Trip Introduction: Helicopter Tour to Muktinath
Muktinath is a sacred temple devoted to Lord Vishnu (the preserver), resembling both Hindu and Buddhist religions. The temple is situated in the Mustang district of Nepal at an altitude of 3,710 meters (12,171 feet), making it one of the world's highest temples. Muktinath is derived from two words: Mukti and Nath, where Mukti means Salvation and Nath means God, respectively. Thus, Muktinath holds a special spiritual and religious significance for holy pilgrims who wish to visit the temple premises.
The Muktinath Helicopter Tour is an excellent alternative experience for those who want to avoid taking on the strenuous activity of walking in the trans-Himalayan region of Nepal. Similarly, the Muktinath helicopter tour gives visitors an aerial view of this fabulous temple and the Mustang region. The Muktinath Heli Tour delivers an easy, comfortable, and luxurious adventure with a view of the Muktinath and surrounding landmarks, including the mountain peaks. The mountain peaks and ranges seen during the Helicopter Tour of Muktinath are Dhaulagiri, Tukuche, Nilgiri, Annapurna range, and many more.
Similarly, the Muktinath tour can be done by all age groups, solo, families with children, or elderly people all year round. The Helicopter Tour can be conducted on a clear weather day when the prominent mountain peaks are visible without any obstruction. The helicopter tour provides an efficient and marvelous venture into the Himalayan area of Nepal while exploring the part of the Annapurna Circuit Trek.
Muktinath Temple: A landmark of religious harmony
The Muktinath temple in the village of Ranipauwa in Mustang district has been a beacon of religious and spiritual significance for Hindus and Buddhists. It is about one kilometer from the city of Pokhara. The temple is an example of religious harmony between Hindus and Buddhists and is situated inside the Annapurna Conservation Area. Muktinath is decorated as one of the eight most sacred shrines in the Hindu religion, known as Swayam Vyakta Kshetras, where Lord Vishnu manifested himself.
Similarly, Muktinath Temple is also one of the 24 tantric places where Guru Padmasambhava (Guru Rinpoche) meditated, thus making it very important for Buddhism. Many believe that visiting Muktinath can help one attain spiritual enlightenment, which can help one achieve Buddhahood.
On the other hand, the Vishnu temple is the area's primary attraction. The temple includes 108 water spouts, the Jwala Mai Temple with the eternal flame, the Mukti Kunda, and the Saraswati Kunda, along with numerous shrines and structures.
History of Muktinath Temple
There is no rigid explanation regarding the origin of the Muktinath temple. However, it is believed it was built in ancient times, with history tracking back to the 19th century. The Tibetans state that Guru Rinpoche meditated at Muktinath on his way to Tibet.
Similarly, numerous legends suggest that Lord Vishnu sought refuge at Muktinath Temple after being cursed by a Sage. Another legend suggests that a great Indian philosopher and theologian, Adhi Shankaracharya, established the temple during his visit in the 8th century.
Attractions in Muktinath Temple
- Mukti Kunda: In front of the temple are two sacred water pools called "Laxmi Saraswati Kunda. It is said that diving in here will wash away your sin.
- Mukti Dhara: This temple's backyard features 108 bull-headed water spigots continuously drip sacred, cold Gandaki River water. The spouts are made of brass and carved with various animals' heads. It is said that bathing under all 108 of these Muktidhara will bring salvation.
- Jwala Mai Temple: In the southern section of the temple, there is a perpetually burning holy light from a rock inside Dhola Mebar Gompa, which is only five minutes' walk away.
- Mharme Lha Khang Gompa: This monastery devoted to Guru Rimpoche, known as Padmasambhava, is situated in the northern part of the temple.
- Swaminarayan: Sabij Yoga's Satguru.
- Shaligram (Ammonite): Jurassic Park-era fossils were discovered in the Kali Gandaki River. This black stone, which is maintained in the home's prayer chamber, represents Lord Vishnu.
What is the best season to go to Muktinath by helicopter?
