Discover the Birethanti-Muktinath Cable Car: A Scenic Himalayan Ride
21 Nov 2024 Chandra Gurung
Do you know you can ride the world’s longest cable car, and that too in Nepal? Most of us dream of travelling to one of the world’s most famous pilgrimages, Muktinath, but the distance is very long, and it can be excruciating for elderly people who desire to seek the blessings of the temple at least once.
Hundreds of thousands of Hindu and Buddhist pilgrims visit Muktinath at 3700 meters annually despite the lack of good physical infrastructure. In a few years, every devotee may be able to travel luxuriously to the heights of Mustang, which has otherwise been tough.
An estimation states that after the cable car is built, more than 3 million travellers are estimated to visit Muktinath annually. Visiting this holy temple will be far more comfortable and you can explore the whole mountainous views like a bird.
The significance of Muktinath Darshan
A Hindu understands the importance of Muktinath in Nepal. For centuries, this Lord Vishnu temple has been a major pilgrimage for devotees. Among the 108 sacred sites dedicated to the Preserver of the World, this is one.
In addition to Hindus, Buddhists also view this location as a sacred pilgrimage site, as it aligns with the teachings of Lord Buddha.
Many people believe that this temple complex houses strong spiritual energy. As per the believers, once they offer prayers at Muktinath Temple, the group of gods will assure them of salvation after death.
For hundreds of years, Muktinath had been receiving devotees but it has changed a lot in recent years. Nowadays, people from all over the world travel to Muktinath for trekking or to enjoy the stunning scenery and unique landscape of Mustang Valley, making it one of the most important religious and tourist sites in the country.
The buzz about the Birethanti-Muktinath cable car ride
Every year, more than a million devotees and tourists travel to Muktinath for religious purposes or exciting tours. Despite the lack of infrastructure and good road facilities, people, especially elderly people still pursue their journey to the harsh terrain of the Mustang Valley.
The government has long been recommended to build a cable car for access, to the temple area connecting Pokhora Nayapul to the Mustang region thus saving time compared to bus travel or walking on foot for hours.
Its route will take you above the greeneries of the Annapurna Conservation Area Project, various beautiful destinations of the Myagdi district, and ultimately the royal Himalayan terrain of Mustang.
Publicized as the longest cable car ride in the world, the Muktinath Cable Car will reportedly connect the Annapurna region to the Mustang region with a trip to be cherished for all your life. Your cable car tour will start from Nayapul, also known as Birethanti, at 1012 meters to Muktinath at 3700 meters.
Over a distance of 86 kilometers, the project touches 3 districts of Gandaki province and 5 rural municipalities (Modi Rural Municipality of Parbat district, Annapurna Rural Municipality of Myagdi district, Thasang, Tharapchung, and Baragung Rural Municipality of Mustang district). There will be 42 gondolas with each carrying 10 passengers.
Here is a little highlight of the distance of the cable car trip:
- Pokhara to Nayapul- 43.3 km (1.15 hours by bus/car)
- Nayapul Birethanti to Ghorepani– 13.3 km (Ghorepani is famous for trekking)
- Ghorepani to Tatopani– 12.7 km (Tatopani is a renowned natural hot spring)
- Tatopani to Lete– 16.5 km (Lete has giant apple orchards)
- Lete to Marpha– 21 km (Marpha produces Marpha Brandi)
- Marpha to Jomsom– 7 km (Jomson is the center of Mustang)
- Jomsom to Kagbeni– 10 km (Kagbeni is the gateway to upper Mustang)
- Kagbeni to Muktinath– 10 km (Muktinath is the ultimate destination of pilgrims)
Whose project is the Muktinath cable car and what will be its budget?
Hyderabad-based Indian company, KE and R Engineering Limited will construct the project as well as invest in it. Muktinath Development Manager Shridhar Sapkota and KE and chairman Guru Pravir Kallal have also both signed the contract.
