Muktinath draws many Tamil pilgrims, as it is revered as Thiru Saligramam, one of the 108 Divya Desams praised by the Alvars. A typical yatra from Chennai flies to Kathmandu for darshan at Pashupatinath and Budhanilkantha, continues to Pokhara, and reaches Muktinath (3,710 m) by jeep, Jomsom flight or helicopter. The Kali Gandaki, source of the sacred saligrama stones, is part of the story, and pilgrims often look for saligrams in Jomsom or along the river near Kagbeni.
Travellers from Chennai who are not on a yatra usually choose a 6–7 night Kathmandu–Pokhara–Chitwan tour, adding Nagarkot sunrise or paragliding in Pokhara. Because the journey takes most of a day, we suggest at least six nights. October to November is busiest; December to February offers clear skies but cold mornings that surprise many Chennai visitors, close to freezing at Nagarkot and well below at Muktinath. Hotels in Kathmandu and Pokhara can arrange South Indian vegetarian meals with notice; menus are simpler higher up.
Flying from Chennai
There are no regular direct flights from Chennai to Kathmandu. Most travellers fly one stop via Delhi, Kolkata or Bengaluru with IndiGo or Air India, taking about 5–7 hours including the connection, and land at Tribhuvan International Airport (KTM). For Muktinath, connect in Kathmandu to Pokhara (25 minutes), then fly to Jomsom (about 20 minutes) or take a helicopter. Book through tickets so bags are checked to Kathmandu. Schedules and airlines change, so check current status before you travel.
By road from Chennai
Driving from Chennai is impractical: the Sonauli border is roughly 2,200 km away, two to three days of driving. Pilgrims who prefer an overland approach usually fly or take the train to Varanasi or Gorakhpur, then drive to the Sonauli border, which is 95 km and 2–2.5 hours from Gorakhpur, and on to Pokhara, 185 km and 7–8 hours beyond, the base for Muktinath. From Varanasi, Sonauli is about 300–320 km and 7–8 hours.
By train to the border
Trains from Chennai to Gorakhpur take roughly 38–42 hours, and Gorakhpur is 95 km by road from the Sonauli border. Pilgrims sometimes combine the rail journey with Varanasi and Ayodhya before crossing into Nepal. It suits groups with two weeks or more; most travellers from Chennai fly.
Documents for Indian travellers
Indian citizens need no visa for Nepal. Adults flying from Chennai must show a valid Indian passport or Voter ID card; Aadhaar, PAN and driving licences are not accepted for travel to Nepal. Senior citizens over 65 have been allowed other photo IDs showing age at land borders, but airlines expect a passport or Voter ID. Children should carry a passport or photo ID showing age. Check current status before you travel.
Tips for travellers from Chennai
- Choose a Jomsom flight or helicopter for Muktinath if travelling with seniors, rather than the 8–10 hour jeep road.
- Pack thermals, gloves and a warm cap, as Muktinath mornings are near or below freezing from November to March.
- Ask hotels in advance for South Indian vegetarian meals, and carry ready-to-eat snacks for Mustang.
- Allow a buffer day in Pokhara, as Jomsom flights are often delayed by wind.
- Carry ₹100 notes and smaller, as larger Indian notes are not always accepted in Nepal.
