Muktinath

This is the main attraction and the place is named after this temple. Muktinath translates to "God of Salvation" and is revered by both Hindus and Buddhists alike. For Hindus, it is important as a Vishnu temple and for the Buddhists, it is important as Chumig Gyatsa. Muktinath is one of the few places that is a pilgrimage destination for both religions and pilgrims from throughout the sub-continent come to pay homage. There is even a belief that every Hindu must visit this temple once in his/her lifetime. The main statue inside the temple is particularly interesting as Hindus worship it as Vishnu and Buddhists worship it as Avalokitesvara (a bodhisattva who embodies the compassion of all Buddhas). Another monument to watch out for is a large ammonite fossil that the Hindus worship as a form of Vishnu. The same fossil image is worshipped by Buddhist as Gawa Jogpa, the serpent deity. Ammonite fossils are still found around the vicinity of the temple near the Jhong river. Millions of years ago Mustang valley was but a seabed which explains the fossils found here. Although fossils are rarely found nowadays as they have already been hunted down. The current pagoda style temple that you see was initiated by Queen Subarna Prabha, the 2nd wife of Rana Bahadur Shah and was completed in 1815 AD. This white temple with hints of black is guarded by both Buddhist and Hindu priests who take turns to stay as the priest in the temple. The Hindu priests can even be qualified as "hip" as the sight of them riding dirt bikes with their orange lungis on their way to the temple is quite common. Compared to the Hindu priests the Buddhist priests are quite modest. The main temple complex is located 15 minutes above Ranipauwa, where most visitors stay. May you find the salvation you desire!