Tour Highlights – Maha Shivaratri Muktinath Yatra
- Visit Pashupatinath Temple in Kathmandu before heading to Muktinath.
- Participate in spiritual rituals on Maha Shivaratri day.
- Visit a beautiful city - Pokhara
- Scenic drive through the Himalayan landscapes to Jomsom and trek to Muktinath
- Visit to Kagbeni village, Jwala Mai Temple, and Buddhist monasteries nearby.
Maha Shivaratri Muktinath Tour overview
The Maha Shivaratri Muktinath Tour is a once-in-a-lifetime journey that combines a deep spiritual journey through the heart of Nepal during one of Hinduism’s most sacred festivals—Maha Shivaratri. This transformative tour blends deep devotion with rich cultural experiences and awe-inspiring natural beauty. You will travel to the revered Muktinath Temple, a site of profound spiritual significance nestled in the majestic Himalayas. Along the way, you will immerse yourself in ancient traditions, receive divine blessings, and witness breathtaking mountain landscapes. Whether you're seeking spiritual growth, inner peace, or a sense of adventure, this unforgettable pilgrimage offers a harmonious balance of sacred energy, cultural depth, and natural wonder. We welcome you to the Maha Shivaratri Muktinath tour.
Maha Shivaratri, meaning "The Great Night of Shiva," is a major Hindu festival celebrated across Nepal in honour of Lord Shiva, one of the principal deities of Hinduism. Devotees observe fasting, engage in night-long vigils, chant sacred mantras such as “Om Namah Shivaya,” and visit temples to seek blessings.
In Nepal, the most iconic Maha Shivaratri celebration takes place at Pashupatinath Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage Site in Kathmandu, where thousands of pilgrims, sadhus (holy men), and spiritual seekers gather from across South Asia.
Muktinath Temple, located at an altitude of 3,710 meters in the Mustang district of Nepal, is a sacred shrine for both Hindus and Buddhists. It is a place where devotees worship an abode of the Hindu deity Vishnu and the Buddhist deity Avalokitesvara. The name "Muktinath" means the "Lord of Salvation", and it is believed that visiting this temple on Maha Shivaratri grants immense spiritual merit and liberation (moksha).
This holy site, Muktinath, is one of the 108 Divya Desams revered by Vaishnavites and one of the Shakti Peeths revered by Shaivites, making it a profoundly significant destination for Maha Shivaratri celebrations.
8-Day / 7-Night Maha Shivaratri Muktinath Tour Itinerary
Your spiritual journey begins upon arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu. In the evening, you'll visit the sacred Pashupatinath Temple to witness the mesmerising evening Aarati ceremony on the banks of the Bagmati River.
Day 2 is dedicated to celebrating Maha Shivaratri, one of Nepal’s most vibrant Hindu festivals. Immerse yourself in the energy of the day at Pashupatinath—exploring the temple complex, engaging with sadhus (holy men), joining devotional bhajans (songs), and observing centuries-old rituals. Note: On Maha Shivaratri, the consumption of marijuana is traditionally accepted and temporarily permitted in Nepal as part of religious practice.
After the festival, you’ll board a short and scenic 25-minute flight to Pokhara, a serene city nestled beside the Himalayas. Explore the lakeside area, enjoy a peaceful boat ride on Phewa Lake, and visit the Tal Barahi Temple, located on an island in the lake.
Day 4 takes you on a picturesque drive to Marpha, a charming village known for its apple orchards and traditional architecture. Along the way, you'll pass terraced hillsides, rural settlements, and the stunning Rupse Waterfall. Overnight in Marpha.
Your pilgrimage continues to Muktinath (3,800 meters), a revered spiritual destination for both Hindus and Buddhists. Take a purifying ritual bath beneath the 108 sacred water spouts, visit the Vishnu Temple, and explore nearby Buddhist monasteries. After your visit, return to Marpha for another night in this tranquil village.
The tour then takes you back to Pokhara via Tatopani. Along the way, you can stop to relax and bathe in the natural hot springs of Tatopani. In the evening, enjoy the spiritual atmosphere of the Phewa Lake Aarati ceremony in Pokhara. The next day, you will fly back to Kathmandu for the final departure to continue your further journey.
Significance of Maha Shivaratri
Pashupatinath Temple, one of the holiest shrines dedicated to Lord Shiva, serves as a central hub for the grand Maha Shivaratri celebrations. This sacred festival honours the divine union of Shiva and Shakti, symbolising the victory of light over darkness and wisdom over ignorance. According to tradition, it is on this night that Lord Shiva performed the cosmic Tandav - a powerful dance symbolising creation, preservation, and destruction. The day also marks the celestial wedding of Shiva and Parvati.
