Muktinath

Muktinath

Muktinath Temple

Muktinath is a sacred place for both Hindus and Buddhists located in Muktinath Valley at an altitude of 3,710 meters at the foot of the Thorong La mountain pass (part of the Himalayas) in Mustang, Nepal. The site is close to the village of Ranipauwa, which is sometimes mistakenly called Muktinath.

Within Hinduism, it is called Mukti Kshetra, which literally means the "place of liberation or moksha". This temple is considered to be 106th among the available 108 Divya Desam (premium temples) considered sacred by the Sri Vaishnava sect. The ancient name of this place in Sri Vaishnava literature, before Buddhist origin, is Thiru Saligramam. This houses the Saligrama shila, considered to be the naturally available form of Sriman Narayana – the Hindu Godhead. It is also one of the 51 Shakti peethams. The Buddhists call it Chumig Gyatsa, which in Tibetan means "Hundred Waters". Although the temple has a Vaishnava origin, it is also revered in Buddhism. For Tibetan Buddhists, Muktinath is a very important place of dakinis, goddesses known as Sky Dancers, and one of the 24 Tantric places. They understand the murti to be a manifestation of Avalokiteśvara, who embodies the compassion of all Buddhas.

The central temple

The central shrine of Sri Muktinath is considered by Hindu Vaishnavas to be one of the eight most-sacred shrines, known as Svayam Vyakta Ksetras; the other seven being Srirangam, Srimushnam, Tirupati, Naimisharanya, Thotadri, Pushkar and Badrinath. The temple is very small. Muktinath is one of the most ancient Hindu temples of God Vishnu. The murti is of gold and is tall enough to compare with[clarification needed] a man. The prakaram (outer courtyard) has 108 bull faces through which water is poured. The sacred water that flows in 108 pipes around the temple complex denotes all the sacred Pushkarini waters (Temple Tanks) from all the 108 Sri Vaishnava Divya Desams, where the devotees take their sacred bath even in freezing temperatures. The worship is conducted by Buddhists, with a Buddhist monk present. A local nun manages the pujas (prayer rituals) in the temple. Pilgrims who go there are expected to offer a prasad (religious offering of food) to the deity.

As a Shakti Peetha

 Shakti Peethas

The Muktinath Temple is considered to be a Shakti Peetha for a yatra. Shakti Peethas are sacred abodes of Shakti (primordial cosmic energy), formed by the falling of body parts of the corpse of Sati Devi, when Lord Shiva carried it and wandered. There are 51 Shakti Peethas revered by Shaktism, connecting them to the 51 alphabets in Sanskrit. Each Shakti Peetha has a Shakti shrine and a Bhairava shrine in its temple. The Shakti of Muktinath is addressed as "Gandaki Chandi", and the Bhairava as "Chakrapani". Sati Devi's temple on the forehead is believed to have fallen here.

Legend.

LEGEND

Muktinath Dhaulagiri

The Tibetan Buddhist tradition states that Guru Rinpoche, also known as Padmasambhava, the founder of Tibetan Buddhism, had meditated at Muktinath on his way to Tibet. This temple is praised by many saints of Hindu tradition. The scripts narrating the importance of this temple are available in Vishnu Purana with the Gandaki Mahathmya.

The waterway downstream from Muktinath along Kali Gandaki is the source of all Silas or Shaligrams that are required to establish a temple of Vishnu. It is considered to be one of the holiest places of pilgrimage for Hindus and Buddhists. It has 108 water springs, a number which carries great significance in Hindu philosophy. As an example of the mystery surrounding the number 108, in Hindu astrology, there are mentions of 12 zodiacs (or Rashi) and 9 planets (or Graha), giving a total of 108 combinations. There are also 27 Lunar mansions (or Nakshatras) which are divided into 4 quarters (or Padas) each giving a combination of 108 Padas in total.

Mustang A dream place

MUSTANG

Mustang Terrace Fields

Mustang District (Nepali: मुस्ताङ जिल्लाAbout this sound Listen (help·info)), a part of Province No. 4, is one of the seventy-five districts of Nepal. The district, with Jomsom as its headquarters, covers an area of 3,573 km² and has a population (2011) of 13,452.