This cable car project will be the country’s first major venture using the EPC model. It is believed to cost 55 billion Nepalese Rupees. Talking about who will invest how much, KE and R Engineering will invest 80 percent of the total amount which is equal to 44 billion NRS. Two percent of the project shares are for people affected by the construction, seven percent for the general public, and the rest 11 percent for the founders.
The total estimated time required for the completion of this project is around 4 years. Resorts are also in talks for all stations on this large network which carries the capacity of transporting 3.6 million travellers yearly.
A general outline of the Muktinath cable car tour
1. Arrival in Jomsom: Arriving at Jomsom is usually the starting point, for travelers heading to Muktinath from Pokhara, in the Mustang region of Nepal. To reach there by trekking from Pokhara to Jomsom usually takes around 2 to 3 days depending on your planned stops during the journey.
2. Cable car ride: Once the cable car is fully installed, you can easily reach the Muktinath complex from Birenthani to the temple complex. Within a few hours, you will reach the base of the hill which offers an unbelievable view of the surrounding landscapes.
3. Muktinath Temple: Our primary destination Muktinath temple holds a religious significance with 108 holy fountains where devotes take baths. Two natural gas flames that have been constantly burning for centuries are considered very holy by the devotees. The central shrine has a golden statue of Lord Vishnu.
4. Darshan: After reaching the temple, you can perform religious pujas, take a dip in the sacred water pools, and pay your dedication to the temple.
5. Explore Mustang: After performing puja at Muktinath, you can visit the nearby villages, and ancient monasteries of Mustang Valley and simply enjoy the region’s impeccable beauty.
History and importance of cable cars in Nepal
As well known, a cable car is a vehicle operated through cables on a gondola lift system. The first and the most famous in Nepal was the Manakamana Cable Car. The government of Nepal inaugurated it in the year 1998. It covered 2.8 kilometres distance.
It is true that, throughout the country, now many cable car services have been running regularly, including Chandragiri Cable Car, Kalinchowk Cable Car, Annapurna Cable Car, Maula Kali Cable Car, and Lumbini Cable Car.
The introduction of cable cars has made tourist access to various important religious sites located on a hilltop very easy and with a great natural view. Cable car operations require a good number of skilled operators and maintenance workers.
Also, a lot of hotels and resorts have been established nearby which require professional helpers. So you can imagine how many people are getting employment opportunities from there alone.
The great news for environment lovers is that cable cars do not consume fuel or produce harmful gasses. They are environmentally friendly modes of transport, producing no pollutants or greenhouse gases. They particularly help in protecting delicate ecosystems.
Conclusion
The Birethanti-Muktinath Cable Car project is one that many people have been eagerly waiting for. It will be a blessing for those who are willing to visit Muktinath. But the body is not strong. Most of them are elderly people. The initiative aims to attract more tourists and help stimulate the region’s economy. Get ready to travel easily and quickly to Muktinath which would once be a dream of many. If this topic intrigues you and you desire to know more about this, do remember manaslu guide for the service.
FAQs
1: How safe is Muktinath for elderly people?
Ans: The journey to Muktinath can be somewhat difficult for older adults. Hard, bumpy roads and the height at which the temple is located (3,700 m) will be quite an issue for old people. After travelling in a bus or jeep for hours, they have to climb up the hill. The higher they go, the more chances of altitude sickness lie.
Elderly people can avoid travelling by road for hours and catch a flight that is less than half an hour long. From, there, they can ride for an hour to reach Muktinath.
2. Is a helicopter tour to Muktinath available?
Ans: Yes, a helicopter tour of Muktinath is available. The tour can easily be arranged from Kathmandu or Pokhara. Certain factors like the Himalayan weather can sometimes affect or delay the ride.
3. Are there any flights to Mustang?
Ans: Yes, but that is not available throughout the year. A short and exciting flight from Pokhara to Jomson is available. You will land at Jomsom in just 20 minutes, enjoying the scenic beauty. A good drive for about an hour will get you to Muktinath. Sometimes, there is a chance of the flights being delayed or canceled because of the rainy or foggy weather.