Muktinath pictures, Ranipauwa

Muktinath and Ranipauwa

Ranipauwa with the pilgrims house on the right, which gave the village his name

Muktinath is only the area around the famous temples of Muktinath. Around 100 years ago the queen (=rani) donated a house for the hundreds of pilgrims coming every year to this holy place. The place was therefore called Ranipauwa (3750 m). Now you will find also many lodges build for the trekkers coming over Thorong la.

The lodges are famous for their yak steaks, lasagnes and some for the marihuana.

The Temples of Muktinath

In Muktinath there is a rock fissure, from which water and natural gas is pouring. The gas burns only in a few very little tiny flames, but there is natural combination of al the four elements earth, water, air and fire at one spot. Because of this, pilgrims came already since more than 3000 years to this holy place. Till now, you will meet Indians, even from the south, Nepalis and Tibetans. As in may places in Nepal, the Hindu and Buddhist temples not only share the same area, but are closely tied together.

for more about Buddhism and Muktinath see: Muktinath foundation

If you want to feel the spirit of this place, allow yourself at least 11/2 hours for the area.

The  Vishnu Temple

Nepali pilgrims

Around the Vishnu temple there are many fountains fed by a holy water source. Pilgrims walk under them, even when its freezing cold.

Al around the Hindu Vishnu temple, Buddhist prayer flags flap in the wind

A Hindu pilgrim reads holy texts

The Buddhist temple, where the natural flame is burning

The lames are behind the little curtains, they are very small, like the flame from a nearly empty lighter. There is again a bigger flame, but I’m sure that this one is feeded by bottled gas.

little butter lamps as offerings

get more information about Muktinath at the Muktinath foundation

Links on this side: Muktinath foundation