The district straddles the Himalayas and extends northward onto the Tibetan plateau. Upper Mustang, the former Lo Kingdom comprises the northern two-thirds of the district. This kingdom was a dependency of the Kingdom of Nepal since 1795 , but was abolished by the republican Government of Nepal on October 7, 2008.

In addition to trekking routes through the Lo Kingdom ("Upper Mustang") and along the Annapurna Circuit in lower Mustang, the district is famous for the springs and village of Muktinath (a popular Hindu and Buddhist pilgrimage site), apples, and Marpha brandy. Mustang was a lost kingdom of Tibet and today traditions have survived longer than in Tibet proper following its annexation by China.

Charang

Charang

Charang (Tsarang) is a village development committee in Mustang District in the Dhawalagiri Zone of northern Nepal. At the time of the 1991 Nepal census it had a population of 682 people living in 130 individual households.

Dhami

Dhami

 Dhami, Nepal is a village development committee in Mustang District in the Dhawalagiri Zone of northern Nepal. At the time of the 1991 Nepal census it had a population of 850 people living in 158 individual households

Jomsom

Jomson

Jomsom (Nepali: जोमसोम), also known as Dzong-Sampa or New Fort, is a town located at an altitude of about 2700 m in Mustang District, Nepal. It extends over both the banks of the Kali Gandaki River. Along the banks of Kali Gandaki river, we can find the black rocks or stone which is called shaligram in the Hindu culture and take it as the form of God Vishnu. This type of stone is only found in this Kali Gandaki River but people are unknown about it so, it is holy to the Hindus. The soaring peaks of Dhaulagiri and Nilgiri form a backdrop. As the district headquarters, it is primarily an administrative and commercial center with government officials and merchants rubbing shoulders with the local residents of the region, known as Thakalis. A company of the Nepalese Army is stationed here. Nearby is Jomsom Airport from where there are regular flights.A Jomsom trek (North of Pokhara) reveals Nepal's spectacular diversity at its finest. The deep valleys and high mountains encircling the giant Annapurna Himal embrace a wide range of peoples and terrain, from subtropical jungle to a high, dry landscape resembling the Tibetan Plateau. The Annapurna region is the most the popular trekking area in Nepal with plenty of trekking places, attracting over 75% of all trekkers (more than 30,000 annually). It's also among the tamest areas, with excellent lodges lining the main routes.A modern FM radio broadcasting station was built in Jomsom in September, 2013. It is equipped with one radio studio, one main control room and the transmission tower along with the community center and camping site for Annapurna trekkers. The station was built and contributed by a major Korean broadcaster, MBC, Lafuma and KOICA for the wellbeing and safety of both residents and trekkers of Mustang.

Kagbeni

Kagbeni

Kagbeni is a village in the Upper Mustang of the Himalayas, in Nepal, located in the valley of the Kali Gandaki River. Administratively, Kagbeni is a Village Development Committee in Mustang District in the Dhawalagiri Zone of northern Nepal. At the time of the 1991 Nepal census it had a population of 1200 people residing in 260 individual households.  It lies on the trail from Jomsom to the royal capital Lo Manthang, near the junction with the trail to Muktinath.

Chitlang- Tourism

Chitlang

Chitlang

Chitlang VDC is located in ancient Newar settlement. Inscriptions dating back to Lichchavi era have been found in this place.

An inscription was found in Toukhel, Ward 6 of Chitlang VDC, established by king Amshubarma (in sambat 37). According to the inscription, Amshubarma had given the land to shepherds and established a settlement for shepherds in Toukhel, Nhulgaun, Kunchhal etc. of Chitlang. Some historians believe that these people called Gopalis are the descendants of rulers of the Gopal era. In Chitlang there are different cultures: in ward no 1 there is Tamang culture in ward no. 2 Khas, in ward nos 3, 4, 5, 6 and 10 there is the Newari culture; ward nos. 8, 7 and 9 has a mixed culture. There are many visiting places like "Majhagau" specially newari people and culture, Swachhand Vairavr Temple and Satdhaea, and soon Argenacik resort.

