Muktinath (3800 m) is a famous temple complex, second in importance in Nepal, which for centuries has been a pilgrimage destination for both Hindus and Buddhists. The name of the temple was first recorded three hundred years before the Hindu epic story, the Mahabharata, and means the place where Brahma, Hindu God and Creator, made a sacrifice "setting fire in the water". In fact a small eternal flame of natural gas flickering within a clear spring of water can be seen inside a small gompa there. The landscape surrounding the temple was really intriguing. It was mainly desert, reminding one of the Tibetan Plateau. Far in the distance, the snow-covered pyramid of Dhaulagiri (8167 m) and his neighbour Tukche (6920 m) were clearly visible. |