Devotees observe the occasion with deep devotion by fasting, staying awake through the night in spiritual vigils (jagarans), chanting Om Namah Shivaya, and offering Bael leaves, milk, and honey to Shiva Lingams. It is believed that worship on this auspicious night brings divine blessings, prosperity, and liberation from the cycle of birth and death.
Hundreds of sadhus gather to meditate, perform sacred rituals, and bless the faithful. Pilgrimages to revered sites such as Pashupatinath in Kathmandu or Muktinath are thought to increase spiritual energy and attract the grace of Lord Shiva.
How to celebrate Maha Shivaratri in Nepal
- Pashupatinath Temple (Kathmandu): The epicentre of celebrations. The temple is illuminated, decorated with oil lamps, and filled with the sounds of bells, bhajans (devotional songs), and Vedic chants.
- Ritual Bathing & Offerings: Devotees take holy baths in rivers, offer bilva leaves, fruits, milk, and flowers to Shiva lingams.
- Night Vigil (Jagaran): All-night prayers, music, and spiritual discourses are held. Sadhus perform traditional fire rituals and meditations.
- Cultural Experience: Expect to witness ascetic practices, vibrant gatherings of yogis, and a rich display of Shaivism traditions.
Maha Shivaratri Festival Date 2025 and 2026
In 2026, Maha Shivaratri falls on Sunday, February 26. This date is based on the Hindu lunar calendar and is observed on the 14th night of the waning moon (Krishna Paksha) in the month of Falgun(February/March, 2026). The exact date varies each year based on the Hindu lunar calendar.
- 2026 Shivaratri Date:15th February (Sunday)
Why Choose the Maha Shivaratri Tour?
- Participate in Nepal's grandest Shivaratri celebration at Pashupatinath
- Combine a culturally rich Himalayan pilgrimage with spiritual festivities
- Visit Muktinath Temple, one of the 108 Divya Desams (sacred places)
- Opportunity to witness rare Hindu and Buddhist harmony
- Ideal for spiritual seekers, photographers, and cultural explorers
- Stunning views of the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri ranges.
Why Choose the Muktinath Tour for Maha Shivaratri?
Here are some reasons why you should choose the Muktinath tour for Maha Shivaratri.
- Deepen your spiritual connection with Lord Shiva in a serene Himalayan setting.
- Experience the energy of pilgrimage, combining yoga, meditation, and devotion.
- Explore the cultural blend of Hinduism and Buddhism in the Mustang region.
- Enjoy a peaceful, less-crowded celebration compared to big cities.
Why Travel with Us for Your Maha Shivaratri Muktinath Tour?
- Seamless Airport Transfers: We take care of all your transportation—both international and domestic—so you can travel stress-free from arrival to departure.
- Discover Kathmandu Valley: Begin your journey with a full-day sightseeing tour through the vibrant heart of Nepal’s capital, rich in culture and history.
- Explore Iconic Durbar Squares: Visit the historic Patan and Bhaktapur Durbar Squares, where ancient architecture and local traditions come alive.
- Complimentary Tour Essentials: We provide key gear to support your journey, including a warm insulated down jacket, a duffel bag for your luggage, and an HJA-branded t-shirt.
- All Permits Taken Care Of: Leave the paperwork to us—we handle all necessary permits for your Maha Shivaratri Muktinath tour, ensuring a smooth and worry-free experience.
- Expertly Curated Itinerary: Your yatra is led by seasoned guides and follows a carefully planned route to Muktinath.
- Yatra Completion Certificate: Mark your spiritual accomplishment with a special certificate presented to every Yatri/traveller upon completing the pilgrimage/tour/trekking/climbing.
- Flexible Scheduling: Our itineraries typically range from 8 to 12 days. We can customise the duration to align with your schedule and pilgrimage needs.
With years of experience guiding pilgrims on this sacred journey, our team is here to ensure every step of your Maha Shivaratri Muktinath Tour is smooth, safe, and meaningful. We offer expert Sherpa guides, comfortable accommodations, and comprehensive support throughout the tour. One of our most sought-after pilgrimages, this yatra offers a transformative experience—helping you reconnect with your inner self, discover deeper purpose, and find lasting peace. Let us take care of the details so you can fully immerse yourself in the spiritual journey of a lifetime. If you're interested in this tour, feel free to reach out to us via WhatsApp or email.