Geography

Chitlang is located to the south west of Kathmandu valley in mid-hills called Mahabharat range.[1]

The VDC is bounded by-

North : Naubise VDC, Thankot VDC, Mahadevsthan VDC

South : Markhu VDC

East : Fakhel VDC, Matatirtha VDCs

West : Bajrabarahi VDC

CHANDRAGIRI HILL PROJECT

The distance between Kathmandu and Thankot is 16 kilometres with approximately 31 minutes of travelling time. The single length of cable car project is around two and a half kilometres from near Godam at Thankot with the travelling time of 9 minutes. People willing to drive would have to pass through seven kilometres of rough road to reach the hill top. Another option for the visitors to reach the top is three hour long trek.Chandragiri Cable Car is a gondola lift transportation system located in Kathmandu, Nepal. Opened on 2016, the Chandragiri Cable Car runs from Thankot to Chandragiri hills. The 2.4 km (9,095 ft) line has two stations.The cable car system consists of 38 gondolas that can carry 1,000 people per hour.

Chandragiri Hills Cable Car Ticket Price, New Outing destination in Kathmandu, New destination for daytrip

Chandragiri Cable Car

At a distance of 16 kms from Kathmandu, thankot can be reached within half an hour travelling on a local transporting medium. On reaching thankot, Chandragiri can be reached via Cable car, driving or trekking. Tickets for Cable car are available at Godam Chaur near thankot. The second cable car in Nepal after manakamana has been commencing in this route. The cable car route is around 2.5 km and it takes around 9 to 14 minutes depending on the windspeed on the cable car. It is easy, thrilling and fun-filled experience exploring in the cable car.  The cable car is expected to serve tens of thousands of visitors per day. The stations of cable car provide full facilities of food, restaurant and bars. If you are interested in riding a cable car in Kathmandu, this tour can be included in Nepal Tour Packages. 

Chandragiri Cable Car Ticket Price for Tourist and Nepalese

One Way (For Nepalese) = NPR 420

One Way (For SAARC Countries) = NPR 1120

One Way (Foreigners) = NPR 1320

Both Ways (For Nepalese): NPR 700

Both Ways (For SAARC Countries): NPR 1120

Both Ways (For Foreigners): NPR 2200

25% discount to students

50% discount to differently-able people

No-money charged for a child less than three feet tall

For those willing to drive would have to pass through 7 kms rough road and for those willing to trek can have a three hour long trek. Matartirtha-Chandragiri-Chitlang hiking is a very popular route for hiking which takes you through dense woodland rich in wild and interesting flora and offers picturesque views of Kathmandu Valley ending in the marvelous village of Chitlang. Moreover, the Bhaleshwor temple, the amusement park and the resorts at the top of the hill will surely add another charm to your trip.

Kirtipur - The Historical City

Kirtipur

Kirtipur (Nepali: कीर्तिपुर, Nepal Bhasa: किपू Kipoo) is an ancient city of Nepal. It is located in the Kathmandu Valley 5 km south-west of the city of Kathmandu. It is one of the five municipalities in the valley, the others being Kathmandu, Lalitpur, Bhaktapur and Madhyapur Thimi.It is one of the most famous and religious place to visit. Many people visit this place to not only to see the beauty of nature but also to visit temples here.

The name Kirtipur comes from sanskrit terms Kirti (glory) and pur (city). The colloquial terms used for the city is Kipoo.

Originally a Newar foundation, Kirtipur is still a center of Newar culture. It has been merged with surrounding villages to form the municipality of Kirtipur with a population of 67,171.

It consists of many temples, gumbas (Buddhist monastery) and churches too. Due to the presence of Tribhuvan University, Kirtipur is also a popular area for out-of-town students and professors to rent houses and they are major contributors to the local economy.

Kirtipur's history dates from 1099 A.D. It was part of the territory of Lalitpur at the time of the invasion of the Kathmandu Valley by the Gorkhali king Prithvi Narayan Shah in the 18th century.