Muktinath Darshan in a Helicopter can be done all year round. The helicopter tour can be conducted in clear weather with an unobstructed view of the area and landscapes. The best seasons for the Muktinath Helicopter Tour are spring and autumn. These seasons are also known as the best trekking and travel seasons in Nepal.
Spring lasts from March to May and is one of the best seasons for going towards the Muktinath region. The spring season is marked by blooming rhododendron, which adds vibrant colors to the landscape. Similarly, the spring season has moderate temperatures, offering comfortable conditions. The helicopter tour in spring provides a splendid opportunity to view the Muktinath region on a bright, clear day with comfortable weather conditions. The view of Langtang region, Annapurna, and the fishtail mountain is mesmerizing, with the sun just above these magnificent towering peaks.
On the other hand, the autumn season in Nepal lasts from September to November. Autumn is another good season for the Muktinath tour in Nepal. The autumn season offers comfortable weather conditions with clear skies that give excellent views of the surroundings.
In addition to spring and autumn, Helicopter tours around Muktinath can be conducted in summer and winter. Summer, also known as monsoon in Nepal, is characterized by foggy weather in the early morning and heavy rainfall, which means less time for sunlight and poor visibility. Conducting helicopter rides these days is very difficult, and the experience can be compromised. However, as the helicopter tour lasts for a day, it can be conducted in the summer season once the weather is clear.
Likewise, winter in Nepal lasts from late November to February. The winter season in Nepal, especially in the Himalayan region, is characterized by a frigid climate with snowfall. The skies are primarily loud, which makes the helicopter tour difficult.
How does the Muktinath Helicopter Tour start and end?
The Muktinath Temple Helicopter Tour starts from the bustling city of Kathmandu. The tour proceeds through the scenic flight towards the Mustang region via helicopter from Tribhuvan International Airport. As you board the chopper, there will be a short briefing session regarding the guidelines during the helicopter tour. The captain will be the one doing the briefing. Similarly, after the session, passengers will fly towards Jomsom.
The flight will take about three hours, with time to refuel at Jomsom. Refueling will take 10-15 minutes, depending on the situation. Afterward, passengers will be taken for a flight towards Muktinath Temple, where they will get the first aerial sight of the temple area and then land at the check post about half an hour below the temple.
Likewise, as the Muktinath Darshan is complete, visitors can explore the Jwala Mai Temple complex located at Muktinath. The Jwala Mai temple is dedicated to the goddess Jwala Devi, who has a notable eternal flame that burns continuously from a natural gas source.
When the Muktinath exploration is completed, passengers can return to Kathmandu on the same helicopter flight, marking the end of a one-day Muktinath helicopter tour with Holiday Tours Nepal.
Permits for the Helicopter Tour to Muktinath
Muktinath temple is located in the Mustang region, and the government of Nepal has marked it as a protected area. For this reason, the Muktinath tour permit is compulsory. Two permits are required for the Muktinath tour, which is mentioned along with the Muktinath Permit Cost.
Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP): Muktinath temple falls within the Annapurna Conservation Area, so it is compulsory to acquire an ACAP permit to enter the region. The ACAP permit can be obtained from various subunits of Annapurna Conservation Area and the Nepal Tourism Board in Kathmandu and Pokhara. The cost of Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP) is as follows:
- For Indians: NPR 1,000 only.
- For foreigners: NPR 3,000 only.
Trekkers Information Management System (TIMS) Card: The TIMS card is a record of individual trekkers who are visiting Nepal. It helps to obtain personal information about trekkers, where they intend to go, and who is going with them. It helps to ensure trekkers' safety and security. The TIMS card can be obtained from the Nepal Tourism Board office in Kathmandu and Pokhara.
- For individual trekkers: NPR 2,000 per applicant
- For group trekkers: NPR 1,000 per applicant
Note: Holiday Planner Nepal offers hassle-free assistance in obtaining TIMS and ACAP permits, ensuring a seamless and enjoyable travel experience in Nepal's stunning landscapes.
