the agent also claims that they are travel company for the commission.