In 1767, Kirtipur was annexed to the Gorkhali kingdom by Prithvi Narayan Shah following the Battle of Kirtipur. He conquered the town on his third attempt, after entering it by trickery. After this, he cut off the nose of the people(both male and female) of over 13 years age in the city.

This was the site of an inspirational peaceful demonstration of the people in the 2006 mass uprising that overthrew the powers of the king. It is considered to be an anti-monarchy city due to its bitter history against the Shah dynasty whose modern founder conquered the city insultingly, which was followed by negligence of the administration and development by subsequent rulers.

Places of interest

Bagh Bhairab

Bag Bhairab

Bagh Bhairab temple is one of the most popular temples dedicated to the God Bhairab in the form of a tiger. This god is regarded as the guardian of Kirtipur and the locals call it Ajudeu, a grandfather god. Bhairab, the most terrifying and awful form of Shiva is the destroyer on one hand and the guardian on the other. Ceremonial rituals in relation to the important events of life such as rice-feeding, puberty, marriage and even the construction of houses cannot be done without propitiating this deity in most of the towns and cities of Nepal.

Bagh Bhairab is mainly worshiped by the Munsi Newars (Man Singh Pradhan). Each of the male family members, on a yearly basis, are supposed to take the chest of Bagh Bhairab turn by turn and keep it on a secret room and worship it 2 times a day. It is believed that any wrong method applying for worship might curse the individual. Denial for taking the chest home account for a fine equivalent to USD $2000.

The present three storeyed temple of Bagh Bhairab, probably built in 16th century, stands in the brick-paved rectangular courtyard with rest houses around it. There are some small shrines and stone idols spread over the courtyard. The main gate is at the southern side of the courtyard. There are two other gates in the eastern and western sides. The two roofs of the temple are made of tiles while the third is covered with gilt-copper. Wooden posts with the carving of Hindu gods and goddesses adorn the temple in addition to supporting its roof. They have been installed in between windows of the second storey and the names of the carved deities have been finely cut out below them on the pedestals.

There are eighteen pinnacles: one on the first roof, six on the middle and eleven on the top roof. Beneath the eaves of the first roof there are very old but faded murals depicting the stories of Ramayan. Maha Bharat and the various manifestations of Durga, the mighty goddess. These paintings are frescoes in red with white plaster background. At the right side of the main gate of the temple there is Hifa Dyo, the god of blood sacrifice is allowed directly to Bagh Bhairab, all animal offerings here are made to this deity just like the animal sacrifices are made to Kumari, a stone idol, placed at the second gate in the left side of Chandeswori in Banepa and to the Chhetrapal which is at the very beginning of the final series of the steps to the temple of Khadga Jogini in Sankhu.

There are two torans over Hifa Dyo. They bear very fine cuttings of Asta-Matriks, Asta-Bhairabs and other gods and goddesses. In the western wall of the temple there is a hollow space regarded by the local people as Nasa Dyo, the god of music and dance. Bagh Bhairab made of clay has been enshrined in the left side corner in the temple. The three glass-eyed tiger-god is tongue-less and tooth-less but covered with silver and copper plates and heavily ornamented. This deity as mentioned in the stone inscriptions has been called Bagheswor (the tiger god), Bhimsen Bhattarak(Bhimsen, the governing deity), Gudei Sthanadhipati (the lord in the form of tiger) and Ajudyo(the ancestral god).

The local people regard this deity as the embodiment of prudence, knowledge, productivity and strength to resist all evils. Hence, the auspicious ceremonies such as weddings, Bratabandha (rite of passage for adolescent boys), Pasni (rice-feeding) and other ritual performances in Kirtipur are done only after a ceremonial worship to this deity.

Chilancho Stupa

Chilancho Stupa

A Buddhist shrine, is situated on the southern hill. It is located in Kirtipur, Nepal. It was made in medieval period. An inscription of Nepal Samvat 635(Licchavi Period)is found in this Chaitya. Therefore, it is one of the most important historical stupa of this region.

