Located at an altitude of over 3,700 metres, at the lower side of Thorong La mountain pass, Muktinath is a holy destination for both Hindus and Buddhists. I am positive that Lord Vishnu would forgive my religious bankruptcy when I admit my sole purpose of visiting mystic Mustang. I went there to get closer glimpses of mighty Himalayas and to experience slightly wilder portions of the Annapurna trekking trail. It wasn't a pilgrimage feat for me. Whether you are a devotee or mountain freak, trekking in Mustang is one of the most ethereal experiences to gather once you are in Nepal.
Muktinath Darshan is a two-days trek from Jomsom, the administrative headquarter of Mustang district. There are easier options for non-trekkers to visit Muktinath though- taking a mountain flight from Pokhara to Jomsom and then surviving a couple of hours of bouncy jeep journey till Muktinath valley. If budget is not an issue you can always avail those helicopter services arranged by private tour operators from different hubs of Nepal, obviously the quickest option. Today's narration on Mustang is based on a 7 years old travel diary which was enthusiastically published by some travel magazine back in 2013. Why am I republishing it then? Well, take it as one of those rare memories which we cherish relentlessly in an infinite loop.
