We planned going to Muktinath in a bit of a rush. Instead of travelling by road, we decided to fly to Pokhara and then to Jomsom, correctly called Dzongsam. Jomsom is the base for going to Muktinath and also a very popular place with trekkers.
Pokhara is 5 hours by road and 25 minutes by flight from Kathmandu. We decided to travel by Yeti Airlines.
Baggage is claimed by showing your baggage ticket to the person, he will check it with the bag and then hand over the baggage to you.
Devi's fall:
2 kms from airport is the Devi's fall. It is called Patale Chango in Nepal. Patale means hell and chango a fall.
As you descend the steps to the falls, a Shivling with Ganesha is seen carved on rock. Nandi sits in front.
Below is a video of the fall. It is impossible to take a picture of the gorge. I had to raise my hands with camera with video on. The video would give an idea about the depth of the gorge.
The best time to visit the falls is during the rainy season. Before and after the rains, there is no water and you would just see a trickle of water if you go at that time.
Gupteshwar Mahadeva Gupha:
One of the attactive features of the temple is the spiral staircase. After buying the ticket, the stairs lead to the cave.
This is the entrance to temple. Notice the stalagtites on the roof.
Kamdhenu is said to be the cow who grants its owner whatever he desires. Cows are venerated by the Hindus and Kamdhenu is the divine mother of all cows.
The Old City:
If you have time, a visit to old Pokhra might be interesting.
We were told by our driver that the above building is the oldest in Pokhra. He did not know how old it was.
Phewa lake is one of the major attracions in Pokhra. People love to spend their weekends and evenings boating here. In the center is an island on which is a small goddess temple.
In the center of the lake is Taal Barahi temple. World Peace Pagoda provides an excellent view of the mountain ranges on a clear day. We were fortunate to see the mountain ranges from our aircraft so we avoided making a journey to that monument.
This boy offered to row the boat and he did a remarkable job. I am sure the boatman must have been very happy!
People love to hire on hourly basis and then either row themself or leave it to the boatman. For that you need to buy ticket from the ticket counter.
If you plan going only to the small island to pay homage to the Goddess then you pay the boatman. Life jackets are provided before you embark on the boat.
Taal Barahi Temple:
Feeding the pigeons is a favorite past time of people, especially on weekends.
Pokhara is a small and peaceful place and ideal for a small break.
The next day we proceed to Jomsom, our base for our visit to Muktinath.
Passengers in Kathmandu airport
Pokhara is 5 hours by road and 25 minutes by flight from Kathmandu. We decided to travel by Yeti Airlines.
our aircraft
first view of the snow capped mountains
passengers getting off the plane
baggage claim
Baggage is claimed by showing your baggage ticket to the person, he will check it with the bag and then hand over the baggage to you.
Opposite Pokhara airport is the Machapuchare (मचेपूछरे ), Mache is fish and puchare is tail so "fish tail". The mountain is 6696 meters and is forbidden to climb. Nepal wants to protect the mountain which is considered holy by Nepalis.
Devi's fall:
2 kms from airport is the Devi's fall. It is called Patale Chango in Nepal. Patale means hell and chango a fall.
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| Entrance to the falls |
Shops line the entire way to the entrance to the falls
Before you enter the fall, one needs to buy a ticket
Main entrance to the falls
a shot of the falls
Below is a video of the fall. It is impossible to take a picture of the gorge. I had to raise my hands with camera with video on. The video would give an idea about the depth of the gorge.
The best time to visit the falls is during the rainy season. Before and after the rains, there is no water and you would just see a trickle of water if you go at that time.
Gupteshwar Mahadeva Gupha:
entrance to the temple
One of the attactive features of the temple is the spiral staircase. After buying the ticket, the stairs lead to the cave.
Kamdhenu
Kamdhenu is said to be the cow who grants its owner whatever he desires. Cows are venerated by the Hindus and Kamdhenu is the divine mother of all cows.
Walking through small tunnels dripping with water from the roof, you start descending down a set of steel stairs. The stairs are quite safe and there is a pipe on to which you can hold. The area is very dimly lit and is very wet. You see a small temple of Shivlinga protected by steel enclosure. A sheet of plastic over Shivlinga directs the dripping water away from the ceiling.
You again need to descend further and there I hear you have to crawl and make your way through the cave. On reaching down, you can hear and see the floor of Devi's fall.
We could not go further down as the area was flooded and they had closed that portion.
The Old City:
If you have time, a visit to old Pokhra might be interesting.
We were told by our driver that the above building is the oldest in Pokhra. He did not know how old it was.
front view of the building
small roadside old temple
another temple
Phewa lake:
Bindabasini temple:
On top of a small hillock is a small temple of great significance.
Durga is worshipped in this temple and is said to be the protective deity of Pokhara.
The temple building is expanding and was under renovation during our visit there.
Apart from the main deity, there are other small temples all over the complex.
Ganesha templeDurga is worshipped in this temple and is said to be the protective deity of Pokhara.
The temple building is expanding and was under renovation during our visit there.
Apart from the main deity, there are other small temples all over the complex.
Devi Saraswati shrine
Temple with a pair of mice at its entrance. Mouse is the mount of Lord Ganesha.
Phewa lake is one of the major attracions in Pokhra. People love to spend their weekends and evenings boating here. In the center is an island on which is a small goddess temple.
View of Phewa lake, on the top of the mountain is the World Peace Pagoda
In the center of the lake is Taal Barahi temple. World Peace Pagoda provides an excellent view of the mountain ranges on a clear day. We were fortunate to see the mountain ranges from our aircraft so we avoided making a journey to that monument.
People love to hire on hourly basis and then either row themself or leave it to the boatman. For that you need to buy ticket from the ticket counter.
If you plan going only to the small island to pay homage to the Goddess then you pay the boatman. Life jackets are provided before you embark on the boat.
Taal Barahi Temple:
nearing the island
the temple
the temple deity inside
The temple is guarded by a pair of snow lions.
Temple is surrounded by butter lamps and bells hang all around.
Temple is surrounded by butter lamps and bells hang all around.
Pokhara is a small and peaceful place and ideal for a small break.
The next day we proceed to Jomsom, our base for our visit to Muktinath.
Awesome
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