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Nepal is the only Hindu Kingdom in the world and also a Hindu majority country. The second largest religion is Buddhism. Nepal has several ancient pilgrimage sites. Each temple is attached to a legend that glorifies the miraculous powers of its deity. There are many pilgrimage sites in Nepal, such as-Pashupatinath temple, Swayambhunath Stupa, Barah Chhetra, Gosainkunda ,Pathibhara, Tengboche; Manakaman, Gorkha, Lumbini, Muktinath, Halesi Mahadev, Janakpur, , Tansen, and Swargadwari, Khaptad Ashram ect. Nepal is also the Gateway to Kailash Mansarovar, the mythical abode of Lord Shiva. Devotees from various parts of Nepal and India throng the temples during special festivals.
Pilgrimage sites of Nepal like Muktinath and Gosainkunda make popular trekking destinations. Muktinath is a pilgrimage centre for Buddhists and Hindus. You'll see Tibetan traders as well as sadhus from the far south of India . The shrines in a grove of trees include a Buddhist gompa and a Vishnu temple of Jiwala Mayi . An old temple nearby shelters a spring and natural gas jets which provide Muktinath's famous eternal flame. It's the earth-water-fire combination that accounts for Muktinath's great religious significance.
From Muktinath you can retrace your steps to Pokhara, or simply to Jomsom and hope to catch a flight from there. It is possible to continue beyond Muktinath and cross the Thorung La pass to walk the rest of the Annapurna Circuit but this long walk is better made in the opposite direction. |
General
Information of Nepal