Uma Maheshwar

Uma MAheswor

Uma Maheshwar temple (locally, Kwacho Dega) is one of the important heritage sites of Kirtipur. This pagoda-style three-storied temple is situated at the highest point (1414 m) of Kirtipur. Since this temple is at the top of the hill, one can enjoy picturesque view of the Kathmandu valley and mountains like Langtang, Dorge Lakkpa, Chobhu Bhamure, and Gaurishankar.

The temple was constructed in 1655 A.D. by Rautra Vishwanath Babu, a son of king Sidhhi Narsinga Malla. It was destructed in an earthquake in 1832 A.D. After remained dilapidated for about a century, it was restored in 1933 AD after it was again destroyed by an earthquake. Local people and government made a herculean effort to renovate it into the current state. The restoration process was completed only in 1982 A.D. Recently, in 2008 some work was done to preserve the arts of temple.

There is an artistic stone gate at the entrance. On each side of the stone staircase leading to the temple, there is a stone elephant, with sculptures of Bhimsen and Kuber as protectors of the temple. The main deities in this temple are standing Lord Shiva and Parvati. There are other images of deities like Sarasvati and Mahismardini on false doors around temple.

The wooden doors, pillars, and beams are crafted with artistic figures of different gods and goddess such as Astamatrika and Asta Bhairav. Similarly, erotic figures are also carved in wooden beams. According to archeologists, these figures on beams have tantric values.

The bell on the northern side of temple was cast in 1895 by Gillett & Johnston Founders, Corydon. It was one of the four quarter bells of Ghantaghar of the central Kathmandu and was reallocated to this temple after the Ghantaghar was destroyed by the earthquake in 1933.

Shri Kirti Bihar

Kirti Bihar

A Theravada Buddhist monastery built in traditional Thai architectural style, is situated near the entrance to the city.

Ghandruk Trek Village

 

Ghandruk (Nepali: ne:घान्द्रुक) is a town and Village Development Committee in Kaski District in the Gandaki Zone of northern-central Nepal. At the time of the 1991 Nepal census it had a population of 4,748 persons living in 1,013 individual households.
Ghandruk is a popular place for treks in the Annapurna range of Nepal( i.e. specially for Annapurna Base camp trek), with easy trails and various accommodation possibilities.From Ghandruk there are views to the mountains of Annapurna including Machapuchare, Himchuli. By this reason it's purely in natural setting.
I had been wanting to take a short break from my work life since months. Life was slowly turning out to be monotonous and dull. The only way to inject energy in my life was undoubtedly traveling. Traveling always excites me more than it should :) Pokhara was the first place that crossed my mind but, this time I wanted to travel a little far than Pokhara and thus decided to make it up to Ghandruk.
The journey from Pokhara to Ghandruk was exhausting as the roads were dusty and the most of the journey was offroad. After almost 3 hours of bumpy and crazy taxi ride, we reached Ghandruk Bus Stop. Our cab dai told us that we still need to hike for more than 1 hour to reach our guest house. The walking part was fun and less tiring than expected.
The best part about traveling is that it gives you plenty of time to reflect upon yourself. In between working full time jobs and handling my social life, I felt lost and vacant. As cliche it may sound, but traveling is a great catalyst for some deep thinking. Well, traveling can be stressful on its own way, but travel stress if more of a positive stress unlike anxiety caused by work or our day to day life.
While climbing uphill to Ghandruk, we met people from different walks of life. The only thing that was common between all of us was the urge and excitement to reach our destination.We saw large number ‘kachhads’ – the only mode of transportation in the village and it was a beautiful sight to see. Eventually, after climbing steep uphill for around 1 and half hour, we reached our guest house and breathed a sigh of relief.
Ghandruk is a beautiful village and is mostly inhabited by Gurung people. The village is situated at an altitude of 2012 meters above sea level. The village was left untouched by the earthquake. The best part about our entire trip was getting to learn about the rural;village lifestyle of Nepal. Everything about this place had a traditional and rural touch to it and, throughout our stay, we felt like we entered a different part of the world, a part away from the hustle, bustle and rush of the city life. It was indeed a great way to relax and destress ourselves.  Unfortunately, it was too foggy for us to see the mountains. There is a always a next time though :) Checking ABC trek off my bucketlist is my next goal and I’m already planning for it.