Muktinath Temple just high in Mustang district of Nepal is considered a spiritual or adventurer journey, depending on the perceiver. Above 3,700 meters in elevation, the Muktinath route remains a wonderful concoction of tranquility from iconic Locations like Kathmandu, Pokhara, and Jomsom.
Some good news to cheer on the budget traveler: You can get clean accommodation at every stop en route at reasonable charges. There are plenty of cheap lodgings that give you value for money and easygoing clientele irrespective of whether you take a Muktinath tour package from Gorakhpur or charter the whole route on your own.
This article covers the best budget hotels and lodges in all major stopovers en route to Muktinath—Gorakhpur, Kathmandu, Pokhara, Jomsom, and Ranipauwa (Muktinath village).
- Gorakhpur: The Gateway for Indian Pilgrims
The journey starts at Gorakhpur from the northern parts of India. It is well-connected by rail and road, with a few budget hotels near both the station and bus stands.
Budget Hotels:
- Hotel Shivoy, situated centrally, offers clean rooms with very basic amenities.
- Hotel Kama International is the most budget-friendly option, ideal for early-bird bus commuters.
- Hotel Clarks Inn Express is a little pricey and may offer discounts for group bookings.
Average price: ₹700 – ₹1,500 per night
Pro Tips: Stay at hotels close to the railway station if you want to get up early and go to the Sunauli border.
- Kathmandu: The Capital Stop
A stopover in Kathmandu is usually advisable before one heads toward Muktinath. The city has accommodations literally talking from hostels to heritage lodges.
Budget Lodges in Kathmandu:
- Hotel Yala Peak (Thamel): Favorite among backpackers; clean, and safe; central location.
- Kasthamandap Boutique Hotel: Cheap with heritage ambience.
- Alobar1000: A win for solo travelers; an excellent chance to meet other spirits co-soul-searching.
Average rate: NPR 800 – NPR 2,000 (₹500–₹1,250)
A traveler suggestion: Stay in Thamel; tourist-friendly spot with ample restaurants, gear shops, and temples around.
- Pokhara: The Lakeside Retreat
It is common and refreshing to halt at Pokhara, the majestic lakeside city, on the way up Mustang. The town has a relaxed ambiance and lots of cheap accommodation.
Best Budget Hotels in Pokhara:
- Hotel Trekkers Inn: Located near the Phewa Lake with clean and simple rooms.
- New Pokhara Lodge: Quiet garden atmosphere and great service.
- Sacred Valley Inn: Spiritual ambiance and meant for pilgrims.
Average Cost: NPR 1,000 – NPR 2,500 per night
Highlight: Some hotels offer free mountain views — try to be there on one of the rooms of the top floor!
- Jomsom: The Windy Valley Base
Jomsom is the last big town you pass through on the way to Muktinath. Because it is located in a somewhat remote area, you can expect the setups to be somewhat basic. Yet, the hospitality is very warm.
Budget Lodges in Jomsom:
- Om’s Home: Simple, cozy, run by a local family.
- Trekkers Inn: Do not confuse this one with the almost-popular one in Pokhara—this one in Jomsom is just as good.
- Hotel Majesty: Make your bookings for cheap, right in the center, and with great mountain views.
Average Cost: NPR 1,200 – NPR 2,500 (₹750–₹1,600)
Note: Electricity and Wi-Fi back up is usually unreliable; do make your preparations accordingly.
- Ranipauwa (Muktinath Village): Near the Temple
Primarily the last stop for any traveler, Ranipauwa is where visitors are expected to lodge either before or after visiting the Muktinath Temple. Because of the altitude and remoteness, the lodges are pretty basic but enough for the pilgrims.
Top Budget Lodges in Ranipauwa:
- Hotel Bob Marley: Surprising choice and quite famous among trekkers for clean and artsy ambiance.
- North Pole Guest House: I believe it’s the rarity of the clean rooms and hot meals offered here at such heights that hospitalize the name.
- Pathik Guest House: Inexpensive accommodation with helpful staff to guide visitors towards the temple.
Average Cost: NPR 800 – NPR 1,800 (₹500-₹1,100)
Tip: Book ahead during the height of pilgrimage season (March-June and Sept-Nov).
Reasons To Favor the Budget Tourist Package Tours
An individually customized program should fit free spirits but practically all who take a trip to the country want to have at least their Indian tour loosely prearranged. The packages may be simply for travel, or a combination of travel accommodation, permits, and guide service suited for an off-the-cuff traveler, someone who does not know anything about the terrain or the logistics of touring.
The Kathmandu tour packages would include visits to places like Pashupatinath and Boudhanath Stupa to complete the spiritual tour for those doing Muktinath and other spiritual places in Nepal.
Practical Tips for Budget Lodging Near Muktinath
- Cash Payments: Most budget lodges don’t accept cards or UPI payments. Keep small denominations of Nepali rupees handy.
- Advance Bookings: During peak season, budget options are the first choice and hence get filled soon.
- Come Prepared: Being at a much higher altitude, power cuts and water scarcity could be there. Pack your flashlights, water purification tablets, and warm clothes.
- Check Wi-Fi Facilities: Don’t rely on promises of fast Internet in Jomsom or Ranipauwa. It is better that you inform your family well about the anticipated delay in communication.
Final Thoughts
Muktinath does not necessarily have to be costly: whereas a stay at a budget hotel or a lodge can make the pilgrimage cheap and yet equally enriching. Traveling along the route to Muktinath, there are lots of clean, comfortable, and reasonably priced places waiting for a weary traveller-from big cities like Kathmandu and Pokhara down to small pockets like Jomsom and Ranipauwa.
With a little foresight and a little wise choice, then, the road to Muktinath can be cheap yet fulfilling in spirit.
